Zeidler Partnership Architects, together with Architecture+ (mental healthcare specialist) and Andropogon Associates (landscape architects), has developed the master plan, schematic design and output specifications guiding the development of a 300-bed replacement hospital for St. Joseph’s situated on a 56-acre site on the brow of the Niagara Escarpment. The new hospital will reflect a paradigm shift in the care of the mentally ill since the Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital was rebuilt in the 1960’s. The new facility needs to be inviting, accessible and engaging, reflecting St. Joseph’s openness about mental illness and commitment to patient-centred and family-centred care. The clinical program is augmented by the intregation of research (BRAIN Centre) and education (McMaster University’s Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences)The master plan process presented 8 different footprints and siting options for the location of the buildings on the site. Through the client selection process, 3 options were chosen and further developed for the final design of the master plan.