Dalhousie University Faculty of Architecture and Planning

09/08/2026

Welcome to a new academic year in the Faculty of Architecture and Planning!

Whether you're joining our community for the first time or continuing your journey with us, we're excited to begin another year of learning, creativity, collaboration, and discovery.

This fall brings plenty of reasons to celebrate, including faculty achievements, research excellence, new appointments, creative work, and upcoming events.

Learn more at the link below about what's happening across our community, including an upcoming exhibition by Laure Nolte and other recent Faculty milestones.

https://www.dal.ca/faculty/architecture-planning/news-events/news/2026/09/01/looking_ahead__celebrating_leadership__academic_excellence__and_new_beginnings_in_the_faculty.html

09/02/2026

Save the Date | AFIELD

Join us for AFIELD, an exhibition by architect, designer, and Dalhousie alumna Laure Nolte, 2024/25 recipient of the prestigious H. Allen Brooks Travelling Fellowship.

Awarded to exceptionally promising emerging architects and planners, the fellowship supports a year of independent global study, travel, and reflection. Drawing on research conducted across Japan, Europe, and North America, AFIELD explores plant-based material cultures and the social, material, and environmental relationships that shape the built environment.

Through fieldwork, photography, physical models, and design research, the exhibition invites visitors to consider how matter, meaning, and knowledge are cultivated and carried through the places we inhabit.

📍 Dalhousie Medjuck Exhibition Space, 5410 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax
📅 September 14-18, 2026
🕘 Open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit: https://www.dal.ca/faculty/architecture-planning/news-events/events/2026/09/14/afield___h__allen_brooks_travelling_fellowship_exhibition.html

08/04/2026

🎉 The School of Planning Is Officially Re-Accredited! 🎉

The Dalhousie School of Planning has received another five-year accreditation from the Professional Standards Board for the Planning Profession in Canada, ensuring that both the Bachelor of Community Design (BCD) and Master of Planning (MPlan) programs remain fully accredited through the 2030-31 academic year.

What does that mean? It means our students can continue to graduate with credentials recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), helping them move seamlessly into the planning profession and make an impact in communities across Canada.

"Maintaining accreditation is essential," says School Director Ren Thomas. "It ensures our BCD and MPlan graduates can enter the profession with a strong foundation and contribute right away. It also connects students to valuable opportunities through the Canadian Institute of Planners, including scholarships and the Future Planners Program, which helps them build skills, experience, and professional networks."

The accreditation recognizes the School's continued commitment to excellence in planning education and reflects the hard work of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and practitioners who help shape the program.

Here's to the next five years of educating future planners, designers, and community builders! 🏙️🌳👏

07/16/2026

You're Invited: Book Launch Celebration for Silver Buckshot!

Join us in celebrating an exciting milestone from our School of Planning Director, Ren Thomas, at the launch of her newest book, Silver Buckshot.

📅 Saturday, July 25, 2026
⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 Richard Murray Design Building, 5257 Morris St. (Halifax)

Silver Buckshot shifts the conversation around housing—from problems to solutions. The book highlights how organizations across Canada are building housing that prioritizes people over profit, showcasing innovative policies, non-profit leadership, and new construction approaches that are transforming affordability.

Even more inspiring, Ren is donating 30% of royalties from the Halifax launch to Phoenix Youth, supporting shelter and transitional housing for young people in our community.

Come celebrate, connect, and be part of this important conversation about the future of housing.

07/14/2026

🌈 Join us for Pride! 🌈

Celebrate community, inclusion, and Pride with the FoAP Pride Committee on the Medjuck Lawn during the Pride Parade!

📅 Saturday, July 18
⏰ Drop by anytime between 12:00–2:30 p.m.

Enjoy music, treats, and plenty of Pride spirit. Family, friends, and friendly pets are welcome!

We hope to see you there! 🏳️‍🌈✨

06/23/2026

Reminder: Join us on June 25 for the inaugural Essy Baniassad Lecture, presented by John Patkau of Patkau Architects.

🕕 Lecture 6–7 PM | Reception 7–8 PM
📍 Medjuck Auditorium + Exhibition Room
🎟 Register for in-person or virtual attendance: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/essy-baniassad-lecture-and-reception-tickets-1991193373983

Accessibility Note: Elevator access will be unavailable due to scheduled maintenance.

