Pierre Bélanger, Professor of Landscape Architecture, was awarded the Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture.  It is awarded to a young practitioner who has demonstrated exceptional artistic potential. The prize will allow Bélanger to explore the reciprocity between water systems and mass urbanization around the world. Bélanger is interested in what Baird terms "a tough and modern version of landscape architecture," focusing on the converging fields of landscape, infrastructure and urbanism. He collaborates with agencies and landowners who focus on both the ecological durability and economic performance of large urban landscapes by design.

Shane Williamson, Professor of Architecture, and his partner Betsy Williamson earned the Ronald J. Thom Award for Early Design Achievement.  His firm, williamsonwilliamson, earned the Ronald J. Thom Award as a candidate in the early stages of a career who demonstrates outstanding potential and potential in architectural design and sensitivity to allied crafts. The firm is "promising," said Baird, and one that has made its talent clear on a national scale.

"We're a relatively young faculty with a considerable degree of accomplishment and I could not be more proud of them," said Professor George Baird, Dean of the faculty.

Please visit the Canada Council News Release

http://www.canadacouncil.ca/news/releases/2008/ko128588725093035845.htm