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Registration Now Open for Archi.North Summer Camp

Registration Now Open for Archi.North Summer Camp

Camps open to students entering Grade 11 and 12

April 26, 2024 - A unique pre-university experience that challenges participants to exercise new ways of seeing, imagining, and designing the world around them returns to Greater Sudbury this summer. Archi·North, the bilingual, tricultural, in-person architecture summer camp at the McEwen School of Architecture at Laurentian University is now open for registration.

Archi·North participants will receive instruction from faculty and Architecture graduates in a one-of-a-kind introductory experience in architecture, design, drafting and drawing at McEwen School of Architecture’s award-winning campus.

“Summer 2023 was a big success for the first season of Archi·North. Bringing the program back this summer was an easy decision,” said Louis-Pierre Bélec, Assistant Professor, McEwen School of Architecture and Coordinator, Archi·North. “The professors and grads loved instructing and working with the students–and we got incredibly positive feedback from students and their parents. We’re excited to offer the camp again but also to continue to grow the program for both new and returning students.”

Building on the success of the inaugural camps last summer, this year offers two levels of the day camp. Session 01 for first-time participants, and Session 02 for returning participants who are interested in an extended two-week camp experience. This year, Archi·North will be issuing Sector-Partnered Experience certificates to students pursuing a Specialist High Skills Major in eligible sectors.

The camp is open to high school students who are entering Grade 11 and Grade 12 in September 2024. No other qualifications are required. A limited number of bursaries are available to eligible students through the Collab·North Sponsorship program.

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.” 

Laurentian Research Project Featured on Provincial Stage

Laurentian Research Project Featured on Provincial Stage

Professor Steven Beites and PhD student Ethan McDonald participate in Queen’s Park showcase event

(October 16, 2023) - Laurentian University’s Steven Beites, Assistant Professor at the McEwen School of Architecture, will be among the researchers present at the Council of Ontario Universities’ first Queen’s Park event since the pandemic: A Plan for Prosperity: Fueling the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain.  

Taking place on Monday, October 16, from 5 pm to 7 pm, the reception will provide an opportunity to interact with provincial leaders while highlighting the role of universities in creating a stronger Ontario.

At Queen’s Park, Professor Beites, who will be accompanied by PhD student Ethan McDonald, will showcase his research which hopes to address the affordable housing crisis, particularly in Northern Ontario, by developing automated construction processes and novel prefabricated modular assemblies, with a focus on low-carbon construction. He will engage Members of Provincial Parliament, Ministers, ministerial staff and other stakeholders with the help of an example of the automated construction process, posters about the research, and prototypes of the novel prefab assemblies.

This research is the result of work developed both in Steven's Graduate Studios, and by a transdisciplinary team that also includes the Bharti School of Engineering’s Marc Arsenault, the School of Natural Sciences’ Blake Dotta, and Reza Foruzanmehr. The research team received an Exploration grant from the New Frontiers in Research Fund in 2021 for their research titled ‘Human-Robot Interaction and Collaboration as a Catalyst for Creative Economy, Community Outreach and Emerging Design-Build Solutions in Ontario's North’.

McEwen School of Architecture Launches Summer Camps

McEwen School of Architecture Launches Summer Camps

Bilingual and tricultural camps to be offered in July 2023

(April 19, 2023) - The McEwen School of Architecture (MSoA) in Sudbury is proud to announce its first ever Archi·North Architecture Summer Camps.

Archi·North is a uniquely bilingual, tricultural, in-person architecture summer camp run by Canada’s newest architecture school at Laurentian University – selected top “15 Inspiring Architecture School Buildings from Around the World” by ArchDaily. Archi·North is open to high school students who are entering into Grades 11 and 12 in September 2023. Camps will be offered in two in-person sessions: July 17, 2023 – July 21, 2023 (English) and July 24, 2023 – July 28, 2023 (French).

With instruction from faculty and recent graduates, Archi·North offers an introductory experience in drafting and drawing, architectural design, physical model making, and digital software. Each week-long session will consist of a broad introduction into the architectural process and design thinking in an academic and design-oriented environment, and will end with an exhibition of the week’s work for viewing by family and the community.

