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2025
2025 WINNERS
PAIRIDAEZA explores waste, reuse, and materiality, inspired by images of garbage caught in fishing net during ocean clean-ups. Constructed from recycled materials diverted from landfills, the structure hangs above passersby. The geometric layout of the recycled materials is inspired by Persian gardens, which symbolize paradise—a juxtaposition to the materiality of the structure. The design emphasizes the symmetry and vibrant colours characteristic of these gardens, often reflected in the motifs of Persian Carpets. PAIRIDAEZA underscores the vital role that designers play in giving new life to reused and recycled materials. By imbuing discarded materials with new form and function, we can transform it into something magical-what was once destined for the landfill is transformed into a colourful mosaic, reminiscent of a garden of paradise.
Yasaman Kashani is a skilled Landscape Designer with a Master’s in Landscape Architecture and a background in Architecture. With over four years of multidisciplinary experience, she specializes in visionary concepts, technical drawings, and 3D visualizations. Passionate about sustainability, Yasaman integrates Green-Blue Infrastructure to create resilient, functional, and socially responsive spaces.
Madeleine Dafoe is a Master of Landscape Architecture graduate from the University of Manitoba. She’s passionate about place-based design solutions that are responsive to the communities and ecologies they serve. She has contributed to multiple small-scale public space interventions, including Parking Day, Warming Huts, Transplant, and Framing the Landscape.
Calvin Tan is a Registered Landscape Architect with over six years of combined experience in academic research and professional practice in landscape architecture, with a focus on emerging landscape technologies and visual communications. Calvin is committed to creating designs that effectively communicate complex ideas that challenge the boundaries of landscape architecture.
The Living Shore
Petals in Perspective
by Noah Shotton, Gavin Buhler,
Bayan Shaeri + Owen Tintor
Perceptual art is a style of art that is meant to engage movement and encourage viewers to fully uncover the content. The installation Petals in Perspective invites viewers to move around the gardens and wander on the knolls, and, in so doing, to discover flower pieces that appear whole when viewed from a particular position. The installation highlights two plant species native to Manitoba, the Prairie Crocus, Manitoba’s provincial flower, and the endangered Western Spiderwort. In the shadow of The Leaf and the presence of the Sensory Gardens, these structures stand tall, emphasizing the importance of these plant species. Petals in Perspective prompts viewers to question their decisions concerning habitat loss, while offering a playful way to create awareness about these flowers, the Spiderwort’s endangerment, and plant life cycles more broadly.
PETAL is composed of Noah Shotton, Gavin Buhler, Bayan Shaeri, and Owen Tintor, all currently enrolled in the Environmental Design program at the University of Manitoba. United by a curiosity for people, place, and perception, PETAL strives to design with technicality. Noah, drawing on experience in engineering and formal drafting, is interested in how the eye perceives the world, and how to reduce the attention of the designer. Gavin, with experience in wood-framing construction, appreciates the beauty of design, what it can achieve, and what effect it has on people. Bayan, with a background in carpentry, constantly seeks new opportunities to inform his design perspective and values these new insights gained through collaboration. Owen, shaped by his experience in landscaping, values the awe of nature and strives to create these instances for people to experience.
OSBO
by SKHLD
OSBO is designed to reflect and respond to the liveliness of Osborne Village; light, form, and colour become invitations to plant yourself in space. By day, you are drawn in—like a dot on the wall—toward planters [seats] and tables that welcome you to share a meal, observe street life, and get to know your neighbours. You are called to gather, an invitation to connect and grow together. OSBO is ground where social roots take hold, a garden of human connection with a touch of funk. With the goal of providing and meaningful opportunities for citizens within this pedestrian corridor, spaces to sit, relax, eat, or simply pass through provided. Through subtle change, OSBO aims to enhance the good things of the day.
SKHLD is comprised of six students within the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Architecture, united by a shared passion for design and its potential for shifting environments. Dallin Taylor (M.Arch), Howl Phan (B.EnvD), Kamryn Sigvaldason (B.EnvD), Katrina Wisneski (B.EnvD), Lucas Szpigiel (B.EnvD), and Sari Halldorson Haines (M.LArch) are a team tuned in practices of landscape architecture, urbanism, and architectural design. Our interdisciplinary breadth of education and professional experience provides both a unique and truly collaborative outcome to any project we take on. As a team, SKHLD hopes to contribute to the ongoing story and discussion that is design, seeking opportunities to collaborate with fellow designers and patrons beyond the studio. We believe that even the subtlest of details in design can create truly impactful experiences for the users and community at large... and that keeping fun at the forefront in practice is a must!
