It's been a whirlwind of a year so far!

Coming from all different backgrounds, my peers and I in the first year of the MArch program here at the Daniels faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design in Toronto, Ontario have certainly learned a lot. From sketch modelling to Rhino modelling on the computers, the first few months were a crash course in all things architecture.

We started off with our Faster Master Blaster Disaster Duel... which is pretty much just a fancy name for a competition we had to see who could build the tallest tower that held a pint of beer for at least 10 seconds (see the winner's photos below... haha...). Then we worked hard to create a building (with either a Cinema, Car Dealship or Tim Hortons as a program)... which came from a 'space that could be occupied'... that was the result of a shape that had volume... which came from a couple line drawings on a simple cube... and that was all first term!

The new year started off with a site visit to Niagara Falls where all of our studio work is based this term. Although it was a short trip, some of us made some time to take in all of the sights and sounds and even lose $20 bucks or so in the casino... (you work hard so that you can play hard right?). While we may not have everyone here that we started with in September (some just realized it wasn't the right fit for them), we're a close knit community who isn't afraid to spend every waking hour together.

With all of the different lectures, gallery openings and receptions that seem to happen on an almost daily basis, we're keeping ourselves busy and our minds working. In fact, I better get back to work so I can attend tonight's lecture. Here's a couple images to keep you wanting more...

Until next time,

Dave

the 'faster master blaster disaster duel' winners and their tower

an 'occupied space'

National Portfolio will be published online at the end of March! In the meantime here's a sneak preview of the Toronto Projects!

Lila Yavari, Martin Yeung, Leyla Soleimani - Box in a Box

Danny Tseng - Nomadic Origami Resort

Welcome to the new site for the Canadian Architecture Students Association. This page is the new home for information from CASA, related to the University of Toronto. Looking to stay up to date with the latest information from CASA representatives from this University? Look no further! Check back often for new posts and updates!

Be sure to check out the rest of the site to learn more about the Canadian Architecture Students Association and it's members and to find out what CASA can do to help you! Contact information is available for each school, updates about excited CASA national competitions can be found and be sure to check out each schools' national portfolio as they display selected student works.