Winners of the 2024 Pella Windows and Doors Prize for Architecture

Two housing projects by undergraduate students at the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism have received the 2024 Pella Windows and Doors Prize for Architecture. 

The winners are Anastasia Grillas and Felipe Ceron for Riverside Ravine, and C.J. Dopheide and Oksana Tkach for Tower in the Park: Reimagined.

The scholarship, established by Pella Windows and Doors in 2020, recognizes students for demonstrating excellence in their fourth-year comprehensive studio project.

Each of the winning projects receives $1,500. 

“We are extremely grateful to the Pella Corporation for its five-year commitment,” said studio coordinator Associate Professor Benjamin Gianni. 

“As housing is such a crucial issue in Canada and around the world, we’re delighted that these prizes can be directed to this studio, in which students have the opportunity to explore the architect’s role in the production of housing and the design of the urban and public realms.” 

The studio explored the redevelopment of two federal government office campuses in Confederation Heights: the CBC Building, and the Sir Charles Tupper Building.

Students also made proposals for sites in Vanier for housing for young women aging out of the foster care system, and a new or adaptive re-use facility for the Vanier Community Service Centre.

Riverside Ravine

Anastasia Grillas and Felipe Ceron

Riverside Ravine is a residential proposal for a site in the Confederation Heights neighbourhood. The goal was to propose a redevelopment solution while considering current social, economic, and environmental conditions and respecting the existing heritage building. Riverside Ravine aims to highlight the importance of agricultural revitalization in our increasingly urban society. We have proposed an innovative solution that re-integrates farming within a densified living context. Vertical farms promote food security, independence, and health benefits. Vertical farms also counteract the environmental impact of traditional farming. Furthermore, crops can be harvested year-round in Canada’s climate. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many social issues were revealed such as food insecurity, economic stability, and physical health. Vertical farms propose a solution to many of these concerns.

Tower in the Park: Reimagined

C.J. Dopheide and Oksana Tkach

This urban re-design of 1500 Bronson Avenue reimagines the Tower in the Park idea by integrating its landscape into the layout to emphasize the site’s plantings and heritage-marked forest. The geometry of the former CBC Building informs the placement of new buildings, roads, and greenery. A large expanse of green space on the north side of building acts as an entry to the site, as well as an urban park for community gathering. The Green Boulevard provides a direct view of the CBC Building from Bronson Avenue, enhancing the idea of the building as a significant form in the landscape. New buildings such as the Green Boulevard Estate and the Reflections Hotel & Spa connect the built environment with the natural elements.