Manitoba’s shoreline faces significant challenges from erosion, flooding, and ice damage, particularly along Lake Winnipeg. Inspired by straw wattles—an eco-friendly, locally sourced erosion control material—“The Living Shore” aims to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting our shorelines, preserving watershed habitats, and safeguarding wildlife. Mimicking the flow of the Red River through Winnipeg, the garden installation uses straw wattles as a growing medium for native shoreline stabilization plants, including wildflowers, grasses, and sedges. The Design offers pedestrians a meandering, immersive experience while introducing a green contrast to the surrounding non-porous surfaces. Integrated seating areas along the shoreline invite visitors to walk, sit, and engage with the space. Being eco-friendly and fully recyclable, the installation allows the straw wattles to be transported to actual shorelines for long-term stabilization efforts.
nyta is an interdisciplinary experimental design and research practice based in Washington, D.C. and New York, founded by Lingzhe Lu and Kun Chen. We are designers committed to social and environmental responsibility, integrating data-driven computational design, material research, and artistic thoughts to engage the relationship between the human society and the built environment. Lingzhe Lu is a licensed architect in Washington, D.C. By combining her artistic insight with architectural storytelling, Lingzhe views design as a process to explore, speculate, and address social and environmental issues. Lingzhe holds a Bachelor’s degree from Bartlett and a Master’s degree from Cornell University. Kun Chen is a licensed architect in New York State. Specialized in computational design, data-driven analysis, and emerging tools such as AI, Kun blends creativity with rationality, exploring new possibilities in design. Kun holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo and a Master’s degree from Cornell University.
Anything for a Breeze
by OSO planning + design
During the hot summer months, we will do Anything for a Breeze. This project is a bike-powered breeze machine that invites folks to cool each other off in a playful + collaborative way. From afar, passersby will see a curious icy-blue machine with a flurry of colourful tassels. As they approach, they will recognize the instruction of the installation: hop on the bike to get the fan going! The installation requires collaboration: while one person pedals on cranks, others will enjoy the breeze, requiring folks to work together with strangers and friends alike to share some coolness. In this way, coolness is care. The installation creates a simple + joyful way for folks to actively care for one another. We see the installation as an opportunity to build bridges between people and strengthen the community through shared moments of breezy fun.
OSO planning + design is an interdisciplinary studio of artists, designers, community planners, and makers who bring diverse expertise to each project. Their areas of specialization include large-scale public art, community planning, urban design, architecture, design-build, public engagement, and education. The belief that every project should be designed to integrate the community and enable participation is central to OSO’s ethos. This approach ensures that each endeavor builds on collective knowledge, connects to relevant issues, and contributes to a strong sense of place. The OSO build team is supported by Allan Carver, a versatile fabricator known for creating just about anything, with a passion for whimsical, human-powered projects. The team is also joined by Jared Klok, an interdisciplinary designer and builder based in Winnipeg.
2025 INVITED INSTALLATIONS
Woven Relations
by Faculty of Architecture,
University of Manitoba
Woven Relations is an Indigenous medicine and plant garden located at The Forks in Winnipeg, between the Promenade and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Designed in the form of a spiral braided sweetgrass, it offers a space for urban medicine harvesting and cultural connection for the Indigenous community. The garden symbolizes interconnectedness—among people, plants, and the natural world—and features diverse medicinal plants in accessible beds.
Through summer workshops, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous visitors can learn about traditional teachings, proper harvesting protocols, and the preparation of medicines. Built using recycled materials and designed to evoke wild harvesting experiences, Woven Relations fosters community gathering, healing, and storytelling. Before deinstallation, a final harvest and celebration will be held. The project aims to deepen understanding of Indigenous knowledge and strengthen connections across the wider Winnipeg community.
Led by Professor Frits Van Loon, the group is composed of students from the Faculty of Architecture, representing both the landscape architecture and architecture streams at various stages of their education. Each member brings unique skills and perspectives—ranging from design and planning to hands-on building and storytelling. Notably, many team members come from diverse regions around the world, bringing with them an understanding of the importance of Indigenous knowledge and teachings, which forms a core aspect of their project, Woven Relations. Through this experience, the group aims to create opportunities for learning, connection, and the fostering of meaningful relationships—both within the team and with the broader community.