As part of the first bilingual architecture school in Canada, Archi·North is dedicated to offer a pre-university experience that makes architectural education more accessible and more affordable to communities across Northern Ontario. The camps will also promote sustainable materials and technologies, with the MSoA facility being a prime example of mass-timber construction. Archi·North hopes to offer an unconventional summer camp experience that challenges participants to exercise new ways of seeing – and re-imagining – the world around them.

For more information and registration, please visit Archi·North or email us at archicamp@laurentian.ca.

McEwen School of Architecture students celebrate successful Nuit Blanche

McEwen School of Architecture students celebrate successful Nuit Blanche

Event well attended by community members across Northern Ontario

(March 30, 2023) - On Saturday, March 25th, Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture (MSoA) students curated the fifth annual Nuit Blanche, an evening dedicated to celebrating unity, culture and pride within Sudbury’s arts community. Nuit Blanche was first conceived by MSoA students in 2017 and involves art installations, musical and dance performances, as well as local vendors.  

“Nuit Blanche is all about bringing students and the northern community together through art and music,” explained Event Coordinator, Jenna El Takkale (Cairo, Egypt), third year Architectural Studies student. “Being able to enjoy artistic experiences as a community is powerful, and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate many artists from across Northern Ontario.” 

Nuit Blanche refers to night-time arts festivals that have become popular across the world. 

According to El Takkale, the success of Nuit Blanche was made possible by a team of passionate student volunteers. Alongside her, student leads coordinated and curated an event that was enjoyed by hundreds of visitors to the MSoA: 

  • Artist management lead: Sophie Jenson (Bradford, ON), 3rd year Architectural Studies student;
  • Music lead: Melanie Vanco (Sudbury, ON), 4th year Architectural Studies student;
  • Vendor lead: Siah Klassen (Emonston, AB), 3rd year Architectural Studies student; 
  • Media lead: Tanya D’Souza (Lubumbashi, DR Congo), 4th year Architectural Studies student; 
  • Graphic design lead: Justine Raso (Hamilton, ON), 3rd Architectural Studies student. 

Many special guests performed at this year’s Nuit Blanche, including:

  • Indigenous Pow Wow performers such as LU’s Drumming Circle; 
  • Bad Actors, a local acoustic duo that played original folk music on banjo and guitar;
  • Sierra MacMillan, talented 4th year Architectural Studies indie-alternative acoustic musician;
  • Cassidy Houston, LU alumna and local folk singer and songwriter;
  • Spiced Islands; local funk rock hand; 
  • Teleporters, local rock band;
  • Nico See at the Boulevard, hip hop rap artist from New Liskeard (ON), accompanied by live music.

“Local vendors were also on the scene,” said El Takkale. “It felt great to be able to support Northern Ontario small businesses by inviting them to be a part of Nuit Blanche.” 

“Nuit Blanche is an important student-led tradition at the McEwen School of Architecture,” said Dr. Tammy Gaber, Director of the McEwen School of Architecture. “Our students have hosted several very successful Nuit Blanches, including in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. This year’s Nuit Blanche was no exception in its grandeur. The creative energies of our MSoA student body and members of the local community were celebrated, and this event was enjoyed by all who attended.” 

Architecture students are already excited about next year’s event, as the intention is for Nuit Blanche to return to being delivered annually. This year’s Nuit Blanche returned after a two year (2021 and 2022) hiatus that was catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “It felt amazing to be able to offer Nuit Blanche once again to a community that I am proud to be a part of,” said El Takkale.

Laurentian to celebrate International Women’s Day all week long

Laurentian to celebrate International Women’s Day all week long

Events include Women’s Centre Open House and key discussions about women, gendered bodies, and gender equity.

(March 6, 2023) - International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. A gender equal world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination is one that we must collectively strive towards, and though International Women’s Day is annually celebrated on March 8th, Laurentian University is recognizing women and their achievements all week long, March 6th - March 10th, 2023.

Events will kick off on March 6th with a presentation in the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (ISLC) by journalist, professor, activist and Halifax’s former Poet Laureat, El Jones, who will speak about “Women, resistance and empowerment.”  

