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Canada’s real estate boom has been strongly felt by all citizens, especially those residing in the nation’s larger metropolitans. In the past five years, the housing market has skyrocketed, making it nearly impossible for younger generations to purchase and rent properties. High rent and purchasing prices are pushing city dwellers out of urban areas and into nearby towns. Among the two Canadian cities most notorious for unaffordable housing are Toronto and its west coast counterpart, Vancouver. This housing crisis is a multifaceted problem with numerous moving parts and contributing factors. When looking closely into Canada’s most populated city, Toronto, it becomes evident that government intervention is necessary to ensure Torontonians can afford their lives in the city. 

Toronto is the fifth-largest city in all of North America and is incredibly vibrant and multicultural. It is known for its unique architecture, diversity and opportunity — with nearly 50 percent of its population being foreign-born. With architecture ranging from 19th-century Georgian to postmodern styles, many dream of getting their hands on the quintessential red brick Victorian and Edwardian-esque homes that line many of Toronto’s downtown streets. However, such homes are hard to come by and cost a pretty penny. 

A major factor contributing to this crisis is that demand outweighs supply, recently proven by a report carried out by The Canadian Urban Institute, City of Toronto and Canadian Centre of Economic Analysis. From community housing to high-end real estate, there are simply not enough properties on the market. Due to such limited properties, the costs of the ones on the market are highly-prized and highly-priced. Toronto’s steadily growing population is equally contributing to this crisis. The influx of new Torontorians requires a stream of new properties. However, supply simply cannot keep up. 

Toronto’s housing inflation became so bad a few years back that the government stepped in and implemented a series of cooling measures. Back in April of 2017, the government of Ontario announced the Fair Housing Plan of Ontario, a plan which consisted of 16 different measures, all aimed at making housing more affordable while still protecting the investments undertaken by homeowners. The most significant of the measures were the rent control for private units built after 1991 and a tax on buyers purchasing dwellings as an investment and/or second property. According to the National Rent Report, the Canadian housing market has trended upward in the past year, with the average rent cost for a one-bedroom in Toronto currently priced at $2,023 ($1,589 USD). The report confirms that the housing market in Canada’s two largest cities, Toronto and Vancouver, is steadily increasing. 

Foreign purchasing has equally played a role in Toronto’s expensive real estate market. Back in 2017, the government imposed a tax of 15 percent on foreign buyers. This has helped stabilize the market — especially the condo market — however, prices are still worryingly high. There is a noticeable trend in publishing real estate ads in both English and Chinese, which is likely to attract numerous foreign buyers, many of whom are from mainland China. In recent months, the Canadian government has proposed a foreign buyer ban to help ease inflation and even the playing field for Canadians. However, some experts are not entirely sure if this ban will help as foreign buyers only account for a small fraction of Canadian real-estate purchases. 

Many thought that a market crash would have ensued following the pandemic, however, as we enter the post-pandemic world, rental rates continue to increase. Bullpen Research & Consulting says inflation, supply chain issues and rate changes could possibly impact the future of the market. Government policy changes during the pandemic worsened the situation as interest rates and borrowing costs were cut in half, thus creating a larger demand. Ultimately, the persisting supply and demand problem was only worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Toronto may not be the most expensive city in the world, however Canada has one of the most dramatic disconnects between income and property value. 

1200 Bay by Herzog & de Meuron, Concept Drawing, Toronto, Canada. 

Take Herzog & de Meuron‘s new concept design for example. Located in the heart of Toronto’s Bay-Bloor shopping district, the 1200 Bay tower will be for both private and commercial use. The tower will rise 87 stories high and will feature 332 condominium units ranging from one-bedrooms to penthouse suites. The proposed plans exemplify a sophisticated, state-of-the-art building that will house everything a dweller could desire: a fitness center, a concierge service and dining options. This project exemplifies one of Toronto’s biggest problems — a seemingly endless stream of condominiums being built for the rich. 

Model Suite of Sixty Colborne, Toronto, Canada.

In contrast, the Sixty Colborne condominiums exemplify yet another issue — tiny units. Located in Toronto’s historic St Lawrence market district, this condo embraces the neighborhood’s unique flair and charm. Designed to offer dwellers a chance to detach from the hustling and bustling city, Sixty Colborne comes complete with a fitness center, concierge service and guest suites. Comprised of 255 units, the average price per square foot in this building is $1,108 ($869.95 USD). The units range anywhere from a tiny 439 to a comfortable 2,290 square feet. 

Double Duplex by Batay-Csorba Architects, Toronto, Canada.

