DAS News

In this issue: Doors Open TO Recap | CASA Student Showcase | SSAC Conference | Cucinella Exhibit & More!

Doors Open at DAS

Over the weekend of May 24-25, the Department of Architectural Science opened its doors to the public, inviting hundreds of visitors to explore its dramatic spaces and be inspired by the student work on display on all four floors as part of the Year End Show. 

This is the second year that DAS has participated in this popular city-wide Doors Open Toronto event, since its debut in 2024. The TSA’s unwavering support—alongside the dedication of its amazing volunteers—helped make this year’s Doors Open a resounding success. As one of the featured sites in this major GTA-wide event, DAS proudly showcased its vibrant community, cutting-edge research, and the next generation of design talent.

Student Alexander Volyk Finalist in CASA Student Showcase

DAS celebrates the outstanding achievement of third-year student Alexander Volyk, who has been named a finalist in the CASA Student Showcase at this year’s national forum. The event highlights exceptional student work from across Canada, and Volyk’s project, The Synergy Hub, stood out among the submissions.

The Synergy Hub reimagines urban living with a Canadian co-housing model inspired by European designs. Located on Sherbourne Street, the midrise project prioritizes social interaction through a blend of private, semi-private, and public spaces. A central communal kitchen and living area—complete with a fireplace—encourage year-round connection, while a sunken courtyard seamlessly links indoor and outdoor spaces. Thoughtful amenities like bike storage and a two-story daycare further enhance community living.

Volyk was joined by several other students recognized at the forum, including Anh Hoang, Cuejun, Heba Al-Fayez, Isobel Morris, and Kaia Vanaselja, showcasing the university’s strong design talent.

Congratulations to Alexander and all the students whose work was celebrated on the national stage!

Learn more about The Synergy Hub and other featured projects at the CASA Student Showcase.

Architecture Camp

A special feature this year was an activity area for youth, promoting DAS’s summer camps. Counsellors, including Architectural Science students Arjun Jain, Dhruvan Modugula, and Sana Galloway, as well as Jade Yu Tung Wong, were on hand to engage prospective campers in building and decorating their own architectural desk organizers.

The Architecture Camp and Digital Creativity Camp run for eight weeks in July and August - starting June 30th. Registration is open!

DAS was on display at multiple Doors Open events. Prof. Julia Jamrozik, together with CKJJ partner Coryn Kempster, presented at the TSA Architects Talk: Spaces for Play at the University of Toronto Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design. 

DAS research thrives at SSAC Conference

By Hyo Yeon (Tiana) Lee

Students and faculty from the Department of Architectural Science at Toronto Metropolitan University had the opportunity to present their research at the 2025 SSAC Conference. With over 100 presentations, the conference brought together scholars, industry professionals, designers, and educators to explore the evolving role of architecture. DAS made a strong contribution with seven presentations across five thematic sessions, showcasing the department’s engagement with critical issues shaping the built environment.

Architecture Building planters growing again

Thanks to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), TMU’s Urban Water Student Leadership Committee, TMU Facilities Management & Development (FMD), and 15 volunteers, the formerly barren planter boxes at 325 Church Street are alive again. 

DAS Chair Lisa Landrum, shop manager Jordan So, and Architectural Science students Aanya Amin and Laila Kirton were among those donning gloves and wielding shovels to plant native shrubs in the tiered planters. As Aanya remarked, “Having a hands-on experience to contribute to the growth of our campus space was exciting!” Laila added, “It was both educational and a lot of fun!”

Bold visions: Students Reimagine Toronto Metropolitan University’s Architecture Building

By Spencer Henderson

The Department of Architectural Science (DAS) posed a challenge to third-year students: help transform the department’s Architecture Building into one of the most innovative and sustainable learning spaces on the university’s campus. The results? New gallery spaces, innovative facades, workspaces for next-generation technologies, and much more.

The projects were part of an integrated studio, coordinated by professors Carlo Parente and Will Galloway, along with a team of instructors. The studio asked students to consider adaptive re-use in the creation of a new future for the school, while integrating all aspects of building design from site context to structural systems and building envelope details.

Mario Cucinella Architects Exhibition Comes to PHC Gallery

This July, DAS is partnering with the ICFF as part of the Lavazza InClucity Festival to present an exhibition celebrating the work of Mario Cucinella Architects. The showcase will feature architectural models of MCA’s most iconic sustainable designs—revealing the innovation and precision behind their globally acclaimed projects. Launching on July 9, 2025, with Mario Cucinella in attendance, this exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the creative process shaping the future of eco-conscious architecture. Stay tuned for information on the masterclass!

You're Invited: Post Convocation Reception

Dear Graduating Students - and families,

You're invited to a special post-convocation reception in the Architecture Building immediately following the June 23 morning ceremony. Please join DAS Chair Lisa Landrum to raise a glass with family, friends, and faculty as we celebrate your achievements and a fantastic year together! This is also a chance to enjoy one last look at the Year End Show exhibition before it starts coming down later that afternoon.

Congratulations on your graduation from the Department of Architectural Science. We're so proud of you—and we hope you’ll stay connected in the years to come!

Invisible Accessibility Competition : More than $30,000 to be won

The Université de Montréal’s Faculté de l’aménagement invites students and recent graduates worldwide to reimagine inclusive spaces in its Universal Design Ideas Competition. Open to multidisciplinary teams and individuals in design, architecture, and landscape architecture, this anonymous competition seeks bold, transformative concepts—not just technical fixes—that promote equity and accessibility. Eligible participants must be enrolled in a university program during Fall 2024, Winter 2025, or Summer 2025 (or have graduated within the past year). Registration is free and mandatory—visit the competition webpage to sign up and submit your visionary ideas!

Student Competition:
Retrofit of an Existing Institutional Building

Upcoming TSA Events

Mzawe Kiing Anishinaabek Giizis / National Indigenous Peoples Month

Architecture Camp Summer 2025 Now Accepting Applications!