2 1 s t c e n t u r y s c h o o l o f a r c h i t e c t u r e
proposal for a thesis

  in order to create an environment specifically conducive to the study of architecture, this project proposes a departure from the conventional design of similar academic institutions; namely it aims at the fusion of physical architecture with curriculum itself. how can the present school of architecture be redesigned to retrofit into the 21st century, both physically as well as programmatically?
the school of architecture, designed by sir andrew taylor in 1896, is the second oldest school in canada, and only a year younger than its counterpart at harvard.  housed in a gracious and commodious greystone building that it shares with the school of urban planning, it is situated in downtown montreal, on the east side of mcgill's main campus green. the location and special facilities of the school of architecture have always been geared at providing a stimulating environment for the  study of architecture. this site then is in many respects ideal for experimenting with the use of architecture as an educational medium. 
the idea proposed is to demolish the present annex of the school, and to replace it with an addition – an addition that would not only be used as a tool for teaching,  but that would encompass new facilities to upgrade and advance the school into the 21st century. the construction of this new annex would aim at helping students gain an understanding of the relationship between materials and building, which building methods are most appropriate for a particular construction, and the different materials used would help to develop expertise in selecting which materials are best suited to which tasks.
the annex would house upgraded computer and photography facilities, offices, crit rooms / exhibition rooms, and loftier studios, comprised of areas for computer - related work, as well as the traditional drafting tables and desks. the present facilities of the macdonald - harrington building would be rearranged and integrated with the new addition in such a way so as to encourage more interaction between the different years and the different schools – namely architecture, urban planning, and engineering.
this project seems exciting, if not for its experimental aspect in using architecture as a teaching tool, then from the point of view of trying to make it a successful addition to an existing building of historical significance, as well as having it relate to its surrounding counterparts on campus.