ArchiShorts is an open annual competition that celebrates the storytelling potential of architecture and place through short films, each just two minutes or less. This competition is part of the annual Architecture + Design Film Festival (A+DFF) in Winnipeg, which showcases critically acclaimed films on the importance of architecture and design in everyday life.

The awarded films were created in the third-year Environmental Design Landscape + Urbanism studio, led by Leanne Muir and Lawrence Bird. This studio, titled ‘City Dreaming: Imagining Density in Winnipeg’s Neighbourhoods,’ envisions established Winnipeg neighborhoods as pedestrian-focused communities that prioritize walking, cycling, public transportation, and the health and well-being of ecosystems, alongside increased housing density.

To learn more about the role of filmmaking in the studio and to see the full collection of films, visit https://www.citydreaming.ca/

“Reaching St. Boniface” by Karen Beatrice Servidad
Neighbourhood: Central St. Boniface

This film explored the role of bridges as part of the urban machinery that shaped the cultural landscape of Central Saint Boniface. It traced the history of river crossings, from the early ferry to the current Provencher Bridge and Esplanade Riel, highlighting their impact on the neighbourhood’s walkability and connection to downtown Winnipeg. The bridges act as physical extensions of the land, facilitating movement and interaction between the two halves of the city, and promoting cultural and economic exchange.

“The Shortcut” by Lealyn Carlos
Neighbourhood: Lord Roberts

 Lord Roberts, a vibrant Winnipeg neighborhood, faces the pressures of development and the need to preserve its unique identity. The film “The Shortcut” aimed to show how a quiet neighborhood has changed over the years, evolving in a sense from the ruins of its industrial history of streetcars, which opened up the community to development over a century ago, to its present car-dominated environment. “The Shortcut” is not just about traffic problems; it’s a reminder of the importance of mindful urban planning to prevent neighborhoods from being overwhelmed by unexpected consequences of unchecked growth.

“Eutopos” by Alyaa Kabbani
Neighbourhood: Elmwood
“Eutopos” was inspired by conversations with long-time residents. The departure of residents and the influx of new renters have disrupted a close-knit social fabric. The film intends to reflect on the changing demographics of the neighbourhood and, by implication, the challenges to its once strong sense of community. As homes become commodities, they are often marketed as some kind of pristine utopian space, eerily absent of signs of the people who once lived there. Change is inevitable in urban life, but the film reflects on what is lost through this process.

“The Palace” by Jory Thomas
Neighbourhood: William Whyte
Thomas’s film focuses on the Palace Theatre, an abandoned building in William Whyte, as an emblem of the neighbourhood’s decline. The Palace is a modern ruin, one of many seen across the neighborhood of William Whyte. Despite being a gateway into Winnipeg’s rich history, the only ones left to care for the building are the pigeons. Pigeons, a species once cared for and domesticated by humans, have now been abandoned and left to fend for themselves. The same can be said for The Palace Theatre, which now serves as a reminder of how crowds of theatre-goers have been replaced by crowds of pigeons.

The student films were first screened at Nuit Blanche Winnipeg in September 2024, in partnership with Storefront MB and the UM Community Design & Planning Centre.

At the heart of Shirin’s project lies a profound synthesis of culture, history, and urban revitalization. Situated amidst the streets of Guatemala City, her design highlights collaborative ingenuity, drawing from the city’s rich visual landscape and ancient Mayan heritage. Inspired by the sacred Ceiba tree and gilded with architectural motifs reminiscent of Mayan temples, the project seamlessly combines modernity with tradition. Central to Shirin’s vision is the integration of the project within Guatemala City’s neglected railway station area, serving as a catalyst for urban rejuvenation. Through extensive research and collaboration, she navigated the complex legacy of conquest, colonization, and the conflict of the 1960s-90s, infusing her design with an understanding of historical and cultural nuances.

“Being named a finalist in the architecture competition is a significant honor for me. It validates my hard work and dedication, and it provides an incredible opportunity to showcase my design philosophy on a larger stage. This recognition also inspires me to work harder and strive for the ultimate goal of winning in future competitions.”

Born and raised in Iran, Shirin moved to Winnipeg two years ago after completing her first master’s degree in architecture in her home country. She is a second-year student in the Master of Architecture program, a part of the team at LM Architectural Group | Environmental Space Planning in Winnipeg and will graduate in October 2024. Shirin is passionate about introducing innovative ideas into design projects and is particularly interested in how history and culture can influence contemporary architecture. She aims to integrate these elements into modern designs, expressing them in a contemporary context.

