Doors Open WR Preview: McMaster School of Medicine

Doors Open, one of my favourite yearly events, is in a couple weeks. I try to get to a few sites each year, both to see the insides of some buildings that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to see and, of course, to take some architectural photos. My friend Karl does a wonderful job organizing the event and even takes the time to coordinate pre-visits for people like me to get some early shots to give others a glimpse of what they can expect to see.

The McMaster School of Medicine is located in downtown Kitchener, next door to the School of Pharmacy—which has been a Doors Open participant in the past—at King and Victoria. This is the first year it has taken part in this event so Karl was keen on getting some early shots of the space.

Kara Weiler, the school’s Community Engagement & Development Officer, met me early one morning and gave me a quick tour of the building. It was actually the first day of class so I was quite lucky to get in when I did. I even had to make a few students wait while I got a few shots of the lecture hall. The building itself is beautiful. It has a modern industrial feel and it fits right in with the innovation district. It uses a lot of glass to let in a ton of natural light which gives the space an open and inviting feel.

I’m hoping to get to a few more sites before the 19th, not to mention a few the day of. If you’re free you should definitely check this event out. Even if you’re not free, you should seriously make some time and go.