Articles from Canadian Architect

The 2025 Heritage Toronto Awards announced six winners across categories such as Book, Public History, and Built Heritage from 60 nominees. Michael McClelland was awarded the Special Achievement Award for his contributions to Toronto's heritage, including projects like the restoration of the Don Jail. Notable projects recognized include the revitalization of 2 Queen Street West and the adaptive reuse of the Deer Park Church. These awards highlight significant contributions to preserving cultural landscapes in Toronto.

B+H Architects has filed for protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act in Canada due to significant financial challenges stemming from a project in the UAE. The court-supervised agreement allows them to continue operations while exploring sale and investment options, including a stalking horse agreement with Surbana Jurong Holdings. The firm faces financial strain due to a $25 million CAD arbitration award in the UAE and the cancellation of large projects amid economic headwinds. The hearing for the sale agreement is scheduled for October 27, 2025.

A new AI model is designed to improve indoor ventilation in buildings during wildfire seasons, when outdoor air quality significantly deteriorates due to smoke and particulate matter. Developed by researchers at Carleton University, the model integrates simulation with deep learning to optimize indoor environments, helping reduce carbon dioxide levels and minimize the health impacts of poor air quality. This model allows designers to simulate various scenarios in enclosed spaces, offering insight into effective placement and quantity of ventilation systems. As wildfires continue to affect Canadian air quality, such innovations are seen as essential in creating safer indoor environments.

Architecture schools across Canada are collaborating on a project called Superstudio during the 2025-2026 academic year to address housing alienation. This initiative involves 13 institutions, where design studios will be dedicated to creating solutions to improve housing inclusivity. Organized by Architects Against Housing Alienation, the project aims to inspire new design methods and foster a movement for change. The outcomes will be showcased in a digital exhibition at the end of each academic term.

Urbanarium announced the winners of the Decoding Timber Towers competition, which challenged participants to innovate in the design of mass timber residential and mixed-use buildings. The contest received entries from six countries, with winning teams praised for their modular and sustainable designs. MT3, an intern team from Moriyama Teshima Architects, won first place and jointly received the DIGITAL Prize. The competition also highlighted potential changes in building codes to enhance affordability and sustainability in housing.

The City of Toronto has launched an international design competition for the new Ramsden Park Community Recreation Centre, aiming to create an accessible and net zero emissions facility near Rosedale subway station. The project will include pools, a gymnasium, and multi-purpose community spaces, with the groundbreaking scheduled for 2028 and completion by 2033. This competition, the first for a community centre in Toronto since 1987, seeks to enhance design excellence and align with the city's sustainability goals under the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy.

The Canadian Architect Awards of Excellence, organized annually by Canadian Architect, is open for submissions until September 12, 2025. The competition is eligible for Canadian architects and architectural graduates whose projects are in the design stage or under construction. It includes categories for design excellence and photography, with projects being evaluated on various architectural and environmental factors. This year's jury includes architects and a photographer evaluating both design and photo submissions.

The article discusses the 'Groundwork' film series by the CCA, which presents architecture as a collaborative and ecological endeavor rather than focusing on the traditional aspects of construction. Through three documentaries set in China, Brazil, and Europe, the series highlights minimal interventions by architects like Xu Tiantian, who engage with local communities and environments. The project challenges conventional architectural discourse by emphasizing sustainability, community cooperation, and ecological sensitivity. These films serve as a medium for discussing new curatorial practices and the role of institutions in creating enduring references for architecture.

Limberlost Place, a new 10-storey mass timber academic building at George Brown College in Toronto, represents a groundbreaking approach to sustainable architecture and education facilities. Designed by Moriyama Teshima Architects and Acton Ostry Architects, this structure is notable for its use of mass timber to achieve long spans while meeting regulatory occupant load requirements. The design includes passive ventilation, a prefabricated façade, and social spaces, contributing to the building's role as a living lab for students. The project embodies a shift towards incorporating community and sustainability into academic settings.

The Canadian Pavilion at the Osaka World Expo features an immersive experience utilizing augmented reality to portray Canada's evolving landscapes and histories. Designed by a team including Canadian and Japanese architects, the pavilion uses prefabricated steel trusses and a translucent mesh, allowing its structure to be reused in future projects. Managed by ES GLOBAL, the design emphasizes sustainability over unique architectural detailing. The pavilion provides a space for reflecting on Canada's national identity and future architectural direction.

The Canadian Architect Awards has announced its jury for the 2025 awards, including Alison Brooks from the UK, Sonia Gagné from Montreal, Kelly Buffey from Toronto, and photographer Salina Kassam also from Toronto. The jury members are renowned for their achievements in architecture and photography, bringing a wealth of expertise to the awards. The competition recognizes architectural projects still in the design stage and also includes a Photo Awards category. The deadline for entry submissions is September 12, 2025.

Nova Scotia is prioritizing wood construction and heating in public buildings to support the local forestry sector, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance energy security. The government will focus on using local wood products like mass timber and wood pellets, aiming to foster a circular economy and create jobs. This initiative aligns with the province's goals of a low-carbon future and economic self-reliance. Departments will prioritize wood products in new construction, renovations, and heating conversions for government-funded projects.