Laurentian University
McEwen School of Architecture
Experience a unique architecture program which highlights design and culture for northern Ontario with an emphasis on developing expertise in wood and sustainable materials.
Focus on design, culture, technology and professional practice and enjoy courses on the main Laurentian University campus, and at the McEwen School of Architecture, Laurentian's downtown satellite.
Challenge your creativity through the application of practical building solutions for northern climates, taking into account cultural sensitivities, diverse histories, and community profiles.
Setting
School Philosophy
The philosophy of the Laurentian University McEwen School of Architecture is founded upon pride of place.
This philosophy embraces the resiliency of northern people and the unique beauty of the northern Ontario landscape. Located at the crossroads of the City of Greater Sudbury in the downtown core, Canada’s first new architecture curriculum in over 45 years opened at Laurentian University in 2013. The McEwen School of Architecture is an unfolding experiment in emerging pedagogies and diverse cultures.
The study of architecture generally raises our awareness of the holistic and aesthetic nature of the design of the built environment. Architecture students take electives on the main Laurentian University campus, while Design Studio and other mandatory architecture courses are held at the McEwen School of Architecture, Laurentian's downtown site.
Our French, English, Métis, and Anishinabek faculty and student body is unique to Laurentian’s tri-cultural mandate; conducting design studios in both French and English, as well as working with Elders and guests who are First Nations and Métis, provides a further array of cultural and educational perspectives.
Programs
The undergraduate Architectural Studies program focuses on design, culture, technology and professional practice. Our program will highlight design and culture for the north – particularly northern Ontario – with an emphasis in developing expertise in wood. Design Studio courses will challenge students’ creativity through the application of practical building solutions for our northern climate, taking into account cultural sensitivities, history and community profiles.
The Master’s degree in Architecture draws heavily upon the study of northern community needs coupled with an integrated approach to building systems for northern climates. Building with wood, design for climate change and digital fabrication are three areas of study for advanced graduate work, including a final design Thesis.
The program length is two-years, with a continued focus on experiential learning through design-build and community-design projects. Design studio options include ‘Architecture and Craft,’ ‘Indigenous Design’ or ‘Community Building.’ Two terms are devoted to co-operative education, placing students in design related offices locally, nationally and internationally.
The program strives to become recognized nationally for Indigenous Design at the graduate level. Indigenous worldviews and knowledge are present throughout the program, delivered in particular courses and through various community settings. The knowledge and skills gained in the professional program prepares students to enter into the profession of architecture. Graduates can expect to find employment or enter into a variety of related design fields including urban design, community planning, sustainable design, environmental design, or digital fabrication.
of Focus
1. Art & Design
2. Digital Fabrication & Technology
3. Cross-Cultural Contexts > Human Experiences
4. Materials and Construction
5. Community Design
6. History | Theory | Criticism
7. Design/Build
8. Sustainability & High Performance Build Enviroments
Opportunities
Co-Op / Work Placement
Cross-disciplinary experience
Teaching / Research assistantships
Online Courses
Summer Program
Study Abroad
Facilities
24 Hour Workshop
Large-format Printer
Laser Cutter
Woodshop
3D Printing
CNC Milling
Fabrication Lab
Robotics Lab
Policies
Transfer Policies
Laurentian University has a number of advanced standing policies, recognizing prior learning in many post-secondary institutions. These agreements are designed to provide better student mobility through formal recognition of credits/programs at each institution. Students who have completed some university studies may be eligible for admission to programs offered at Laurentian University. Transfer credits may be awarded based on prior studies, but cannot be determined until you apply for admission and submit official transcripts.
https://laurentian.ca/admissions/undergraduate/university-transfer