On March 7th, LU’s Women’s Centre (P-222), a volunteer-led group who advocates for women’s equality and a positive environment for women on campus, will host an Open House from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. “The Women’s Centre is important to have at Laurentian University because it allows women to have a place where they can feel at peace, feel safe and have support,” said LU’s Women’s Centre Coordinator and third-year Psychologie du sport student, Monica Jean-Baptiste.

“Historically, the function of the Women’s Centre has been to support women in crisis or who are disadvantaged. We offer a friendly atmosphere in addition to emergency support,” added volunteer and third-year Bachelor of Arts student, Josephine Suorineni. “Being student-led, the Women’s Centre is where women can find their voice among peers and help make positive changes at Laurentian. Sometimes, our community members may not be aware of what help is available to them, therefore, the Centre plays a crucial role in connecting women to services and resources.” 

On March 8th, the Brenda Wallace Reading Room in the JN Desmarais Library will host Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor, Dr. Victoria Kannen, for a book reading, “Gendered Bodies and Public Scrutiny.” 

Events on March 9th include presentations in the ISLC by Inuk Architectural Designer Nicole Luke, and a keynote panel at the McEwen School of Architecture, “Embracing Challenges and Seizing Opportunities.” Facilitators include keynote Nicole Luke and panelists, Dr. Brenda Brouwer (Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic), Dr. Jennifer Johnson (Manager of Laurentian Online and Adjunct Professor), and Yacine Cisse. 

“Celebrating the achievements of women can inspire and empower others – by sharing their journeys and experiences, women raise awareness about challenges, successes and what fuels their fire to do what they do,” says Dr. Brenda Brouwer, Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic, Laurentian University. She adds that the International Women’s Week events will shine a light on issues relating to gender equality. 

Community members are encouraged to participate in the many offerings of International Women’s Week.

A full schedule of events may be found here. 

Laurentian University to hold Open House, March 11, 2023

Laurentian University to hold Open House, March 11, 2023

Personalized tours, services fair, and sample lectures will be delivered

(March 1, 2023) - The Laurentian University community is preparing to welcome many future students, parents and other guests at the March 11th Open House, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

“Visitors can expect to participate in fascinating presentations and academic lectures demonstrating what their first year could look like at Laurentian. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a personalized campus tour,” said Events and Communications Coordinator, Office of Domestic Recruitment, Danielle Yasko-Pellerin. Stops along the way will include learning spaces and lecture halls, labs to libraries, residences to food services, and everything in between. 

“The entire university community including alumni, student ambassadors, staff, and faculty have come together to plan and execute this event that will welcome future students and other guests from near and far,” explained Pieter Breijer, Manager of Domestic Recruitment. “We're extremely excited to be showcasing Laurentian's outstanding faculties, services, and student life.”

Those interested in touring the University’s McEwen School of Architecture can expect a round-trip shuttle to and from this location and the University’s primary campus. A student ambassador will be eager to welcome all aboard.

Guests interested in attending sample lectures led by outstanding faculty members can expect to get a true sense of what it’s like to be a Laurentian student. Lectures will engage the audience on topics such as Ecohealth Promotion, Genetics and Genetic Diversity, Qu’est ce le stress et comment le gérer and Analyse sociologique du phénomène du tatouage.

Those interested in star gazing and the many teachings associated with the night sky can attend demonstrations in the Doran Planetarium, a 10-meter wide dome that projects a simulation of the sky ablaze with the twinkling of hundreds of bright stars. 

A student services and faculty fair will ensure that no question is left unanswered about Laurentian’s many services and programs. 

Laurentian regularly offers information sessions and campus tours to showcase campus.

Registration for Open House is available online.

 

Postscript: 

Attendance highlights include: 

  • 253 prospective students and more than 800 guests attended March Break events. This is a record number of attendees for LU’s Spring Open House! 
  • 117 student and alumni ambassadors worked events. 
  • More than 20 student clubs participated in events.
     

