3D Printing of Concrete Structure is an innovative and emerging area of research which requires a close joint multidisciplinary collaboration of team members from different backgrounds including: Civil Engineering, Materials science and engineering, Robotics, Mechatronic, architectural engineering among many others. The research will build on the existing knowledge in the team to utilize a Fanuc Robotic Arm with 6-DOF connected to a combo pump-mixer to print concrete structures layer by layer.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: Centre for Pavement and Transportation Technology (CPATT) at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Waterloo covers a broad range of research projects spanning from developing innovative and sustainable materials from nano-scale to micro, macro and full scale pilots as well as application of technology to transportation infrastructure. Application of Robotics, AI and Machine Learning as well as image processing techniques has become the core of many research projects that we currently have at the CPATT.
Student roles: To work jointly with other team members to program the Fanuc Robotic Arm to execute 3D Printing of different layouts To perform concrete mix design, testing and casting in the laboratory and working efficiently on experiments To review and summarize pertinent literature work in a timely manner and design experiments To attend weekly and monthly lab meetings and assist with organization and taking of minutes Write reports and develop codes and drawing as needed
Skills required: The project can accommodate multiple interns with the following areas of expertise: - Mechatronics and Robotics: ability to program and operate a Fanuc robotic arm for executing different geometries and layouts. (one intern) - Civil Engineering: knowledge of Portland cement concrete materials and testing for developing 3D Printable concrete mixes. (two interns) - Ability to work in a laboratory environment and hands on experimental campaigns -Working in a big team and effective communication (both verbally and written)
2. Adaptation des infrastructures de proximité aux vagues de chaleur / Adapting proximity infrastructure to heat waves
Supervisor: Katherine D'Avignon
University: École de Technologie Supérieure (Montréal campus)
This project is part of the AdapT-Conseil des Infrastructures Chair in Heat Wave Adaptation for Local Buildings, led by Professors K. D’Avignon and D. Derome. The Chair aims to contribute to the transformation of schools into resilient infrastructure that can serve as refuges during extreme heat. To this end, the Chair's objectives are to:
• Numerically simulate the effect of a variety of cooling solutions with broad potential for deployment across Quebec schools, including: exterior awnings, vegetation, cladding materials, sunshades, natural ventilation, ceiling fans, and thermal mass.
• Quantify the combined effect of these solutions and their evolution over time (e.g., tree growth) to determine their short- and medium-term impact. Evaluate the sustainability of the solutions.
• Identify high-potential solutions for each type of school.
• Develop guidelines for implementation (contractual, technical, etc.) which will be given to partners (designers and real estate portfolio managers) to accelerate knowledge transfer and equip decision-makers who wish to deploy solutions quickly.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: Thermal comfort and thermal stress
Simulation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
Student roles: Primarily: 1. Documenting study sites: Compile a list of materials used in the interior spaces and outdoor play areas of partner sites using digital documentation. Organize and participate in site visits to characterize the materials encountered and document the presence of vegetation. 2. Experimental measurements of environmental conditions: Organize and participate in site visits to measure environmental conditions (temperature, air velocity, humidity, radiation) to assess thermal comfort.
Depending on the student's prior training: *Develop a digital simulation of an investigated space (classroom, early childhood center) under the effect of different cooling solutions (e.g., awning, sunshade, natural ventilation, ceiling fan, thermal mass). *Develop a digital simulation evaluating the thermal comfort/stress of the occupants.
Skills required: The candidate must demonstrate: • Knowledge of heat transfer mechanisms applicable to buildings, the environment, and/or people (thermophysiology) • Interest in thermal comfort and heat stress issues • Interest in the experimental measurement of thermal comfort parameters (temperature, air velocity, humidity, radiation) • Ability to organize and work independently • Ability to communicate orally and in writing in French or English
3. Aging in the Right Place Project
Supervisor: Atiya Mahmood
University: Simon Fraser University (Burnaby campus)
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Start date: 2027-06-01 (flexible)
Disciplines: Architecture, City/Regional Planning, Health Studies, Humanities, Human Ecology, Interior Design, Nursing, Public Health, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Geography, Public Policy and Administration, Anthropology, Educ-Psychology, Educ-Social Studies, Planning, Womens Studies
"Aging in the right place" involves supporting older adults to live as long as possible in their homes and communities, while recognizing that where an older person lives impacts their ability to age optimally and must match their unique lifestyles and vulnerabilities. "Promising practices" are innovative solutions that have not been subject to rigorous evaluation but hold the promise of supporting "aging in the right place”. Through a community-based participatory research approach, we will be using mixed-methods to evaluate promising practices across an inclusive housing continuum to determine "what works, why it works, and for whom it works." We will capture and evaluate the housing environment, staff of promising practice, support services, experience of older adults, and near-home neighbourhood environments to gauge well-being, aging in place, and housing satisfaction among a diverse group of older adults. Photovoice interviews will be conducted among the older adult participants encouraging the documentation of their perspectives through photography and storytelling. Our overall goal is to improve the shelter/housing options to meet the unique and complex health and social needs of diverse groups of older adults facing housing insecurity.
To achieve this goal, our specific objectives are to:
1. Evaluate promising practices across the housing continuum that promotes aging in the right place to ultimately make recommendations for expanding a promising practice locally (scaling up) or enabling a promising practice to be adapted in other communities (scaling out).
2. Train a new generation of scholars to develop advanced research skills and lines of inquiry on housing insecurity, and aging research.
3. Facilitate knowledge mobilization around promising practices in Canada and internationally, while increasing public awareness of housing insecurity and perceptions of aging in the right place through public lectures, media, interviews, publications, and photo exhibits.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: My research focus spans over several topic areas including aging, health and environment, mobility, social participation, accessibility of diverse groups of older adults including persons with disabilities, and factors related to housing. My funded research projects use a combination of qualitative, mixed-methods, and community-based participatory methods and approaches. My currently funded projects include Aging in the Right Place SSHRC Partnership Grant. In this study, we focus on housing and support services of housing insecure and/or homeless older adults and aging in place across the housing continuum.
Student roles: The student will participate in data collection (online or in-person), data management (coding, entry), data analysis, project support and administration, and report writing, conference presentations and journal articles based on study findings. The type of data collection in which the students will be involved are interviews, survey administration, document reviews, and micro-scale-built environment audits. Students may also assist in background literature searches for the purpose of completing reviews and presentations. In this project, students will need to work collaboratively with other students who are undergraduates, MAs and PhD students. They will also participate in knowledge mobilization through helping to arrange community forums and (photovoice) exhibits. They may get the opportunity to develop some storytelling videos with our study participants.
Skills required: Students should have basic research methods training in qualitative and/or quantitative methods as they will be participating in data collection in community settings. Students should also have basic skills related to data entry, coding, and transcribing as they will be participating in data management activities (e.g., Microsoft Excel/Word). Applicants should have good English skills, both verbal and written, as they will be assisting in report writing, presentations and academic publications. They should have a working knowledge of presentation software/supports such as PowerPoint. Lastly, students should have the skills to work with vulnerable older adults and work in teams.
4. An Integrated Framework for Designing Healthier Indoor Spaces
Supervisor: Sneha Jain
University: University of Calgary
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Start date: 2027-05-03 (flexible)
Disciplines: Architecture, Engg-Civil, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Public Health
This interdisciplinary project develops a comprehensive framework for designing healthier indoor spaces, with a particular focus on dense urban environments — specifically, the growing trend of converting downtown office buildings into residential units in Calgary and cities across North America.
As cities across North America respond to high office vacancy rates and housing shortages, adaptive reuse of commercial buildings presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Office-to-residential conversions often inherit structural and spatial constraints — deep floor plates, fixed façade systems, limited operable windows, and mechanical systems designed for commercial use — that can significantly compromise indoor environmental quality (IEQ) for residents. Understanding how these conditions affect occupant health and wellbeing is critical to ensuring that such conversions produce livable, healthy homes and not only filling a housing gap.
The student will contribute to a transdisciplinary research program integrating three complementary methodologies. First, structured surveys will capture residents' subjective perceptions of thermal comfort, visual comfort, air quality, and overall wellbeing in converted residential buildings. Second, objective environmental measurements will quantify actual indoor conditions, including illuminance, daylight access, temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, and acoustic parameters. Third, building simulation techniques will model and evaluate targeted design interventions, enabling the team to predict health outcomes and identify evidence-based retrofit strategies suited to the constraints of converted buildings.
By combining these approaches, the project will identify critical IEQ deficiencies specific to office-to-residential conversions and develop actionable design guidelines for architects, developers, and policymakers engaged in urban densification and adaptive reuse.
