BUILDING SCIENCE
Stephanie Tzanis—Alumni Achievement Award
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Stephanie Tzanis—Alumni Achievement Award
About the Award
For overall achievement, contribution, and commitment to the Building Science Graduate Program.
Improving circularity in Ontario building design through design for disassembly principles
MASc Building Science
Supervisor: Dr. Mark Gorgolewski
Abstract:
Mainstream construction processes follow a linear model, which puts pressure on natural resources, produces excessive waste, and increases carbon emissions. Circular design approaches, such as design for disassembly (DfD), can mitigate the environmental damage already done. DfD considers a building’s end of life from the design phase, allowing components to be easily dismantled and reused. This research investigates the level of awareness of design for disassembly in Ontario building design and construction, the barriers to improvement and adoption, and whether a circularity evaluation tool would be beneficial in addressing these barriers. An online survey of the industry was conducted, including responses from architects, engineers, researchers, and construction managers. Individual interviews were also conducted. Finally, the evaluation tool Regenerate was assessed using real building projects. The results of this study identify the industry’s knowledge gaps and suggest methods to improve uptake of circular design strategies through resources, policy, and assessment tools.
Key findings and industry recommendations:
This research shows a high level of general awareness of circular design practices among industry professionals, with limited detailed knowledge required for implementation.
The following barriers to improving circularity in the industry were identified:
As well as the following enablers:
It is recommended that circular design strategies are better integrated into the design process. Policies, standards, and industry associations should be the ones to lead this change. It was also found that designers require additional resources and guides on circular design practices to improve their prevalence.
In completing this research, Steph had the opportunity to meet with local industry professionals and collaborate with Dr. Charles Gillott from the University of Sheffield. The research was then disseminated alongside comparable findings from the UK; Steph and Charles presented their work at the OAA Conference in Sudbury, ON, in a webinar for Sustainable Buildings Canada, and for the students of the Better Buildings Bootcamp.
For overall achievement, contribution, and commitment to the Building Science Graduate Program.
Improving circularity in Ontario building design through design for disassembly principles
MASc Building Science
Supervisor: Dr. Mark Gorgolewski
Abstract:
Mainstream construction processes follow a linear model, which puts pressure on natural resources, produces excessive waste, and increases carbon emissions. Circular design approaches, such as design for disassembly (DfD), can mitigate the environmental damage already done. DfD considers a building’s end of life from the design phase, allowing components to be easily dismantled and reused. This research investigates the level of awareness of design for disassembly in Ontario building design and construction, the barriers to improvement and adoption, and whether a circularity evaluation tool would be beneficial in addressing these barriers. An online survey of the industry was conducted, including responses from architects, engineers, researchers, and construction managers. Individual interviews were also conducted. Finally, the evaluation tool Regenerate was assessed using real building projects. The results of this study identify the industry’s knowledge gaps and suggest methods to improve uptake of circular design strategies through resources, policy, and assessment tools.
Key findings and industry recommendations:
This research shows a high level of general awareness of circular design practices among industry professionals, with limited detailed knowledge required for implementation.
The following barriers to improving circularity in the industry were identified:
- Industry inertia
- Lack of education or understanding
- Cost
- Lack of incentives or regulations
- Client direction
As well as the following enablers:
- Design guidance tools
- Building code requirements
- Integrating circularity early in the design process
- Client direction
- Material reuse databases
It is recommended that circular design strategies are better integrated into the design process. Policies, standards, and industry associations should be the ones to lead this change. It was also found that designers require additional resources and guides on circular design practices to improve their prevalence.
In completing this research, Steph had the opportunity to meet with local industry professionals and collaborate with Dr. Charles Gillott from the University of Sheffield. The research was then disseminated alongside comparable findings from the UK; Steph and Charles presented their work at the OAA Conference in Sudbury, ON, in a webinar for Sustainable Buildings Canada, and for the students of the Better Buildings Bootcamp.
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
Minji Jasmin Kim—AIA Medal for Academic Excellence
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Minji Jasmin Kim—AIA Medal for Academic Excellence
About the Award
AIA Medal for Academic Excellence:
For a graduate who displays excellence throughout their academic career.
A Framework for Memory: Designing between Objective Realities and Subjective Experiences
Traces of memories exist everywhere—from the individual mind to the recollections of shared thoughts visible in the built environment. The everyday spaces we inhabit are defined not only by their formal structures but through the experiences which unfold within them. Architecture lives beyond the three-dimensional form to embody a complex constellation of senses, experiences, and memories. Thus, memory shapes our understanding of space to form architectural narratives.
Oftentimes, design is focused on efficiency, productivity, and operations; creating homogeneous environments which limit the potential for exchanges between mind, body, and space. Typical site analysis and design processes all too often neglect the presence of memory in the built environment.
In contrast, this thesis proposes the ‘framework for memory’ as a design approach that focuses on the tangible and intangible aspects of memory associated with a particular place. By linking memory to place, the framework embraces intersubjectivity in the design process.
Can the extraction of memories be fruitful in how we think about drawings and design? What if the architectural design process can further incorporate memory? To an extent, all design is composed of memories as they are influenced by a designer’s perspective and the viewer’s interpretation. However, can design evolve if we tap into our subconscious more and memory takes a more active role in guiding the design of new environments and spaces?