The Double Duplex home by Batay-Csorba Architects responds to Toronto’s rising real estate market and the housing shortage. To tackle such a problem, the architects turned the home into two separate properties. This offers the homeowners the option to rent out one of the units or use it as a second living space. Located in Toronto’s historic Parkdale neighborhood, this project exemplifies the use of densification within urban spaces to create additional housing and affordable first homes.

Canadian homes are even more out of reach than ever and the effects are strongly felt. The Trudeau government has proposed special taxes and other measures to help future buyers. Nonetheless, the future of the Canadian housing market remains uncertain for future generations and homebuyers.

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As people switch from hard copies of books to digital versions, the role of a library in a community is constantly changing. Now, these institutions are more community centers than places to borrow a book from. Libraries now serve as the nexus of a variety of services such as computer access, book clubs, meeting or study spaces, children’s activities, author events, and so on. They are a refuge for those seeking to learn. In the past decades, new library designs have been approached as opportunities to create thriving social hubs in Canadian communities.

Images by Michael Grimm

Calgary Central Library by Snøhetta, Calgary, Canada

The form of the building is governed by structures around it. The Light Rain Transit Line moves from above the ground to underground at this part of the city, so the entrance is raised over the train’s path. This raised entryway acts as a plaza that connects with the street and welcomes visitors inside. Inside, the spaces coil in a spiral that envelops the central atrium and culminate in an oculus.

The building houses reading areas, digital and group meeting rooms, study spaces and outdoor amphitheaters. A hexagonal pattern made of triple-glazed panels, fritted glass and iridescent aluminum covers the façade and controls light and visibility in different parts of the structure.

Images by Adam Mørk

Halifax Central Library by schmidt hammer lassen architects, Halifax, Canada

Surrounded by some of the most important new and historic buildings in Halifax, the library has now become an important center for the residents. The building is planned as three volumes that are placed on top of one another in a subtle twist arrangement. An additional fourth block on the top creates a large perpendicular cantilever. The inside is broken up into different floors with a large central atrium. These levels are connected by staircases going in different directions. The library also has a green roof terrace for visitors to observe the views of the historic structures around.

Capilano Branch Library by Group 2 Architecture+ Interior Design, Edmonton, Canada

The fan-like library makes a bold statement with its black and natural wood exterior. The fragmented roof form incorporates fenestrations at different levels to allow natural light to enter from the top. From the underside of the roof, wooden slats continue on the ceilings inside to add brightness. This pattern also provide camouflage to help integrate light fixtures and a sprinkler system. Inside, the library is divided into three zones that include both fixed and flexible space planning. There are armchairs on the longer edge of the building for visitors to take in the views outside as they read.

Images by doublespace photography inc

Vaughan Civic Centre Resource Library by ZAS Architects + Interiors, Vaughan, Canada

The Vaughan Civic Centre Resource Library features a swooping roof and a large central courtyard. The street-facing façades play with transparency to convey openness and prompt passersby to enter the structure. The changing patterns  and shifting parts play with the sunlight and channel it indoors. Open and flexible spaces make up the inside to create more interaction among the users and also facilitate group learning. The library also houses a café, reading area, activity space, sound and video recording studios and maker spaces with equipment like 3D printers.

Images by Tom Arban and Maris Mezulis

Fort York Branch Library by KPMB Architects, Toronto, Canada

The library and amenities for the surrounding condominiums were planned as pavilions in a public park. The building is made up of a base block that connects to the park with a larger volume on the top that oversees Fort York. The northern, western and southern facades are covered in metal fins for solar protection throughout the day. The large glass panels in between allow the light from within to become visible at night, making it stand out in the neighborhood. “The Planters”, a drawing by artist Charles Pachter, is recreated on the metal fins on the western side using perforations. Margaret Atwood’s poems are added to the soffit.

Monique-Corriveau Library by Dan Hanganu + Côté Leahy Cardas Architects, Quebec, Canada

The Monique-Corriveau Library is built in what was once the St. Denys-du-Plateau Church designed by Jean-Marie Roy in the 1960s. The building resembles a tent with a spire on the top. The public functions of the library are situated in the nave of the plan while the community hall and administrative functions ate located in the extension. The structural framework within the building is left exposed and painted in white. This is contrasted with pops of color throughout. In addition to that, glass dividers and railings have been used for visual connectivity.

Jasper Place Branch Library by Dub Architects and HCMA Architecture + Design, Edmonton, Canada

Created with an intention to provide a social hub that goes beyond books, Jasper Place Branch Library is responsive to the changing needs of the community. It features flexible column-free spaces for ease of movement and organization. The undulating roof is a folded-plate concrete slab that includes skylights and acoustic panels and also prevents the accumulation of water or snow. It also helps defines spaces inside without requiring partitions or columns. The southern façade is glazed to capture sunlight and heat during the winter months and the covered eastern and western sides help keep the building cool in the summer.

