Seneca Polytechnic
Health & Wellness Centre
All drawings adn images are the property of DIALOG
Renderings by Artificiel ( https://artificielv.com/ )
Program
Seneca Student Federation, Sports and Wellness Centre
Area
122,105 sq ft
Location
Toronto, Ontario - Canada
Year
Under Construction
Sustainability
Targetting Zero Carbon, LEED Gold
Client
Seneca Polytechnic
Firm
DIALOG - https://dialogdesign.ca/
Two Row Architect - https://www.tworow.com
Architectural Design Team
Juan Carlos Portuese (Project Lead)
Erik Skouris
Chen Cohen
Craig Applegath
Matthew Hickey
Farah Al Amin
Ladan Niknam
Margaret Kubaczkowski
Mania Javadipour
Joseph Demings
Wilkin Chan
Jenny Chan
Andy Kong
Camille Ganuelas
Chris Bouzo
Awards
• 2026 – Architizer A+Awards, Special Mention, Unbuilt Sports & Recreation
• 2025 – Interior Design Best of Year Awards, Honoree, On the Boards: Commercial
• 2025 – International Design Awards (IDA), Bronze Award, Conceptual Architectural Designs
• 2025 – Architecture Masterprize, Honourable Mention, Interior Design
• 2025 – Rethinking the Future Awards, First Award, Sports & Recreation (Concept)
The Seneca Polytechnic Health & Wellness Centre is envisioned as a holistic hub for campus life that expands the idea of wellness beyond physical fitness to include mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Conceived as a place of “doing, being, and becoming,” it supports a wide range of activities, from sport and recreation to reflection, socializing, and ceremony, making wellness an inclusive, everyday experience. Inspired by the Medicine Wheel, the project seeks balance between body, mind, heart, and spirit, offering spaces for both movement and rest, and encouraging cycles of learning, growth, and sharing. Drumming and gathering at the heart of the building establish a symbolic “heartbeat” that connects people, culture, and purpose.
The design is organized around a central ceremonial courtyard, from which concentric rings structure a mix of programs including a 1,000-seat event venue, gyms, fitness and therapy spaces, and student lounges and kitchens that foster community and belonging. Indigenous values of stewardship, inclusivity, and respect for the land guide the building’s form and siting. The radial grid aligns with the cardinal directions and acknowledges the buried path of Duncan Creek, while native and medicinal plantings express the Seven Grandparent Teachings and root the project in its landscape. Cultural knowledge gathered through dialogue and Talking Circles informs the building’s materials and spatial language, embedding meaning and narrative throughout.
Sustainability is integral to the vision, with mass timber, geothermal systems, solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and green roofs supporting a net-zero carbon goal aligned with Seventh-Generation principles. Ultimately, the centre is imagined as a landmark of reconciliation and inclusivity, more than a building, it is a catalyst for connection, healing, and long-term wellbeing for the campus community and future generations.
ABOUT
Juan Carlos Portuese
Juan Carlos Portuese
SENECA POLYTECHNIC
Higher Education
Higher Education
CENTENNIAL COLLEGE
Higher Education
Higher Education
PEEL REGIONAL POLICE 23 DIVISION
Institutional
Institutional
TORONTO WESTERN HOSPITAL
Healthcare
Healthcare
HYBRID TIMBER SUPERTALL TOWER
Prototype
Prototype
CALGARY CANCER CENTRE
Healthcare
Healthcare
PEEL REGIONAL POLICE OSF
Institutional
Institutional
MINA RASHID MASTERPLAN
Urban Design
Urban Design
M_GIC PROTOTYPE
Housing
Housing
MASS TIMBER LAB PROTOTYPE
Science & Technology
Science & Technology
CATALYST 77 WADE
Science &Technology
Science &Technology
KANEKO TRUCK-A-TECTURE
Installation
Installation
MOHAWK COLLEGE
Higher Education
Higher Education
OAK RIDGES LIBRARY
Civic
Civic
WESTERN UNIVERSITY
Higher Education
Higher Education
2371 PERU ST.
Residential
Residential
SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY
Higher Education
Higher Education
CHENG RESIDENCE
Residential
Residential
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
Higher Education
Higher Education
PITT RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL
K-12 Education
K-12 Education
SC LOMBARDY ELEMENTARY
K-12 Education
K-12 Education
MOI MEDICAL CITY PROJECT
Sports & Recreation
Sports & Recreation
ZONAMERICA CAMPUS
Master Planning
Master Planning
HARBOR-UCLA MEDICAL CENTER
Master Planning
Master Planning
CASE STUDY HOUSE
Residential
Residential
VISITOR CENTER & HOSTEL
Hospitality
Hospitality
MARACAIBO MUSIC INSTITUTE
Higher Education
Higher Education
GLAZING ASSEMBLY
Installation
Installation