Lash Miller Chemistry Building Expansion
Building a hub for AI-driven discovery at the University of Toronto
The Lash Miller Chemistry Building Expansion (LMCBE) at the University of Toronto will be home to the groundbreaking Acceleration Consortium—a global center of excellence in automated chemistry. This cutting-edge facility will harness the power of Self-Driving Labs, where high-throughput robotic testing programs will revolutionize sustainable material discovery.
The Acceleration Consortium: Lab of the Future
Flexible lab design requires careful planning of complex support services to enable selective decommissioning, repurposing, and future expansion. Modular systems help ‘future-proof’ labs by centralizing services around critical equipment like fume hood modules, allowing for adaptable workspaces that can evolve with emerging AI-driven robotics—such as those planned for the Lash Miller project.
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.
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.
Client
University of Toronto, Faculty of Arts & Science
Team
In association with Mikkelsen Architects
