Articles from Canadian Architect

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.

McCallumSather has completed a groundbreaking affordable housing project in Hamilton, Ontario, featuring Canada's first use of mass timber construction combined with Passive House certification. The six-storey building, developed in partnership with CityHousing Hamilton, serves as a model for sustainable, high-performance, and replicable housing solutions in urban areas. Its design highlights rapid construction and long-term livability, integrating eco-friendly features like cross-laminated timber and a rooftop solar array. This initiative has been recognized with a third-place award at the Rethinking the Future Awards for its sustainable approach.

Canadian Interiors magazine announced the winners of its 28th annual Best of Canada Awards, highlighting excellence in interior design across various fields without limitations on size or budget. This year, 28 winners were selected, with Leckie Studio Architecture + Design Inc.'s 'Lantern House' awarded as Project of the Year for its contemporary design. The awards also recognized innovative products, including RYSE Inc.'s 'SmartCurtain' for its accessibility features, especially for people with limited mobility. The awards span categories such as Hospitality, Institutional, Office, Residence, Retail, and Products.

The op-ed outlines criticisms regarding Toronto's approach to laneway homes amid the housing crisis. It points out that the pre-approved designs lack customization and quality, do not fully utilize architects' expertise, and often do not meet basic accessibility standards. The article argues for the need for better design processes to achieve sustainable and quality housing solutions and highlights issues such as delayed planning approvals and costs. It suggests that moderate density infill, like six-plex developments, could be more beneficial than the current focus on laneway homes.

The article discusses the controversial redevelopment of Ontario Place in Toronto by Therme, which aims to create a giant spa and waterpark. Despite promising to transplant trees, none were saved when 865 trees were removed. Critics, including local advocacy groups and the Auditor General, have raised concerns about the lack of transparency and the privatization of the public space. The project aims to incorporate ecological features but faces skepticism over its claims of sustainability.

The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) has written an open letter to Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow expressing concerns regarding the expansion of the Certified Plans Program. The letter highlights worries over the misperceived role of architects in driving up housing costs and emphasizes the importance of checks and balances in the program. The OAA argues that architecture fees are minimal in overall construction expenses and stresses the value architects bring in risk identification and innovative solutions. The letter also discusses the need to address administrative inefficiencies within the City's Building Department.