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Post Convocation Photography by Anuja Thurairajah |
In this issue: Congratulations Class of '25 | RAIC Conference | Welcome New Associate Chairs | Cucinella Exhibit & More! |
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Congratulations Class of '25 |
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On June 23, we celebrated the incredible achievements of our graduating students at the morning convocation ceremony—and followed it up with a heartfelt reception at the Department of Architectural Science. Friends, family, faculty, and grads came together to raise a glass, share memories, and take in the Year End Show one last time before the exhibition was dismantled later that day. It was a meaningful send-off for a remarkable graduating class.
To the Class of 2025: we are so proud of all you've accomplished, and we can’t wait to see where your path leads next. Please stay in touch—you’ll always be part of the DAS community.
Check out our photo album on Flickr for highlights from the day! |
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DAS Thrives at RAIC Conference
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By Arvin Ashouri
Students and faculty from TMU’s Department of Architectural Science (DAS) earned awards, mobilized knowledge, and presided over distinguished events at the 2025 conference of the Royal Architectural Institute of Architects (RAIC), held in Montreal from June 1-4, 2025. This annual event brings together the architectural community from across Canada and abroad for inspiring keynotes, continuing education sessions, exhibitions, tours, awards ceremonies, and socials.
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DAS Student Earns International Design Prize
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Architectural Science Co-op student Samuel Hardwicke-Brown has earned second place prize in the Rural Readingscape - Library Design 2024 Competition, hosted by Archiol Competitions. Samuel’s project, entitled “Bridging the Gap: A catalyst for adaptive reuse and cultural enrichment” repurposes an abandoned open-pit copper mine in Utah into a rural library that bridges the gap between industrial exploitation and environmental and social renewal. One juror remarks: “This work demonstrates a bold and innovative design gesture, thoughtfully integrating compelling technical details and a strong conceptual narrative.” For the project presentation and interview with Samuel, see here.
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frontoffice tokyo Wins International Design Award for Housing Concept in Belgium
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Congratulations to Associate Professor Will Galloway and frontoffice tokyo, who—together with Belgian collaborators Joris DeBaes Architects—took first prize in the 2025 Rethinking The Future Awards (Housing Concept, up to 5 floors) for their Avelgem Housing project. The proposed 33-unit development responds to Belgium’s urgent housing crisis with a thoughtful, small-town-scaled solution. Drawing from Japan’s flexible, livable urban planning model, the design focuses on community spaces, mixed housing types, and a sensitive integration into Avelgem’s traditional urban fabric.
This award-winning concept shows how architects can shape more inclusive, resilient housing futures—both globally and locally.
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Welcome New Associate Chairs
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The Department of Architectural Science welcomes new Associate Chairs starting July 1, 2025.
Dr. June Komisar resumes the role of Associate Chair of Undergraduate Student Affairs, a position she previously held in 2022-2023 and intermittently since 2018. Prof. Carlo Parente begins the role of Associate Chair of the Architecture graduate program. DAS also extends a heartfelt thank you to those leaving these roles to take well-earned sabbaticals: Hitesh Doshi, who served as Associate Chair of Undergraduate Student Affairs 2024-2025 and Paul Floerke, who served as Associate Chair of the Architecture Graduate Program from 2022 to 2025.
Continuing Associate Chairs include: Dr. Jenn McArthur, Graduate Program in Project Management in the Built Environment, Dr. Russell Richman, Graduate Program in Building Science, Prof. Cheryl Atkinson, Mobility and Global Learning, Prof. Yew-Thong Leong, Experiential Learning and Co-op. According to DAS Chair Lisa Landrum, “Directing a Department involves teamwork and dreamwork. I’m grateful to those who step-up to the challenge, responsibility and privilege of collaborative leadership.”
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Upcoming Events |
Mario Cucinella Architects Exhibition and Masterclass
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DAS is proud to welcome internationally acclaimed architect Mario Cucinella as part of the 2025 ICFF Architettura & Design program! Join us on July 9 for a thought-provoking masterclass with Cucinella, where students, faculty, and recent graduates will explore how architecture can respond to pressing environmental and social challenges. Rooted in the work of his Bologna and Milan-based firm, MCA – Mario Cucinella Architects, the session introduces a regenerative design philosophy grounded in four key pillars: Environmental Quality, Life Quality, Life Cycle, and Past & Future. For more information on the masterclass, click here.
Stick around after the masterclass for the opening of the Canadian debut exhibition Architecture for a Sustainable Future – The Vision of Mario Cucinella, on view at the Paul H. Cocker Gallery from July 10–September 11. Featuring large-scale models, interactive research displays, and iconic projects from MCA’s portfolio, the exhibition offers a deep and immersive look at a practice that places life quality, sustainability, and empathy at the heart of design. This special program is presented in partnership with the Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF) and supported by the TMU Office of the Provost. |
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Extracurricular |
Solstice: Student Installation Celebrates Light, Air, and Movement
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Unveiled on the summer solstice at the Toronto Botanical Garden, Solstice is a striking new installation by second-year DAS students Arjun Jain and Jade Wong Yu Tung. The project continues their investigation into environmental phenomena through site-responsive design, building on their earlier work Solair, featured at Winter Stations Toronto.