Investigations in design research suggest a design process that is informed by the memories of a site. ‘The framework for memory’ is a design approach that focuses on the tangible and intangible aspects of memory associated with a particular place. The process brings up a range of possibilities which lend themselves to many interpretations and outcomes. Inevitably, working with ephemeral qualities such as memory presents its own set of challenges. The thesis acknowledges that spaces cannot be fully and solely designed with memory, but the work presented begins to see the opportunities for exploration in design through memories. By incorporating memories into our designs, we can create spaces that are not only functional but also meaningful and enriching.
AIA Medal for Academic Excellence:
For a graduate who displays excellence throughout their academic career.
A Framework for Memory: Designing between Objective Realities and Subjective Experiences
Traces of memories exist everywhere—from the individual mind to the recollections of shared thoughts visible in the built environment. The everyday spaces we inhabit are defined not only by their formal structures but through the experiences which unfold within them. Architecture lives beyond the three-dimensional form to embody a complex constellation of senses, experiences, and memories. Thus, memory shapes our understanding of space to form architectural narratives.
Oftentimes, design is focused on efficiency, productivity, and operations; creating homogeneous environments which limit the potential for exchanges between mind, body, and space. Typical site analysis and design processes all too often neglect the presence of memory in the built environment.
In contrast, this thesis proposes the ‘framework for memory’ as a design approach that focuses on the tangible and intangible aspects of memory associated with a particular place. By linking memory to place, the framework embraces intersubjectivity in the design process.
Can the extraction of memories be fruitful in how we think about drawings and design? What if the architectural design process can further incorporate memory? To an extent, all design is composed of memories as they are influenced by a designer’s perspective and the viewer’s interpretation. However, can design evolve if we tap into our subconscious more and memory takes a more active role in guiding the design of new environments and spaces?
Investigations in design research suggest a design process that is informed by the memories of a site. ‘The framework for memory’ is a design approach that focuses on the tangible and intangible aspects of memory associated with a particular place. The process brings up a range of possibilities which lend themselves to many interpretations and outcomes. Inevitably, working with ephemeral qualities such as memory presents its own set of challenges. The thesis acknowledges that spaces cannot be fully and solely designed with memory, but the work presented begins to see the opportunities for exploration in design through memories. By incorporating memories into our designs, we can create spaces that are not only functional but also meaningful and enriching.
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
Nicole Li—RAIC Student Medal
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Nicole Li—RAIC Student Medal
About the Awards:
RAIC Student Medal:
For a student graduating from a professional degree program in each accredited University School of Architecture in Canada who, in the judgment of the faculty of the respective School, has achieved the highest level of academic excellence and/or has completed the outstanding final design project/thesis for that academic year.
BLURRING BOUNDARIES: AN ARCHITECTURAL SYMBIOSIS OF HUMAN AND NON-HUMAN REALMS
There exists a divide between the human and non-human realms, imposed by architecture’s spatial definition in which non-humans are suppressed by the modern city. The exploitation and marginalization of the non-human realm continually contribute towards anthropocentric thinking and threaten ecological stability.
This thesis will question the boundaries between the human and non-human realms, by dissecting their components and attempting to negotiate new relationships. Operating between scales, perception, time, and contexts, the thesis aims to reveal the nature that has been concealed by architecture. Seeking alternative perspectives to the conditions of future co-existence will inform the conception of a new architecture which dissolves the binary distinctions between the human and non-human. A speculative future will be drawn to explore architecture’s transformative potential in supporting a symbiotic relationship between both realms, thus offering a critical redefinition of our current reality and worldview.
RAIC Student Medal:
For a student graduating from a professional degree program in each accredited University School of Architecture in Canada who, in the judgment of the faculty of the respective School, has achieved the highest level of academic excellence and/or has completed the outstanding final design project/thesis for that academic year.
BLURRING BOUNDARIES: AN ARCHITECTURAL SYMBIOSIS OF HUMAN AND NON-HUMAN REALMS
There exists a divide between the human and non-human realms, imposed by architecture’s spatial definition in which non-humans are suppressed by the modern city. The exploitation and marginalization of the non-human realm continually contribute towards anthropocentric thinking and threaten ecological stability.
This thesis will question the boundaries between the human and non-human realms, by dissecting their components and attempting to negotiate new relationships. Operating between scales, perception, time, and contexts, the thesis aims to reveal the nature that has been concealed by architecture. Seeking alternative perspectives to the conditions of future co-existence will inform the conception of a new architecture which dissolves the binary distinctions between the human and non-human. A speculative future will be drawn to explore architecture’s transformative potential in supporting a symbiotic relationship between both realms, thus offering a critical redefinition of our current reality and worldview.
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
Taylor Marshall—RAIC Honour Roll
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Taylor Marshall—RAIC Honour Roll
About the Award
For those students who have achieved high academic standing in the top 10% of their graduating class.
The quote, “an individual can have many houses, but only a person can make a home,”( Joseph Rykwert, House and Home, 54) is a straightforward statement but contains a very complex message that describes this thesis well. Preliminary questions need to be posed to understand the deeper meaning of the previous quote. First, what is the difference between a house and a home, and why is the individual connected to the house while the home is connected to the person? Second, what is a house, and more importantly, what is home? Home to the collective, to me, or to you? I suggest all of those answers will be very different yet valid. Third, inclusive of culture, religion, age, gender, experiences, traumas, and memories, What is the difference between an individual and a person? How might one be able to define a home uniquely to the individual or person? Finally, what is the fundamental basis of a person’s individuality that makes them unique to one another and thus unique in their definition of home? This thesis suggests that perhaps the individual’s innate personality connects directly to the idea of home.
