The uniquely independent masters program here at the Waterloo School of Architecture continues to grow, and each term brings new graduate students accompanied by their diverse thesis objectives. Over the next few weeks we will be profiling these future masters and their work in hopes of shedding light on the breadth of research and design happening within the school.
This week features the current M2 students and their work presented at the M1 Open Studio Night.
Immersed in their research, writing, and design speculation, masters students are often elusive creatures; hidden behind a fortress of books, obsessively consumed in personal projects. But don’t fear them, they’re not dragons. Approach them, ask them questions, because they’ve been in your position. Once upon a time, they too entered into the ambiguous and challenging world of the architecture undergraduate and they persevered! Talk to them, for they are wise.
Karan Manchanda | M2
Where can you be found?
3018.
How do you prefer to procrastinate?
Netflix, the gym, and ping-pong.
Summarize your thesis in a sentence or two.
Looking at how data centers can become a more integral layer of our society architecturally.
Michael Kim | M2
Where can you be found?
Grad Office 3012.
How do you prefer to procrastinate?
Wiki Surfering, Netflix, and Pens!
Tip from an elder.
Balanced lifestyle is the key to good work. Creativity and dedicated results cannot occur without a sound mind.
Summarize your thesis in a sentence or two.
My thesis is on creating an artificial cognition in architecture. Exploring, documenting, and developing an architectural model that utilizes artificial intelligence.
Stephen Wenzel | M2
Where can you be found?
2023.
Summarize your thesis in a sentence or two.
My thesis investigates bicycle-based urbanism. Using Toronto as a case study, I am interested in the interlinked roles of infrastructure, architecture, and planning in re-introducing the bicycle to North America’s urban cores. I seek to envision a second city within Toronto, an interwoven network within the existing urban fabric, a city which is the realm of the cyclist.
Prianka Smita | M2
Where can you be found? At home…maybe 3011.
How do you prefer to procrastinate? Sleeping, watching series/movies.
Tip from an elder.
Make sure you have a strong idea of what you want to do for masters thesis, this is where things get real so take in the practical/ financial/ economical aspects when thinking of a thesis.
Summarize your thesis in a sentence or two.
Cultural and physical revitalization of the oldest street in Dhaka, Bangladesh, through renovation of the existing live heritage. This will challenge the existing idea of preservation defined by UNESCO by proposing an alternative method specialized for the area.
Chanel Dehond | M2
Where can you be found?
Room 2026. Next to the second floor Draft Printer.
How do you prefer to procrastinate? Watching New Girl whilst eating Pillsbury’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough *raw*.
Tip from an elder.
Befriend the Melville baristas and make sure you get a coffee card.
Summarize your thesis in a sentence or two.
A series of illustrated short stories that envision futures in which the role of the architect is redefined.
Kimberley Adamek | M2
Where can you be found?
Slim offices across from library, 2nd floor. Grand cafe, Melville, or Ping pong table – first floor lounge.
How do you prefer to procrastinate?
Ping pong, movies.
Tip from an elder.
Love what you do.
Summarize your thesis in a sentence or two.
My thesis explores the benefits of creating building typologies that harness the productive aspects of wind forces.
