Journal

Thoughtful, Pedagogy-driven Architecture Begins in Predesign

Since our office’s inception 15 years ago, we have become increasingly confident that remarkable buildings in the education sector take their root in the predesign phase. Architecture Counsel’s integrated and consultative approach begins in the research work that comes before design, delivering informed environments. We translate pedagogical vision into functional, efficient, adaptable and timeless learning …

Enhancing Culture and Performance Through Workplace Strategy

Nearly all organizations have at least some workplace component, providing space for employees to work, collaborate, and socialize. These administrative environments have become a subject of great interest to employers in recent years. There is a growing realization that many workplaces do not effectively support staff and that this can hinder an organization’s ability to …

Toronto Community Housing Corporation: Applying Academic Rigour to Social Housing 

Our work with Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) demonstrates the value of beginning with people and existing conditions. We applied the rigor of academic architecture—research, critical inquiry, evidence-based planning, and design experimentation—to the realities of social housing. For every intervention, our team tried to understand how residents experience their buildings, using community engagement, accessibility analysis, …

School Design: Creating a Community of Learners

It is now widely recognized that integration into an academic community is a critical element of student success. As such, education providers are increasingly focused on how to build ‘community’ on their campus that will lead to enhanced outcomes and enrich the student experience. Moreover, a sense of community goes a long way towards making …

Done Right, Design by Committee Can Work (Really)

When was the last time someone celebrated a project designed by committee? The prevailing feeling is too many opinions can dilute good ideas until they’re barely recognizable. But when designing today’s higher education buildings, stakeholder participation is a must – what’s more, if done right, it will advance forward-thinking design concepts, making a good idea, …

Welcome Centres: Ensuring a Prospective Student’s First Impression is a Lasting One

First impressions matter — especially when students are deciding where they will spend the next several years of their lives. Welcome Centres shape that first encounter with campus, communicating not only an institution’s identity and aspirations, but what it might feel like to belong there. For students, many of whom will be away from home …