“One can only go to oneself and ask the meaning of home”
- Stephan Brink, The Home: Words, Interpretations, Meanings, and Environments
Although simple, the term ‘home’ is a difficult word to define and a complex program to design. A ‘house’ is the stereotypical container in which architects are tasked to provide a home and all it entails. The terms ‘house’ and ‘home’ are intertwined, yet their differences are essential to note. For this thesis, ‘house’ referred to a building intended for dwelling. ‘Home’ referred to a physical place, architectural space, feeling, or way of living that establishes one’s place in the world through personality and its distinction from others. This distinction between a house and a home lies not in the architect’s style, influenced architectural trends, or architectural expressions of arbitrary design concepts. The distinction lies in the connection between a Individual, the objects as extensions of the self, and the architecture that facilitates these relationships. Home designed as the architectural articulation of an individual’s personality, and those strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, goals and needs that are involved begin to define what home is in physical form. Individual personality conveyed through spatial, material, and architectural elements in time suggests that there is not one way to describe what home is or means.
‘The Architecture of Home; Articulating Innate Personalities’ seeks an approach to the design of the individual home where the inhabitants’ innate personality inspires and designs the architecture of home. It suggests that the essence of ‘home’ is the articulation of a personality through architecture as a representation of an individual, the unique life they encompass, and the embodied objects of that life. To understand this idea further, a discussion on individual criteria such as ‘the architecture of home,’ ‘domestic objects,’ and ‘the individual’ help to provide base information. These three ideas lead to more conceptual ideas resulting from combining these three factors. Those new concepts include the creation of ‘Material Personality,’ ‘Spatial Personality,’ and ‘Architectural Personality.’ These new concepts tied together through the personality at hand will start to describe the final articulation of personality through the architecture of home. The collection of drawings within this thesis sought for an understanding of how home could be hypothetically designed ‘from’ rather than ‘for’ the unique individual personality.
For those students who have achieved high academic standing in the top 10% of their graduating class.
The quote, “an individual can have many houses, but only a person can make a home,”( Joseph Rykwert, House and Home, 54) is a straightforward statement but contains a very complex message that describes this thesis well. Preliminary questions need to be posed to understand the deeper meaning of the previous quote. First, what is the difference between a house and a home, and why is the individual connected to the house while the home is connected to the person? Second, what is a house, and more importantly, what is home? Home to the collective, to me, or to you? I suggest all of those answers will be very different yet valid. Third, inclusive of culture, religion, age, gender, experiences, traumas, and memories, What is the difference between an individual and a person? How might one be able to define a home uniquely to the individual or person? Finally, what is the fundamental basis of a person’s individuality that makes them unique to one another and thus unique in their definition of home? This thesis suggests that perhaps the individual’s innate personality connects directly to the idea of home.
“One can only go to oneself and ask the meaning of home”
- Stephan Brink, The Home: Words, Interpretations, Meanings, and Environments
Although simple, the term ‘home’ is a difficult word to define and a complex program to design. A ‘house’ is the stereotypical container in which architects are tasked to provide a home and all it entails. The terms ‘house’ and ‘home’ are intertwined, yet their differences are essential to note. For this thesis, ‘house’ referred to a building intended for dwelling. ‘Home’ referred to a physical place, architectural space, feeling, or way of living that establishes one’s place in the world through personality and its distinction from others. This distinction between a house and a home lies not in the architect’s style, influenced architectural trends, or architectural expressions of arbitrary design concepts. The distinction lies in the connection between a Individual, the objects as extensions of the self, and the architecture that facilitates these relationships. Home designed as the architectural articulation of an individual’s personality, and those strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, goals and needs that are involved begin to define what home is in physical form. Individual personality conveyed through spatial, material, and architectural elements in time suggests that there is not one way to describe what home is or means.
‘The Architecture of Home; Articulating Innate Personalities’ seeks an approach to the design of the individual home where the inhabitants’ innate personality inspires and designs the architecture of home. It suggests that the essence of ‘home’ is the articulation of a personality through architecture as a representation of an individual, the unique life they encompass, and the embodied objects of that life. To understand this idea further, a discussion on individual criteria such as ‘the architecture of home,’ ‘domestic objects,’ and ‘the individual’ help to provide base information. These three ideas lead to more conceptual ideas resulting from combining these three factors. Those new concepts include the creation of ‘Material Personality,’ ‘Spatial Personality,’ and ‘Architectural Personality.’ These new concepts tied together through the personality at hand will start to describe the final articulation of personality through the architecture of home. The collection of drawings within this thesis sought for an understanding of how home could be hypothetically designed ‘from’ rather than ‘for’ the unique individual personality.
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
Nicole Li—RAIC Honour Roll
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Nicole Li—RAIC Honour Roll
About the Awards:
RAIC Honour Roll:
For those students who have achieved high academic standing in the top 10% of their graduating class.
BLURRING BOUNDARIES: AN ARCHITECTURAL SYMBIOSIS OF HUMAN AND NON-HUMAN REALMS
There exists a divide between the human and non-human realms, imposed by architecture’s spatial definition in which non-humans are suppressed by the modern city. The exploitation and marginalization of the non-human realm continually contribute towards anthropocentric thinking and threaten ecological stability.
