FOURTH YEAR UNDERGRADUATE
Kateryna Stokoz—Irena K. Orlowski Travel Award


About the Award

Irena K. Orlowski Travel Award:
Provides support to a student in 2nd, 3rd or 4th year, and is based on academic achievement and a contribution and involvement in university life and bettering the world around them.



Expanding My Architectural Language Through Global Study Architecture, to me, is a language —a way of expressing identity, culture, and innovation. As I approach graduation, I reflect on the next steps in my educational journey, and while uncertainties remain, my desire to continue learning is unwavering. Inspired by Ludwig Wittgenstein’s words, “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world,” I view architecture as a means to broaden my perspective and deepen my understanding of the world. Just as language shapes our perceptions and connections, I believe my architectural “language” will continue to expand and evolve through engagement with diverse ideas, cultures, and design philosophies.

One of the greatest avenues for this growth lies in travel. It allows us to step outside our immediate context, witness firsthand the application of architectural principles across cultures, and immerse ourselves in environments that differ from our own. This belief fuels my commitment to continuous learning and growth as I approach graduation and look toward the future.

This commitment to exploration is why I am thrilled to begin my exchange at Delft University in the Netherlands for the upcoming winter semester. Known for its rich architectural history and reputation for cutting-edge design, Delft University provides a learning environment that aligns closely with my values and goals. By studying in a country celebrated for sustainable and inclusive design practices, I hope to expand my architectural approach, learning from a culture deeply committed to environmental responsibility and social equity. This immersion will not only allow me to observe sustainable and inclusive practices in action but will also enrich my ability to create spaces that are people-centered and universally accessible.

This experience is built on a foundation I have already begun to lay. My growth as an architect has been significantly shaped by hands-on experiences, including a recent co-op at WZMH, where I collaborated on a wide range of projects. These experiences exposed me to the collaborative and problem-solving nature of architecture, helping me refine my design approach and broaden my understanding of how architecture can address contemporary challenges. Currently, I am also engaged in a studio project focused on redesigning the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. By integrating Indigenous knowledge into the design and exploring a new perspective that I have not previously encountered, I am gaining a deeper understanding of inclusivity and place-based design. This project is an exploration into how architecture can honor cultural identity and heritage, expanding my perspective on how design can serve as a platform for representation and respect.

At Delft, I am particularly eager to participate in the studio Towards an Inclusive Living Environment, where I will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers from around the world, bringing our diverse perspectives together to tackle pressing social and environmental issues. I look forward to learning from Dutch practices and their unique integration of sustainability within the built environment, which will allow me to explore the intersection of cultural, environmental, and spatial awareness. By studying the inclusive, people-centered design approach that characterizes much of Dutch architecture, I aim to refine my understanding of how architecture can actively contribute to social equity.

Leaving my familiar academic environment for a global context, I am confident that this experience will lay the foundation for my future contributions to the field. I envision returning with refined skills and insights, ready to apply what I learn to my final undergraduate year and, ultimately, to my professional work in architecture. By pushing the boundaries of my own architectural ‘language,’ I hope to redefine architecture’s role as a tool for positive social change—moving beyond purely functional design toward creating spaces that foster both environmental stewardship and social equity.

This exchange will be more than an academic experience; it will be a vital step toward my aspiration to reimagine architecture as a catalyst for change. I look forward to representing my home institution while engaging in cross-cultural discussions that will broaden my horizons, shape me into a more versatile architect, and prepare me to contribute meaningfully to a future where architecture empowers communities and enriches the human experience.

 


Toronto Metropolitan Department of  Architectural Science Toronto, CA.