Two new scholarships from Perkins&Will are awarded to support Indigenous Architects in Canada

Two new scholarships from Perkins&Will are awarded to support Indigenous Architects in Canada

The annual awards are now available to Indigenous students in partnership with Laurentian University and Indspire

(February 22, 2023) - Perkins&Will is pleased to announce the recipients of the studio’s Architecture Excellence and Graduate Architecture awards for Indigenous students enrolled in the Bachelor and Master programs at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture. The two new annual scholarships were created as part of the studio’s commitment to reconciliation in Canada. Matched in available years by Indspire, Canada’s national, award-winning Indigenous registered charity, students will be awarded up to $5,000 for each scholarship. Recipients will also be granted an internship at Perkins&Will’s donor studio in either Vancouver or Calgary.

“Indigenous peoples are underrepresented in architecture with less than thirty professionals registered in Canada. We created these scholarships to support talented students to graduation and build capacity within the field,” says Susan Gushe, Principal and Managing Director of the Vancouver and Calgary studios of Perkins&Will.

The awards were conceived in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action report. Further demonstrating its commitment, the studio developed an internal Reconciliation Working Group and engages with Indigenous consultants to speak with and educate employees around knowledge of Indigenous culture and history. The studio continues to advocate to bring Indigenous peoples to the table and to involve them in projects in a meaningful way.

“The McEwen School of Architecture is proud of its tri-cultural mandate with Indigenous learning embedded in many courses throughout the program and members of Indigenous communities, Knowledge Carriers, and Elders contributing regularly in design and theory courses. The McEwen School of Architecture is proud of the students and graduates who have chosen to learn, apply, and respectfully engage to support further knowledge and design with and for Indigenous peoples,” said Dr. Tammy Gaber, Director and Associate Professor at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture.

As the only University in Canada with a tri-cultural mandate, Laurentian offers a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Indigenous worldviews and knowledge are present in courses and community settings throughout the program. Design studio options include ‘Architecture and Craft,’ ‘Indigenous Design’ or ‘Community Building’ and emphasis is placed on developing expertise in wood and sustainable materials.

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Perkins&Will and Laurentian University on this important initiative. These scholarships not only represent a significant new opportunity for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students who want to pursue careers in architecture, it is also a tangible sign of reconciliation in action. We look forward to walking this productive path together with Perkins&Will and Laurentian University,” says Mike DeGagné, President and CEO of Indspire.

 

Perkins&Will, Indspire and Laurentian University congratulates the following award recipients: 

The Perkins&Will Canada Indigenous Graduate Architecture Award

  • Recipient for the 2022-2023 academic year: Kyara Wendling, MA Architecture student
  • Recipient for the 2021-2022 academic year: Bohdana Chiupka Innes, MA Architecture graduate

(This award is distributed to Indigenous students who are enrolled in the Masters in Architecture program at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture. The recipient is selected based on academic achievement and a thesis research project.)

The Perkins&Will Canada Indigenous Architecture Excellence Award 

  • Recipient for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic years: Mackenzie Pitawanakwat, BA Architecture student

(This award is distributed to third and fourth year Indigenous students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Architectural Studies program at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture. The recipient is selected based on academic achievement and design excellence.)

To find out more about the awards or apply, visit: https://indspirefunding.ca/laurentian-university/. Application deadlines are February 1, August 1, and November 1. 


More about the winners

Kyara Wending was born and raised in Port Colborne but is also a member of the Archigantegou community. She is a 2nd year Master's in Architecture student studying and writing her thesis in French at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture. Kyara describes being fortunate to have learned a great deal about history and the significance that buildings hold through travel. “Buildings are artifacts that speak to us about how past cultures leave a lasting impact on today's world. As an artist, I've always wanted to leave my mark and I believe architecture is my outlet.” After graduation, Kyara hopes to continue working in the field of architecture in Canada and become a registered architect. She is eager to focus on integrating Indigenous methodologies, traditional knowledge and culture within the context of architecture. “I hope to continue to engage with various Indigenous communities and empower them through the built environment by learning from those around me while also continuing to find my own identity through my work.”

