The McGill University Downtown Campus in Montreal began major expansion in 1950, filling almost all available spaces and gaps that could be developed. This produced some mismatches between its parts, which need to be integrated coherently. At the same time, the city has grown exponentially and has absorbed/encompassed the campus between Downtown and Mount Royal. The process of reintegrating the campus into the urban setting was based on an urban planning approach that prioritises on connections as well the functional articulation of the different parts of the campus.

McGill University is currently evaluating the future of its downtown campus with two complementary scenarios in mind: 1- Extending its academic, research and institutional activities to the site of the former Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH). The aim of the project is to explore the potentials and opportunities that this site can offer to the University, the city and the Mount Royal Park. 2- To refurbish and complete the Downtown Campus and improve the relationship between its clusters and with the city.