The intern will work within an established transdisciplinary team at the University of Calgary's School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of building science, environmental health, and human-centered urban design.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: My research sits at the intersection of building science, indoor environmental quality, and human health. I investigate how indoor environments — daylight, thermal comfort, and air quality — shape occupant wellbeing using a mixed-methods approach combining subjective surveys, environmental measurements, physiological measurements, building simulations, and community-engaged design. My work focuses on developing evidence-based strategies for healthier indoor spaces, with particular attention to how diverse populations - including older adults, low-income groups- experience and adapt to comfort and wellbeing in their living environments.
Student roles: The Mitacs Globalink interns will play an active role in an ongoing research program investigating indoor environmental quality in Calgary's downtown office-to-residential conversions, working closely with the faculty principal investigator and a transdisciplinary research team. The students will assist in conducting on-site IEQ measurements in converted residential buildings, deploying sensors to record illuminance, daylight levels, temperature, humidity, CO₂, and acoustic conditions. They will also contribute to refining and administering occupant surveys capturing residents' subjective perceptions of comfort and wellbeing. All human subjects research will be conducted under an approved University of Calgary Research Ethics Board protocol, in place prior to the internship — the students will not need to navigate this independently. Additionally, the students will assist in developing and calibrating building performance simulation models to evaluate existing conditions and test evidence-based retrofit strategies. They will participate in team meetings, contribute to data analysis, and assist in preparing reports and presentations, with potential for manuscript contributions. Throughout the internship, the students will gain hands-on experience in environmental measurement, simulation, and mixed-methods research at the intersection of urban housing, sustainable design, and occupant health.
Skills required: The ideal candidate is a senior undergraduate or graduate student in architecture, building science, civil or environmental engineering, or a related discipline. The student should have foundational knowledge of building systems, indoor environmental quality, and occupant comfort principles. Experience or coursework in building performance simulation (e.g., EnergyPlus, IES-VE, or similar tools) is an asset, as is familiarity with environmental measurement techniques or survey-based research methods. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential. An interest in sustainable design, healthy buildings, and urban housing challenges — particularly adaptive reuse in dense urban contexts — is highly valued.
5. Analysis & Reconstruction of Cultural Habitations through Immersive Validation & Experimentation
Analysis & Reconstruction of Cultural Habitations through Immersive Validation & Experimentation (ARCHIVE) is a multidisciplinary research initiative that brings together architects, archaeologists, historians, and Indigenous knowledge holders to rigorously examine the performance and construction of Indigenous longhouse architecture. Despite their cultural and environmental sophistication, these architectural systems remain under-studied—particularly their building envelopes—due to limited surviving physical evidence and the absence of systematic building science analysis.
ARCHIVE addresses this gap by integrating archaeological data, oral histories, and architectural interpretation with advanced digital simulation and mixed reality visualization. The project reconstructs longhouse environments at multiple scales, from material assemblies to full spatial systems, enabling the testing of hypotheses related to thermal performance, ventilation, lighting, and construction logic. These reconstructions function as dynamic experimental platforms, allowing researchers and community partners to evaluate and refine understandings of Indigenous building practices.
A central component of ARCHIVE is the use of immersive environments to support collaborative validation. By translating reconstructed models into mixed reality settings, the project facilitates direct engagement with Indigenous authorities and interdisciplinary researchers, ensuring that cultural knowledge and lived experience inform the simulations. This positions immersive visualization as both a research method and a tool for knowledge exchange.
Through this approach, ARCHIVE develops new workflows that bridge qualitative cultural insight with quantitative performance metrics. The project establishes protocols for reconstructing historically significant yet materially elusive architectures, while demonstrating the ingenuity and environmental responsiveness of Indigenous design traditions. Ultimately, ARCHIVE provides a rigorous foundation for validating and learning from these systems, contributing to both scholarly research and future architectural practice.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: Vincent Hui is among Canada's most acclaimed educators in architecture, distinguishing himself through his teaching and research in using digital tools to bring design ideas to reality. From developing Canada's first virtual reality curriculum in architecture to developing augmented reality software to seamlessly visualize digital designs in real time atop real world conditions, his innovations have been adopted by industry and academia alike. As a complement to his research focus on advanced design visualization, his work with digital fabrication technologies has rendered his university's [R]ed[U]x Lab to be among the largest student design-build group in Canada.
Student roles: The student will play a central role in the research, development, and implementation of the ARCHIVE project, contributing to a multi-method research framework that integrates architectural simulation, archaeological interpretation, and mixed reality experimentation. The range of information—including academic literature, archival documentation, archaeological evidence, and practice-based knowledge—will be systematically collected, documented, and synthesized. This will require the student to engage in conventional research activities such as literature reviews and digital modeling, while also supporting qualitative inquiries including interviews, consultations, and collaborative sessions with Indigenous knowledge holders, archaeologists, and architectural historians.
A key responsibility will be the development and testing of digital reconstruction workflows for Indigenous longhouse architectures, with a particular focus on translating fragmented or non-extant building evidence into coherent, testable simulation environments. The student will assist in the creation and refinement of mixed reality models, supporting the integration of architectural, environmental, and building science data within immersive platforms. This will include iterative prototyping in both virtual and augmented environments to assess spatial, material, and environmental performance characteristics.
The position will also involve engagement with hardware and software tools used in immersive visualization, supporting the development of best practices for simulation fidelity, user interaction, and collaborative review. Working within an interdisciplinary team, the student will contribute to validating reconstructed models through structured testing protocols, including performance-based metrics such as environmental responsiveness, construction logic, usability, and interpretive clarity. The student will further assist in documenting research outcomes, producing analytical reports, and contributing to dissemination activities aimed at academic, professional, and community audiences. These outputs will help evaluate the effectiveness of simulation-driven reconstruction as a research method and its applicability to culturally significant architectural systems. Through these activities, the student will contribute to establishing a new paradigm for interdisciplinary architectural research grounded in rigorous validation, respectful collaboration, and advanced digital methodologies.
Skills required: The student should have a strong foundation in digital visualization within architecture, including 3D modeling, rendering, and navigating complex digital models. A working knowledge of architectural design, construction practices, and digital communication is essential. They must demonstrate strong collaboration skills, working effectively with interdisciplinary teams and Indigenous partners with sensitivity and respect. The student should also possess solid research abilities, including synthesizing diverse sources and supporting iterative testing and analysis. Clear communication is critical, with the ability to present ideas and integrate feedback across both technical and non-technical contexts.
6. Bibliobservatoire vivante
Supervisor: Alice Covatta
University: Université de Montréal
Location: Montréal, Québec
Start date: 2027-05-16 (flexible)
Disciplines: Architecture, City/Regional Planning, Design, Interior Design, Sociology, Anthropology, Japanese Language, Japanese Studies
Libraries, once temples of knowledge, are today being transformed into true social refuges and spaces of inclusion. Faced with the challenges of socio-spatial inequalities and the climate crisis, the "Living Library Observatory" project aims to explore their role as actors of urban solidarity, while questioning their capacity to adapt to socio-ecological changes. This project will explore the creation of a living observatory through an iterative trial-and-error process. The pavilion will be transformed according to the needs and interactions of users and will be installed in various interior and exterior spaces of the Jacques-De Repentigny library in the Verdun district.
The social vocation of libraries seems to be increasingly sought after by cities. The project questions this new role and the capacity of civic architecture and its public spaces to adapt to changes by rethinking the life cycle and the nature of a space which must support a society, whose needs evolve more quickly than its design.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: Professor of architecture and urban studies with an international academic and professional background spanning Europe and Japan. Her research has provided valuable insights into new urban landscapes oriented toward promoting social values, health and the notion of public space. At UdeM, Professor Covatta focuses on interdisciplinary research and teching around three axes: (1) the integration of health in the architectural project, (2) the exploration of new urbanities in the context of globalization, and (3) the temporal urbanism of the city.
Student roles: The internship will be developed both in a research team and independently; therefore, students need to be able to work collaboratively and autonomously. Every week, there will be meetings (two or three times) with the supervisors and/or with the team. Students will be invited to join fieldwork, doing observations and interviews, to work with a computer in a space dedicated to the Faculty of Environmental Design at the University of Montreal, to present their work and to respect the internal deadline scheduled with the supervisors. The research teams strive for a kind and respectful environment, where learning and sharing are at its base.
Skills required: Given the interdisciplinary nature of this project between architecture and the social sciences, students can have two different backgrounds. 1. Architecture and urban design: students need to prove the capacity of proposing an architectural solution based on spatial space and social context, create a diagram based on analysis, capacity of doing a literature review and report based on the readings, create a presentation, and representation using major architectural software. 2. Sociology and anthropology: the capacity of conducting qualitative research (ethnography, observations, interviews), the capacity of doing a literature review and report based on the readings.
