Seneca Polytechnic's Health and Wellness Centre Earns Prestigious International Design Awards
As construction progresses on Seneca Polytechnic's new Health and Wellness Centre at the Newnham Campus in Toronto, the innovative facility is already making waves in the global design community with multiple prestigious awards recognizing its architectural excellence and thoughtful approach to community well-being.
Global Recognition for Innovative Design
The state-of-the-art building, which will replace outdated facilities at the campus, recently received first place honors at the Global Architecture & Design Awards. This international competition celebrates excellence and innovation in architecture and design, with Seneca's Health and Wellness Centre selected from more than 1,200 submissions across 40 countries to receive the highest level of distinction.
Jurors were particularly impressed by what they described as the building's architectural intelligence and its thoughtful response to contemporary challenges in health and wellness environments. The recognition marks a significant achievement for the institution and its design partners.
Multiple Awards and Industry Accolades
This latest honor follows previous industry recognition for the Health and Wellness Centre, which has already received:
- A bronze designation at the 2025 International Design Awards
- An honorable mention in the 2025 Architecture MasterPrize competition
Judges from both competitions praised the building's clarity of intent and commitment to creating meaningful spaces that serve the community's needs while advancing architectural principles.
Collaborative Design Approach
The award-winning design emerged from a unique collaborative partnership between three key entities:
- DIALOG - A Canadian design practice specializing in architecture, engineering, and urban planning
- Two Row Architect - An Indigenous design firm bringing traditional knowledge and principles to the project
- Seneca Polytechnic - The educational institution providing community input and vision
This tripartite collaboration represents a model for inclusive, forward-thinking design that incorporates multiple perspectives and expertise.
Focus on Holistic Well-being and Sustainability
David Agnew, President of Seneca Polytechnic, expressed enthusiasm about the recognition, stating: "We're delighted with the recognition that this unique building, focusing on the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual well-being of our community, is already receiving. We can't wait for construction to be completed and our doors opened to what we set out to create – a space that's a living expression of truth and reconciliation, inclusivity and sustainability."
The building's design philosophy centers on putting people first, creating what architect Craig Applegath of DIALOG describes as "a new heartbeat of Newnham Campus" where the entire Seneca community can gather, play, heal, and learn together.
Indigenous Design Principles and Environmental Stewardship
A particularly significant aspect of the project is its incorporation of Indigenous design principles and environmental sustainability. Erik Skouris, Design Lead at Two Row Architect, emphasized that "this project was never about us as designers – it is about the Seneca community it serves and the land it is rooted in."
The Health and Wellness Centre features net-zero performance and design elements that, according to Skouris, "give back to place rather than simply occupying it." The building embodies place-knowing and stands as what the design team describes as a meaningful expression of care, responsibility, and respect for both the community and the environment.
The collaborative approach between Seneca Polytechnic, DIALOG, and Two Row Architect demonstrates how strong partnerships can help envision what Applegath calls "a more creative, inclusive and hopeful future for Canada." As construction continues toward completion, the Health and Wellness Centre represents not just an architectural achievement, but a model for how educational institutions can create spaces that truly serve their communities while advancing principles of sustainability, reconciliation, and holistic well-being.
