The Forensic Science and Coroner’s Complex (FSCC) in Toronto, a 665,000 square foot, LEED certified facility, has been recognized with an award from the 2014 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Justice Facility Review. The Award of Merit was presented at the AIA’s Academy of Architecture for Justice National Conference on November 6.

Stantec Architecture, MWL Architects and WZMH Architects/SmithGroupJJR worked together on the project, which boasts a variety of award-worthy features. In addition to a LEED silver certification, the facility is the largest of its kind in the world. Located at 1201 Wilson Ave., it contains a consolidated forensic laboratory, medicolegal autopsy services, coroners’ courts and is slated to include a new health care facility.

“This is a unique and attractive design response to a challenging owner program,” says the AIA jury. “It looks like a great place to work. Sustainable features include 40% water reduction, 75% waste diversion, 30% local materials, 20% recycled materials and 38% energy savings.”

Part of a master plan for new precinct in north Toronto, the facility is the first redevelopment project on an underdeveloped provincial campus.

“The majority of the program required security and segregation, so our challenge was to leverage the small amount of public space to create a sense of urban connectivity and community,” says Michael Moxam, Project Principal with Stantec Architecture. “On the interior, we created a research community, organized by a central ‘Forensic Commons.’ The full-height light-filled space encourages collaboration and casual connection between researchers in a way not possible in the previous facilities.”

The FSCC was completed in 2013.