7. Biomaterials for optimized building resources use
Supervisor: Mercedes Garcia Holguera
University: University of Manitoba (Winnipeg campus)
The research project will focus on the exploration and development of bio-based materials. During the first stage students will learn about several biomaterial growing techniques (i.e. mycelium, bacterial based cellulose) and will familiarize themselves with the lab experimentation protocols. Students will study: biomaterials’ growing substrates (e.g. sawdust, fabric, agricultural waste, etc.), integration of biomaterials into standard materials (e.g. aerated concrete, spray foams, expanded clay, bio-waste), form-finding processes (performance as a function of morphological studies), construction processes (3D printing, projection over surface, rigid panels). This first stage will take place at the wet lab. In a second stage, similar experiments will be conducted with local organisms and the aim will be to develop novel bio-materials adapted to the North. Thirdly, samples of bio-based materials will be regularly tested for their mechanical properties, biotic and abiotic degradation, hygrothermal properties, dimensional stability and resistance to fire.
Successful bio-based materials will be used during the fourth stage to build prototypes of building units at CAST (Centre for Architectural Structures and Technology) at the University of Manitoba and, potentially deployed at selected northern communities for further performance evaluation.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: Biomimetic or biologically inspired design emulates Nature’s successful strategies in human constructs and has the potential to contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation. Biomimetic design is one effective and powerful tool for designing innovative built environments, and to expand the limits of creativity by training students in transdisciplinary methods. Students that participate on biomimetic projects use knowledge and tools from other disciplines, they engage in complex systems thinking and develop sophisticated ways to face uncertainty during the design process. Areas of application of biomimetic design include architectural and urban projects and development of bio-materials for construction assemblies.
Student roles: Students will be actively involved in all research phases as described above. They will help to modify and design protocols, run experiments and document results. Students will participate in design workshops and will develop architectural solutions that integrate biomaterials as core elements.
Skills required: Students from architecture, engineering and biology fields are welcomed to apply. This project requires a combination of skills and backgrounds from several disciplines, so students are expected to have experience with at least one of the following: -Architectural design: conceptualization of design ideas and representational skills (CAD drawing and 3D modelling) -Materials mechanical and hygrothermal tests. -Work in biology wet labs.
8. Building Complete Communities in the 21st Century
Supervisor: Sara Diamond
University: OCAD University (Toronto campus)
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Start date: 2027-05-24 (flexible)
Disciplines: Architecture, City/Regional Planning, Communication, Engineering, Public Policy and Administration
Complete communities integrate mixed-use development, various housing opportunities and income levels, access to public and active transportation, jobs, food security, and a rich range of amenities, cultural offerings and green spaces. The definition of a livable, complete community depends on local urban planning principles and the community’s demographics and needs. OCAD University in collaboration with University of Toronto, Esri Canada, Northcrest, DiamondCorp, the City of Toronto, and its partners, will generate and evaluate a series of complete community scenarios adapted to the Downsview (YZD) context and other developments in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area). We will employ a variety of methods: strategic foresight, procedural modelling, and generative design to imagine and evaluate opportunities to realize these scenarios. Research will continue to address the designation and design of amenities and can also consider other complete community factors, such as blue and green spaces or healthy community design. The research will develop a complete community "responsible development" planning toolkit using a series of AI tools such as adaptable personas created with Generative AI Large Language Models, GIS adaptive maps, procedural visualization for scenario development, with the goal of maximizing contemporary and predictive urban planning. The toolkit should support all manner of site planning such as amenities types, distribution and access; transportation; housing mix; culture, attraction and public art planning; and sales, marketing and stakeholder management and engagement. Research seeks extensions and new applications of current urban design tools. Research includes comprehensive reviews of governance options for complete community amenities as varied as cultural institutions, maker spaces, and parks, Privately Owned Public Spaces and advice regarding the integration of flexible governance frameworks in relation to amenity distribution scenarios.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: My background is in media studies and history, urban planning, and computer science with a focus on data visualization. I lead large research networks and projects that bring participatory design, AI driven population analytics and visualization to solve real world problems such as iCity 2.0 where I am co-principal investigator and working closely with urban planners and developers to create scenarios for complete communities. My other activities include policy analysis in areas as diverse as the public realm and public art, cultural impact assessment, digital transformation and work with Indigenous communities to invent sovereign AI systems.
Student roles: Identify refined categories and metrics for complete community design. Examples are heterogeneity of building types, affordability, diversity of land uses, proximity to community resources, transportation mix, cultural assets, walkability, etc. Identify and organize potential data sources that can be used to support the creation of a complete community and ongoing measurement of implementation. These include data from partner developers, demographic data, cost of residential housing, labour market data, travel demand data, GHG inventory data. Undertake data collection and validation, and contribute to the creation of a generative design model and/or a geospatial model of a complete community. Participate in the evaluation of candidate complete community designs in actual case studies against various criteria for complete communities deriving from City requirements, literature review, reports and stakeholder consultations. Contribute to the creation of a prototype of a complete community using urban scale geometry and spatial analysis. Options in model creation will include open source generative design and ESRI CityEngine and ArcGIS. Models will allow students to run a series of searches to propose design solutions and trade-offs in sub-neighbourhoods of developments. These will be placed in the context of the overall development plan (such as energy requirements, density). These will then be evaluated by the developer team and complete community experts. Participate in related research that focuses on specific amenity categories and considers their integration and impact measurement. Examples include cultural infrastructure, places of worship, sports fields and facilities. Participate in setting criteria to measure change over time. The student will fully integrate into the Visual Analytics Lab and urban planning team. The student will code in a number of languages including Python. They will engage with critical data and AI analysis as part of their internship, while using these tools.
Skills required: This is an ideal experience for a student who has strong interest and knowledge of urban planning, architecture, transportation planning and skills in 3D visualization and/or generative design (civil engineering, computer science or computational design). The intern will undertake visualization research in urban design and planning, engaging with spatial visual analytics applying GIS science and 3D procedural modeling. The RA will apply diverse visual analytics and computational tools, including exploring AI applications in the context of Visual Analytics projects. Relevant projects include iCity2.0 and its sub-project Northcrest and Building a Data Fluent Canadian Cultural Sector.
9. Burning, Thawing, Flooding, Eroding: Visualizing Climate Change across Peripheral Canadian Communities
Visualizing Climate Change Across Canadian Landscapes
This research project explores how design can help make climate change visible. While environmental change is often communicated through statistics and scientific reports, many of its spatial and lived impacts remain difficult to understand and represent. The project investigates how design-based methods—including mapping, modeling, photography, drawing, digital visualization, and fieldwork—can help translate environmental change into forms that are accessible to diverse audiences.
The research focuses on four Canadian landscapes experiencing significant environmental transformation: wildfire in northern Quebec, permafrost thaw in the Northwest Territories, recurrent flooding in Alberta, and coastal erosion in Nova Scotia. Through comparative analysis of these sites, the project examines how climate change reshapes communities, infrastructures, ecosystems, and everyday experiences of place.
The selected student will join an interdisciplinary research team contributing to a SSHRC-funded research project. Working alongside faculty researchers, the student will assist in developing visualizations, maps, models, and digital resources that communicate environmental change across multiple scales. The project combines design research, environmental analysis, digital technologies, and public knowledge mobilization.
Students will gain experience working with emerging methods of climate visualization while contributing to research that seeks to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding of environmental change.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: Climate Change Visualization and Design Research
My research examines how design-based methods can help visualize and communicate environmental change across landscapes and communities. Working at the intersection of architecture, landscape, urbanism, and climate research, I investigate how fieldwork, mapping, modeling, photography, and digital visualization can make complex environmental processes more visible and understandable. Current projects focus on translating the spatial impacts of climate change—including wildfire, flooding, permafrost thaw, and coastal erosion—into new forms of public knowledge that support awareness, dialogue, and action.
Student roles: The student will work as a research assistant within an interdisciplinary team investigating new methods for visualizing climate change across Canadian landscapes. Responsibilities will include supporting the collection, organization, analysis, and communication of environmental data through both digital and physical forms of representation.
Depending on their skills and interests, the student may assist with GIS mapping, LiDAR processing, spatial analysis, cartographic production, website development, digital modeling, image editing, and data visualization. The student may also contribute to the fabrication and testing of physical models that explore environmental processes and landscape transformation.
Additional responsibilities may include assisting with literature reviews, precedent research, image and data management, and the preparation of materials for exhibitions, publications, presentations, and public-facing digital platforms. Opportunities may also exist to participate in field documentation activities and the development of experimental visualization techniques.
The student will gain experience working across multiple scales of environmental research, from large landscape systems to detailed representational studies. Through direct collaboration with faculty researchers, the student will develop skills in climate visualization, design research methods, digital technologies, environmental communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration while contributing to a major SSHRC-funded research initiative.