Surrey City Centre Library by Revery Architecture, Surrey, Canada

The shape of the building is driven by the curvature of the adjacent street. It is further enhanced with inclined walls and unconventional windows. In addition to creating a design language, the walls also help with solar shading and reduce energy use. The firm used a social media strategy to gain public input while designing the building. Like a few other structures in this collection, this building also features a large central atrium that guides circulation throughout the building. It comprises study areas, reading rooms, meeting spaces, computer areas, a children’s library and a coffee shop.

Judging is now underway for the 10th Annual A+Awards Program! Want to earn global recognition for your projects? Sign up to be notified when the 11th Annual A+Awards program launches.  

Burnout in Architecture is not a new concept; what is new, is that people open up to speak about it more and more. Speak, or even fight for better conditions, like recently observed with the SCI-Arc scandal.  Work-related stress and exhaustion impacts productivity, morale and retention reflecting negatively on both the workplace and the individual employees. If you are struggling with burnout or you feel that your employers struggle, it is time to invest in new inspiration. In this article, I will discuss in detail what exact things you can do to avoid burnout.

To begin, if you are a business owner in the architecture and engineering industry you have to keep a close eye on the issue of burnout, as it can negatively impact your firm. Deloitte’s external survey explores the drivers and impact of prolonged, unmanageable stress that may lead to employee burnout and it reports that 77 percent of people are experiencing burnout at their current job. So, there is a strong likelihood it’s happening to your employees (or to you!).

Job burnout is a special type of work-related stress — a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity. “Burnout” isn’t a medical diagnosis. Some experts think that other conditions, such as depression, are behind burnout. Researchers point out that individual factors, such as personality traits and family life, influence who experiences job burnout. Whatever the cause, job burnout can affect your physical and mental health. Consider how to know if you’re experiencing job burnout and what you can do about it.

Symptoms of burnout include excessive stress, fatigue, insomnia, sadness, anger or irritability, alcohol or substance misuse, heart disease, high blood pressure and vulnerability to illness, amongst others.  There are mismanaged work practices that contribute to burnout, including putting a heavy workload on people and asking them to work long hours.

But not everything can be put on the employer. It is everyone’s personal responsibility to learn to keep a healthy work-life balance. Something really important to look into is the amount of control attributed to each employee. Because, contrary to what you might think, it’s little or no control that contributes to burnout, rather than having too much control at work. So, it is advisable both to employers and employees to pass on and take on as much control equally amongst all team members, such that everyone can feel equally responsible for their position. Remember that people who are unclear about the degree of authority they have — or what their supervisor or others expect from them — are not likely to feel comfortable at work.

To fix, and even prevent, burnout in yourself and your employees, I will suggest 10 reasons people burnout and ways to fix each one. However, it’s important to realize that these aren’t quick, band-aid fixes. Many of these solutions will take intentional implementation, time, and commitment to be successful.

Top 10 Things to Watch Out For:

1. Don’t forget your reason. Missing or forgetting why you do what you do is often the number one reason why people begin to feel unmotivated at work. When everyday work tasks bypass the big vision behind why you started doing what you do, this is bound to happen. To keep your eye on track, set yourself and your team measurable and achievable goals. You need to figure out where you’re going and communicate that ambition.

As an employer you have to ensure all your workers understand your vision as well as put measures in place to help them communicate their visions and ambitions. Opening your weekly calendar to your employees who can book in and discuss their promotion or suggest ways in which they can advance will allow them to take more control of their career and make you aware of their needs. Knowing where you are going and where your employees are going helps everyone stay on track and remember the reason why they are engaged with you. As much as you can expand this type of practice amongst your firm on the individual, department and company level you need to keep all of the above engaged with your purpose.

2. Don’t trade momentum for monotony. When you first begin to work on something you catch a momentum and things feel exciting, but every now and then what once felt exciting becomes monotonous. The idea is to always keep a fresh way to achieve your desired goals. Focusing on that plan of action is crucial in the sense that we’re often burned out because although we know what the goal is — for example: make more money, achieve a billable percentage, or gain a new client/market — we don’t know how to get there. This leads to spinning our wheels or going in different directions depending on the day. It also gets monotonous. Instead, allow for creativity when developing your plan. Bounce ideas off others. Determine specific, small, sustainable steps that will get you there. And, most importantly once you’ve developed a plan, stick to it and get your whole team on board.