Team members: Frits Van Loon, Maggie Cramb,
Busola Ayoola, Shiza Jawed, Eva Hagel MacPherson,
Yanchi Liu, Jory Thomas & Jane Santa Ana.
berdie by derdie
by derdie
derdie is the collaborative art playground of Treaty 6 artists Andie Palynchuk and Derek Sandbeck. Blurring the lines between art, play, and public engagement, they transform everyday objects and spaces into interactive experiences using sculpture, ceramics, mechanics, and murals. Their work invites people of all ages to participate, connect, and see the world differently. Known for their joyful, inclusive approach, derdie has been featured in exhibitions and festivals across the prairies. Highlights include a residency and exhibition at Kenderdine Art Gallery, the interactive game TURBO and installation MEET Cute at Remai Modern’s WEGO and LUGO events, and their window show play date at AKA/PAVED Arts. In 2024, they brought a rotating basketball sculpture to life at the YXE Urban Games. As Art City’s 2024 Guest Artists, they co-created a miniature golf course with children and families—demonstrating how art-making can build relationships, empower voices, and celebrate community through creative collaboration.
Art City Downtown
Street Sculpture
by Art City
Art City participants spent a week creating cardboard forts in a wide array of themes and designs. During this workshop, a group of children attached their forts together, resulting in a collaborative architectural adventure. The following week, participants built the Art City Downtown Street Sculpture, a scaled-up, wooden recreation faithful to the card board original. This project, like all Art City projects, was designed by young program participants in the spirit of creativity and collaboration.
Art City is a not-for-profit community art studio dedicated to providing people of all ages with innovative and professional art programming, free of charge. Art City’s primary goal is to provide space and tools for anyone who wishes to express themselves creatively.
*Images supplied highlight past projects.
Tawnday Pe’ Oototayan?
by Manitoba Métis Federation
The purpose of Tawnday pe’ oototayan? is to display flora from selected ecosystems across the Red River Métis Homeland: the Boreal Forest, the Aspen Parkland, and the Northern Tallgrass Prairie. These ecosystems are unique from each other due to climate and topography. The Boreal Forest spans across the Northern Regions of the Canadian Provinces, and is a vast region of coniferous forests, wetlands, and lakes. The Aspen Parkland serves as a transitional zone between the Prairie and Boreal Forest, featuring open grasslands mixed with aspen groves and shrub lands. South of the Aspen Parkland in Manitoba lies the Northern Tallgrass Prairie, which hosts a variety of habitats including wet and dry tall grass prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. Each of these ecosystems have critical threats that endanger their existence. By displaying key plants of these regions, Tawnday pe’ oototayan? hopes to inspire visitors to learn more about the traditional and the changing landscapes in the Red River Métis Homeland.
Housed within the Energy, Infrastructure, and Resource Management Department (EIRM), the Agriculture Portfolio is focused on advocating for Red River Métis priorities within the agriculture and agri-food sector. The Agriculture Portfolio develops strategies focused on active, meaningful, and effective engagement and participation on agricultural issues, innovations, and opportunities, all while incorporating Traditional Red River Métis Knowledge. The Agriculture Portfolio seeks to develop programming related to on-farm beneficial management practices, research, climate resiliency, and food security, all while ensuring the rights, claims and interests of all Red River Métis are upheld across the National Homeland.
The Manitoba Métis Federation – National Government of the Red River Métis (MMF) Culture and Heritage Department commits to protect, promote, and enhance Red River Métis culture, heritage, and language through effective programs, services, and information, so that the role of the Red River Métis in Canada’s past and present is recognized and that Red River Métis Citizens and Community thrive for generations to come.
Snag
by Nik Friesen-Hughes
When a tree dies in a forest it becomes a ‘snag’. This death is only the beginning of new life as snags play a crucial ecological role by supporting diverse species. Snags serve as natural habitat for birds, insects, fungi, and small mammals. Birds use tree cavities for nesting, roosting, foraging, and food storage. As wood decays, insects move in, attracting other birds and wildlife. In urban environments, humans typically remove dead plant material from the site – depriving urban creatures of vital habitat and resources. By repurposing a dead tree, this project aims to invite visitors to appreciate the ecological, aesthetic, and educational value of dead trees, and to consider different possibilities in how we manage dead and dying plant material around us.
2025 HONOURABLE MENTIONS
ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE
by BRAVO NIETO STUDIO
What if we observed living being from a different perspective? Viewing the world from above, exploring the roots of the earth, or seeing plants from below? This project aims to foster a dialogue with nature, integrating viewpoints that connect humans and non-humans. We question the design of our cities and parks, symbol of radical anthropocentrism, to explore a new relationship with other living beings. It proposes a space that invites reflection and coexistence, where nature takes center stage.