Skills required: pplicants should have a background in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, geography, environmental design, or a related field. Strong skills in Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), and digital visualization are preferred. Experience with physical model-making, fabrication, and working in woodshop or maker-space environments is highly desirable. Familiarity with laser cutting, CNC fabrication workflows, and file preparation for digital fabrication tools is an asset. Experience with GIS, mapping, cartography, LiDAR processing, or spatial analysis is beneficial but not required. The ideal candidate is creative, technically curious, detail-oriented, and interested in climate change, landscapes, and environmental visualization.
10. COPE-Engage: A Comprehensive approach to enhance Older adults’ Preparedness for Extreme heat
Supervisor: Atiya Mahmood
University: Simon Fraser University (Burnaby campus)
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Start date: 2027-06-01 (flexible)
Disciplines: Architecture, Communication, Design, Ecology, Educ-Social Studies, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Geography, Health Studies, Human Ecology, Humanities, Land Information, Landscaping, Nutrition, Political Science, Psychology, Public Health, Public Policy and Administration, Social Work, Sociology, Womens Studies
Over the past 20 years, heat-related deaths among older adults have risen by 54% globally, due to their physiological and socioeconomic vulnerabilities. As climate change intensifies and extreme heat events become more frequent, the COPE-Engage project aims to evaluate and improve how communities support older adults during these critical times.
This research focuses on assessing the effectiveness of community-based programs, strategies, and policies designed to protect older adults during extreme heat events. Through focus group interviews with older adults and semi-structured interviews with key community partners (e.g., health authorities, the municipal government, community-based service sector staff, city planners, housing staff, etc.), the project explores both the barriers and facilitators that shape the success of existing services.
Our goals are to (1) understand how older adults perceive, access, and use community supports, (2) identify gaps and best practices in program implementation, and (3) enhance collaboration between older adults and service providers.
To ensure the findings reach broad audiences, COPE-Engage will also develop knowledge mobilization tools such as videos, photo boards, and blog posts. These materials will be shared through social media, community forums, and academic platforms to inform policy and practice.
Our ultimate goal is to guide authorities by engaging older adults to develop strategies that enhance coordination between community organizations and public services.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: My specialized research area focuses on environmental gerontology with special interests in aging, health and the built environment, aging in place, age friendly communities, accessibility to public indoor and outdoor spaces, mobility, and social participation of older adults and persons with disability. Further, my Social Science and Humanities Research Council funded research primarily adopts a community engaged approach using both quantitative and qualitative methods. My research has led to the building of successful municipal and community organization partnerships as well as the implementation of both short and long-term solutions to foster aging in place and inclusive environments for all.
Student roles: The role will include participating in virtual or in-person data collection, data management (coding, data entry), data analysis, report writing based on study findings. Students may be involved in data collection such as interviews, administration of surveys, built environmental audits/observation. They may also participate in background literature searches to assist in reviews and presentations. Students will be required to work collaboratively with other research team members in this project, including MA and PhD students.
Empirical and gray literature reviews and related data extraction: - Literature searches including data base searches as well as downloading/ uploading article sin citation management software - Data extraction and charting in Microsoft Word/ Excel or NVivo. - Developing summaries with data (text/infographics) - Conduct and assist with data analysis of review materials following delineated protocols.
Data Recruitment, collection, and analysis - Assist with participant recruitment and data collection - Follow all study protocols for storage and management of research data and documents. - Help with data analysis and creation of visualization of findings/ results
Knowledge mobilization (KM) and communications - Create content for KM activities (e.g. blog posts, infographics) using various social media platforms.
Assist with administration support - Take meeting minutes as needed - Follow team procedures for the naming and archival process of all files - Assist with organizing and updating files in Microsoft Teams
Skills required: • Strong communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with older adults, fellow research personnel, and community stakeholders • Attention to detail for data collection, entry, and organization • Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods and willingness to learn new things • Ability to follow ethical research procedures and confidentiality protocols • Comfort with digital tools for data management • Basic analytical thinking for preliminary data analysis • Flexibility and initiative in collaborative, community-based settings • Clear writing skills for summarizing findings and supporting knowledge mobilization efforts • Time management and reliability to meet research timelines and attend meetings
Cultural Alignments is a research creation project. Here we move back and forth between research and making. The project is therefore iterative, explorative, and speculative. It examines the material and cultural connections between different sites of world heritage.
Using UNESCO as our primary data set, the project aims to map the geographic, typological, and chronological alignments that link our collective histories. Histories that move past the established boundaries of protected sites.
The work pursued in this grant is a smaller portion of the larger work. Here we will focus on North, Central and South American sites building on the research from previous years.
The target audience for the project is art and architecture students, curators, and humanities-based researchers. New knowledge created includes the data set, the mapping process, the new hybrid drawing and modeling techniques, and the final drawings/models.
Students will benefit through improved computational modeling, analog and digital making, archival research, and explorative mapping skills. Students will be mentored in intermediate digital modeling programs (Rhinoceros), laser cutting, and 3D printing.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: I am an Associate Professor at the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism, Carleton University.
My main interest is making well-researched, thoughtful, beautiful drawings and models using hybrid (analog and digital) ways of working.
My main research themes are: (a) heritage, (b) histories and theories of digital architecture from 1990 to present, and (c) climate futures that focus on questions of cultural production, technology, technique, and aesthetics.
Student roles: The main role of the student will be in assisting in making a set of architectural drawings/models for public exhibition. In order of importance, Research Assistant (RA) will assist me in developing the visual outputs of this project and its supporting research by:
1) Assisting with initial data collection, and analysis of UNESCO built heritage sites, 2) Mapping the geographic, typological, and chronological (history) connections between global heritage sites, 3) Assisting with the initial representations (drawing and modeling) 4) Aiding with the development of new hybrid drawing/modeling techniques 5) Aiding with the fabrication and assembly of the final drawings and models
Students will work on Rhinoceros and possibly with QGIS software. The research will be used for publication and conference proceeding. Students are not expected to assist with writing papers.
For students, the core learning outcomes include: a) Improved critical and speculative thinking b) Improved digital modeling, and file preparation for fabrication, c) Enhanced proficiency in scholarly research.
Upon completion of the work students can use the Cultural Alignments drawings and model in their portfolio for admission into advanced academic programs (M.Arch) and/or in preparation for full-time architectural employment.
Skills required: - Passion for novel cartographic/architectural drawing and model making - Strong speculative and critical thinking skills, - Strong communication skills in English, - Ability to work collaboratively - Hard working with good time management - Intermediate level skills in digital modeling in Rhino, and an awareness of digital fabrication - Some knowledge or interest in QGIS is a benefit. - Quality physical model-making would be an asset - Lived experience in the Americas is an asset, but not a necessity.
12. Design Fabrication Paradigms in Pedagogical Discourse
This project examines to the innovative use of design fabrication that have yet to be fully integrated in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. The research focuses on the capacity of design fabrication bridge the gap between design and construction. The role of the student is to conduct an initial literature review of construction practice and perform an industry analysis of where AR would be most applicable. The student will also embark on the creation of prototype procedures for best practice with the use of fabrication technologies via emergent hardware and software, at a variety of scales and applications. In order to disseminate the research emerging from this endeavor, the student will also partake in the writing and presentation of several conference papers and journal articles over the course of the project. The exploration of the implementation of design fabrication into various fabrication and construction techniques will involve the development of computational workflows and investigations into the technology's accuracy in relation to material capabilities. Traditionally there has been a huge demographic divide in the engineering and architecture disciplines from the construction practice, both socioeconomically and culturally. For example, while women have been largely underrepresented in construction contexts, on-site laborers often lack the knowledge and macrolevel awareness of their tasks as they navigate design projects. Design fabrication implementation into the construction industry will be able to bridge these gaps among various stakeholders, while also combining the design and construction phases into a more seamless workflow thereby increasing accessibility to designers to on-site activity and vice-versa.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: Vincent Hui is among Canada's most acclaimed educators in architecture, distinguishing himself through his teaching and research in using digital tools to bring design ideas to reality. From developing Canada's first virtual reality curriculum in architecture to developing augmented reality software to seamlessly visualize digital designs in real time atop real world conditions, his innovations have been adopted by industry and academia alike. As a complement to his research focus on advanced design visualization, his work with digital fabrication technologies has rendered his university's [R]ed[U]x Lab to be among the largest student design-build group in Canada.
Student roles: The range of information both online and in practice will be documented and synthesized. This will require students to not only conduct conventional research including literature reviews and digital simulations but also interviews and site visits with leading edge authorities from academia and industry on technological advances in augmented reality in full scale application in architecture. The position will also require mixed reality investigations with hardware and software in order to develop potential best practices. This will be in tandem with a global network of partners able to provide insight and support on advances in integrating the medium into contemporary praxis. These procedures will be piloted with small prototypes and real world application followed by reporting and dissemination to validate efficacy including production time, audience accessibility, labour efficacy, and resource utilization. These dimensions are critical factors in the future practice of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industries as a greater sensitivity to finite resources becomes more pressing. The student will play a critical in the research and development of a new paradigm for visualization, workflow, and design agency.