This thesis will question the boundaries between the human and non-human realms, by dissecting their components and attempting to negotiate new relationships. Operating between scales, perception, time, and contexts, the thesis aims to reveal the nature that has been concealed by architecture. Seeking alternative perspectives to the conditions of future co-existence will inform the conception of a new architecture which dissolves the binary distinctions between the human and non-human. A speculative future will be drawn to explore architecture’s transformative potential in supporting a symbiotic relationship between both realms, thus offering a critical redefinition of our current reality and worldview.
RAIC Honour Roll:
For those students who have achieved high academic standing in the top 10% of their graduating class.
BLURRING BOUNDARIES: AN ARCHITECTURAL SYMBIOSIS OF HUMAN AND NON-HUMAN REALMS
There exists a divide between the human and non-human realms, imposed by architecture’s spatial definition in which non-humans are suppressed by the modern city. The exploitation and marginalization of the non-human realm continually contribute towards anthropocentric thinking and threaten ecological stability.
This thesis will question the boundaries between the human and non-human realms, by dissecting their components and attempting to negotiate new relationships. Operating between scales, perception, time, and contexts, the thesis aims to reveal the nature that has been concealed by architecture. Seeking alternative perspectives to the conditions of future co-existence will inform the conception of a new architecture which dissolves the binary distinctions between the human and non-human. A speculative future will be drawn to explore architecture’s transformative potential in supporting a symbiotic relationship between both realms, thus offering a critical redefinition of our current reality and worldview.
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
Jeannette Wehbeh—RAIC Honour Roll
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Jeannette Wehbeh—RAIC Honour Roll
About the Award
For those students who have achieved high academic standing in the top 10% of their graduating class.
The walls talk back.
‘Like talking to a brick wall’ has long worked as a metaphor
for one-way communication, describing a situation in which
one person talked while the other did not listen. It likened the futility of talking to someone who refuses to listen to the immovability of a brick wall, and as such, it reflects contemporary views related to the walls or boundaries that confine inhabitants within architecture.
In response to this metaphor, this thesis explored how architecture could be reimagined from an immovable wall to a continuous dialogue between buildings and their inhabitants, specifically focusing on the typology of mid-rise multi-family housing within the City of Toronto.
Thesis work explored how inhabitants and their use of space within the home is in constant flux, changing temporally in relation to dynamic factors such as an individual’s age, a household’s size, daily needs and activities, the time of day, and weather conditions. Contemporary multi-family housing projects in Toronto are not designed to support these changes as units are often too small and are segmented into rooms with fixed uses, contributing to inhabitant dissatisfaction. In this thesis, the question of adaptability was explored to promote wellbeing and improved space usage. Research began with literature reviews and case study analyses which established design parameters specific to adaptability in multi-family housing. A project sited within Toronto was developed as a critique of contemporary design methods.
As a result, the final thesis project reimagined the role of walls as a way of initiating continuous dialogue between inhabitants and architecture in the design of spaces that satisfy each individual’s needs over time through a system or architectural elements that are designed for adaptability. Through the inhabitant’s actions of pushing and pulling on these elements, the walls are now able to talk back and respond to their unique needs at any given time.
For those students who have achieved high academic standing in the top 10% of their graduating class.
The walls talk back.
‘Like talking to a brick wall’ has long worked as a metaphor
for one-way communication, describing a situation in which
one person talked while the other did not listen. It likened the futility of talking to someone who refuses to listen to the immovability of a brick wall, and as such, it reflects contemporary views related to the walls or boundaries that confine inhabitants within architecture.
In response to this metaphor, this thesis explored how architecture could be reimagined from an immovable wall to a continuous dialogue between buildings and their inhabitants, specifically focusing on the typology of mid-rise multi-family housing within the City of Toronto.
Thesis work explored how inhabitants and their use of space within the home is in constant flux, changing temporally in relation to dynamic factors such as an individual’s age, a household’s size, daily needs and activities, the time of day, and weather conditions. Contemporary multi-family housing projects in Toronto are not designed to support these changes as units are often too small and are segmented into rooms with fixed uses, contributing to inhabitant dissatisfaction. In this thesis, the question of adaptability was explored to promote wellbeing and improved space usage. Research began with literature reviews and case study analyses which established design parameters specific to adaptability in multi-family housing. A project sited within Toronto was developed as a critique of contemporary design methods.
As a result, the final thesis project reimagined the role of walls as a way of initiating continuous dialogue between inhabitants and architecture in the design of spaces that satisfy each individual’s needs over time through a system or architectural elements that are designed for adaptability. Through the inhabitant’s actions of pushing and pulling on these elements, the walls are now able to talk back and respond to their unique needs at any given time.
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
Jana Stojanovska—Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario Award
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Jana Stojanovska—Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario Award
About the Award
For an undergraduate student who has completed 4th year in the Architecture, Building Science, or Project Management Option of the Bachelor of the Architectural Science degree program.
City as School, School as City.
The New City Alternative High School in Dufferin Grove adheres to the idea of “City as School, School as City” by creating a network of interconnected places that involve the community, staff, and students. The city school offers a new curriculum by combining alternative and traditional programmes, mirrored in the symbolic use of materiality and adaptable programming spaces, in response to the outdated pedagogy of education.
