The School of Architecture is proud to announce that two of our recent graduates, Holly Simon (MArch’13) and Kevin Lo (MArch’13), organized “Space for Social Actualization,” an international ideas competition for students and recent graduates.

Simon and Lo were recruited as volunteers by Hillhurst United Church to help them seek big ideas, source young designers from around the world, and generate a dialogue about the possibilities of how the organization could re-imagine its space. They created the call for ideas, distributed the call, set up the jury, communicated with the applicants, and built the exhibition display.

Located in Kensington, Alta., the church was established in 1907 and is considered one of Calgary’s historical buildings; however, their retrofitted gym, required as a space to play and congregate, needed some attention.

The competition attracted over 80 emerging young architect competition registrants, representing 18 countries. 40 design ideas were received and judged by a jury with members from Calgary, Halifax (Professor Catherine Venart), NYC and Hong Kong. The submissions were completely anonymous to the jury.

Click to view Tanner Allred’s winning entry

Dalhousie architecture student Tanner Allred (B5) won first place! His design included a community oven where people could share food, as well as a community garden. It also featured a private space that would allow for temporary shelter for the homeless.

Fellow Dalhousie students Heather Gibbons (MArch’14) and Michael Zabinski (MArch’14) won an honourable mention.

The competition had a positive impact on the church community, evoking passion and curiosity from members and people from all over the world who are interested in possibilities for their space. We are amazed at the initiative and talent displayed by our graduates and current students and are proud of the positive impact they make in communities.

For additional information please contact Anne Swan (anne.swan@dal.ca)