The Puzzling Tree
by Madison Summer Bautista +
Brock Dueck
When a tree falls within Winnipeg's Urban Center, it takes teamwork to create a solution. Using solution based play, this design suggests observation, invention, hands-on discovery to all-abilities of visitors. The design itself
utilizes recyclability of urban canopy decay, and invites contemplation of this problem through play. Visitors will connect with nature through hands on discovery with three distinct branch lines. The 3 shapes, stained with colour, inspire visitors to ask, "is it possible....to make a new shape?...for the colours to align?...to pull the ropes?...to roll them somewhere new?...to fit them together?" The varying sizes encourage visitors to first explore on their own, and then connect with others. "Can you help me... move this one?...pull together?... solve the challenge?" It draws on the lessons embedded in children's toys like Tangram Puzzles (colour-matching), Bead Maze's (shapes following a line), and 3D brain teasers (a perfect " re-set"). Every age and ability can explore their contributions to this brain teaser installation!! Has a solving the problem of fallen trees, and visiting a garden, ever been this....fun? Let's play together!
CIRCLE of KINSHIP
by Alejandrina Hernandez Zavarce + Stefania Hernandez Zavarce
Circle of Kinship at the Osborne Village Green focuses on fostering community connection through a circular wooden bench made from locally sourced wood. The bench draws inspiration from Indigenous gathering practices and the concept of an amphitheater, inviting visitors to gather, relax, and engage in storytelling. Integrated dimmable LED lighting beneath the bench creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that shifts with the time of day, enhancing the park’s accessibility and safety at night. The interactive space encourages communal experiences, revitalizing the park as a dynamic, welcoming place for both locals and visitors alike.
Summer at Lake Winnipeg
by MK+ design studio
The installation seeks to channel the refreshing coolness of Lake Winnipeg's shores into the urban park. Through the shape of the art installations, it evokes the vibrant summer atmosphere of lakeside activities such as swimming, paddling and snorkeling, immersing visitors in an aquatic oasis. It recreates the lakeside cooling experience through multi-sensory design. Blue semi-transparent composite materials which increase light transmittance while maintaining environmental transparency, as if taking people to the blue underwater world, while smooth PVC surfaces deliver tactile coolness. The three knolls are fully exposed to sunlight, the installations can also be used as shade pavilions. Strategically positioned across 2 knolls with higher terrain to remain the viewing platform function. The design idea is also a reflection of the neighboring Indigenous Peoples Garden’ culture. Fire and Water are vital elements of the site, and these art installations extend the water theme.
HOOP LOOP
by Parley Collective (Felix Cheong, Rachel Cohen-Murison, Haley Zhou + Eveline Lam)
Located at Osborne Village Green, HOOP LOOP is a whimsical interactive installation designed to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. The installation consists of two primary elements. The first is a ring of colourful hula hoops suspended in the air. Supported by trees within the park, this translucent sculptural element can be seen by passersby as it rises several meters into the air, inviting pedestrians to come in for a closer look and enjoy some reprieve from the summer sun. Once entered, they will experience a play of light, shadow, and colour as the hoops shift with the wind, creating a dynamic visual effect and creating a gather space for different events to take place.
Venturing further into the park one will notice smaller clusters of hoops on the ground in a similar formation as the ring canopies above. These donut shaped stands make up the second element of the installation. Visitors are welcome to unclip the detachable hoops from these stands to use as they see fit, and return them whenever they are done. Together with the canopies, these hoops promote a sense of play and exploration, activating Osborne Village Green as an engaging community destination.
The Cool Pavilion
by Louie T. Navarro + Cristian Tablazon
Beginning at the time before (what we now term) 'architectures', this proposal traces narratives of dwelling, situated and embodied indigenous knowledge bases. At this moment where humanity is witness to the apogee of climate crisis, we encourage visitors to muse upon our complicity in the buildup that has led to this state of emergency.
In contrast, these reflections are calmed by the stillness imposed by the project that actualizes the simplicity of form and teleological in their recognition of the balance of nature and out place in the world.
And for the team, this is the highest honour we can bestow upon peoples whose histories have been whittled. To go beyond the formalities of ceremony is to reclaim a voice from who we should take heed from as we aim to survive our biggest challenge to date that is the climate crisis.
Cool and Fun Guys
by Kami Goertz + Darci Madlung
A gathering of cool and fun guys popping up under the trees on the green lawn. Providing a place for relaxing under the leaves, community gatherings and fun events, adding quirky personality and shadow forms to an otherwise under-utilized lawn space. We are intrigued by how nostalgic roadside attractions create a sense of community and visitor engagement through an instantly relatable focal point, and how these public art projects can provide the set for a simple human interaction to occur. Osborne Village has a history of diverse creativity, this installation will promote play to inspire more of that creativity and imagination, for a future of connectedness and community. Imagine a creative and colourful series of art attractions with multiple dynamic and interactive points. At first glance a satisfying visual experience, while also the set for a moment of fun interaction.
We are not decomposing, we are propagating.
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