We hope to see you there!

Join virtually at 6 PM: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84317609020?pwd=N774stOjQW2UwFS1HG8UdQmoFnJ5Tt.1

Dalhousie University RAIC - IRAC Nova Scotia Association of Architects

06/22/2026

Reminder: CARE Book Launch – June 24

A friendly reminder to join us this Wednesday for the launch of CARE: Research Method Design Practice.

Celebrate with us over an evening reception as we mark the release of this publication from Dalhousie Architectural Press, featuring the work of FBM and essays exploring architecture through an ethic of care.

When & Where
📅 Wednesday, June 24, 2026
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 5410 Spring Garden Road | Dalhousie Exhibition Room

Accessibility Note: Elevator access will be unavailable due to scheduled maintenance. We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Please note that a cash bar will be available during the event.

RAIC - IRAC Dalhousie University Nova Scotia Association of Architects Dalhousie University Alumni

06/18/2026

Join Us for the Launch of CARE: Research Method Design Practice

You are invited to a reception and celebration marking the publication of CARE: Research Method Design Practice (Dalhousie Architectural Press, 2026).

This new book highlights the work of FBM across institutional, commercial, community-based, landscape, and residential architecture. Centred on an ethic of care, the publication explores design as a responsive, research-driven practice that engages deeply with communities, sites, and social contexts. Featuring an essay by Susan Fitzgerald, along with contributions by Jean-Pierre Chupin and Brian Carter, CARE offers thoughtful perspectives on architecture’s role in supporting people, institutions, and the planet.

Event Details
📍 5410 Spring Garden Road, Dalhousie Medjuck Exhibition Room
📅 Wednesday, June 24, 2026
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM

Accessibility Note: Elevator access will be unavailable due to scheduled maintenance. We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause.

We hope you will join us to celebrate this important publication and connect with the community.

Please note that a cash bar will be available during the event.

RAIC - IRAC Nova Scotia Association of Architects Dalhousie Architecture Students Association Dalhousie University

06/17/2026

Join us for the inaugural Essy Baniassad Lecture and Reception, presented by the Dalhousie Architectural Press (DAP) in collaboration with the Dalhousie Faculty of Architecture and Planning.

We are honoured to welcome John Patkau, co-founder of the internationally recognized Patkau Architects, who will deliver the lecture Material Operations, Manoeuvres, and Manipulations. Known for his thoughtful and innovative approach to architecture, John Patkau’s work explores materiality, form, and experimentation, contributing significantly to contemporary architectural discourse in Canada and beyond.

This inaugural lecture commemorates the legacy of Essy Baniassad (d. 2023)—former Dean and co-founder of TUNS Press—whose commitment to architectural education, scholarship, and publishing continues to shape the work of DAP today.

Event Details:
Lecture: John Patkau: Material Operations, Manoeuvres, and Manipulations
📅 Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
🕕 Time: Lecture 6:00–7:00 PM | Reception 7:00–8:00 PM
📍 Location: Dalhousie University Ralph M. Medjuck Building | 5410 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, NS | The lecture will be held in the Medjuck Auditorium (room B015), and the reception will be hosted in the Medjuck Exhibition Room.

🎟 Register (in-person or virtual):
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/essy-baniassad-lecture-and-reception-tickets-1991193373983?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=Dalhousie+Office+of+Advancement&utm_campaign=0b059b6944-EMAIL_essy-baniassad&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-2fc27cc375-41730984

Accessibility Note: Elevator access will be unavailable due to scheduled maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.



RAIC - IRAC Nova Scotia Association of Architects Dalhousie University

06/12/2026

We are so proud to have these wonderful grads join our Dalhousie University Alumni family.

Just over a week ago, BCD graduates crossed the stage, marking the end of this chapter in their journey.

We want to take a moment to sincerely congratulate each and every one of you. It has been an honour to meet you all, and for some of us, to have you as mentors. The connections made, the guidance shared, and the support given will all remain an important part of the BCD community.

We can’t wait to see where each of your journeys take you next. We know amazing things are ahead for you all.

Congratulations, graduates! 🎓🎉