The Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design unveiled a plan this week to transform 1 Spadina into a state-of-the-art centre for architectural research and education.

The proposed plan will see 1 Spadina, an historic neo-Gothic building on the west edge of campus, expanded northwards, with a new three-storey complex  featuring design studios and research spaces.

Further plans include building a series of pavilions, one of which will house the new Global Cities Institute, and removing the fence that surrounds the existing building.

“We didn’t want just another glass box,” said Richard Sommer, dean of the Daniels Faculty of Architecture. “This project needs to raise the bar for Toronto.”

Architect, philanthropist, and faculty namesake John Daniels provided lead funding for the project in 2008. Additional gifts are planned early in 2013 and the remaining funds will be raised as part of “Boundless,” the university’s fundraising campaign.

With files from U of T Magazine