Articles from Canadian Architect

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.

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.

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.

A report by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) emphasizes the urgent need for public investment to save Canada's churches and faith-built spaces, which are closing rapidly due to shrinking congregations and rising maintenance costs. The report suggests that with shared governance and reinvestment, these spaces could be adapted for community needs such as affordable housing and educational centers. The loss of these buildings, integral for childcare, food banks, and cultural events, would detrimentally affect communities. The CUI calls for recognizing these spaces as essential civic assets and recommends strategic action to preserve them.

The final chapter of the Groundwork series, titled 'With an Acre', has arrived at the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA). This documentary and exhibition highlight architect Carla Juaçaba's projects in Minas Gerais, Brazil, where she develops pavilions for a network of sustainable, women-led coffee growers. The project aims to address ecological and social equity, emphasizing agrarian reform and forest conservation. The work is rooted in collaboration with the Flor de Café collective, aiming to create sustainable community spaces and reimagine the region's future.

The article discusses the new Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) between Canada and the EU, which offer Canadian architects new opportunities to expand their business in Europe. These agreements simplify the registration process for architects, eliminating redundant exams and credential reviews, thus opening a €2-trillion construction market. With the increasing political instability in the United States, Canadian architects are encouraged to look towards Europe to expand their services and expertise. With Canadian strengths in modular and sustainable building practices, the architects can align with European construction goals.

Stantec, a Canadian architecture firm, won an international competition to redesign the State Tax University in Ukraine, which was damaged during regional conflict. The redesign will transform the university into a hub for academic, social, and ecological regeneration, featuring sustainability, accessibility, and community-focused elements. The project highlights efforts to build a resilient and inspiring educational environment, aiming to symbolize hope and strength. Sponsored by the Center for Innovation and partnered with local organizations, the project attracted submissions from 18 countries.

The book 'Sustainable Housing in a Circular Economy' by Naomi Keena and Avi Friedman discusses integrating circular economy practices into housing to avoid the traditional 'take, make, waste' model. It emphasizes designing for disassembly, maximizing building lifespan through adaptable spaces, and the role of digital technologies like material passports. The book, primarily for academic readers, provides valuable insights for architects through global case studies, highlighting the essential shift towards sustainability in the construction industry.

The article discusses a new Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) signed between the UK and Canada, which facilitates the recognition of architects' licenses between the two countries. This agreement aims to streamline international collaboration and address global challenges in sustainability and architectural diversity. It highlights the potential for shared ideas, resources, and practices, emphasizing the importance of interprovincial and international cooperation in the architectural profession. The agreement is seen as a significant step towards opening more opportunities and enhancing collaboration amid global protectionist trends.

The article serves as a guide to modern architecture in Venice, curated by architect Bill Curran. It explores the historical and cultural significance of Venice, highlighting notable structures like Carlo Scarpa's architectural works. The guide emphasizes the city's preserved historical essence mixed with limited modern architectural interventions. Key modern landmarks and their contributions to Venice’s architectural landscape are discussed.