UNDERGRADUATE
Mahin Haynes—Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc. Award
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Mahin Haynes—Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc. Award
About the 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.
In my tenure as Vice-President and President of the Architectural Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) at Toronto Metropolitan University, my focus has been on cultivating rich connections between students and professionals in the field of architecture. Over the past two years, I have dedicated myself to creating platforms for learning and collaboration, organizing and hosting influential events and programs like ‘DAS Connections’, ‘Ignite Innovation: Architecture’, and BridgeTalk. My initiative, DAS Spotlight, is particularly close to my heart, as it offers a unique platform for younger peers to showcase their weekly work, fostering a nurturing and positive learning environment for aspiring architects.
A significant facet of my architectural exploration lies in my enthusiasm for generative and computational-aided design. These non-traditional approaches have allowed me to push the boundaries of current-day architectural practices, exploring innovative solutions and embracing the potential of technology in design processes.
My involvement extends beyond academic confines, with active participation in groups like Architects Against Housing Alienation (AAHA) and a significant role in my local Citizens Climate Lobby chapter. These engagements have broadened my understanding of the multifaceted impact of architecture, highlighting the need for both direct architectural interventions and political action to foster meaningful change in housing and environmental issues.
Gratitude
I am immensely grateful for the opportunities and mentorship provided by Toronto Metropolitan University. Professors like Stanislav Jurkovic, Christine Leu, and Jennifer Esposito have been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional trajectory. My mentor, Alex Winslow, is probably one of the coolest people I’ve ever met. The guidance and support from former AIAS president Nicole Gabriele, co-president Dana Kim, and the entire AIAS board have been invaluable in my journey. Additionally, my heartfelt thanks go to Montgomery Sisam for their continued support through grants, which have significantly bolstered my academic pursuits.
I’d also like to thank my overweight cat, Sandwich.
As I progress in my architectural journey, I am driven by a vision to contribute to projects that are not only architecturally innovative but also socially and environmentally responsible. I am committed to leveraging my education and experiences to create designs that resonate with community needs, promote sustainability, and embody ecological consciousness.
My academic projects at TMU reflect a deep commitment to exploring the intersection of architecture with broader societal issues, particularly in the realm of adaptive reuse. One of my key projects involved transforming a dilapidated pier into a vibrant housing community, incorporating wetland habitat creation systems within its structure. This project, drawing from both historical insights and modern design principles, reimagines a once dysfunctional space into a thriving community hub that champions sustainability and ecocentric inclusivity.
Central to the design was the integration of wetland habitat creation systems within the pier’s architecture. This approach was not only environmentally conscious but also aimed to foster a unique ecosystem that would benefit both the local wildlife and the residents of the housing community. The incorporation of these systems represents a pioneering step in urban ecological restoration.
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.
In my tenure as Vice-President and President of the Architectural Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) at Toronto Metropolitan University, my focus has been on cultivating rich connections between students and professionals in the field of architecture. Over the past two years, I have dedicated myself to creating platforms for learning and collaboration, organizing and hosting influential events and programs like ‘DAS Connections’, ‘Ignite Innovation: Architecture’, and BridgeTalk. My initiative, DAS Spotlight, is particularly close to my heart, as it offers a unique platform for younger peers to showcase their weekly work, fostering a nurturing and positive learning environment for aspiring architects.
A significant facet of my architectural exploration lies in my enthusiasm for generative and computational-aided design. These non-traditional approaches have allowed me to push the boundaries of current-day architectural practices, exploring innovative solutions and embracing the potential of technology in design processes.
My involvement extends beyond academic confines, with active participation in groups like Architects Against Housing Alienation (AAHA) and a significant role in my local Citizens Climate Lobby chapter. These engagements have broadened my understanding of the multifaceted impact of architecture, highlighting the need for both direct architectural interventions and political action to foster meaningful change in housing and environmental issues.
Gratitude
I am immensely grateful for the opportunities and mentorship provided by Toronto Metropolitan University. Professors like Stanislav Jurkovic, Christine Leu, and Jennifer Esposito have been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional trajectory. My mentor, Alex Winslow, is probably one of the coolest people I’ve ever met. The guidance and support from former AIAS president Nicole Gabriele, co-president Dana Kim, and the entire AIAS board have been invaluable in my journey. Additionally, my heartfelt thanks go to Montgomery Sisam for their continued support through grants, which have significantly bolstered my academic pursuits.
I’d also like to thank my overweight cat, Sandwich.
As I progress in my architectural journey, I am driven by a vision to contribute to projects that are not only architecturally innovative but also socially and environmentally responsible. I am committed to leveraging my education and experiences to create designs that resonate with community needs, promote sustainability, and embody ecological consciousness.
My academic projects at TMU reflect a deep commitment to exploring the intersection of architecture with broader societal issues, particularly in the realm of adaptive reuse. One of my key projects involved transforming a dilapidated pier into a vibrant housing community, incorporating wetland habitat creation systems within its structure. This project, drawing from both historical insights and modern design principles, reimagines a once dysfunctional space into a thriving community hub that champions sustainability and ecocentric inclusivity.
Central to the design was the integration of wetland habitat creation systems within the pier’s architecture. This approach was not only environmentally conscious but also aimed to foster a unique ecosystem that would benefit both the local wildlife and the residents of the housing community. The incorporation of these systems represents a pioneering step in urban ecological restoration.