Skills required: The student should have a good grasp of digital visualization skills in architectural contexts including 3D modeling and rendering. They should also be comfortable navigating, designing, and communicating with digital models. A foundational knowledge of the architectural discipline, construction practice, and digital communication is essential in this role. Given the diversity of tasks and audiences, the student should also be equally comfortable presenting their work as they are synthesizing feedback from others.
13. Digital Fabrication and Mixed Reality in Architectural Praxis
This project examines to the innovative use of Augmented Reality (AR) technologies that have yet to be fully integrated in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. The research focuses on the capacity of AR to bridge the gap between design and construction. The role of the student is to conduct an initial literature review of construction practice and perform an industry analysis of where AR would be most applicable. The student will also embark on the creation of prototype procedures for best practice with the use of AR via emergent hardware and software, at a variety of scales and applications. In order to disseminate the research emerging from this endeavor, the student will also partake in the writing and presentation of several conference papers and journal articles over the course of the project. The exploration of the implementation of AR into various fabrication and construction techniques will involve the development of computational workflows and investigations into the technology's accuracy in relation to material capabilities. Traditionally there has been a huge demographic divide in the engineering and architecture disciplines from the construction practice, both socioeconomically and culturally. For example, while women have been largely underrepresented in construction contexts, on-site laborers often lack the knowledge and macrolevel awareness of their tasks as they navigate design projects. AR implementation into the construction industry will be able to bridge these gaps among various stakeholders, while also combining the design and construction phases into a more seamless workflow thereby increasing accessibility to designers to on-site activity and vice-versa.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: Vincent Hui is among Canada's most acclaimed educators in architecture, distinguishing himself through his teaching and research in using digital tools to bring design ideas to reality. From developing Canada's first virtual reality curriculum in architecture to developing augmented reality software to seamlessly visualize digital designs in real time atop real world conditions, his innovations have been adopted by industry and academia alike. As a complement to his research focus on advanced design visualization, his work with digital fabrication technologies has rendered his university's [R]ed[U]x Lab to be among the largest student design-build group in Canada.
Student roles: The range of information both online and in practice will be documented and synthesized. This will require students to not only conduct conventional research including literature reviews and digital simulations but also interviews and site visits with leading edge authorities from academia and industry on technological advances in augmented reality in full scale application in architecture. The position will also require mixed reality investigations with hardware and software in order to develop potential best practices. This will be in tandem with a global network of partners able to provide insight and support on advances in integrating the medium into contemporary praxis. These procedures will be piloted with small prototypes and real world application followed by reporting and dissemination to validate efficacy including production time, audience accessibility, labour efficacy, and resource utilization. These dimensions are critical factors in the future practice of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industries as a greater sensitivity to finite resources becomes more pressing. The student will play a critical in the research and development of a new paradigm for visualization, workflow, and design agency.
Skills required: The student should have a good grasp of digital visualization skills in architectural contexts including 3D modeling and rendering. They should also be comfortable navigating, designing, and communicating with digital models. A foundational knowledge of the architectural discipline, construction practice, and digital communication is essential in this role. Given the diversity of tasks and audiences, the student should also be equally comfortable presenting their work as they are synthesizing feedback from others.
14. Digital Twins for World Heritage Conservation
Supervisor: Mario Santana Quintero
University: Carleton University (Ottawa campus)
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Start date: 2027-05-02 (flexible)
Disciplines: Architecture, Archaeology, Computer Science, Cultural Studies, Development Studies, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Geography
The proposed project within the scope of the UNESCO Chair seeks to:
1. Explore the ecosystem for the design, development, and application of digital twins for World Heritage conservation.
2. Identify current practices for world heritage digital twins and other relevant applications
3. Strengthen cross-regional collaboration, uniting expertise and knowledge from both the global north and south.
4. Explore how digital twin platforms can contribute to resilience, sustainability, and ethical heritage stewardship.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: Building upon the Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS) at Carleton University experience, we have been appointed as a UNESCO Chair on Digital twins for World Heritage Conservation with the University of Azuay (Ecuador). This visionary program aims to spearhead research into the innovative development of digital twins to address the conservation challenges faced by UNESCO World Heritage. Digital twins, dynamic digital representations of physical assets or environments, have emerged as powerful tools in various domains. By leveraging real-world data and processes, digital twins empower users to simulate performance outcomes and anticipate potential issues within the corresponding real-world systems.
Student roles: interns play a vital role in supporting the research, development, and implementation of digital twins for World Heritage conservation. Their responsibilities may include assisting in 3D data capture, processing, and modeling; contributing to the creation of visualizations and simulations; supporting the analysis of sustainability indicators aligned with the SDGs; and participating in workshops, roundtables, and collaborative projects with global partners. Interns are encouraged to contribute ideas, engage in cross-disciplinary teamwork, and help document and communicate research outcomes. Through hands-on experience, interns gain valuable skills while actively contributing to the Chair’s mission of preserving heritage in the face of global challenges. As part of their role, the intern will contribute to assessing the state-of-the-art digital twin technologies as they apply to the conservation of World Heritage sites. This includes conducting literature reviews, analyzing existing platforms and methodologies, and identifying current gaps and opportunities for innovation. The intern will help map how digital twins are being used across sectors and evaluate their potential to support a comprehensive ecosystem for heritage conservation—one that integrates data collection, monitoring, simulation, and stakeholder engagement. Their work will inform the Chair’s strategic approach to building inclusive, sustainable, and scalable digital twin solutions for cultural heritage.
Skills required: Interns joining the project should come from diverse academic backgrounds such as architecture, engineering, digital humanities, and geospatial sciences with a strong interest in cultural heritage, sustainability, and digital innovation. Ideal candidates are skilled in digital tools for architecture (E.g. 3d modeling, BIM, or GIS), or data analysis, and are eager to collaborate in interdisciplinary and intercultural environments. With a commitment to ethical heritage conservation and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, interns contribute to research, documentation, and stakeholder engagement. The Chair actively encourages participation from students and early-career professionals, particularly those from the Global South.
15. Digital workflows for Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings
Carleton is one of the 14 universities involved in the SSHRC: Quality in the Built Environment partnership, with a research team, made up of graduate students and professors across the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Carleton’s research site explores the topic of Adaptive Reuse for a Sustainable Future, which looks at: the prevalence, impacts of, and barriers to the adaptive reuse of existing and historic buildings; definitions and methodologies of assessing quality in adaptive reuse; and potential synergies between adaptive reuse and wider social and environmental goals. Adaptive reuse is becoming an increasingly valuable tool as we observe the upsurge in vacant and underutilized buildings across multiple building typologies such as office buildings, sacred buildings and industrial buildings. Paired with a culture of “throw-away,” our built environment is subject to cycles of demolition and new construction, resulting in significant environmental impacts alongside the loss of character and social cohesion of neighborhoods. Carleton’s research seeks to determine the potential benefits of building reuse over new construction and assesses how to achieve them through quality design. In other words, how can existing buildings be adapted to new typologies while sustaining socio-cultural and economic relevance and heritage values and avoiding the waste of vast amounts of materials and embodied energy.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS) is a specialized lab working on digital tools for recording, simulating, and presenting Historic Places in Canada and around the world for their conservation. CIMS has a well-known track record of over 25 international projects using the most advanced technologies and with partners in industry, government, intergovernmental organizations, and not-for-profit.
Student roles: The interns will collaborate with the graduate and faculty of the project in acquiring, processing, and disseminating measured representations (e.g. CAD drawings, 3D models with Revit, and Rhino) of buildings that are being studied as case studies of good adaptive reuse.
Skills required: Preferably and architectural or civil engineering student with good digital skills, such as Computer-Aided Drawing (CAD), Building Information Modeling, and Image processing (e.g. photoshop). The work might involve a literature review, so reading and drafting skills will be necessary.
16. From Waste to Stock: Digital Infrastructure for Building Material Reuse
Supervisor: Inge Donovan
University: University of Manitoba (Winnipeg campus)
The student will work as a part of the Future Assemblies Lab team on a project focused on continuing the development of our material bank, a web interface containing the 3D-scanned digital twins of reused materials, which was piloted for the 2025 Venice Biennale. The selected student will work closely with the PI to develop a pipeline that allows for 3D scans to be uploaded to the material bank platform, working on the roll-out of a web-based interface, and exploring emerging financial instruments such as carbon credits.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: My research bridges design, fabrication, engineering, and computation to scale building material reuse in the circular economy. I’m interested in how to rethink materials and assemblies to design for disassembly and reuse – this work is both physical, working through large-scale prototyping, and digital, working through optimization, algorithmic assignment, and other computational tools for the circular economy. My research lab is situated in the Centre for Architectural Structures and Technology (CAST) – a large-scale purpose-built fabrication and prototyping space in the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Manitoba.