3. Don’t do anything alone, be coachable! Feelings of burnout can often be caused by either your frustration with younger/inexperienced staff or their frustration with you (or work related reasons). To avoid this, adapt a culture of- and commitment to- coaching. Be intentional about investing in our up-and-coming architects and engineers. This includes nominating them for leadership development and/or training programs; taking time to explain the intangibles of the business; and bringing them to client and industry meetings.

When people have a clear career path and feel invested in it, they are less likely to feel fatigued and burned out. People who feel isolated at work and in their personal life might feel more stressed. To be a good leader, invest also in yourself. We are not always born with great leadership skills, and even if you are a natural there is always room for growth. Invest in coaching. You can do this many ways. One is keeping an eye and actively investing in gatherings, conferences and events designed to educate and elevate you. Another very good way is to work with a personal consultant and or business strategist. The growth of your business can directly be dependent on your ability to identify new opportunities. Many business coaches are there to achieve direct results, so you’re paying for the benefits they bring to your business.

4. Keep an eye on your track. Even with the greatest efforts towards running a business and staying on track things can lose their continuum. This happens when goals aren’t met, team members quit, or budgets get blown. When this happens repeatedly, it’s easy to feel burned out. You need to adjust your expectations and attitude. Learn to expect the unexpected. Plan for the crisis even if it may not happen. I believe that it is better to have a 30-minute conversation to plan for the worst-case scenario that turns out to be unnecessary than to not have the conversation and waste valuable time, resources and money reacting to the situation if it does.

5. Don’t get involved with drama. Office gossip and drama can derail a team faster than anything else. It can cause feelings of discouragement, frustration, fatigue and, eventually, burnout. My advice: Ignore the (petty) noise. But also, give your employees a safe space to vent and voice their frustrations. (Venting should occur “up the ladder,” not sideways.) As a business owner it’s crucial to keep your eye on the office pulse. It might not be obvious to you but someone in your office might be a bit of a bully, your employees might feel undermined by colleagues or your management might micromanage your team’s work. All this can contribute to job stress. Even if these issues don’t affect you directly, and you might think they are petty, they might be massive to someone on your team. The best way to avoid this is to give your employees access to an employee assistance program, or encourage them to reach out to other coworkers, friends or loved ones for support and collaboration as communication can help them and help you prevent further issues.

6. Don’t be a control freak. We get burned out when we’re trying to control everything. This is exhausting and unsustainable. Instead, learn to let go and empower others. I refer to this as encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit with our employees. Find opportunities and ways to let them take ownership – whether to pitch a new idea, explore an emerging software, or lead a project. This can lead to a fruitful distribution of tasks and take a tremendous amount of responsibility off your shoulders.

7. Don’t quit. We’ve all had the urge (and some of us have done it): We feel burned out, so we quit. And sometimes it’s the right move. But if you’re leaving a job for the wrong reason, you’re going to go from the frying pan into the fire. Instead, evaluate the situation before making the leap; it may be better to stick it out. Making a lateral move can leave you feeling further behind in your career and less motivated as you work to prove yourself yet again for little career promotion or reward. Be proactive about changing your situation but don’t give up when it gets tough. Sometimes challenges are there to give us a little push, see this as an opportunity to voice your concern, ask for more or change something and if nothing works then make an adequate decision. Be a fighter more than a person that gives up, as giving up may sometimes be only a start to even a more challenging scenario.

8. Don’t stick to your network. Think bigger. When we expand who we’re around, we expand the ideas and opinions we are exposed to. Whether it’s getting involved with a new industry association, Chamber of Commerce, or leadership development course – expand your horizons. By doing so you can open up to new opportunities, and this can by itself give you new motivation.

9. Don’t be too serious. We tend to be serious as architects and engineers, but sometimes what you need to break the burnout is to have fun. You can implement this by hosting impromptu fun days (that don’t have to break the bank) or simply put more attention into a healthy work/ life balance.

10. Don’t be unhappy. Dr. Ken Harmon preaches to “choose happiness.” When we’re burned out, it’s easy to only see the negatives. It takes a deliberate effort to focus on the positives. We all have our go-to way to help adjust our perspective and change our mood: Listen to your favorite song (mine is “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone). Buy a latte. Call a friend. Take a small action to help turn your day – and attitude – around. Never forget what adds to feelings of happiness: a healthy diet, and good sleep. Sleep restores well-being and helps protect your health. Explore programs that can help with stress such as yoga, meditation or tai chi. Getting some exercise is a great way to boost your happy hormones. Regular physical activity can help you to better deal with stress. It can also take your mind off work. Mindfulness is the act of focusing on your breath flow and being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling at every moment, without interpretation or judgment. In a job setting, this practice involves facing situations with openness and patience, and without judgment.

