The American Institute of Architects, Committee on the Environment (AIA COTE), in partnership with the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), have selected the recipients of the 2024 AIA COTE Top Ten for Students Competition, which includes three Canadian projects.
The competition recognizes 10 studio projects that work toward achieving carbon-neutral operations through daylighting, passive heating and cooling systems, sustainable materials, water conservation, energy generation, and other sustainable systems.
The program challenged students to submit projects that use a thoroughly integrated approach to architecture, natural systems, and technology to provide design solutions that protect and enhance the environment.
The three Canadian winners include the following.
Stonehouse: More Than a Food Bank
Student: Yoon Hur
Faculty: Jaliya Fonseka
Institution: University of Waterloo
Located on Dundas St. N in Cambridge, Ontario, the new Cambridge Food Bank features a multifaceted center that offers locally sourced, nutritious and resourceful food options.
Juror Comments:
Stonehouse: More Than a Food Bank has a sophisticated aesthetic and well-designed interior renderings. The creative blend of heritage and modern functionality is well executed in this stunning project.
Grow
Student: Madeline Hope Engen
Faculty: Jaliya Fonseka
Institution: University of Waterloo
This project stems from a collaboration between the Comprehensive building Design Studio and the Cambridge Food Bank, a local non-for profit organization.
Juror Comments:
Grow articulates a great energy analysis which includes embodied carbon, realistic calculations and adaptive reuse. The project includes innovative food production and well integrated vegetation within the designs.
Pinguatigaq
Students: Thomas Biscaro, Zian Charron & Thomas Laprise
Faculty: Claude Demers & André Potvin
Institution: Université Laval
Pinguatigaq addresses the issue of Inuit food insecurity in the Far North, and offers a sustainable solution to this recurring problem in the northernmost communities. It is located in the village of Iqaluktuuttiaq in Nunavut, Canada.
Juror Comments:
Pinguatigaq is a well-executed design using prefabricated components. The design beautifully focuses on innovative bioclimatic and hydroponic greenhouses to serve the community.
To view the full list of winners, click here.