Student roles: The initial phase of the project will focus on an onboarding of the student into the Future Assemblies Lab team and a walkthrough of our existing Material Bank and physical-to-digital workflows. The student will conduct a literature review focusing on relevant literature in the last 3 years. The following phase of the project will be focused on the development of the 3d scanning pipeline that allows physical objects to be inventoried and uploaded into our database. DThe scope of this phase will be calibrated to the student's background, ranging from adaptation of existing infrastructure to more substantive redevelopment. Finally, the student will engage in an exploratory phase in which the feasibility of the integration of carbon credits into digital material banks will be assessed. This research phase will include literature review, precedent analysis, and some basic financial modeling (no prior experience required). Depending on the outcomes of the research, this feature may be integrated. Students applying should be interested in academic publishing, and the student selected will be supported in developing a conference paper on their research and publishing their findings. While the selected student will work primarily on this research project, there will also be opportunities to collaborate with other student researchers on other lab projects, including prototyping and speculative design work. Students are expected to be active participants in lab culture and will be asked to present their research to the research community in the Faculty. Students will be supported in following their own research interests and will have access to fabrication facilities and assembly space.
Skills required: The student should have experience with web development and/or programming. Experience with basic coding infrastructure (Github, python, html, css, javascript) is required. An interest in design, architecture, STS (science, technology, and society), or material culture studies is an asset, as the work will be both technical and creative. The student should be able to work individually and in a team setting. An interest in scientific and/or social sciences academic publication is an asset.
17. Industrial Designer and Fabricator, Interactive Systems
Supervisor: Philip Beesley
University: University of Waterloo (Cambridge campus)
The intern would assist in the directed design of responsive architectural components, using three-dimensional digital modeling and digital fabrication to create drawings, models and prototypes, under the guidance of a small specialist team. Over the course of the period, the intern will gain valuable practical experience in a fast-paced, friendly, professional architectural facility. Alongside a small team of experienced designers, engineers, architects and artists, the intern will have the opportunity to develop a strong working knowledge of architectural design, industrial design, prototyping and digital fabrication practices. He or she will develop skills using cutting-edge design/fabrication tools and software for contemporary design, laser cutting, 3D printing, and graphic design. Specialized training will be provided. While direct experience in these technologies is not required, advanced skill in digital design, craft and fabrication skills are assets.
New immersive-scale interactive sculpture environments will be designed, prototyped and installed in international exhibitions. Applying knowledge from interdisciplinary research, LASG is developing lightweight architecture with qualities that come strikingly close to life; environments that can move, respond, and learn; environments that grow themselves through chemical systems, and that are adaptive and empathic toward their inhabitants. The LASG Partnership expands the domains and the questions we are asking about the future of architecture, developing physical prototype envelopes that incorporate the technology and design methods of researchers.
Studio research focuses on aesthetics, technology and craft of responsive envelope systems including digital fabrication of extremely light-weight, flexible component arrays containing embedded sensors and actuators. These works feature interactive sound, light and kinetic mechanisms with distributed control systems.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: This research creates interactive architectural immersive sculptures, presented in international exhibitions. The Living Architecture Systems Group (LASG) brings together pioneering researchers and industry partners from across the world in a highly interdisciplinary research cluster dedicated to developing collaborative working methods, innovative technologies and new aesthetics within the emerging field of responsive architecture. “Living Architecture,” is the integration of living and near-living qualities into our built environment through the synthesis of technological systems. Living qualities include couplings of synthetic systems and living biosystems and human-computer interactions encouraging empathic interactions. More information: www.livingarchitecturesystems.ca.
Student roles: The intern will act as a designer and prototype-creator, using digital design software and digital fabrication to develop components and systems within experimental architectural environments. The Architectural Intern will have direct involvement in design, prototyping, fabrication and installation of experimental installations, interactive hybrid assemblies that lead toward next-generation architectural environments. The practical program will involve phases of research and experimentation (material explorations), design and visualization, rapid prototyping and digital fabrication, iterative testing and implementation.
Research and Experimentation: The intern will focus on customization techniques that could be employed for rapid prototyping, research into actuated mesh systems, systems analysis and mechanism component design and fabrication. Research and experimentation at this stage will involve two and three-dimensional reflection of intended streams of development.
Design and Visualization: The intern will make use of computer modeling, simulation, and visualization techniques to explore the conceptual possibilities for the projects and establish design ideals. These models will allow the simulation of such elements as the sensing and actuation systems, the physical properties of the material, and the resulting prototype’s overall physical configuration on large and small scales.
Prototyping and Systems Integration: Alongside digital visualization, physical prototyping of components, testing of systems, and mock‐up of assemblies will be employed to ensure that all aspects of the work can be integrated successfully. Through several iterations of design, testing and refinement, component assemblies will be created.
Manufacturing and Pre-Assembly: Intensive repetition of small parts and their assembly are key elements. The intern will lead this work, and coordinate with a large contingent of prefabrication volunteers who assist leading up to installation phases. An in‐house laser cutter, CNC router and a three-dimensional printer provide core support for small prototype fabrication, while output capacity is supplemented by outsourcing to local production facilities.
Skills required: The position requires skills in three-dimensional modeling and drawing, and practical experience in physical fabrication. The research work includes architectural and industrial design, laser cutting, 3D printing, and graphic design. Specialized training will be provided. Experience in digital design is an asset.
The intern would work as a core member of a small design, prototyping and installation team. The project will include comprehensive participation within a small team using advanced digital design, industrial design, graphics, professional practice and mixed media.
18. Knowing to Understand: Modern Dwelling in Quebec, 1945-1975. Documentation, Analytical Drawing, Interpretation
This project belongs to the first movement of my methodological triad — knowing to understand, understanding to design — applied to modern dwelling in Quebec (1945-1975). Its aim is to produce a precise, verifiable, and transmissible knowledge of modern Quebec residential works, bringing out their specific characters through documentation, critical analysis, and representation.
The corpus brings together approximately thirty cases — individual houses, residential complexes, apartment buildings — chosen for their architectural value and their capacity to reveal the specificity of a modern culture of dwelling in Quebec.
Drawing is considered an instrument of knowledge, not graphic production. Analytical redrawing, surveys, sections, axonometrics, maquettes, and diagrams allow us to reconstruct spatial, constructive, and material logics that are not immediately visible, and to identify regularities, hierarchies, and compositional rules.
Archival documentation (BAnQ, CCA, local holdings, publications, inventories) constitutes the methodological foundation: an act of reading that prepares interpretive hypotheses.
Analysis unfolds through an integrated multiscalar approach proper to modern dwelling:
(1) Building and urban space — relation to site, street, neighborhood, forms of residential urbanity;
(2) Interior space — the room as compositional unit, grammar of dwelling, circulation, light, atmosphere;
(3) Furnishings and objects — furniture, integrated arredo, detail, as material culture articulating space, body, and gesture.
The three Globalink interns will each take charge of a distinct sub-corpus and will participate in all stages. The project feeds an ongoing research program whose deliverables include an analytical map and catalogue of modern architecture in Quebec, an illustrated atlas, and a final public presentation at the École d'architecture.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: Architecture and design on the existing built environment. My research, conducted at the École d'architecture of Université Laval, articulates a methodological triad — knowing, interpreting, projecting — applied to modern architecture, recent built heritage, and practices of reuse and transformation. Analytical drawing is considered both an instrument of knowledge and a prerequisite for contemporary design. My work focuses on modern architecture in Quebec, on singular figures such as the Swiss architect Robert Blatter, on the presence of foreign architects in Quebec modernity, and on the operative tools for the comparative analysis of built works.