About the Disrupt Symposium

I am also here to suggest the best solution and one of the absolute top investment strategies designed to be the needed breath of fresh air for you and your business. And that is the upcoming Disrupt Symposium, a 5 day virtual event dedicated solely to the Business of Architecture. We are only a few days away from the Zoom event (May 1st — May 5th) so get the ticket for yourself and your whole team now.

What makes this event special is that we invite to stage C-level executives, directors, business developers, and leaders responsible for running business at the largest architecture practices, such as Gensler, OMA, Zaha Hadid Architects, Safdie Architects, Snøhetta, UnStudio, Perkins & Will, and BIG amongst others. The event runs from 7–10 pm CET each day, featuring 5 experts per day. All sessions are limited to 20 minutes, after which there will be a dedicated 10 minutes for interactive Q&A.

The event is organized under the tagline: “Success leaves clues.” Why? Because success is not some kind of mysterious code you have to crack in order to be happy; it’s a set of principles, rules, a system, a plan of action that has been implemented before and worked. Therefore, if you want it to work for you, it can. All you have to do is learn what actions and thought processes belong to the most successful. Disrupt is where you go to learn more about the blueprint of success in architecture.

Judging is now underway for the 10th Annual A+Awards Program! Want to earn global recognition for your projects? Sign up to be notified when the 11th Annual A+Awards program launches. 

Sometimes, a story comes along that is so engaging that you simply cannot wait to retell it. Such is the case for the intertwined life stories of avant-garde pair Antonin Raymond and Noémi Pernessin (later also Raymond). The two led separate lives, both seeking something unknown that took them on cross-continental adventures in an attempt to find the elusive “something” they were searching for.

Since meeting and embarking on an incredible journey together, Noémi and Antonin have gifted the world of architecture and design with over 300 built works in 50 years of practice. Today, the couple are recognized as one of the most successful design collaborations we have ever seen.

Floriánské náměstí street in Kladno, Czech Republic Photograph by Jiří Sedláček 

Antonin Raymond (born Antonín Reimann) was born in Kladno, Bohemia, a historic area of the present-day Czech Republic. As the backdrop to his child, the heterogeneous architectural styles of the region exposed Antonin to a body of architecture that ranged from the Czech Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque, all the while reflecting the general trend of 19th Century history.

For the young boy, his hometown was the place that sparked his interest in architecture, but it was an interest founded upon the farmhouse and pastoral architecture to which he was accustomed. Not until the untimely death of his mother and a move into metropolitan Prague did Antonin experience the groundbreaking Art Nouveau or Cubist movements that were presented there. Thus began a life of challenging the classics.

Central Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic Photograph by Øyvind Holmstad 

Antonín’s first encounter with Frank Lloyd Wright’s work inspired him; in particular, the American architect’s admiration for Japanese prints and references caught the young Czech’s eyes. In Raymond’s words, “Wright had restated the principles of building; he had overcome the cell, liberated the plan, made space flow, given buildings a human scale and blended them with nature, all in a romantic, sensual and original way which left us breathless. He was what we had been longing for, a real revolutionary.”

Plate from the Wasmuth Portfolio by Frank Lloyd White, 1910

From then on, and with the threat of war looming, Antonín set his sights on America. He fled his home country, and upon arrival, the young and inexperienced architect was hired as a draftsman in the office of Cass Gilbert. There, he acquired knowledge in the business aspect of architectural practice and was put in charge of detailed drawings for the Woolworth building (1910-1913), which at the time was the highest skyscraper in the world. To Antonín, the was uninspiring. His love for architecture and America, whose promise from overseas had not come to fruition, soon dissipated, and he moved on to study painting.

The Woolworth Building by Cass Gilbert, New York, US By The Pictorial News Co., N.Y, via Wikimedia Commons

After a short time in Rome and as the imminent war seemed to boil over, Antonin headed back to the supposed safety of New York. It was on that return journey that he met his wife and partner to be, Noémi Pernessin, an extremely talented French graphic designer who was educated in Paris and New York. They were wed on 15 December 1914 and soon after became American citizens, anglicizing their names to Antonin Raymond and Noémi Pernessin Raymond.

Imperial Palace Moat, Woodblock Print (1920) by Noémi Pernessin Raymond

We know much less of Noémi Pernessin’s life prior to her marriage to Antonin (as is often the way with historical female figures). However, what we do know is that the talented artist and designer was born in Cannes, France, in 1889 and moved to New York with her family around age 12. She graduated from Columbia University, where she was able to study under philosopher John Dewey and artist Arthur Wesley Dow — it was here she was first introduced to Japanese art and design.

