TSA and OAA Launch Project to Better Understand Current Programing

The Toronto Society of Architects (TSA) and the OAA are embarking on a joint project to better understand the landscape of K–12 architectural education in Ontario and Canada.

Recognizing the essential role the built environment plays in community life and collective health and wellbeing, the TSA and OAA are hoping to better understand how architecture is presented to our youth, knowing they will be the ones shaping our environments in the future.

The objective is to identify organizations currently doing work in this area, and develop a better understanding of the kinds of programs being offered and challenges being faced. Ultimately, the goal is to provide opportunities for connection and collaboration among all these groups, better promote their programming, and understand what role different organizations can play in improving access to architectural education from kindergarten to Grade 12.

As part of this initiative, the TSA and OAA have launched an initial search to identify K-12 architectural education programs and resources in Canada and collect information on each of these programs. Organizations working in this sector are encouraged to contact Joël León, TSA Programming Director, by Tuesday, April 11 to participate in this initial data collection phase.

All participating organizations will receive a copy of the information compiled and be invited to participate in a Big Think Session later in the year to meet other like-minded organizations working in this sector, discuss challenges and opportunities, and identify opportunities for collaboration to advance K–12 architectural education in Ontario and Canada.