Bohdana Chiupka-Innes is a Moose Cree from Moose Cree First Nation. Having fostered an interest in Interior Design since a young age, Bohdana’s passion to learn more about Indigenous Architecture found her applying to Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture where she obtained her B.Arch in 2020 and M.Arch in 2022. “Learning about Indigenous Architecture at Laurentian University and how architecture can be a way to express our culture through built form has become a passion of mine. I hope to work with Indigenous communities across Turtle Island, bringing their vision and culture to life through architecture. Learning the history of our people is important, and I see Architecture as a way for our people to heal by connecting back to teaching and traditions through building design.”  

Mackenzie Pitawanakwat is an Anishinaabekwe from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation. She is a fourth-year student studying her Bachelor in Architectural Studies at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture. From a young age, Pitawanakwat found passion in the act of designing and creating. Keeping inclusivity in mind, she describes that she has benefited from the McEwen School of Architecture’s curriculum that supports the integration of Indigenous and natural materials in building and design. She has also benefited from interaction and guidance with elders and knowledge carriers (First Nations and Métis). “As an architect, I hope to influence the world we live in by working diligently to bridge the gap between a holistic and technical relationship within Architecture itself. I hope to contribute to First Nations Architecture and representation with the goal of giving back to my community and Indigenize land through design.”

 

About Perkins&Will:
Perkins&Will, an interdisciplinary, research-based architecture and design firm, was founded in 1935 on the belief that design has the power to transform lives. Guided by its core values—design excellence, diversity and inclusion, living design, research, resilience, social purpose, sustainability, and well-being—the firm is committed to designing a better, more beautiful world. Metropolis named Perkins&Will “Firm of the Year” in 2022 for its industry leadership in advancing climate action and social justice. Fast Company named Perkins&Will one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in Architecture three times, and in 2021, it added the firm to its list of Brands That Matter—making Perkins&Will the only architecture practice in the world to earn the distinction. With an international team of more than 2,000 professionals, the firm has over 20 studios worldwide, providing integrated services in architecture, interior design, branded environments, urban design, and landscape architecture. Industry rankings consistently place the firm among the world’s top design practices. Partners include Danish architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen; retail strategy and design consultancy Portland; sustainable transportation planning consultancy Nelson\Nygaard; and luxury hospitality design firm Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR). For more information, visit www.perkinswill.com.

About Indspire:
Indspire is an Indigenous national charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding partners, Indspire provides financial awards, delivers programs, and shares resources so that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students will achieve their highest potential. In 2021-2022, Indspire provided more than $23 million through 6,612 bursaries and scholarships to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students across Canada.

Design Studio takes McEwen School of Architecture graduate students to Delhi, India and the Old Walled City of Shahjahanabad in old Delhi

Design Studio takes McEwen School of Architecture graduate students to Delhi, India and the Old Walled City of Shahjahanabad in old Delhi

SSHRC Insight Development Grant supports the development of architecture and urban design proposals.

(December 20, 2022) - “It was when the plane hit the tarmac in Delhi that I truly realized how incredible this experience would be for the students,” said McEwen School of Architecture Professor Shannon Bassett. 

On December 17th 2022, first year Master of Architecture students from Professor Shannon Bassett’s Graduate Architecture Studio class presented their architecture and urban design proposals for the Old Walled City of Delhi at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture. To develop these architecture and urban design proposals, graduate students had the opportunity to travel to India  from October 7th through 22nd. The team was primarily based in New Delhi but also travelled to other key cities in India as examples in best-case practices in Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design. 

While in India, the group worked in collaboration with faculty and students from the renowned Delhi School of Planning and Architecture. They met with elected officials, stakeholders and members of the community who informed ongoing designs - designs part of a larger Insight Development Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council entitled, “Reducing Risk, Raising Resilience: Recovering the Public Spaces of Shahjahanabad Through Participatory Conservation and Ecological Urbanism.”

“Through action-oriented design research, this grant helps us to address issues being faced by Shahjahanabad, the Old Walled City of Delhi, which faces architectural decay and degradation, in addition to the ecological fragmentation of a once ecologically resilient urban fabric and cultural landscape, with its innovative and sustainable interconnected public space systems,” said Bassett. “We hope that we can help shape the build environment and its future sustainability, as well as serving as a useful best-case practice model.” 

