Lecture Series & Exhibition Opening: Tura Cousins Wilson & Shane Laptiste from SOCA

The exhibition launch & speeches begin at 6:00PM - the official talk in the Pit begins at 6:30PM.

This lecture qualifies for 1 OAA Structured Con Ed hour. Please register (external link)  in advance.

The Studio of Contemporary Architecture (SOCA) (external link)  is an architecture and urban design studio dedicated to inclusive city building and the creation of beautiful spaces. Founded on the belief that architecture both shapes and is shaped by the contemporary condition, the studio is deeply engaged in research and the broader discourse of architecture's impact on culture, the environment and the shaping of cities. The studio is the recipient of the 2023 Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture (external link) , a travelling grant allowing the studio to explore sites of Black joy and community globally. SOCA is also a contributor representing Canada at the 2023 Venice Biennale of Architecture (external link)  and has been awarded the 2023 Emerging Architectural Practice Award (external link)  from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. SOCA had previously been listed in Wallpaper* (external link)  Magazine’s 2021 directory of emerging architectural talent and selected as one of twenty emerging practices in Canada by Twenty + Change (external link)  and Canadian Architect (external link) .

About the Speakers

Tura Cousins Wilson
OAA, BA, MRAIC

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Tura Cousins Wilson is inspired by creating uplifting spaces of beauty. He contends that architecture’s power lies in its ability to transform collective imaginations and narratives into reality.

Tura’s professional experience and interest span a variety of scales including exhibition design, multi-unit housing, private homes, cultural spaces, and urban design. He is equally compelled by exploring the craft and intimacy of small scale architecture along with the redemptive qualities of reconstituting existing buildings and spaces.

Tura holds an undergraduate degree in architecture from Toronto Metropolitan University, a Master’s degree in architecture, urbanism, building sciences from Delft University of Technology, and is a licensed architect in both Ontario and the Netherlands. Tura is an adjunct professor at the University of Waterloo (external link) , sessional instructor at the University of Toronto (external link) , and a director at East End Arts (external link) .

Shane Laptiste
OAA, OAQ, AAA, MRAIC, LEED-AP BD+C

Shane Laptiste is a licensed architect in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta. He holds BSc(Arch) and MArch degrees from McGill University, where he also serves as a studio  (external link) instructor (external link) . His work explores community informed architecture that is responsive to the cultural and spatial needs of the impacted users.

Shane is a sessional instructor at the University of Toronto (external link)   (external link) and also serves as board member with the Canadian Architectural Certification Board. (external link)  He has previously served as a director for Capital Region Housing, Media Architecture Design Edmonton, Nuit Blanche Edmonton and NCC Charles H Este Community Centre. He is currently leading several projects supporting art, gathering and joy in marginalized communities.

Please be aware that this event/exhibition is being documented by Toronto Metropolitan University (the University). Photographs and/or video footage may be used by the University in any publication, multimedia production, display advertisement or online platform.