FOURTH YEAR UNDERGRADUATE
Aanya Amin—Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc. Award
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Aanya Amin—Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc. Award
About the Award
Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc. Award:
This award is intended for students who identify as BIPOC who are enrolled in any year of study in the undergraduate architectural science program, and who addresses the role of architecture in creating and promoting equitable and diverse communities.
I believe architecture carries a responsibility to foster dialogue between cultures and communities. For me, this begins with the recognition that spaces are never neutral, thoughtful design can challenge social barriers and create environments where all people feel seen.
As a fourth-year Architectural Science student, I have worked to put this belief into practice, often drawing from my own perspective as a woman of colour in a field where voices like mine are underrepresented. Through mentoring younger students, I encourage them to think critically about how their designs reflect inclusivity and what narratives they center around. As Vice President of Finance for the Architecture Course Union, I support student-led initiatives such as Women in Architecture and mentorship nights, foster valuable dialogue and highlight underrepresented voices. Similarly, with my work with the Department’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, I’m currently collaborating on a gallery installation amplifying LGBTQ+ stories. EDI has shown me how exhibitions can spark meaningful conversations and influence design culture.
Aside from leadership roles, I stay engaged in research initiatives that support community building in Toronto. This semester, I’m contributing to the Quality in Canada’s Built Environment project, which studies how public parks foster inclusion through design features that affect people’s sense of belonging. This study reinforces my perception that when identity-based barriers are removed, diverse ideas thrive, and communities grow stronger.
Looking ahead, I will continue to advocate for voices like mine to be represented, while ensuring my own practice creates connections that resonate locally and inspire globally.
Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc. Award:
This award is intended for students who identify as BIPOC who are enrolled in any year of study in the undergraduate architectural science program, and who addresses the role of architecture in creating and promoting equitable and diverse communities.
I believe architecture carries a responsibility to foster dialogue between cultures and communities. For me, this begins with the recognition that spaces are never neutral, thoughtful design can challenge social barriers and create environments where all people feel seen.
As a fourth-year Architectural Science student, I have worked to put this belief into practice, often drawing from my own perspective as a woman of colour in a field where voices like mine are underrepresented. Through mentoring younger students, I encourage them to think critically about how their designs reflect inclusivity and what narratives they center around. As Vice President of Finance for the Architecture Course Union, I support student-led initiatives such as Women in Architecture and mentorship nights, foster valuable dialogue and highlight underrepresented voices. Similarly, with my work with the Department’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, I’m currently collaborating on a gallery installation amplifying LGBTQ+ stories. EDI has shown me how exhibitions can spark meaningful conversations and influence design culture.
Aside from leadership roles, I stay engaged in research initiatives that support community building in Toronto. This semester, I’m contributing to the Quality in Canada’s Built Environment project, which studies how public parks foster inclusion through design features that affect people’s sense of belonging. This study reinforces my perception that when identity-based barriers are removed, diverse ideas thrive, and communities grow stronger.
Looking ahead, I will continue to advocate for voices like mine to be represented, while ensuring my own practice creates connections that resonate locally and inspire globally.
