SECOND YEAR UNDERGRADUATE
Jorge Cruz Toro—Industry Supported Architecture Scholarship in Honour of Stewart Crawford


About the Award

Industry Supported Architecture Scholarship in Honour of Stewart Crawford:
For best overall academic performance in first year.



Coming from a fine arts and graphic design background, my first year in the Bachelor of Architectural Science program challenged me to transform ideas and concepts into architectural expression through new conventions and mediums. One of my greatest takeaways from this experience has been adapting to creative problem solving that centers on the spatial and programmatic experiences of occupants. Each project expanded my understanding of architectural thinking—taking key principles from earlier work and applying them to projects of greater complexity and scope. From Concept City to our final Bird Observatory, every stage refined how I approach design as both process and solution.

One of the most crucial factors that has positively shaped my learning experience in this program has been the incredible environment—fueled by the passion and dedication of my peers and friends who make up this remarkable community. Taking on a leadership role through Arc.Soc and helping provide a platform for student voices has been very fulfilling, and I hope to continue contributing through more extracurricular initiatives in the future.

I am honoured to have been recognized by the Department of Architectural Science and to be receiving this award. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to my professors for continuously pushing me to create the best work I am capable of, and for offering invaluable knowledge and thoughtful critique that have reshaped the way I approach creative problem solving in an architectural manner.

The Trail:

Nestled in the forests of High Park, The Trail Bird Observatory sits atop a hill, overlooking a lush ravine. Designed as a peaceful retreat from the city, it turns away from the urban landscape, inviting visitors through a canopy threshold that immerses them in nature and softens the sounds from the urban fabric of Toronto.

The Trail’s curvilinear form is designed to enhance this sense of seclusion, framing views of High Park’s rich wildlife and creating a quiet space for birdwatching throughout the seasons. With a gently flowing layout, each visit feels like a walk through a forest trail, guiding visitors through an ever-changing experience of nature.


 


Toronto Metropolitan Department of  Architectural Science Toronto, CA.