Program Overview

Program Overview

The SQUARE program is an architecture and urban design studio that focuses on the role and regenerative potential of infill architectural projects in their interaction with meaningful public spaces. The studio explores the conceptual and concrete life of squares and their architectural edges in reciprocity with buildings, with the intention of completing the surrounding urban environment and originating qualitative place-making.

Program Objectives

The program finds inspiration in ideas advanced by Karsten Harries in his book "The Ethical Function of Architecture." The primary goal is to conceive buildings that may house contemporary life with its open functions intended for a pluralistic and inclusive society. The program also aims to foster and develop awareness and initial abilities of comprehensiveness in the architectural design of mid-size mix-use buildings.

Program Details

• The program includes a field trip to Colombia, which features contemporary architectural and urban experiences in Bogot·, including works by Rogelio Salmona, Juan Pablo Ortiz, and Lorenzo Castro.
  • The excursion also includes a visit to the UNESCO world heritage Cartagena de Indias, and colonial "white Town" of Villa de Leyva.
  • The program draws inspiration from the field trip to Colombia and applies it to a studio project situated in the Winnipeg Exchange District.

Program Inspiration

The program is inspired by the concept of the "festal," which refers to the building of meaningful life in community through festivities, ceremony, ritual, and celebration. The program aims to create buildings that are inhabitable receptacles of, and active agents in, achieving the feeling of "the festal."

Program Focus

The program focuses on the architectural design of mid-size mix-use buildings, including the understanding of buildings' complexity in the articulation of structures and envelopes, systems, environmentally friendly techniques, and programmatic aspects of design.