DAS Bash: TMU celebrates 75+ years of leading architectural science education.
In celebration of over 75 years of leading architectural science education, Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) Department of Architectural Science (DAS) launched the DAS Bash, a living work-in-progress exhibition. From October to November 2024, the exhibition featured notable alumni work, experimental fabrications, vintage drafting equipment, and interactive displays, including a working model of TMU’s Architecture building.
The DAS Bash exhibit entrance at TMU’s Paul H. Cocker Gallery.
Exhibition visitors checking out the large-scale architecture building model.
Visitors had many ways to interact with the exhibition displays.
The opening reception for the exhibition united hundreds of students, faculty, and alumni in celebration, as they explored DAS’ past, present, and future. Notable alumni from the 1980s to 2010s shared current work and reflected on their journey from DAS to where they are now. Presenters included: David Campbell, Associate at Arup (Toronto); Tura Cousins Wilson, Co-founding Principal of SOCA; Jake Chakasim, assistant professor at Carleton University; Gayle Meeks, Associate and Technical Director at Perkins&Will; Aaron Budd, Principal and Director of Regenerative Practice, SvN; Paige Crewson, Senior Adviser, Kennaley Construction Law; Tania Bortolotto, Founder and President, BORTOLOTTO; Robin Snell, Director (Senior Partner) Parkin Architects; Ian Dance, Dillon Consulting; and Dami Lee, Architect, YouTuber, and Founder of Nollistudio.
Alumnus and co-founding principal of SOCA, Tura Cousins Wilson presenting on his architecture journey and latest work.
A 65-foot-long interactive timeline of the DAS program history was on display throughout the gallery.
DAS Chair, Lisa Landrum, greeting students, alumni, faculty, and visitors at the opening reception.
The exhibition was a testament to DAS’ evolution and contributions to the field. Beginning as the School of Architectural Draughting in 1948, DAS has significantly expanded its programs and facilities, earning a professional accreditation for its architecture program in 2010. Today, TMU’s undergraduate architectural science program is the only one in Canada to integrate project management, building science, and design – with graduate programs for each concentration. Earlier this year, the department launched a PhD in architecture, the first in Canada to center the design process as a form of research. In addition, TMU was ranked in the top 200 universities worldwide for Architecture and the Built Environment by QS Subject Rankings in 2024.
Carlo Parente, professor and gallery director, speaking with DAS Bash attendees in the Architecture building.
An exhibition visitor reading about DAS’ transformation over 75 years.
The curation of DAS Bash was led by DAS professors Lisa Landrum (Chair), Carlo Parente (Gallery Director), and Jurij Leshshyshyn with students and recent graduates, notably Ozlem Bektas, Kolbie Fung and Raymin Sidhar (archival research, led by professor Leshshyshyn); Jessica Gu and Christian Maidankine (timeline graphics), Matthew Chetcuti (model), with support of several other students, faculty, and staff, and contributions by TMU Archives and Special Collections.
The exhibition was made possible with the generous sponsorship of Walters Group, and additional support of Arup, Perkins&Will, Dillon Consulting, and Kennaley Construction Law.
Photography credit: Alexandra Berceanu
Are you an alumnus who wants to support DAS programs and exhibitions? Email Shira Gellman, Associate Director of Development at the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science at shira.gellman@torontomu.ca
Want to learn more about DAS programs? Visit the department website.