The Toronto Botanical Gardens building project was part of a larger revitalization initiative to bring a renewed dynamism and sense of identity to the organization and support its efforts to expand programming.

Clad in fritted glass, the Pavilion is positioned in complement with the two existing structures, designed by Raymond Moriyama (1964) and Jerome Markson (1976) respectively.

Together, they create a series of newly formed exterior garden courts that feed directly into and off of the most public interior functions. A number of new and or expanded public functions – the library, store and children’s centre – are housed in the Pavilion itself. Additional program spaces include new administrative offices and meeting suites.

The ecologically conscious design was driven in large part by the organization’s advocacy and their commitment to the stewardship of Toronto’s natural assets. Whereas the frit reduces heat gain by 70%, wood trellises with planting temper solar penetration into the pavilion’s few moments of clear glass. Steel and stone were recycled to limit construction waste by over 90%. And finally, the sculptural roof not only creates visual interest but an innovative green roof opportunity.