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A New Era in Mental Health Research and Design

The Temerty Discovery Centre: Innovation, Architecture, and Healing

Toronto is on the brink of a transformative moment in healthcare and architecture. Rising from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) campus, the Temerty Discovery Centre is set to become a global leader in mental health and addiction research. This 385,000-square-foot facility brings together advanced research capabilities, sustainable construction, and a deeply human-centered architectural vision.

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Project by:
KPMB Architects and Treanor

Project Type:
Education, Healthcare

Location:
Toronto, Ontario

Renderings:
Norm Li

As Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital, CAMH is internationally recognized for groundbreaking work in psychiatry and neuroscience. The Temerty Discovery Centre will unite over two-thirds of CAMH’s 1,400 research staff under one roof, expanding capacity and accelerating the transition from discovery to patient care.

At the heart of the Centre’s design are four key spaces:

  • The Beacon: A rooftop venue for global dialogue and collaboration.

  • The Sanctuary: Bright, flexible research spaces fostering innovation.

  • The Pavilion: A welcoming hub with wellness amenities and public engagement spaces.

  • The Roots: Advanced laboratories and research infrastructure supporting vital discovery work.

Sketch by Bruce Kuwabara

Designed by KPMB Architects and Treanor, the Centre will also set a new benchmark for sustainable public buildings in Canada. It features hybrid mass timber construction, low-carbon materials, and a high-efficiency GeoExchange energy system. The project is targeting LEED v4 Platinum certification and meets Toronto Green Standards Tier 3—making it a model for responsible and resilient design in healthcare.

Beyond its architecture, the Temerty Discovery Centre represents a cultural shift—where research, care, and community come together to reshape the future of mental health.

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