Student roles: Each intern will work as an integrated member of the research team, under the supervision of Professor Fabio Sedia, with weekly individual and collective meetings. The 12-week internship follows the project's methodology, applied to a sub-corpus of modern Quebec residential works. Phase 1 — Documentation (weeks 1-3). Building the documentary base of the assigned sub-corpus: archival research (BAnQ, CCA, local holdings), photographs, existing surveys, publications. Documentation is treated as an act of reading that already prepares interpretive hypotheses on dwelling. Phase 2 — Redrawing, maquette, and analysis (weeks 4-9). Production of a series of analytical drawings (plans, sections, axonometrics, diagrams) and, where relevant, study maquettes, following a unified grammar worked simultaneously at three scales: building/urban space, interior space, furnishings and objects. Each intern will produce approximately 5 to 8 analytical plates per residential work. A weekly collective workshop compares results among the three interns and brings out the regularities of the corpus. Phase 3 — Interpretation and deliverables (weeks 10-12). Drafting of analytical sheets (1500-2000 words per work); contribution to the analytical map and catalogue of modern architecture in Quebec, and to the collective illustrated atlas; final public presentation at the École d'architecture. The intern will play an active and autonomous role: this is not assistance work, but a named scientific contribution to an ongoing research program. Individual productions will be credited in the project's subsequent publications. The work environment combines a shared office at the Vieux-Séminaire, access to Quebec and Montreal archives, and participation in the scientific life of CRIB (Centre de recherche sur les infrastructures en béton), of which Professor Sedia is vice-director. Field trips to Quebec City and Montreal are planned during the internship.
Skills required: Students in architecture, architectural history, heritage, or urban studies, having completed at least two years of university studies. Essential skills: proficiency with drawing software (AutoCAD, Rhino, or equivalent), strong interest in modern architecture and dwelling, capacity for critical reading of built works and archival documents. Assets (not required): experience in analytical redrawing, surveying, maquette-making, or archival research; knowledge of a European language useful for the corpus. Intellectual curiosity, methodological rigor, sensitivity to drawing as a tool of thought, and ability to work in an international team are essential.
19. Life Cycle and Technoi-economic Analysis of Mass-timber Buildings
- State of the art analyzing the contribution of Mass timber on carbon policies applying LCA and working on hidden assumptions on material sourcing, life time, and reusability of materials. Moreover, comparison with similarly designed buildings from Concrete/steel will be condicted to showcase the real potentials and added value.
- Costs and benefits analysis of engineered wood applications will be carried out using regional data on wood products in the market, time frame of construction, additional costs of designing/building with mass timber, etc.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: I am specialized in Forest Economy and DSS and have interest and ongoing research about Mass-Timber and prefabricated housing with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. We have started to critically analyse the cost-efectiveness and carbon sequestration potentails of midsize Mass timber buildings and would like to continue the study with 2 interns focusing on 1 LCA and 2 TEA.
Student roles: - Literature review - Data analysis - Report
Modular timber construction is emerging as one of the most promising approaches for delivering sustainable, efficient, and rapidly deployable buildings. By combining advanced timber products with off-site manufacturing and modular assembly, these systems can reduce construction time, improve quality control, minimize material waste, lower environmental impacts, and support growing demands for housing and infrastructure.
As modular timber buildings become taller and more widely adopted, important questions remain regarding their structural performance, seismic behaviour, constructability, sustainability, and integration within modern design and manufacturing processes. The performance of these systems depends not only on the behaviour of individual modules, but also on how modules interact through their connections, transfer forces, accommodate deformation, and function as complete building systems.
This project contributes to ongoing research on modular timber buildings, including both light-frame wood volumetric construction and modular mass timber systems. Depending on the student's background, interests, and project needs, the work may involve investigating structural and seismic performance, studying modular systems and connections, exploring sustainable building solutions, developing conceptual or digital building models, supporting AI-assisted parametric design studies, examining digital fabrication and off-site construction workflows, organizing engineering data, producing visualizations, or assisting with preliminary analytical assessments.
The project is designed as a focused undergraduate research experience with a technical scope appropriate for a short summer internship. Through this work, the student will gain exposure to timber engineering, sustainable construction, modular building technologies, digital design methods, AI-assisted engineering workflows, and collaborative research within an active structural engineering group.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: My specialized research area is earthquake engineering and structural resilience. My research broadly examines how buildings made of different materials and systems respond to earthquakes, and how their seismic performance can be improved through innovative structural systems, performance-based design methodologies, advanced analysis tools, and code-oriented research. Current research directions include high-performance structural systems, mass timber and hybrid structures, modular construction, resilience-oriented performance-based seismic design, and seismic design provisions in Canadian standards. This work is closely connected to my service on national seismic design and structural standards committees, where I contribute to the development of future design practices for resilient buildings.
Student roles: The student will support ongoing research related to modular timber buildings and their application to sustainable, efficient, and rapidly deployable construction. The specific work will be selected based on the student’s background, interests, and the needs of the research group.
In the first stage, the student will receive an introduction to modular timber construction, sustainable building systems, digital design methods, and current research activities within the research group. The student will review relevant literature, technical reports, design guides, and previous research materials to understand the selected research topic and its broader engineering context.
In the second stage, the student will contribute to one or more focused research activities. Possible tasks include reviewing modular timber systems and connection technologies, developing conceptual or digital building models, supporting AI-assisted parametric design studies, organizing engineering databases, exploring digital fabrication and off-site construction workflows, producing graphics and visualizations, assisting with sustainability-related assessments, supporting simplified analytical studies, or contributing to technical documentation, presentations, and educational materials.
In the final stage, the student will organize the completed work, prepare a concise technical summary, and deliver a final presentation to the research group. Expected outputs may include literature reviews, building models, engineering databases, figures, technical summaries, presentations, or other research deliverables. The student will complete all tasks under regular supervision. The role emphasizes learning, creativity, engineering judgment, careful execution, interdisciplinary collaboration, and effective communication rather than independent advanced seismic analysis or specialized computational research.
Skills required: The student should have a background in civil, structural, architectural, building, forestry, wood products, construction, mechanical, manufacturing, industrial, computer, or related engineering disciplines. Experience with CAD, Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, BIM, MATLAB, Python, Excel, AI-assisted engineering workflows, data processing, visualization tools, or digital design platforms would be an asset but is not required. The student should be willing to learn new concepts, read technical literature, communicate clearly, and work independently under regular supervision. Strong interest in timber buildings, sustainable construction, modular systems, digital technologies, AI applications, or structural innovation is highly desirable.
21. Neurourbanism: bridging remote sensing, urban greenspaces, and brain imaging
Supervisor: Yuhao Lu
University: University of Manitoba (Winnipeg campus)
Urban living is increasingly stressful. This Mitcas project uses Virtual Reality and Optical Brain Imaging to assess various urban environments and their influence on emotional responses in young adults. It addresses the growing mental stress and anxiety experienced by postsecondary students. While traditional stress management focuses on psychological interventions, this interdisciplinary project investigates how the built environment, such as architectural design, lighting, and natural elements, shapes emotional well-being.
The project bridges biomedical engineering, architecture, psychology, and health sciences to create a data-driven framework for evaluating social spaces. Dr. Yuhao Lu will lead the development of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) representations of existing and newly designed spaces at the Fort Garry campus, utilizing high-fidelity 3D scanning, Digital Aerial Photogrammetry, and Terrestrial Laser Scanning. The research team will then integrate this immersive VR with a portable optical brain imaging technique known as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), along with physiological sensors that capture heart rate and skin conductance.
By comparing individuals' experiences across different design scenarios using the Contemplative Landscape Model, the study aims to quantify real-time neural and physiological correlates of stress and anxiety. Ultimately, this research will introduce quantitative neurophysiological metrics to support evidence-based architectural design, guiding the creation of stress-reducing university campuses and therapeutic clinical environments.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: Dr. Yuhao Lu is an Assistant Professor whose research operates at the intersection of geospatial analytics, remote sensing, and cartographic design. He utilizes satellite imagery, drone data, and open-source point clouds to systematically quantify and communicate urban form, microclimates, and tree canopies. Grounded in environmental and data justice, Yuhao focuses on building reproducible 3D city models and accessible mapping tools. Ultimately, he aims to democratize city-scale analytics, bridge technical evidence with lived experiences, and provide policy-ready decision support for sustainable landscape planning and urban forestry.
Student roles: The student is responsible for conducting literature reviews on neurourbanism and environmental psychology, processing high-resolution Digital Aerial Photogrammetry (DAP) and Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) datasets. They construct precise 3D models of existing university environments and integrate these scene-ready layers into immersive Virtual Reality (VR) platforms. Additionally, they select campus spaces based on indicators like canopy cover and accessibility, and create new VR design scenarios using the Contemplative Landscape Model (CLM).
The student will receive cross-disciplinary training that bridges spatial design with biomedical engineering.
