Award-winning architects to design University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Oshawa, Ont. - The internationally acclaimed firm of Diamond and Schmitt Architects Incorporated will design Canada's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. The Toronto firm was selected from eight architectural firms, short-listed from more than 40 firms that competed for the project.

"Diamond and Schmitt is a great Canadian firm with huge experience in academic design," stated Gary Polonsky, founding president of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

Polonsky noted that firms were asked to develop a concept that included "…human scale buildings using natural Canadian materials. They were asked to take full advantage of the landscape with its natural watercourses and gently rolling terrain and to ensure that pathways and meeting places provide an opportunity for social gathering and shared learning."

Donald Schmitt, design partner for the university at Diamond and Schmitt Architects, proposed the concept of an academic village surrounding a great new outdoor quadrangle. To allow for changing program needs, the new library and academic buildings surrounding the quadrangle will feature a flexible design. As well, the integration of buildings and landscape will help promote chance encounters and enhance the beauty of the campus.

Detailed architectural designs are underway. The first buildings will be ready for students in September 2003 and 2004.

Since its inception in 1975, Diamond and Schmitt Architects has received national and international recognition for its academic classroom and research facility design. The firm has also designed and built numerous academic and institutional libraries and, in the last five years, more than 70 large classrooms for Canadian universities. Among its many honours are six Governor General's Awards for Architecture as well as the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada's Gold Medal, awarded to the firm and to partner A.J. Diamond in 2001.

The act to create the University of Ontario Institute of Technology was passed by the Ontario government on June 27, 2002. The university will be built in Oshawa, Ontario, sharing selected facilities and services with Durham College. A beautifully treed, 400-acre property directly north of the college campus has been designated for university expansion.

Ninety per cent of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology programming will be in professional programs: Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Justice Studies; Bachelor of Commerce; Bachelor of Education (consecutive); Bachelor of Engineering in Manufacturing Engineering; Bachelor of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering; Bachelor of Science in Biological Science; Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Bachelor of Science in Physical Science; and Bachelor of Science in Radiation Science. The remaining 10 per cent will be general arts (from Trent University) and general science. Among the university's other hallmarks will be excellence in teaching and learning, value-added research, a vibrant student life, and integrated thinkers/doers/leaders as its signature graduates.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.