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Architecture Students Collaborate with Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin to Design Accessible Housing

Architecture Students Collaborate with Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin to Design Accessible Housing

Students undertake project to help local community

December 17, 2024 - Master of Architecture students at Laurentian University have been working on an innovative project in collaboration with Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin (ILSM). Under the guidance of professor Dr. Thomas Strickland, the students are designing a fully accessible residential building based on the specific needs of the residents of ILSM while applying the seven principles of universal design.

This project goes beyond academia, offering students real-world experience with client-centered design and addressing pressing community needs. The proposed building, featuring 30 accessible units, communal spaces, and accommodations for individuals, couples, and families, aims to redefine how accessibility and aesthetics can coexist to enhance quality of life.

“This class is not just about meeting building standards or best practices—it’s about exceeding them to create a better lived experience for the client,” said Dr. Strickland. “Our students get plenty of hands-on learning experiences in the Architecture program. This specific class gives them a robust opportunity to engage with clients from initial meeting to potentially breaking-ground.”

The class has embraced a collaborative process, working together as an architecture firm and engaging ILSM as their client. The students have met with ILSM staff and community members to gather feedback, refine ideas, and ensure the design meets the needs of individuals with diverse disabilities—including mobility, cognitive, and visual impairments.

The students have already showcased their work during review sessions with ILSM, leveraging their own innovative ideas like creating 3D-printed floor plans to facilitate feedback.

"This experience has been enriching for our members,” said Angela Gray, Executive Director of ILSM. “The process epitomizes our slogan of ‘Nothing for us without us’ since the members had the opportunity of talking about their personal experiences in a solution-oriented process with individuals who really care about helping them meet their needs for independence”

For the students, the project is a unique opportunity to learn how to merge functionality, beauty, and client-focused design. Their work demonstrates how architecture can drive positive change, fostering independence and quality of life for people living with disabilities.

“Working with a real client has taught us to approach design differently. It’s not just about an architect’s expertise, it’s about understanding how people actually live and use spaces; how they navigate their built environment,” said Zoe Clarke, first-year Master of Architecture student.

The students’ designs are inspired by their research as well as a recent class trip to Copenhagen, where they studied some of the world’s most accessible buildings.

“The ultimate goal is to help ILSM present these designs to government agencies and funding organizations to secure the resources needed to bring the project to fruition,” said Dr. Strickland. “Knowing the impact that this project could have has inspired the students.”

Originally from Tiny Township, Ontario, about three hours south of Sudbury, Zoe chose Laurentian for her Bachelor of Architecture based on a story she had seen highlighting a project where students worked with an Indigenous Elder to build canoes.

“I chose the Architecture program at Laurentian for the experiential learning opportunities they offer but I never imagined I'd be helping design a building for the community that would actually be built,” Zoe said. “This is the kind of work that leaves a lasting impact on us as students and makes a difference in our community and the world of accessible design .”

Laurentian University Master of Architecture students finalized designs and presented proposals to members of Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin last week.

“The students’ passion and creativity have been great,” Angela said, reflecting on the collaborative process. “We believe this building will become a reality, and we are excited to see the students’ designs come to life.”

Creativity and Community Core Components of Architecture Career

Creativity and Community Core Components of Architecture Career

Two Northern Ontario Master of Architecture Alumni say the career is better than they could have imagined.

January 15, 2024 - When Laurentian University welcomed the inaugural class to the McEwen School of Architecture in 2013, Taylor Kreps was part of that cohort. Today she is a Project Architect at an architectural firm based in Sudbury. Alain Roy works at the same Northern Ontario firm as an Intern Architect. The road to becoming an architect is long but according to these two Laurentian alumni, it’s also full of rewarding experiences. 

To become a licensed architect, a person has to complete their undergraduate degree in Architectural Studies, their graduate degree in Architecture, and then complete a certain number of hours as an intern at an architecture firm. Throughout the entire process, the learning is hands-on. Students start working with materials in the shop in their first year of study. 

Taylor says that from the beginning, her values as an architect were being formed by her experience in the program. “Part of being a good architect is listening. Almost everything we did in the program at Laurentian was in groups or teams, always involving the community,” says Taylor. “It built my understanding of how to be an architect but also built my love of working with communities.” 

Alain Roy, just beginning his career having graduated from the Master of Architecture program in 2022, recently supported a project that involved designing an addition to the Louis-Riel Centre at College Boreal. “It’s a place where Indigenous students and community members can gather,” Alain explained. “The project has been a learning experience for me. It is currently being constructed and I have really enjoyed being a part of the design team from the start.”

Both Taylor and Alain are from Ontario and knew they wanted to be licensed here but more than that, they wanted their education to happen in the North because they love what the area has to offer. “Sudbury offers so much for architects. There are large scale commercial projects and intimate community-based projects all within this huge Northern Ontario geographical area,” says Taylor. “Having grown up in the north and in a small community, learning in this setting was a big factor in shaping my student experience.” The setting was a determining factor for Alain as well, “I wanted to stay in the North but most of all, I wanted to be able to study and practice in French. Now in my work, many of my colleagues are bilingual and I often work on projects that require bilingualism. It’s a core value for me.” 

Taylor, on the other hand, is four-years-in to her career and is starting to visualize what the future looks like for her. She loves the firm where she works and is hoping to take on leadership roles on projects. “I like design and I like exploring how to effectively serve the community with well-designed spaces. For example, I like working on healthcare projects because the final product really supports the needs of the community.” Taylor worked with a team on the emergency department addition at the Manitoulin Health Centre and cites that project as being a most fulfilling and favoured project for her. 

For future students considering the program, both Taylor and Alain agree that creativity, community, and hands-on learning are key to a well-rounded education. “We are taught to be crafts people. We understand detailing and we understand design. The education we received offered enough of a spectrum that students are prepared for any aspect of the field and can pick what they want the focus of their work to be,” said Taylor. Alain agrees, advising future students to “make the most of it and enjoy the creative freedom in school”. Both are as enthusiastic about their love of their career as they are for their love of their community. “This career is better than I ever expected. I love it.”