What is certain is that it was Noémi’s connections within the New York art scene that she had built over the years in which she developed her craft as a young woman that led her new husband (Antonin) to be offered a job working for his hero Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1916 the couple was invited to live and work at Wright’s Taliesin house, and studio and the environment rekindled Antonin’s love for architecture under the guidance of the design master. The dream life did not last long. In 1917, Raymond enlisted in the army to help in the war efforts.

Imperial Hotel by Frank Lloyd Wright, Tokyo, Japan

On his return to New York, adventure came calling to the Raymonds once more with an offer from now friend Frank Lloyd Wright asking for them to come and work on the Imperial Hotel project in Tokyo. The proposal was positively accepted, and both worked on the project, Antonin as its project architect and Noémi on its interior design and artistic elements.

Soon after arriving in Tokyo, Noémi and Antonin set up their own architectural offices in the country. It was a place that felt right to them, both having been drawn to Japanese style and culture many years previously without realizing its significance to them. They would live and practice in Japan for the next 18 years.

Reinanzaka House by Antonin Raymond and Noémi Pernessin Raymond, Tokyo, Japan

Over the course of those two decades, their practice flourished: they built residences, embassies, clubs, universities, churches, schools, and factories. During these years, their work quickly evolved from its origins in the sketches of Frank Lloyd Wright through a period of abstraction and material experimentation. They pioneered with concrete, paralleling the works of European modernists’ and in the late 1920s and early 1930s. As proponents of the emerging International Style, they were on the vanguard of architectural modenism in Asia.

Noémi and Antonin came to find a balance in their designs between the Japanese heritage they respected and the progressive modernism they championed, but what was most impressive and remains the foundation of their lasting legacy is how they combined Western design with the conditions and climate of Japan. Reinforced concrete was used for monsoon and earthquake-proof designs sung of Le Corbusier in inspiration while catering to the country’s unique needs. Their work and their reception illustrate how unity between different cultures can fuel true innovation.

Tokyo Golf Club by Antonin Raymond, Asaka, Saitama, Japan

During their time in Japan, the Raymonds taught and worked with many Japanese designers, architects, craftspeople and engineers. As Frank Lloyd Wright had been for them, the couple’s mentorship was instrumental in the career of George Nakashima as both an architect and furniture maker. In 1936, with George Nakashima as project architect, the Raymonds built the remarkable Golconda Ashram in Puducherry — the first work of Modern Architecture in India.

Golconde Ashram by George Nakashima and Antonin and Noémi Raymond, Puducherry, India Photography provided by Nakashima Foundation

By 1938 the couple decided to return to the US to live on a farm in New Hope, Pennsylvania. The farm and studio were reminiscent of their time at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin Fellowship. They would mentor apprentices by allowing them to work in the studio and help with the farm itself. It was not simply a school nor a studio, but a way of life. They called it the New Hope Experiment.

Readers Digest Offices by Antonin and Noémi Raymond Tokyo, Japan Photograph from Raymond Design Office.Co

In the aftermath of the war, the Raymonds felt obliged to reopen their Tokyo offices in a bid to rebuild Japan. They would live and practice between the United States and Japan for the next 25 years, and it became the most productive period of their remarkable careers.

Today, Antonin Raymond is known to the people of Japan as the “Father of Modern Architecture,” and Noémi Pernessin Raymond is regarded as amongst the very best great women designers of the 20th century by the Museum of Modern Art. Their influence on the development of Japan is astonishing. The Raymond’s Readers Digest Office Building in Tokyo from 1951 is widely recognized as one the most seminal buildings in the history of modern Japanese architecture. 

Judging is now underway for the 10th Annual A+Awards Program! Want to earn global recognition for your projects? Sign up to be notified when the 11th Annual A+Awards program launches. 

Architizer is delighted to reveal the Winners and Commended Entries for the 2022 One Rendering Challenge, architecture’s biggest rendering competition! After a meticulous review by our incredible panel of visualization experts, 2 Top Winners came out on top, each winning themselves $2,500 and professional rendering software packages from Chaos Group.

The Top Non-Student Prize went to Swiss designer and illustrator Arnaud Imobersteg, for his visualization “Shanty Stack“. Imobersteg’s atmospheric image — coupled with an evocative written story — proved highly compelling to jurors. “I highly admire the creative spirit and imagination that ‘Shanty Shack’ brings,” said Mengyi Fan, Director of Visualization at SHoP Architects.

Meanwhile, the Top Student Prize went to Christian Coackley, student at the University College of London (UCL), for “22 Gordon Street” — a mysterious and detailed reimagining of UCL’s famous Bartlett School of Architecture building. “’22 Gordon Street’ illustrates how architectural rendering can be used to tell an epic tale about the malleable and perpetually evolving nature of our built environment”, commented Architizer’s Editor in Chief, Paul Keskeys.