Added Natalia Sawant, a participating graduate student originally from Mumbai, India, who was raised in Dubai, United Arab Emirates: “Participating in this graduate studio has been an insightful experience. Through various scales of groundwork and field research, we have been able to organize creative interventions that are meant to aid or improve on the existing and historical structure of Old Delhi within its urban context. The trip itself deeply aided in the design process, prompting us to think about the larger and deeply cultural context of architecture within an international milieu.”

Said another participating student, Jan Paolo Masangkay, originally from Manila, Philippines: “The trip was an eye-opening experience for many, as the culture in New Delhi was a drastic change to our familiar setting in Greater Sudbury. This experience has led many to think, research, and design their architectural interventions in ways that prioritize and highlight the rich history, culture, and people of India.” 

During their expedition, students and Bassett had the opportunity to travel to other cities and world heritage sites across India to further their educational experiences. Stops included the new city of Chandigarh, the Taj Maha and Agra Fort in Agal, Fatehpur Sikri and Jaipur (The Water City). “ I am so proud of these students who I think had a lot of fun as well. The experience was very bonding and I think all appreciated the learning opportunity outside of the classroom,” said Bassett.  

According to Bassett, as this project is further developed, she looks forward to a return voyage to Shahjahanabad with select graduate students to assist with the implementation of design proposals and to present the design proposals to the community, stakeholders and elected officials.There will be an ensuing publication of the project as well as a travelling exhibition which will feature the student’s design proposals in it.

For more information, visit the project’s website or email Shannon Bassett at sbassett@laurentian.ca. 
 

Teaching Excellence Awards 2022

Teaching Excellence Awards 2022

Recipients of the 2022 Teaching Excellence Awards: Michelle Reid and Jean-Philippe Saucier

(October 27, 2022) - The Senate Committee on Teaching and Learning is very pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Teaching Excellence Awards.  

The Teaching Excellence Award for Part-Time Faculty Members 2022 is awarded to Michelle Reid, B.Arts Sc., M.Sc., M.S.Com. (LU), Sessional Instructor, Science Communication Graduate Program, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture. 

Michelle Reid has been teaching as a sessional instructor in the Master of Science Communication program since 2017. Ms. Reid is described as “a champion of innovative teaching methods, especially in using educational technologies and in her application of active learning techniques to engage students to maximize participation and experiential learning.” In her teaching philosophy, she states that she tries “to establish a learning environment where students feel supported to take creative risks, stretch their comfort zone by communicating through new media formats, and openly share the challenges they are facing in their research and practice, so that we can approach them together.” 

The Teaching Excellence Award for Full-Time Faculty Members 2022 is awarded to Jean-Philippe Saucier, B.Sc.Arch., M.Sc., M.Arch., Master Lecturer, McEwen School of Architecture, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture.  

Jean-Philippe Saucier has taught at the McEwen School of Architecture (MSoA) since 2016.  Teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, in both English and French, he has distinguished himself for the high quality of his instruction, especially in the context of the studio courses that he leads. He has been described as a “highly organized, rigorous and dedicated professor,” who shows a “passion for the material in the courses he teaches.” Not only has Mr. Saucier shown excellence in the classroom, but he is known for the considerable time and effort that he gives to his students outside of class time, “encouraging excellence out of his students, even if that student is one in a 70-person studio.”  

Moreover, Mr. Saucier has contributed much, both formally and informally to the overall teaching enterprise of the MSoA. He has chaired the BAS Curriculum Committee and as Program Coordinator, he has shown “tireless professionalism” in the evaluation of applicant portfolios. He has also designed the MSoA Graduation Awards ceremonies, led class trips to Detroit and Chicago, organized lecture series, among many other contributions. He has been a valuable resource to his colleagues as a frequent guest lecturer in their courses, but also in their adoption of teaching technologies. In general, Mr. Saucier is esteemed by his colleagues and  students for his devotion to the success of his students and of the School as a whole, going “far beyond expectation in every way.” 

The Teaching Excellence Award certificates will be presented at the afternoon ceremony of the fall convocation on October 29, 2022. We congratulate Ms. Reid and Mr. Saucier on their notable achievements in teaching at Laurentian University.

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