Submissions for Awards Program Due by January 17
The Ontario Association of Architects invites all those with OAA status, and their collaborative teams, to participate in the SHIFT2025 Challenge, Reshaping Communities, which looks to underscore the vital role architectural thinking plays in evolving how our built environments respond to today’s most pressing challenges.
From urban revitalization to climate adaptation strategies, the challenge calls for conceptual—but possible!—ideas that foster sustainable development, inclusivity, and a sense of stability. These innovative solutions will aim to support communities in adapting to increasing environmental risks while addressing societal changes with resilience and hope.
The deadline to submit project ideas is January 17, 2025. Proposals should include written descriptions, visual materials, and a short video presentation that conveys the transformational potential of the concept.
Introducing the Jury
All eligible entries will be reviewed by an esteemed jury, consisting of:
- Dr. Elizabeth English, professor at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture and founder of the Buoyant Foundation Project, focused on low-cost, amphibious foundations for flood mitigation and climate adaptation;
- Erica Gomirato, Intern Architect at Perry + Perry Architects in Sudbury, where she earned her master’s from Laurentian University in 2023—her submission was a SHIFT2023 Challenge selection that same year;
- Shane Laptiste, architect and founder of the Studio of Contemporary Architecture (SOCA) and 2023 Canadian Prix de Rome recipient, and leader of projects supporting marginalized communities;
- Jean Philippe Larocque, co-founder of Larocque Elder Architects with more than three decades of experience on sustainable, culturally informed design, and chair of the North Bay Society of Architects (NBSA); and
- Janet Rosenberg, founding principal of Janet Rosenberg & Studio, and a renowned landscape architect with more than 40 years of experience and award-winning public and private projects.
These experts will be joined by a jury facilitator, architect Diarmuid Nash—partner at Moriyama Teshima Architects, professor, former OAA president, and recipient of the 2022 OAA award for Lifetime Design Achievement.
You can learn more about these individuals on the OAA Website. Together, they will convene in February at the OAA Headquarters to evaluate submissions against five key criteria: innovation, social responsibility, inspiration, inclusivity, and holistic approach.
Project ideas must be submitted by Friday, January 17, 2025, and include written, visual, and video components showcasing how architectural thinking can advance insight and innovation. While entries are welcome from individuals or teams of varied skills and professional backgrounds, the team leader must have status with the OAA.
The selected projects will gain valuable exposure, serving as a platform to inspire broader conversations about architecture’s critical role in reshaping our communities. Submissions and their teams will be showcased in a book publication, media outreach, and a special spotlight event at the 2025 OAA Conference in Ottawa.
More details on how to participate can be found at shiftchallenge.ca. The submission form is available online.