Now in its third year, the One Rendering Challenge entrants continue to raise the bar for story telling through architectural visualization. “I want to commend not only the continuing improvements in image quality, but also the quality of the architectural design in some of the more imaginative works,” commented Fan. “In general, the work has been as diverse and as high-quality as ever.”

Without further ado, explore the Winners and Commended Entries for this year’s competition below, and let us know your favorites on social media using the hashtag #OneRenderingChallenge!

Non-Student Winner: “Shanty Stack” by Arnaud Imobersteg

“The sun is warming the air as the market is closing now. My shirt is already sticking to my skin. They advised to avoid going out, but I feel good, I’m only coughing.”

Shanty Stack Detail

“Uncle Alisha is saying he got sick because it’s not air anymore, he says that before we used to see the sky and it was blue.

But I don’t know — maybe he’s just getting old; he’s already 37.

The Stack is constantly growing as new people are moving in. Are they coming from Above?”

Software used: Blender and Photoshop

Student Winner: “22 Gordon Street” by Christian Coackley, The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (UCL)

“In light of enduring issues we are facing globally, such as a climate and ecological emergency, schools of architecture must nurture a culture of collaboration in architectural education to meaningfully address them. Therefore the drawing speculates on the third iteration of The Bartlett School of Architecture. In contrast to the building’s previous 2 iterations, Wates House (1975) and The Bartlett (2016), this next installment of the school will be constructed over the course of a 1000 years by the students and tutors themselves.”

“The future generations of the building’s inhabitants will recover a lost material culture of hand-crafted ceramics. This interchangeable orchestra of students and tutors will weave themselves together through the poetic symphony of a shared material culture, ushering in a new era in architectural education: The Age of Belonging.”

Software used: Photoshop, ZBrush

Commended Entry: “Poles and umbrellas” by HISM Studio

“Rainy evening in downtown New York. Wet asphalt, night city lights, and the never-sleeping life in the Big Apple.”

Software used: 3ds Max, Corona Renderer, Photoshop

Juror Carlotta Cominetti comment: “Living Characters and architecture are melted together, through darkness and expressive lights. What makes the composition powerful and charming is the play of reflections and glares; it’s a great work of sculpting, where everything is highlighted as if we were attending a real theatre performance.”

Commended Entry: “The Lantern” by Evan Mott

“On December 21, 1848, a white plantation owner, traveling with his enslaved servant, passed through the Central of Georgia Railroad terminal in Savannah, seeking medical care in Boston.

Or so it seemed.

In actuality, the pair were Ellen and William Craft. Enslaved since birth, the married couple devised an artful plan of escape in which fair-skinned Ellen disguised herself as William’s white owner. Four terrifying days and 1,000 miles later, they successfully carried their lantern to freedom. They would devote their lives to exposing the dark brutalities of slavery, lighting the way to liberty for others.

Today the same railroad terminal, reimagined as the SCAD Museum of Art, carries its own lantern. The glow of the 85-foot glass tower reminds us that Craft-like creativity and courage are essential in building and protecting the delicacy of equity and freedom.

Thank you, SCAD, for telling this story.”

Software used: V-Ray, 3ds Max, Photoshop, Other

Juror Alex Hogrefe’s comment: “This image has a beautiful composition and proportion to it, as well as a great story, and is also really well crafted.”

Commended Entry: “WAVE” by Roman Huzar

“The unity of nature and architectural form. The architecture seems to echo the shapes of the swans that live there, turning into waves and distorting the shape. It’s like a big stroke trying to unite the architecture with its surroundings by repeating it.”

Software used: 3ds Max, Corona Renderer, Photoshop

Commended Entry: “Up In The Air” by Vittorio Bonapace

“The First Settlement on Mars.

The author imagined the first Colony – not so far in the future – inhabiting the sky into high-altitude balloons, leaving Mars’s surface for laboratories, roads, research and science experiments.
“Up In The Air ” – Visual part of a set of three illustrations – it’s not about the first epic human’s landing on the planet but the whole concept is about the confidence of living there, enjoying home.”

Software used: 3ds Max, Corona Renderer, Photoshop, Other

Commended Entry: “Copenhagen Opera House” by Antonio D’avolio

“The image depicts one of the icons of the city of Copenhagen, the Opera house, designed by the Danish architect Henning Larsen between 2001 and 2004. During my trip to the Danish capital I took some photos of it and used them as a reference to reproduce this personal work of mine. I focused my attention on reproducing a lighting that could emphasize not only the building but the whole context. I hope you like it!”

