Tiana Mantzouranis
Beyond The Hospitals
Environmental Design
2026
This thesis is centered around providing a space for outpatients and caregivers to come to before, during, and after scheduled appointments. Located on 300 Simcoe Street, just off University Avenue, and in the heart of Toronto’s Hospital Row, the proposal responds to challenges in navigating the surrounding healthcare district. It addresses the disconnect between nearby institutions, including Toronto General Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. The purpose of this building is to provide the community with a direction hub, a space to check in to their appointment, store belongings, wait and provide guided transportation. As patients are at their scheduled appointments, caregivers are encouraged to use the space as a place of waiting.
“The concept is inspired by the form and structure of a mushroom. Similar to the site constraints of 300 Simcoe Street, mushrooms often have a slender, narrow base that expands upward, creating a top heavy form. Mushrooms grow within a hidden network distributing resources through a web system. The mushroom guides this proposal as it develops adjacent to and within the hospital network. This thesis works to repair the roots on the hospital network by bettering the experience for patients and caregivers. 300 Simcoe street is set back from University Avenue creating an open pathway and clear sightlines to the building. Reworking the accessibility, at the intersection of Elm and Murray street lies a three way stop serving as an entry way into the drop off and pick up lane. This semi private lane allows for an arranged transportation system to pick up and direct patients in 15 minute intervals. The basement level contains one of two points of access to nearby hospitals. An entrance to a series of preexisting underground tunnels will permit a more constant flow of traffic through the walk safe program. The main level serves as a transfer level accessing all floors through the core elevator and stairway. The second level provides a check in and waiting area where guests can arrange their transportation and store their belongings. The third floor houses a cafe and a series of spaces for rest. Level 4 builds upon the previous level, encouraging group interaction and finding ways to fill time. In contrast, the fifth level serves as a quiet area, equipped with reading nooks, and sleep pods; meant to provide a short private recovery space for day patients. ”
Work by
Tiana Mantzouranis
Environmental Design
“Tiana Mantzouranis is an Environmental Design student focused on how space can extend care beyond the hospital. She has completed her thesis in Toronto’s Hospital Row, proposing a central hub...” [More]