FOURTH YEAR UNDERGRADUATE
Thomas Hristov—WZMH Architects Award for Innovation and Design Excellence
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Thomas Hristov—WZMH Architects Award for Innovation and Design Excellence
About the Award
WZMH Architects Award for Innovation and Design Excellence:
An award created by WZMH Architects in 1985 to provide financial support for students in the Department of Architectural Science. This award recognizes a 4th year student in the Architecture, Building Science concentrations that has demonstrated design excellence and innovation.
The TSA is committed to the betterment of our city, civic literacy on architecture and design, and the personal and professional growth of its members. Born from a spirit of community and collegiality within the profession, the work of the TSA is made possible thanks to the effort and dedication of dozens of volunteers contributing countless hours to make a better city and profession.
The Toronto Society of Architects Award recognizes this giving spirit, highlighting the importance of volunteering and service to the community.
WZMH Architects Award for Innovation and Design
While studying at Toronto Metropolitan University, I’ve always been interested in what good design entails. I’ve always wanted to understand how to push the boundaries of my creativity while still grounding design in reality. To me, design excellence has always been about experimenting with what is possible, using architecture as a canvas for aesthetics, and building science innovations. Through my recent internship, I had the privilege to work on projects that embody this philosophy. Sustainable design is becoming increasingly essential when addressing the looming challenges of climate change. I extensively studied new technologies, such as PV panel cladding (similar to solar panels), for the firm. I illustrated how “crazy ideas” can evolve into solutions that redefine sustainable energy practices. These solutions eventually become mainstream and start new cycles of revolution. Innovation in design allows for the impossible to be possible, and as future architects, it is our commitment to the people, the world, and ourselves to find solutions to problems.
The Cirque Eclipse is one way that I look for innovative design solutions. Circus art is a lost art; with that, people seem uninterested or even aware of how much we should appreciate it. Located on the southeast corner of Bond and Dundas Street, the Cirque Eclipse aims to break the dull urban fabric around the area and create an exciting building that attracts the attention of visitors and residents alike. The curved, red aluminum exterior form allows for light diffusion through the neighborhood and drastically contrasts the surrounding site to promote interaction. This design allows for the rediscovery of circus arts or even the introduction to it. My approach to design is to innovate and experiment with my ideas, whether they are successful or need adjustments. I believe progress in architecture and building science can only be achieved through testing one’s “wild” ideas.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was working on Request for Proposals (RFPs), where I collaborated with senior staff to turn conceptual ideas into viable architectural solutions. Whether working on a small site or trying new design approaches, it sharpened my problem-solving skills and gave me valuable insights into my personal philosophy.
Architecture is a dynamic field where ideas continuously evolve, and successful projects emerge from a blend of creativity, functionality, and social responsibility. This award aligns deeply with my belief that great architecture is about innovation with purpose, creating designs that are beautiful and functional and serve the diverse needs of those who engage with them.
I am honored to be selected for the WZMH Architects Award for Innovation and Design. The opportunity to reflect on my architectural journey expresses my gratitude for the community that shaped me and drives my commitment to give back. I believe in not only achieving personal excellence but also in contributing meaningfully to the lives of others, especially those who think their ideas are not valid. Architecture is a personal journey, and what makes it so beautiful is the diversity of backgrounds and opinions that lead to designs that authentically reflect diverse experiences and ideas.
WZMH Architects Award for Innovation and Design Excellence:
An award created by WZMH Architects in 1985 to provide financial support for students in the Department of Architectural Science. This award recognizes a 4th year student in the Architecture, Building Science concentrations that has demonstrated design excellence and innovation.
The TSA is committed to the betterment of our city, civic literacy on architecture and design, and the personal and professional growth of its members. Born from a spirit of community and collegiality within the profession, the work of the TSA is made possible thanks to the effort and dedication of dozens of volunteers contributing countless hours to make a better city and profession.
The Toronto Society of Architects Award recognizes this giving spirit, highlighting the importance of volunteering and service to the community.
WZMH Architects Award for Innovation and Design
While studying at Toronto Metropolitan University, I’ve always been interested in what good design entails. I’ve always wanted to understand how to push the boundaries of my creativity while still grounding design in reality. To me, design excellence has always been about experimenting with what is possible, using architecture as a canvas for aesthetics, and building science innovations. Through my recent internship, I had the privilege to work on projects that embody this philosophy. Sustainable design is becoming increasingly essential when addressing the looming challenges of climate change. I extensively studied new technologies, such as PV panel cladding (similar to solar panels), for the firm. I illustrated how “crazy ideas” can evolve into solutions that redefine sustainable energy practices. These solutions eventually become mainstream and start new cycles of revolution. Innovation in design allows for the impossible to be possible, and as future architects, it is our commitment to the people, the world, and ourselves to find solutions to problems.
The Cirque Eclipse is one way that I look for innovative design solutions. Circus art is a lost art; with that, people seem uninterested or even aware of how much we should appreciate it. Located on the southeast corner of Bond and Dundas Street, the Cirque Eclipse aims to break the dull urban fabric around the area and create an exciting building that attracts the attention of visitors and residents alike. The curved, red aluminum exterior form allows for light diffusion through the neighborhood and drastically contrasts the surrounding site to promote interaction. This design allows for the rediscovery of circus arts or even the introduction to it. My approach to design is to innovate and experiment with my ideas, whether they are successful or need adjustments. I believe progress in architecture and building science can only be achieved through testing one’s “wild” ideas.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was working on Request for Proposals (RFPs), where I collaborated with senior staff to turn conceptual ideas into viable architectural solutions. Whether working on a small site or trying new design approaches, it sharpened my problem-solving skills and gave me valuable insights into my personal philosophy.
Architecture is a dynamic field where ideas continuously evolve, and successful projects emerge from a blend of creativity, functionality, and social responsibility. This award aligns deeply with my belief that great architecture is about innovation with purpose, creating designs that are beautiful and functional and serve the diverse needs of those who engage with them.
I am honored to be selected for the WZMH Architects Award for Innovation and Design. The opportunity to reflect on my architectural journey expresses my gratitude for the community that shaped me and drives my commitment to give back. I believe in not only achieving personal excellence but also in contributing meaningfully to the lives of others, especially those who think their ideas are not valid. Architecture is a personal journey, and what makes it so beautiful is the diversity of backgrounds and opinions that lead to designs that authentically reflect diverse experiences and ideas.