The form of the building was influenced by patterns of the site and by carving out a central mass to connect the old historical Dufferin Grove on the east with the new developing and dense side on the west. The atrium, being the heart of the project, carries the architectural idea, which is reflected in the rest of the building as smaller moments, denoted by materiality.
The public realm of the alternative school is composed of the atrium with its arms extending outward to connect to the site on the ground floor. The upper storeys bleeding into the atrium remain private, yet still visually connected to the atrium to borrow light. The learning commons open up to the park, creating an indoor outdoor learning environment. Vertical louvers in the atrium that act as a passive shading system while preserving the east-west transparency. This area has adequate lighting throughout the day without being subjected to strong or uncomfortable solar glare due to a skylight system that is protected by additional roof louvers.
The roof is made up of a series of aluminum panels that are supported by a network of steel beams with an embedded track lighting system. The same principles are applied in the school’s programmed educational spaces as well. A perforated metal screen that covers the windows to the classrooms and other learning spaces diffuses natural light so that it can illuminate these places. In addition to its effects on natural light, this facade’s materiality and construction emphasize the link between indoors and out and soften the line separating the structure from the outside world.
The main atrium of the school was designed with biophilic concepts in mind, thus mass timber and CLT was used for the framework to allow natural elements and architectural typologies to permeate the interior. The intermediate floor envelope drawing to the left shows the exposed wood, allowing occupants to interact with the architecture. Built-in benches lines the perimeter windows and columns, creating small seating pockets within the bays of the building. The HVAC system in the atrium is concealed by using the steel lungs of the school to force air into the space from the sides. Heated concrete floors with a polished finish keep the area warm without the need for heating equipment. This creates a minimalist look with only the focus on materiality and tectonics. While the aluminum louvers create privacy from the busy street without compromising view and light, they also provide a sense of enclosure and protection for students. Therefore, the wooden heart remains protected by the aluminum facade.
Image Captions
In Gratitude
As the recipient of the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario Award, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the tremendous support that you have provided me through this award. As a Co-op student at DAS, I have dedicated my studies to subjects such as technology integration, envelope design, and innovative architectural concepts. This scholarship has provided me invaluable support, enabling me to maintain unwavering focus on my academic pursuits, research endeavors, and professional growth. As I approach the successful completion of my degree the upcoming academic year, I am eager to continue my architectural work with newfound enthusiasm and dedication, and I thank you once again for your invaluable support.
For an undergraduate student who has completed 4th year in the Architecture, Building Science, or Project Management Option of the Bachelor of the Architectural Science degree program.
City as School, School as City.
The New City Alternative High School in Dufferin Grove adheres to the idea of “City as School, School as City” by creating a network of interconnected places that involve the community, staff, and students. The city school offers a new curriculum by combining alternative and traditional programmes, mirrored in the symbolic use of materiality and adaptable programming spaces, in response to the outdated pedagogy of education.
The form of the building was influenced by patterns of the site and by carving out a central mass to connect the old historical Dufferin Grove on the east with the new developing and dense side on the west. The atrium, being the heart of the project, carries the architectural idea, which is reflected in the rest of the building as smaller moments, denoted by materiality.
The public realm of the alternative school is composed of the atrium with its arms extending outward to connect to the site on the ground floor. The upper storeys bleeding into the atrium remain private, yet still visually connected to the atrium to borrow light. The learning commons open up to the park, creating an indoor outdoor learning environment. Vertical louvers in the atrium that act as a passive shading system while preserving the east-west transparency. This area has adequate lighting throughout the day without being subjected to strong or uncomfortable solar glare due to a skylight system that is protected by additional roof louvers.
The roof is made up of a series of aluminum panels that are supported by a network of steel beams with an embedded track lighting system. The same principles are applied in the school’s programmed educational spaces as well. A perforated metal screen that covers the windows to the classrooms and other learning spaces diffuses natural light so that it can illuminate these places. In addition to its effects on natural light, this facade’s materiality and construction emphasize the link between indoors and out and soften the line separating the structure from the outside world.
The main atrium of the school was designed with biophilic concepts in mind, thus mass timber and CLT was used for the framework to allow natural elements and architectural typologies to permeate the interior. The intermediate floor envelope drawing to the left shows the exposed wood, allowing occupants to interact with the architecture. Built-in benches lines the perimeter windows and columns, creating small seating pockets within the bays of the building. The HVAC system in the atrium is concealed by using the steel lungs of the school to force air into the space from the sides. Heated concrete floors with a polished finish keep the area warm without the need for heating equipment. This creates a minimalist look with only the focus on materiality and tectonics. While the aluminum louvers create privacy from the busy street without compromising view and light, they also provide a sense of enclosure and protection for students. Therefore, the wooden heart remains protected by the aluminum facade.
Image Captions
- Second floor atrium rendering: carries the idea of wood as a place of socializing and gathering.
- Floating roof rendering: skylight system provides light while aluminum louvers diffuse harsh daylight.
- Exterior rendering: perforated aluminum facade appears as a floating screen from the exterior.
- Intermediate floor axonometric drawing of atrium.