Shirin’s project is a result of Professor Ralph Stern and Mackenzie Skoczylas’s 2022-2023 Guatemala Studio course which primarily addressed Indigenous issues in an urban context: ‘The history of the Maya in relation to world view, conquest, colonization, post-colonial mechanisms of exploitation and repression, and measures taken for Truth and Reconciliation was examined through the research undertaken during the first part of the Studio.’

The challenge Shirin confronts is as monumental as the structures she envisions – to harmonize the diverse architectural scales that define Guatemala City. From towering skyscrapers to humble dwellings, the city’s juxtaposition demands a delicate balance. The project’s massing plan, meticulously crafted to establish a new neighborhood, reflects Shirin’s commitment to honoring existing morphology while embracing future prospects impacted by climate change. Two large-scale rectangular structures enclose residential units, harmoniously coexisting with public amenities such as commercial spaces, daycare facilities, and communal areas. The layout of residential units, influenced by corridor arrangements, not only enhances accessibility but also shapes the project’s façade composition, echoing the principles of Mayan architecture in a modern context. Drawing from Mayan cosmology, Shirin’s design symbolizes the interconnectedness of existence.

Winning and finalist projects were exhibited during the RAIC Conference in Vancouver in May 2024. All work submitted is featured on the Student Work Showcase page of the CASA-ACÉA website: https://www.casa-acea.org/2024-student-work-showcase

The 11th Annual Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition received over 1400 submissions, and challenged students to design a workplace model of approximately 11 000 square feet that prioritizes hybrid work, supporting diverse types of collaboration.

As a semi-finalist, Irena won a trip to the Steelcase headquarters where she, along with fellow semi-finalists from universities across North America, worked collaboratively with and presented to their peers and professional judges.

“During this experience, the Steelcase staff, including Jerry, Denise, and Mckalea, along with the judges, provided valuable guidance and insights that helped us grow both personally and professionally. They were not just observers in this process but were mentors who were genuinely invested in each participant’s journey.

One of the unique things about this experience was the collaborative environment created by the judges and staff. Everyone was rooting for us to succeed, and the portfolio reviews, presentations, and conversations that followed provided opportunities for us to connect with professionals from the industry. The camaraderie, mutual support, and the celebration of every participant’s efforts were some of the main highlights of this experience.”

– Irena Tonnu

“Irena’s entry, “Humanizing the Workplace,” for the 11th Annual Steelcase Next Student Design Competition, stands out for its embrace of a hybrid work model, recognizing the increasingly blurred boundaries between physical and digital spaces. Her project incorporates biophilic design principles by introducing an office garden, seamlessly integrating elements of nature into the workspace. With ample greenery, natural patterns, and organic textures, Irena’s design creates a calming and inspiring atmosphere – conducive to both individual wellness and the dynamics of the modern office.

Being selected as a semi-finalist and to present in Grand Rapids, Irena showcased not only her creativity and innovation but also her commitment to excellence, reflecting the values of our design community here at the University of Manitoba. We couldn’t be prouder of her achievements within our master’s program.”

– Kleighton Thomas Burns, Sessional Instructor – Master of Interior Design 3 Studio

To learn more about the Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competiton, and to check out Irena’s full submission, visit the Steelcase website.

Read more about the LGBTQ2+ National Monument in Ottawa.

Public City Inc. is a design studio led and owned by alum Liz Wreford (BEnvDes/00, MLArch/07) and Peter Sampson and houses a team of FAUM graduates. Public City is known for its collaborative and inclusive approach to design, people, and context and is committed to a practice that is deeply rooted in the belief that the cross-pollination of ideas and expertise latent in a project team is the key to a project’s success.

The Department of Biosystems Engineering in collaboration with the Department of Landscape Architecture and the Partners Program in the Faculty of Architecture are excited to announce a design competition to transform the SiAF site into a welcoming place for exploration of sustainability technologies. 

The SiAF design competition is open to any student enrolled in the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Manitoba and a total of $7,000 of prizes are available to be won.  

For full competition details please visit the SiAF student design competition webpage.

Competition deadline: June 14, 2021 at 4:30 pm CT.

We are Environmental Design students at the University of Manitoba, currently in our 4th year. The program prioritizes thought processes over the final outcome, and encourages sustainability in our designs.

Read the full story on Bee Breeders Architecture Competition Organiser.