NEW LAB SPACE AT ONTARIO INSTITUTE FOR CANCER RESEARCH

Diamond Schmitt Architects Press Release May 16, 2012

Diamond Schmitt Architects will design research laboratory space for the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) at the MaRS Phase 2 West Tower currently under construction in Toronto.

The program includes wet and dry laboratories for genomics and informatics research as well as data processing on the fifth and sixth floors of the new building. This new facility significantly expands existing OICR research activity located in the MaRS Centre.
“This expansion will enable OICR to increase the capacity of its genomics and bioinformatics programs which are at the heart of our personalized medicine initiatives. We will be working in a unique environment designed for our needs,” said Dr. Tom Hudson, OICR’s President and Scientific Director.
“This facility fosters the important interconnectivity among researchers by providing for shared amenity space”, said Donald Schmitt, Principal at Diamond Schmitt Architects. Large meeting rooms, kitchens, a library and social spaces are located near the convenience stair between the two floors. Additionally, a two-level sky bridge will connect to existing OICR facilities in the MaRS South Tower.
All workstations will have access to exterior views and natural light where function allows. The sixth floor wet labs are modular with open concept island benches. Adjacent core support labs include shared facilities for tissue and bacterial culture, microscopy and other functions.

The facility is slated for occupancy in the Fall of 2013.

Diamond Schmitt Architects (www.dsai.ca) has an extensive healthcare and research practice. Projects include the Queen’s University Cancer Research Institute, the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael’s Hospital and the Hospital for Sick Children Research and Learning Tower.