Groundbreaking held for new building at U of T's Rotman School of Management
By Ken McGuffin

Toronto - Ten years ago, the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto set out to redesign business education with a curriculum based on Integrative Thinking. Ten years later, the School has implemented this curriculum, which continues to evolve, earning the Rotman School a global reputation as one of the world's most innovative business schools. Today, building on this track-record of success, the official groundbreaking for a new building for the Rotman School was held. The building will allow the continued expansion of the School's programs, research centres, and faculty. Expected to open in 2011, the new structure will be fully integrated with the current Rotman School building at 105 St. George Street in downtown Toronto.

"The Rotman School has become a prominent draw for students and faculty from around the world, necessitating this expansion," says U of T President David Naylor. "Rotman's innovative approach to education and strong culture of research are in the best tradition of this University and have earned Rotman a strong international reputation."

"This building is ultimately a means to a number of exciting outcomes. The most immediate pay off will our ability to expand our research and education activities," adds Roger Martin, Dean of the Rotman School." Equally important, we will be positioned to contribute to Canada's reputation as a centre for truly world-class business education."

The building will double the amount of research, teaching, and study space available and house the Marcel Desautels Centre for Integrative Thinking and the Lloyd and Delphine Martin Prosperity Institute. The building's design will aspire to certification via the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Canada Green Building Rating System. Highlights of the building will include: a dramatic multi-story foyer with a grand central staircase; an elegant 400-seat event space; green roofs; and a heritage home that will be incorporated into the new structure.

The new building is the centerpiece of a $200-million campaign that will enhance Ontario's and Canada's competitiveness on the global stage. Kick-starting the campaign in March 2007, the School received an exceptional vote of confidence from the Province of Ontario in the form of a $50-million pledge. An additional $10 million in federal government funding has since been allocated. Additional major gifts to the campaign have been made by individuals that include Sandra and Joseph Rotman and Marcel Desautels.

The new building is designed by internationally renowned firm Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg (KPMB) Architects. KPMB's work has become synonymous with the integration of architecture and sustainability, as well as performance and aesthetics. Design Partner Bruce Kuwabara and Partner-in-Charge Marianne McKenna will both be closely involved in the Rotman School project. Other Toronto buildings designed by KPMB include the Gardiner Museum, Canada's National Ballet School, the Royal Conservatory of Music TELUS Performance and Learning Centre, the Young Centre for Performing Arts and the Bell Lightbox for the Toronto International Film Festival Group. Other academic projects include McGill University and Genome Quebec's Innovation Centre, a new vertical campus for Concordia University in Montreal and projects for the University of Michigan and Princeton University in the United States.

Further information on the Rotman School's expansion is available at www.rotman.utoronto.ca/expansion.

The Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto is redesigning business education for the 21st century with a curriculum based on Integrative Thinking. Located in the world's most diverse city, the Rotman School fosters a new way to think that enables the design of creative business solutions. The School is currently raising $200 million to ensure Canada has the world-class business school it deserves. For more information, visit www.rotman.utoronto.ca.