High Security + Infrastructure
Zeidler Architecture
South Detention Centre
Our Value
Equinox Bridge for the Keating Channel Pedestrian Bridge, design lead WilkinsonEyre Toronto, Ontario
Our Approach
Our approach to high security and infrastructure projects focuses on creating sustainable, efficient, and secure environments.
We leverage operational planning and technical expertise to design facilities that enhance functionality, safety, and user experience
Zeidler’s studio and team are equipped with Federal Level II Secret Clearances to ensure rigorous security compliance and seamless execution of sensitive projects
Justice + Corrections
We design secure correctional facilities that emphasize rehabilitation and reduce stigma . Through evidence-based design and cultural integration, we create environments that challenge outdated paradigms and support recovery, ensuring safety, efficiency, and a dignified experience for all users
Secure Government Facilities
We design government facilities that uphold the highest security standards . Our projects emphasize sustainability, heritage preservation, and efficient use of resources, creating safe, functional environments that support government operations and public interaction
Infrastructure
Our infrastructure portfolio includes subway stations, train stations, and pedestrian bridges . Our work exemplifies functionality, safety, and user experience, creating efficient, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing transportation hubs that enhance urban connectivity
We
specialize in delivering complex projects across Canada in close collaboration with our construction partners.
With extensive experience in various delivery models and for government clients, we adeptly navigate unique challenges, build stakeholder consensus, and maintain project momentum for successful completion
Our track record demonstrates expertise in managing large-scale projects, ensuring high-quality, efficient construction that meets rigorous standards for security, functionality, and user well-being .
Projects
Block 2 Parliamentary Precinct Redevelopment, design lead David Chipperfield Architects
Thunder Bay Correctional Complex
The Thunder Bay Correctional Complex embodies a shift in Canadian corrections, focusing on care rather than control . The design promotes dignity and interaction, integrating nature and creating a community-like environment with housing neighbourhoods, a town centre, and park-like pathways . The façade emphasizes transparency, with a welcoming public lobby and seasonal shelter
Location | Thunder Bay, Ontario
Client | Infrastructure Ontario, Ministry of the Solicitor General
Completion | Ongoing, In Construction
Size | 437,000 sq ft (40,600 sq m ) In association with DLR Group Inc.
Toronto South Detention Centre
This maximum-security facility for 1,650 inmates is Ontario’s first LEED® Silver certified adult correctional facility, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment . Featuring state-of-the-art security, natural light, and prefabricated construction, the design includes comprehensive health services and spaces for Indigenous community practices, reflecting a progressive approach to incarceration
AIA Academy of Architecture for Justice, Award of Excellence, Merit, 2012
Location | Toronto, Ontario
Client | Infrastructure Ontario, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
Completion | 2012
Size | 853,000 sq ft (73,000 sq m )
A. Grenville & William Davis Court House
This complex addition amalgamates several regional courts and the Peel Law Association library for the Ontario Superior and Ontario Courts of Justice . With 34 courtrooms, eight motion rooms, and holding cells, three separate circulation systems are designed to provide high-security measures with separate entrances for the public, judges, and the accused .
Location | Brampton, Ontario
Client | Ontario Realty Corporation, Ministry of the Attorney General
Completion | 2000
Size | 380,000 sq ft (35,000 sq m )
In Joint Venture with Zawadzki Armin Stevens Architects Inc. and Murray & Murray Associates Inc.
LEED® Gold
Central Ontario North Correctional Facility
On a 36-hectare site, this 1,230-bed maximum security facility for male and female inmates is designed as six housing pods arranged in an octagonal configuration . A typical pod consists of maximum and medium security cells, day rooms, and an exterior recreation yard . A control room at the centre of each pod monitors the activities of all inmates and controls traffic flow .
Location | Penetanguishene, Ontario
Client | Ontario Realty Corporation, Ministry of the Solicitor General Completion | 2001
Size | 458,000 sq ft (43,000 sq m )
Block 2 Parliamentary Precinct Redevelopment
Block 2, within Ottawa’s Parliamentary Precinct, embodies sustainability, heritage conservation, and Indigenous values, creating a cohesive, secure office environment for Canada’s parliamentarians . Our design maximizes heritage building reuse, integrates new low-carbon structures, and features public spaces fostering dialogue . Zeidler achieved Federal Level II Secret Clearances to enable our team to deliver this high-security project
Location | Ottawa, Ontario
AZ Awards, Urban Design Unbuilt Environments and People’s Choice, 2023
Client | Public Services and Procurement Canada
Completion | Ongoing
Size | 551,467 sq ft (51,233 sq m ) In association with David Chipperfield Architects
Ontario Line Stations, King-Bathurst and Queen-Spadina
Two newly established underground stations are dedicated to transitoriented living . The stations will foster dynamic mixed-use communities while honouring the heritage characteristics of each vibrant neighbourhood . Zeidler is the Architect of Record delivering the subway station designs .