In Gratitude
As the recipient of the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario Award, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the tremendous support that you have provided me through this award. As a Co-op student at DAS, I have dedicated my studies to subjects such as technology integration, envelope design, and innovative architectural concepts. This scholarship has provided me invaluable support, enabling me to maintain unwavering focus on my academic pursuits, research endeavors, and professional growth. As I approach the successful completion of my degree the upcoming academic year, I am eager to continue my architectural work with newfound enthusiasm and dedication, and I thank you once again for your invaluable support.
UNDERGRADUATE
Jake Kroft—B+H Award
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Jake Kroft—B+H Award
About the Award
For the highest academic achievement in Integration Studio I and II.
As a result of the reallocation of TDSB land southwest of the Bloor Street W and Dufferin Street intersection in Toronto, Canada, a new city high school is needed to replace the old school that was demolished to make way for a mixed-use residential development. Dufferin Grove Park is a prominent space within the community that contains an abundance of greenery and natural landscaping. To combat the lack of connection to the park in the neighbourhood, this proposal intends to introduce new landscaped area into the urban context and extend the great community space of the park. A new public park is positioned to the west of the site, acting as a buffer between the active school and future high-density mixed-use developments to the east and the small-scale residential to the west. The school is designed using a mass timber structure and integrates passive sustainability strategies to increase the building’s energy performance while providing a direct connection to the landscape implemented on the site. With a specific and thorough material selection and arrangement, the building aims to control daylight to passively light interior spaces depending on their needs. The translucent façade of the ‘Creative Block’, positioned at the southeast corner of the site, aims to activate the public realm by allowing pedestrians to see the movement and activity taking place inside while maintaining a level of curiosity and solar control. The façade of the classroom block is comprised of operable perforated panels that allow users to control daylighting and solar heat gain. The lobby and student commons are located toward the northeast corner of the site to accommodate access from Bloor Street. The gymnasium is situated directly across from Brockton Stadium for a connection between indoor and outdoor recreation. A community amphitheatre is positioned in the centre of the site, opening onto the landscaped courtyard space that funnels visitors into the heart of the institution, increasing social interaction within the school and community.
Bloordale Collegiate Institute aims to enhance the social context in the neighbourhood by creating engaging spaces for students and visitors alike. It aims to amplify the student experience and offer new learning opportunities. It aims to escalate the urban fabric of Toronto and increase pedestrian comfort and interaction in the public realm.
For the highest academic achievement in Integration Studio I and II.
As a result of the reallocation of TDSB land southwest of the Bloor Street W and Dufferin Street intersection in Toronto, Canada, a new city high school is needed to replace the old school that was demolished to make way for a mixed-use residential development. Dufferin Grove Park is a prominent space within the community that contains an abundance of greenery and natural landscaping. To combat the lack of connection to the park in the neighbourhood, this proposal intends to introduce new landscaped area into the urban context and extend the great community space of the park. A new public park is positioned to the west of the site, acting as a buffer between the active school and future high-density mixed-use developments to the east and the small-scale residential to the west. The school is designed using a mass timber structure and integrates passive sustainability strategies to increase the building’s energy performance while providing a direct connection to the landscape implemented on the site. With a specific and thorough material selection and arrangement, the building aims to control daylight to passively light interior spaces depending on their needs. The translucent façade of the ‘Creative Block’, positioned at the southeast corner of the site, aims to activate the public realm by allowing pedestrians to see the movement and activity taking place inside while maintaining a level of curiosity and solar control. The façade of the classroom block is comprised of operable perforated panels that allow users to control daylighting and solar heat gain. The lobby and student commons are located toward the northeast corner of the site to accommodate access from Bloor Street. The gymnasium is situated directly across from Brockton Stadium for a connection between indoor and outdoor recreation. A community amphitheatre is positioned in the centre of the site, opening onto the landscaped courtyard space that funnels visitors into the heart of the institution, increasing social interaction within the school and community.
Bloordale Collegiate Institute aims to enhance the social context in the neighbourhood by creating engaging spaces for students and visitors alike. It aims to amplify the student experience and offer new learning opportunities. It aims to escalate the urban fabric of Toronto and increase pedestrian comfort and interaction in the public realm.
UNDERGRADUATE
Odel Linetska— Christian Martinelli Memorial Award
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Odel Linetska— Christian Martinelli Memorial Award
About the Award
For a student who demonstrates a passion for Building Science within Architecture and is a leader and consensus builder.
As of 2023, Toronto is widely recognized as one of the most expensive cities to live in, in North America, particularly for renters. One tool in addressing the housing affordability crisis is the introduction of laneway and garden homes. These small, self-contained housing units are constructed in the backyards of existing homes. The resulting alleviation of financial stress associated with high rents will also have a positive impact on mental health in the city. In creating a peaceful environment within a bustling city like Toronto, our design emphasizes the importance of considering occupant mental health. Our approach combines biophilic design, calm technology, and a Passive House-style building envelope, to foster a serene atmosphere. The biophilia is evident in the incorporation of plants as an essential part of the living environment. Calm technology refers to technological solutions that enhance users’ lives and provide essential information while remaining unobtrusive and minimally demanding. By reducing stress levels and enhancing user-friendliness, calm technology can contribute to improved mental health and overall well-being. Sustainable building practices too play a crucial role in promoting mindfulness and enhancing occupants’ overall comfort. Designing and constructing homes with sustainability in mind not only minimizes environmental impact but also creates a healthier and more comfortable living space. By incorporating features such as energy-efficient systems, high-performance building envelope, and natural lighting, our design encourages a more balanced and comfortable lifestyle.
