Seminars

A panel of four emerging Canadian architects included in the 2009 Twenty + Change exhibition explore the changing role of the architect in society. These young firms are finding different methods to address and extend the impact of architecture through their practices, including a project-management approach; an education and design-research practice; creating self-initiated commissions to extend the architect’s potential to impact public space; and a more conventional service-based practice. Architects from Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto compare notes on opportunities and challenges facing their growing practices.

Speakers: Trevor McIvor is principal at Altius Architecture and Sustain Design Studio, a firm focused on the development of sustainable modular housing. Altius continues to move toward a complete, holistic and collaborative team approach to building.

Marc-André Plasse co-founded naturehumaine architecture + design with Stephane Rasselet in Montreal. The firm has completed a wide range of commercial, institutional and residential projects. Marc-André teaches at McGill University and l’Université de Montréal.

Peeroj Thakre is principal of PH5 Architecture and co-founder/co-CEO of Urban Republic arts society. She has been forging a new approach to urban challenges through the synthesis of art, architecture and events in the public realm. Peeroj has 10 years of experience designing cultural and public buildings.

Mason White is assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. He is a partner in Lateral Office and director of InfraNet Lab.

The panel will be moderated by Heather Dubbeldam, principal of Dubbeldam Design Architects in Toronto, vice-chair of the Toronto Society of Architects, and co-editor of the Twenty + Change 01 and 02 publication series. In 2008 Heather’s firm was awarded Best Emerging Practice by the Ontario Association of Architects.