renderings provided by Metrolinx
Location | Toronto, Ontario
Client | Metrolinx, Infrastructure Ontario; COWI North America
Completion | Ongoing
Design team in collaboration with COWI
Artist
UP Express Union Station Platform
Using regional materials expressed purely and elegantly, the design provides an airy and light-filled terminus for this rail link between downtown and Pearson International Airport . We reinterpret the spirit of the golden era of train travel using sculptural wood elements, creating an impactful and inspired sense of arrival to the city .
Location | Toronto, Ontario
Client | Metrolinx
Completion | 2015
Size | 18,500 sq ft (1,700 sq m )
Union Station Train Shed Revitalization
Union Station, a historic site and major Canadian transit hub, is undergoing a revitalization to improve services for its thousands of daily visitors . The addition of the glass atrium creates an iconic identity that celebrates the heritage structure and exemplifies contemporary design excellence for this high-profile, high-volume transit hub .
Canadian Architect, Award of Excellence, 2012
Location | Toronto, Ontario
Client | Metrolinx
Completion | 2015
Size | 71,000 sq ft (6,600 sq m )
Heritage restoration by ERA Architects
Equinox Bridge for the Keating Channel
Pedestrian Bridge
A new landmark bridge will connect the Toronto waterfront to Villiers Island and the expanded park along the new mouth of the Don River . The concept is rooted in Indigenous design perspectives, fostering a connection between people and the water . Its curved S-shape design aligns with the equinoxes and solstices and provides framed views of the city .
Location | Toronto, Ontario
Design concept winners of the international design competition
Client | Waterfront Toronto, City of Toronto, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
Size | 1,900 sq ft (177 sq m )
Design lead: WilkinsonEyre; Prime: Zeidler; Indigenous Consultant: Two Row Architect
The Rudy Adlaf Bridge,
CF Toronto Eaton Centre
Situated within a dense commercial zone, the bridge replaces an outdated utilitarian structure with a striking design that transitions between the architectural styles of the iconic shopping centres it connects . The structure
Recipient of nine local, national and international awards
Location | Toronto, Ontario
Client | The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited
Completion | 2017
Size | 1,900 sq ft (177 sq m ) In association with WilkinsonEyre
We Are Zeidler
We are passionate, curious designers
Human connection drives us as interior designers, architects, urban designers and technologists . We collaborate with clients, partners and communities to create exceptional spaces that bring people together We are committed to listening, learning and growing our expertise in all aspects of our projects — from concept to built form . The process of developing sensitive and practical solutions motivates us as we translate ideas into reality
We create spaces that shape experiences
Propelled by curiosity, we design meaningful spaces that deliver lasting value . Our portfolio spans a broad range of work: civic and academic buildings, commercial and residential properties, healthcare and research facilities, performing arts centres, hotels and resorts, and the preservation and re-purposing of our architectural heritage All our designs reflect the ambitions, practical requirements, dynamics and culture of our clients . As a team, we create spaces that contribute to communities and encourage personal connection by welcoming all people
We foster a culture of creative inspiration
Our creative process is based on cultivating the potential of our team We nurture our expertise through mentorship and continuous learning . We listen to, consider and build on each other’s ideas to create thoughtful solutions . Attuned to innovations in sustainability, accessibility, design theory and materiality, we base our design decisions on evidence . By finding inspiration in our collaborative culture, we continually achieve excellence in design and implementation for our clients .
Get in Touch
We believe that good design evolves from an understanding of our clients’ unique identities . Our clients inspire us to develop innovative solutions that address their individual business needs . We look forward to discussing how we can collaborate together .
Vaidila Banelis Senior Partner
vbanelis@zeidler com
T 647 299 2599
David Collins Partner
dcollins@zeidler com
T 416 836 4138
Edward Chan Partner
echan@zeidler com
T 647 688 8823
zeidler.com | info@zeidler.com
Toronto
600-158 Sterling Road
Toronto, Ontario
M6R 2B7
T 416 596 8300
Calgary
300-640 8 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 1G7
T 403 233 2525
Vancouver
1981 Main Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V5T 3C1
T 604 423 3183
Victoria
400-1207 Douglas Street
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 2E7
T 250 388 9494
