Lash Miller Chemistry Building Expansion
Toronto, ON

The Lash Miller Chemistry Building Expansion will house the University of Toronto’s Acceleration Consortium. Conceived as a ‘self-driving lab’, the Acceleration Consortium labs will be the first of its kind in Canada focused on evolving AI-based, high-throughput automated chemistry. The addition will also expand research space for the Faculty of Arts & Science ’s Department of Chemistry. By using large expanses of rendered steel and glass to maximize the feeling of ‘science on display’, an iconic landmark emerges at the heart of the St. George Campus, signaling the University of Toronto’s commitment to research and innovation.

SCIENCE ON DISPLAY: Located between St. George and Willcocks Common - a newly pedestrianized area, the renovation and expansion will reaffirm the buildings presence within the public realm and larger campus context. The rejuvenated ground floor now opens to the pedestrianised street through a grander and more welcoming entrance. Through the facade design of the upper part of the addition, the activity within the building is a stage to the public, presenting the innovative work of the Department of Chemistry and the Acceleration Consortium. These moves create a more transparent building, offering passers-by a view inside and with better daylight conditions occupants gain a greater sense of connection to the external public space.

THE ACCELERATION CONSORTIUM - LAB OF THE FUTURE: Conceived as a ‘self-driving lab’, the Acceleration Consortium labs will be the first of its kind in Canada - focused on evolving AI-based, high-throughput automated chemistry. The Acceleration Consortium is revolutionising material discovery by building AI platforms that utilise machine learning to deploy robots to accelerate the discovery of molecules and materials needed for a sustainable future by an estimated 10-100 times the current rate of discovery. As the requirements of the program will demand change overtime the new labs cater to both the current and future needs of the consortium through flexibility, transparency, and adaptability.

KEEPING IT SOCIAL: An important aspect when realising a new addition is the connection between the two structures. By integrating a spatial separation in the form of a glazed lightwell the addition creates a respectful architectural dialogue while offering users an understanding of the two buildings. Forming a focal point where programs interlink the light-well is a naturally lit social spine. The entire program of the Acceleration Consortium (offices and labs) are visually connected and allow for convenient circulation with close access to the new staircase. In addition, the social spine light-well offers numerous formal and informal meeting places through the building - encouraging collaboration.

Project Team
Client: University of Toronto, Faculty of Arts & Science
Architecture: Mikkelsen Architects + Cumulus Architects
Engineering: Arup Canada
Laboratory Design: mcCallumSather
Acoustics, Vibration, & Environmental Noise: Aercoustics
Environmental Air Quality, Snow Loading, and Pedestrian Wind: RWDI
Urban Planning: Bousfields
Architectural Specifications: Brian Ballantyne Specifications
Building Code & Accessibility: LMDG
Cost Consulting: BTY Group
Landscape Architecture: Quinn Design Associates
Vertical Transportation: Soberman Engineering
Hardware: Spyder SC
Construction Manager: Urbacon