Software used: 3ds Max, Rhino, Corona Renderer, Photoshop

Commended Entry: “Sunset Love” by Mark Eszlari

“Churches are sacred spaces where people unite spiritually with a higher power. We enter churches when faced by pure and meaningful emotions like true love. Churches are therefore unique types of architecture where humans can express their deepest feelings through prayers influencing their psychology, philosophy and lifestyle. Love at first sight usually culminates in a church during the wedding ceremony.

The illustrated couple expresses their love for one another, sharing a kiss at sunset, before climbing the stairs to enter this sacred space while the priest looks after them with his prayers, binding the souls together to be one. The design of the church is inspired by praying hands pointing towards heaven, the location by Greek islands. The elements such as the red roses, symbol of love, the sunset and staircase to the church contribute to the romantic emotions adding warmth to the image, a metaphor for hearts in love.”

Software used: 3ds Max, Corona Renderer, Photoshop

Commended Entry: “House in the Karpathians” by Nazarii Derkach, HISM Studio

“An ode to minimalism and graphics. We play with shapes and elements of nature. Experimenting with the horse figures, wintery landscape, and minimalist structures gave us what we needed: a balance of sharpness and sinuosity.

Our team has made these images for a small house surrounded by Karpathian mountains.”

Software used: 3ds Max, Corona Renderer, Photoshop

Juror Duy Phan’s comment: “The humble muted color palette the artist used in this image helps strengthen a striking yet interesting contrast between the foreground element and the architecture context. Not only drawing the attention but such simplicity obsessively stucks in viewers mind. By breaking conventional rules, the image shows how confident the artist is; their masterful skills bring back the depth of the environment layers as well as a keen eye for mix mediums usage without losing the overall natural sense. This might be a good example for the thinking that, to make art better, try taking something out rather than adding in.”

Commended Entry: “About Storeys and Stories” by Guilherme Marcondes

“People is what gives architecture life. With all their different lights and colors, they make the spaces alive. When designing a façade, a lot of effort is put into the relation with the exterior environment. With this rendering I wanted to focus on the role that the interior spaces play in a façade. Each of these windows have a story to tell, a feeling to show, a thought going on.

Home can have a lot of meanings: it’s where we come after work, rest, see our loved ones. It’s where we process the thing that happened outside, where we plan the things we want to do outside. Most importantly, it’s where we can show our true colors: sometimes bright, strong and warm. Sometimes soft, cold and blue. Through the day and the night the façade is where we see not just the city, but also the people’s light.”

Software used: 3ds Max, Corona Renderer, Photoshop

“REMEMBRANCE” by Zoe Russian Moreno

“Memories and dreams sometimes go hand in hand. The combination of reality and fantasy is an intrinsic force that supplies the creative portfolio of an artistic mind with endless possibilities. Nevertheless, even with all the infinite pieces put together sometimes one can’t help but look into triggers of certain spaces that take you back into specific moments of life.

This particular studio is a combination of said moments in time; clutter in respective areas, materiality, scale, objects and the conglomeration of mechanical pieces grounds the imagery, which brings a sense of character that many people resonate with. It’s a sense of remembering a space that does not exist. A remembrance.”

Software used: V-Ray, 3ds Max, Photoshop

“The Built Environment” by Wilson Costa

“This piece is more of a political statement to depict how the built environment can affect nature. The columns represent tall leafless trees in the forest. The concrete floors are dried out soil. The lack of color represents most architecture today which is very monochromatic and dull without paying homage to the nature around it. The architecture industry needs to embrace nature more by incorporating living walls, green roofs, natural light and color.”

Software used: SketchUp, Photoshop

Juror Bennet Oh offered a reflection on this year’s Finalists: “Visual storytelling has never been more important than in the era of metaverse and NFTs. These technologies have proven that visualization is no longer just a supplement to show what is to be, but the product itself. This year’s One Rendering Challenge has shown some of the brightest talents in the industry, demonstrating their ability to create substance out of thin air. I thoroughly enjoyed the works of entrants who challenged themselves to not only pursue realism but also create a real ‘value’. Congratulations to all entrants for their achievements!”

Revealed last month, the top 100 renderings were published in our special editorial feature, entitled “100 Renderings That Tell Powerful Stories about Architecture”. There will also be further features on the winners in the coming weeks.

Thank you to all participants for their hard work in creating these amazing renderings, each telling a fascinating story about architecture and our world today. Our next challenge, the 3rd Annual One Photo Challenge, is one of architecture’s biggest architectural photography competitions, and it launches on May 9th — sign up now to receive key updates and prepare your submission:

Pre-Register for the One Photo Challenge