Skills required: Required: - Training and background in landscape architecture and/or urban design - Basic understanding of GIS - Experiences in 3D modelling (construction and rendering)
22. Spatial Analysis for Large-Scale Augmented Reality Games and Narrative Experiences
Supervisor: Derek Reilly
University: Dalhousie University (Halifax campus)
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Start date: 2027-05-03 (flexible)
Disciplines: Architecture, Design, Engg-Computer, Engg-Software, Engg-Systems and Technology, Industrial Design and Technology, Information Studies, Management Information Systems, Media Studies, Psychologie, Psychology, Statistics, Studies Science and Technology, Sociology
This project considers how spatial analysis techniques used in architecture and urban planning, and socio-spatial theory from the social sciences, can be applied to large scale virtual and augmented reality (AR/VR) experiences. In particular, we are exploring how Space Syntax can inform the placement of content and events for games, narratives, or interactive guides, and how Proxemics theory can shape interaction with these experiences. The project is engaged in applied work with partners in Digital Media, Media Studies, and Architecture.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: The Graphics and Experiential Media Lab engages in the design, implementation, and evaluation of interactive immersive visualizations and experiences. Application domains are varied, and include urban navigation, health care, games, narrative experiences, cultural heritage, ocean science, and aerospace. See http://gem.cs.dal.ca
Student roles: The student will engage in the iterative design, implementation and/or evaluation of a toolkit for spatially adaptive AR/VR content creation or its products (games, narratives, guides). Specific activities will depend on the background of the student.
Skills required: We are looking for interns with expertise in one or more of the following: programming, human-computer interaction, design, graphics, GIS or other spatial analysis tools, and human-subjects evaluation.
23. Sustainable Rehabilitation of Heritage Masonry and Concrete Structures through Collaborative Engineering and Architectural Approaches
Historic buildings and heritage structures represent an important part of Québec's cultural identity but often require rehabilitation to address material degradation, environmental exposure, and changing performance requirements. This project aims to develop sustainable rehabilitation strategies for heritage masonry and concrete structures through collaboration between engineers and architects.
The intern will participate in condition assessment, material characterization, and the evaluation of repair and conservation solutions. Activities may include laboratory testing of traditional and innovative repair materials, analysis of historic mortars and concretes, documentation of deterioration mechanisms, and assessment of structural performance.
Working alongside researchers in civil engineering and architecture, the student will contribute to developing rehabilitation approaches that preserve architectural heritage while improving durability, safety, and environmental performance. The project may also include numerical modeling and field investigations on selected heritage structures.
The internship provides multidisciplinary training at the interface of engineering, architecture, heritage conservation, and sustainable construction.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: Our research focuses on the conservation, assessment, and rehabilitation of existing and heritage structures. The work combines civil engineering, architecture, building materials, and sustainability to develop durable and low-carbon solutions for aging infrastructure and historic buildings. Research activities include condition assessment, repair materials, structural analysis, durability evaluation, and the preservation of cultural heritage while meeting modern performance requirements.
Student roles: The student will receive safety training and supervision before participating in laboratory or field activities. All work will follow Université Laval safety procedures and established protocols for laboratory testing and site visits. Regular meetings with supervisors, architects, engineers, and research mentors will ensure appropriate guidance, project progress, and successful completion of the internship objectives.
Skills required: Applicants should have a background in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Building Engineering, Materials Engineering, or Heritage Conservation. Knowledge of building materials, structural behavior, construction technology, or historic preservation is desirable. Experience with laboratory testing, field investigations, CAD, BIM, or finite element modeling is considered an asset. Strong communication skills and an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration between engineers and architects are essential.
We are part of a 7-person research team studying the Architecture of Law Schools. We have visited 50 law schools across North America to discover what the buildings tell us about the priorities of legal education. We are preparing a book to visualize our findings. The book will contain pictures, drawings, and essays. Our group includes 3 architecture professors, 2 law professors, and 2 high-level practicing architects
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: The specialized research area is at the intersection of the study of legal education with architecture.
Student roles: The student will be the helping the team to assemble a book proposal on the Architecture of Law Schools. They will be managing a large dataset of photos, compiling visual layouts of photos, drawings, and texts. They will be conducting web research to retrieve drawings and historical information about buildings. The will join team meetings to discuss the overall argument and presentation of the book. They will be required to write emails and the occasional memo and to read and write in English.
Skills required: An architectural training, including the ability to produce and review drawings, is required. In addition, the student must possess strong graphic design skills, able to combine visual images with texts in a compelling way. The student must be able to conduct architectural analysis and to compile information from a closed dataset of photos as well as publicly available information on the internet.
The Architecture of Legal Education
This project investigates how architecture shapes the culture and experience of legal education. Through a comparative study of law schools across Canada and the United States, the research examines how buildings express institutional values, support different models of teaching and learning, and communicate ideas about justice, accessibility, tradition, and public engagement.
While law schools play a central role in training future legal professionals, relatively little research has explored how their physical environments influence educational culture and institutional identity. The project combines architectural analysis, field documentation, photography, mapping, archival research, and drawing to examine a diverse range of law school buildings and campuses.
The selected student will join an interdisciplinary research team developing a book-length publication on the architecture of legal education. The student will contribute to the creation of analytical drawings, comparative diagrams, visualizations, and graphic materials that help communicate complex spatial and institutional relationships. Through this work, the student will gain experience in design research, architectural representation, visual communication, and publication development.
The project ultimately seeks to advance understanding of how architecture participates in the formation of professional cultures and how educational institutions can use design to better support learning, inclusion, and public engagement.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: Architecture, Institutions, and the Built Environment
My research examines how architecture shapes institutions, cultures, and systems of governance. Working at the intersection of architecture, law, and public life, I investigate how buildings communicate values, influence behaviour, and support different forms of learning, community, and civic engagement. Through fieldwork, drawing, mapping, photography, and visual analysis, my work explores the relationship between spatial design and institutional culture. Current projects focus on the architecture of legal education and the role of design in shaping contemporary public institutions.
Student roles: The student will work as a research assistant within a collaborative architecture research team investigating the design of law schools and legal education environments. Responsibilities will include assisting with architectural analysis, precedent research, visual documentation, and the production of graphic materials for a book-length publication.
The student will help create analytical drawings, comparative diagrams, maps, timelines, and visualizations that communicate key spatial, educational, and institutional themes identified through the research. Tasks may include redrawing architectural plans and sections, editing and organizing photography, developing graphic layouts, preparing publication materials, and assisting with the synthesis of research findings into visual formats.
Depending on the student's interests and skills, opportunities may also exist to contribute to data organization, archival research, digital modeling, and the development of new methods of visualizing relationships between architecture, pedagogy, and institutional culture.
The student will gain experience working within an active academic research environment, contribute directly to a major publication project, and develop advanced skills in architectural representation, research methods, visual communication, and collaborative design inquiry.
Skills required: Applicants should have a background in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, graphic design, or a related design discipline. Strong visual communication skills are essential, including experience producing architectural drawings, diagrams, layouts, and digital graphics. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and CAD or 3D modeling software (Rhino) is preferred. Experience with architectural analysis, research methods, photography, mapping, or publication design is an asset. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, curious, highly organized, and interested in the relationship between architecture, institutions, and society.
26. The Impact of Occupant Activities on Indoor Air Quality
As people in North America spend nearly 90% of their time indoors, the air inside buildings has a great impact on our health and well-being. Modern buildings are also becoming more energy-efficient and tightly sealed so that pollutants generated from daily activities such as cooking and cleaning can accumulate and affect health, comfort, and even cognitive performance. In addition, outdoor pollution events, like wildfire smoke, are becoming more frequent and can infiltrate indoor spaces, further degrading air quality. Understanding and improving indoor air quality is, therefore, an urgent priority in both building science and public health.
This research project investigates how everyday occupant activities influence indoor air quality. We conduct field experiments to measure pollutants under controlled and real-world conditions and evaluate the effectiveness of practical interventions, such as portable air cleaners and improved ventilation strategies. A key focus is the use of low-cost air quality sensors to enable smart control of air-cleaning devices, allowing systems to respond automatically to pollution events while minimizing energy use. Through this work, we aim to develop effective, accessible solutions that create healthier and more resilient indoor environments for building occupants.
Research area, student roles & skills
Research area: Dr. Li studies strategies to improve indoor air quality and reduce occupant exposure to airborne pollutants in residential and commercial buildings. Her research is focused on smart ventilation and filtration systems that use sensors to automate system operation. She also investigates the impact of occupant activities on indoor pollutant sources and explores the effectiveness of occupant-centric approaches to mitigate these sources. In addition, Dr. Li is working with an interdisciplinary team that includes experts in engineering, epidemiology, medicine, and knowledge translation to improve indoor air quality in community spaces and congregate settings.
Student roles: Students joining this project will take an active role in the research process, depending on the stage of the project, including: - Conducting field measurements and collecting indoor air quality and environmental quality data - Performing preliminary data analysis to identify trends and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions - Reviewing scientific literature to support study design and analysis
Skills required: We welcome motivated students who are excited to learn and contribute. Ideal candidates will have: - A curiosity about indoor air quality and a passion for improving the built environment - Academic backgrounds in Civil, Environmental, or Mechanical Engineering (or related fields) - Interest or experience in field experiments and hands-on data collection - Skills in programming, data processing, and statistical analysis (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB)