Foster and Partners’ unveil the unique Leslie L. Dan pharmacy building in Toronto.

The new building, situated adjacent to two significant historic buildings, provides state-of-the-art facilities for more than 1200 students, creating a strong presence but is sensitive to its surroundings. Two dramatic 'pods', created from steel baskets hang within the atrium space. The larger of the two houses a 60-person lecture theatre and a reading room above. The other accommodates a smaller 24-person classroom with the faculty lounge. These dynamic objects were designed and constructed with simple, efficient engineering techniques. Suspended by solid steel bars and wrapped in a silver skin, they appear to float inside the building. The building skin is oriented to maximise daylight where needed and minimise unwanted solar gain, reinforcing its clear and logical diagram. The full height atrium functions as a light slot, bringing daylight deep into the building's plan.