Branksome Hall, Innovation Centre & Studio Theatre
Toronto, Ontario
In Collaboration with Ennead Architects
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Studio Theatre, Steam Studio, Virtual Reality Lab, Robotics Lab, Machine Shop, Woodshop, Media Teaching Studio, Media Recording Space, Audio/Editing Booth, Design Space, Collaboration Zones, Ideation Garage, Pitch Space, Teacher Workspace, Meeting and Presentation Spaces
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Theatre: Theatre Projects
Heritage: ERA Architects
Structural: Blackwell
Mechanical / Electrical: Crossey
Civil: MGM
Landscape: PMA
Located on the campus of Branksome Hall, an International Baccalaureate school for girls, the new Innovation Centre and Studio Theatre (iCAST) replaces an old Performing Arts building. Its spaces provide leading-edge technology and support the delivery of a rich interdisciplinary curriculum to Branksome students, one that also connects them to scholars, industry professionals, artists, and other resources beyond the campus.
The building’s theatre floats a half-storey above grade to maximize daylight when the space is used as a classroom, conference centre, and flexible black box for innovative pursuits. The iCAST’s interior throughout is open, light-filled, and designed with adaptable program spaces, including an accelerator hub and virtual reality, robotics, and 3D-printing labs. On the top floor, a large STEAM Studio overlooks a green roof and Branksome’s West Campus.
MJMA has produced a number of other projects for the Branksome Hall campus, including an Athletic & Wellness Centre (AWC) that ties into the iCAST through a pedestrian bridge and connects the two halves of the campus.
The building’s materiality and massing, with its first level partly below grade, honours the surrounding heritage campus and residential context while nonetheless conveying a transparent, modern identity befitting the future-focused programming of the iCAST.
A core combining social and circulation spaces unifies the four-level facility: it includes staircases that act as a consistent wayfinding device giving clear access to the ICAST’s unique programs.
The entry lobby’s ‘Pitch Space’ with bleacher seating serves for both formal presentations and casual daily hang-outs. It emblematizes the ICAST’s central goal of supporting individual and collaborative creativity.
