Editor’s note: This listing was updated on November 2, 2022.
OVERVIEW
The University of Toronto’s undergraduate program approaches liberal arts studies through an architectural lens. After two years of common courses in design, history and technology, students can undertake a concentration in one of these three streams, or instead pursue a Comprehensive Specialist in all three. The school offers many opportunities to gain hands-on experience including optional Design-Build courses such as “Corner Commons” which ran in June 2022, focused on developing shade pavilions and a stage canopy near Jane Finch Mall, and entering competitions such as Winter Stations. To ease the transition to the design school environment, the Daniels Faculty offers a four-week summer intensive program for youth and young adults.
Both professional and post-professional degree options are offered at the graduate level. The professional program harnesses the school’s urban location as a “laboratory for the pursuit of new knowledge and new forms of practice.” Upon review of their academic background and portfolio, students may receive advanced standing to the second year of the program. Those who already hold a professional degree in architecture but are looking to continue their education can apply for the post-professional program in advanced design and research. In this self-directed course of study, students must pursue research including a field course, colloquium, thesis preparation and electives in one of four areas: Computation & Fabrication, Health & Society, Sustainability & Environment or Justice & Action.
The Daniels faculty demonstrates a strong drive for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In January 2022, the school, led by dean Juan Du, onboarded Dr. Jewel Amoah as Assistant Dean, EDI. Students have also launched Building Black Success through Design (BBSD), a mentorship program for Black secondary students — a group that has historically been underrepresented within the profession — to help build strong design skills and address the architecture industry’s barriers to entry.
Notable alumni
George Baird, John H. Daniels, Raymond Moriyama, Bruce Kuwabara, David Pontarini, Ken Greenberg, Don Schmitt, David Sisam, Dee Dee Taylor Eustace, Lisa Bate, Jamie Fobert
Notable faculty
Brigitte Shim, An Te Liu, Mason White, John Shnier, Shane Williamson, Aziza Chaouni, Pina Petricone, Kfir Gluzberg