As the lead of the project, completed during my co-op placement with Duncan Patterson Architecture and Katy Cao, I focussed on encompassing sustainability, energy efficiency, the use of low-carbon materials, and strategic drainage. The project was conceptualized using knowledge of the site, the deficiencies in housing typology, and the sustainability aspects mentioned above.
For a student who demonstrates a passion for Building Science within Architecture and is a leader and consensus builder.
As of 2023, Toronto is widely recognized as one of the most expensive cities to live in, in North America, particularly for renters. One tool in addressing the housing affordability crisis is the introduction of laneway and garden homes. These small, self-contained housing units are constructed in the backyards of existing homes. The resulting alleviation of financial stress associated with high rents will also have a positive impact on mental health in the city. In creating a peaceful environment within a bustling city like Toronto, our design emphasizes the importance of considering occupant mental health. Our approach combines biophilic design, calm technology, and a Passive House-style building envelope, to foster a serene atmosphere. The biophilia is evident in the incorporation of plants as an essential part of the living environment. Calm technology refers to technological solutions that enhance users’ lives and provide essential information while remaining unobtrusive and minimally demanding. By reducing stress levels and enhancing user-friendliness, calm technology can contribute to improved mental health and overall well-being. Sustainable building practices too play a crucial role in promoting mindfulness and enhancing occupants’ overall comfort. Designing and constructing homes with sustainability in mind not only minimizes environmental impact but also creates a healthier and more comfortable living space. By incorporating features such as energy-efficient systems, high-performance building envelope, and natural lighting, our design encourages a more balanced and comfortable lifestyle.
As the lead of the project, completed during my co-op placement with Duncan Patterson Architecture and Katy Cao, I focussed on encompassing sustainability, energy efficiency, the use of low-carbon materials, and strategic drainage. The project was conceptualized using knowledge of the site, the deficiencies in housing typology, and the sustainability aspects mentioned above.
UNDERGRADUATE
Si Jia Wang—Class of 1982 Architectural Science Alumni Memorial Award
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Si Jia Wang—Class of 1982 Architectural Science Alumni Memorial Award
About the Award
This award was established by the class of 1982 Architectural Science Alumni in honour of their classmates and friends Claudio Grossi, Mark Adamo, Bill Slumskie and Kelly Masterson. The award will provide financial support for students in the Architecture program who demonstrate financial need and plan to travel as part of an educational program or exchange.
I’m currently a fourth-year student in the Architectural Science (Co-op) program at Toronto Metropolitan University. and , I firmly believe that experiential learning is key to our growth and development. Immersing ourselves in the world’s great cities, experiencing outstanding architecture, and delving into diverse cultures can only enhance the palette from which we draw as future architects. My passion for history, art, and people is reflected in the courses I have chosen this semester, including “Adaptive Reuse Studio,” “Heritage Conservation,” and even an elective course, “Rise of the American Empire,” taken purely for the joy of learning.
In line with my commitment to expanding my horizons, I have eagerly applied for a study abroad program, and in the upcoming semester, I will have the privilege of studying in Paris (École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Paris-La Villette).
Among the many vibrant cities to choose from, I selected Paris for several compelling reasons. Firstly, Paris boasts an extraordinary density of culture, a rich tapestry of art galleries, and world-renowned museums that I am eager to explore. In fact, I have half-jokingly told my friends that I plan to visit at least one art gallery every day! Secondly, Paris’s strategic location within Europe offers a unique opportunity to embark on a comprehensive European tour, allowing me to witness firsthand how “the site” and “context” harmonizes with architecture in this part of the world.
Coming from a Canadian perspective, I have observed that many of our natural parks are preserved in their pristine state without much human intervention. However, I am genuinely intrigued to obs erve how elements such as castles are strategically situated on mountainsides in Germany or how towns are built on waters in Italy. This juxtaposition of history and nature will undoubtedly provide invaluable insights into architectural design.
Moreover, I am excited to witness in person architectural theories discussed in class, such as pedestrian walkways and urban planning concepts like the superblocks in Barcelona. These real-world examples will not only deepen my understanding of these concepts but also inspire new ideas and perspectives in my own architectural pursuits.
Beyond being a dedicated architecture student, I consider myself an artist at heart. During my time abroad, I intend to seize every opportunity to see, document, and explore as much as I can. By combining my passion for art and architecture with the immersive experience of travel, I am confident that I will cultivate a more profound and holistic understanding of the subjects that ignite my enthusiasm.
My decision to embark on this journey to Paris is rooted in a deep commitment to enriching my educational journey through firsthand experiences, cultural immersion, and the exploration of architectural marvels across Europe. I am eager to embrace the transformative power of travel, allowing it to shape my perspective as a student, an artist, and a future architect.
This award was established by the class of 1982 Architectural Science Alumni in honour of their classmates and friends Claudio Grossi, Mark Adamo, Bill Slumskie and Kelly Masterson. The award will provide financial support for students in the Architecture program who demonstrate financial need and plan to travel as part of an educational program or exchange.