Solstice refracts sunlight, channels wind, and aligns precisely with the solstice sunrise to create a dynamic sensory experience that highlights the fleeting interplay of light, air, and movement.
Developed under the mentorship of Professor Yew-Thong Leong and in collaboration with the Toronto Botanical Garden, the installation was shaped by site-specific feedback and designed to harmonize with the garden’s ecological rhythms, visitor pathways, and spatial character.
This project was generously supported by Post2Fence, Garnica, and Upper Canada Forest Products. |
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325 Magazine Launch | 2023-2024
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The 2023-2024 edition of 325 Magazine looks at progression in a multifaceted way. Through both its production and its selected works, this edition was assembled to reflect the processes that support the manifestation of design projects. The ways in which these processes can provide direction while navigating a project is explored through three project sections. Section one focuses on the energy that drives student’s working designs. This includes projects that had a strong narrative. Section two features projects that were heavily directed by contextual influences. This includes projects that are shaped by the existing people, culture, or forms. Section three focused on projects that had an innovative element to them. This includes projects that shifted perspectives, adapted spaces, or challenged norms. These three project sections were respectively supported by three editorials that narrowed in on approach, space, and ideology. |
| Read the Magazine Online |
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Student Opportunities |
The Architecture Drawing Prize (TADP) |
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Open to all students, architects, designers and artists. Submit your drawings before Friday, September 12 for a chance to win and have your work showcased globally! The Architecture Drawing Prize (TADP) celebrates and showcases the art and skill of architectural drawing in multiple formats. Established in 2017, the Prize has become a leading international platform for discourse around architectural drawing with both shortlisted and winning entries exhibited at Sir John Soane's Museum in London. |
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Bridge Building Challenge: First Year Students Explore Structures of Storytelling |
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Ever wonder how practical structural concepts could come together with creativity and design to tell a story?
Introducing: the Bridge Building Challenge, part of a first year structures course taken by Architectural Science students at Toronto Metropolitan University. Consisting primarily of mathematical and physics-centered learning, the course culminated with a creative capstone challenge to translate practical learning into a memorable video. |
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External Events & Opportunities |
CTBUH Joins DAS Community |
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The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) is excited to launch its new Canada office at the TMU Architecture Building starting July 15, beginning its collaboration with the Department of Architectural Science at Toronto Metropolitan University.
As the world’s leading authority on tall buildings and vertical urbanism, CTBUH will collaborate with members of the DAS community on research, events, and student engagement. Through this partnership, DAS students and faculty gain full access to CTBUH’s Tall Building Database, research tools, and global professional network. Additional perks include discounted registration for CTBUH events, and opportunities to publish, present, or participate in upcoming initiatives.
You’ll start seeing CTBUH-led programming on campus this fall in the lead-up to our 2025 International Conference in Toronto this October. Stop by ARC 307 after July 15 to say hello—we're excited to connect with the DAS community. |
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Alumni News |
Class of ’85 Celebrates 40 Years |
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This June, the Class of 1985 returned to DAS to celebrate their 40th reunion—a weekend filled with laughter, reflection, and a deep sense of pride in the careers and friendships shaped over four decades.
From an evening of storytelling and celebration to a guided tour of the department and a visit to the Year End Show, the reunion brought graduates back to the place where it all began. As they reconnected, many shared how the program’s rigorous, hands-on approach—what some fondly remember as “ArchiTorture”—prepared them for impactful careers in professional practice. From CEOs to principals, builders to leaders, the Class of ’85 has helped shape skylines across Canada and beyond. The group also had the chance to meet current Chair Lisa Landrum, explore how the program has evolved, and reflect on the enduring value of an education rooted in practice, purpose, and passion. |
TMU Programming |
Architecture Camp Summer Starts July 7th - Still Time to Register! |
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DAS presents this week-long camp for campers looking to unleash their creativity! Campers learn from some of the top Architectural Science students at Toronto Metropolitan, and participate in innovative and engaging team and individual exercises.
Each week's program culminates in a distinct take-home project that campers develop and take home on the final day of the week.
Camp days comprise an even balance of Architecture programming and physically active Camp games, so your camper goes home each day having nurtured both their body and brain.
The curriculum for Architecture Camp is developed by Prof. Vince Hui, who is a past recipient of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations Teacher Award.
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Missed an event? |
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Most of our guest lectures are live-streamed. Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch our recordings! |
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Department of Architectural Science, Toronto Metropolitan University
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