Jackman Law Building

University of Toronto, Toronto, ON

The renovation and expansion of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law is carefully sited to forge strong physical and visual connections to Queen’s Park and Philosopher’s Walk. Positioned at the edge of the campus, the building embeds the School within the university while contributing prominently to the surrounding cityscape.

The competition-winning design responds to its setting with three distinct gestures: a crescent-shaped classroom and office wing overlooking Queen’s Park; the transformation of an outdated library into a luminous pavilion linking to Philosopher’s Walk; and the creation of a central gathering space—the Law Forum. Located at the heart of the School, the Forum consolidates previously dispersed departments, fostering the informal social connections essential to academic life.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the building balances glazing and insulated walls to maximize daylight while minimizing energy use. Vertical stone fins along the crescent façade provide solar shading from the south and west. Operable windows with personal roller shades allow for natural ventilation, while a green roof planted with native vegetation manages stormwater runoff.

The renewed Faculty of Law presents a sophisticated and visible presence—an architectural expression that reinforces the School’s place among North America’s leading law faculties.

Project Facts
Client
University of Toronto
Location
Toronto, ON
Status
Completed 2016
Size
160,000 sq. ft.
Partner
Siamak Hariri
Selected Awards

2013 – Canadian Architect, Award of Excellence

Sketch by Siamak Hariri

“Siamak is an architect’s architect. He has remarkable skills in being able to penetrate to the heart of an academic community, to understand its hopes and dreams, and then, quite remarkably, to translate these aspirations into inspirational and breathtaking design.”

—Ronald J. Daniels, Former Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto
Progression of sketches and studies by Siamak Hariri developing the building’s façade.
Façade Physical Model Studies

“The process has been highly collaborative; Siamak has spent a great deal of time and effort learning about our institution and its values, and his design expresses a deep understanding of our community.”‍

—Mayo Moran, Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Toronto

Engaging in extensive façade studies, HPA ensured the formal language of the extension was carefully thought out to create a strong new image for the faculty. The two main shapes elegantly frame the central forum, with vertical fins that enclose the structure.

Façade Digital Study Models
Model View From the South

Following the curve of the street, the revitalized façade—composed of glass and limestone fins—distinguishes the dramatic wing overlooking Queen’s Park Crescent. The semi-suspended curved wall and blinders shade the interior spaces from the southern and western sun.

The heart of the School is the Forum, a space that enables the social relationships considered vital to the School’s success.

The design integrates heritage buildings constructed in 1902, along with mid-century additions, into a new extension that dramatically transforms the site into a landmark destination in the heart of the city.

Historic Flavelle House