I’m currently a fourth-year student in the Architectural Science (Co-op) program at Toronto Metropolitan University. and , I firmly believe that experiential learning is key to our growth and development. Immersing ourselves in the world’s great cities, experiencing outstanding architecture, and delving into diverse cultures can only enhance the palette from which we draw as future architects. My passion for history, art, and people is reflected in the courses I have chosen this semester, including “Adaptive Reuse Studio,” “Heritage Conservation,” and even an elective course, “Rise of the American Empire,” taken purely for the joy of learning.
In line with my commitment to expanding my horizons, I have eagerly applied for a study abroad program, and in the upcoming semester, I will have the privilege of studying in Paris (École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Paris-La Villette).
Among the many vibrant cities to choose from, I selected Paris for several compelling reasons. Firstly, Paris boasts an extraordinary density of culture, a rich tapestry of art galleries, and world-renowned museums that I am eager to explore. In fact, I have half-jokingly told my friends that I plan to visit at least one art gallery every day! Secondly, Paris’s strategic location within Europe offers a unique opportunity to embark on a comprehensive European tour, allowing me to witness firsthand how “the site” and “context” harmonizes with architecture in this part of the world.
Coming from a Canadian perspective, I have observed that many of our natural parks are preserved in their pristine state without much human intervention. However, I am genuinely intrigued to obs erve how elements such as castles are strategically situated on mountainsides in Germany or how towns are built on waters in Italy. This juxtaposition of history and nature will undoubtedly provide invaluable insights into architectural design.
Moreover, I am excited to witness in person architectural theories discussed in class, such as pedestrian walkways and urban planning concepts like the superblocks in Barcelona. These real-world examples will not only deepen my understanding of these concepts but also inspire new ideas and perspectives in my own architectural pursuits.
Beyond being a dedicated architecture student, I consider myself an artist at heart. During my time abroad, I intend to seize every opportunity to see, document, and explore as much as I can. By combining my passion for art and architecture with the immersive experience of travel, I am confident that I will cultivate a more profound and holistic understanding of the subjects that ignite my enthusiasm.
My decision to embark on this journey to Paris is rooted in a deep commitment to enriching my educational journey through firsthand experiences, cultural immersion, and the exploration of architectural marvels across Europe. I am eager to embrace the transformative power of travel, allowing it to shape my perspective as a student, an artist, and a future architect.
UNDERGRADUATE
Kelvin Hoang—Craig Race Passive Sustainability Design Award
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Kelvin Hoang—Craig Race Passive Sustainability Design Award
About the Award
For students who best demonstrate creativity and passive design strategies in a project to improve its sustainability
Building Blocks
Building Blocks is a project in response to the need for temporary, emergency city dwelling shelters. Dwelling units can be assembled according to user needs by configuring any number of the three blocks (modular components) together.
A typical unit will consist of 3 blocks, as noted below. Each unit is equipped with an abundance of self-sustaining elements in order to promote healthy living and reduce embodied carbon, including on-site solar electricity, dedicated heat pumps, continuous ample insulation, a water harvesting system, compostable toilets, and recycled or sustainably sourced building materials. The interior of the unit is finished with OSB sheathing on the walls and floors, while the exterior
is clad in recycled PVC plastic panels, customizable to user preference.
Occupant Comfort
In a project of this scale, space is a luxury. Within the interior of the units, transformative furniture and millwork is used to encapsulate all daily needs of the occupant(s) within. In support of a modular and adaptable solution, a continuous band of millwork rests along the north wall, encompassing all storage needs and allows for panels to be lifted as desks. As exemplified, many components (beds, doors, etc.) can be slid, rotated, and transformed to maximize space.
The orientation of the unit also had a significant impact during the design phase. Units were oriented south for maximum PV panel solar exposure, while glazing was placed on the north side for soft, diffused daylight. A series of linear skylights line the ceiling for dynamic lighting.
Acknowledgements
Thank you for awarding me with the Craig Race Passive Sustainability Design Award. It is an honour to be a recipient of this award in my pursuit of sustainable architectural design.
For students who best demonstrate creativity and passive design strategies in a project to improve its sustainability
Building Blocks
Building Blocks is a project in response to the need for temporary, emergency city dwelling shelters. Dwelling units can be assembled according to user needs by configuring any number of the three blocks (modular components) together.
A typical unit will consist of 3 blocks, as noted below. Each unit is equipped with an abundance of self-sustaining elements in order to promote healthy living and reduce embodied carbon, including on-site solar electricity, dedicated heat pumps, continuous ample insulation, a water harvesting system, compostable toilets, and recycled or sustainably sourced building materials. The interior of the unit is finished with OSB sheathing on the walls and floors, while the exterior
is clad in recycled PVC plastic panels, customizable to user preference.
Occupant Comfort
In a project of this scale, space is a luxury. Within the interior of the units, transformative furniture and millwork is used to encapsulate all daily needs of the occupant(s) within. In support of a modular and adaptable solution, a continuous band of millwork rests along the north wall, encompassing all storage needs and allows for panels to be lifted as desks. As exemplified, many components (beds, doors, etc.) can be slid, rotated, and transformed to maximize space.
The orientation of the unit also had a significant impact during the design phase. Units were oriented south for maximum PV panel solar exposure, while glazing was placed on the north side for soft, diffused daylight. A series of linear skylights line the ceiling for dynamic lighting.
Acknowledgements
Thank you for awarding me with the Craig Race Passive Sustainability Design Award. It is an honour to be a recipient of this award in my pursuit of sustainable architectural design.
