Ottawa Architecture Week

Ottawa Architecture Week Ottawa Architecture Week is an annual, citywide exploration of Ottawa's built environment. Check out our website for events and festival details:
OAWfest.com

Ottawa Architecture Week is an annual week-long festival that welcomes everyone to explore architecture, urbanism, art and design in Ottawa. It is presented by the Ottawa Regional Society of Architects (ORSA) with the help of local volunteers and businesses. This year OAW explores how emerging technologies will transform the built environment, and what these transformations would mean for the disc

ipline of architecture. This discourse is important, as we are in the midst of technological revolution: the way we live, play, work and connect with one another is changing dramatically. The rate and scale of these transformations is unprecedented. When in 2001 Ottawa got briefly branded as “technically beautiful”(link), it felt like a backhanded compliment(link). And yet, today, Ottawa’s impressive high-tech sector, is an ever-powerful force, affecting our economy, built environment, and design community. With technology permeating the physical, biological, social, political and cultural environments, what will the city of the future look like? What role will technology play in it? How will technology shape our behaviour? And, how will this transform our built environment? Ultimately, one can’t help but wonder: what if architecture is about to be technologically disrupted? What if:
“The future city will have no traffic congestion and no crime; have plenty of green spaces; be walkable; have inspiring and beautifully designed environments for people to live, congregate and collaborate; be 100 percent environmentally sustainable, renewable, and rechargeable; will be able to produce and provide ample food, with unlimited access to clean water; have buildings that respond to the needs of those that live, work and learn within; be economically thriving, innovative; and ultimately, stimulate happy and healthy living.”
— Dr. Rick Huijbregts, Future Cities in the Age of Disruption

Mapping in the Market tote bags are now for sale! 20$, cash only. Proceeds go to Sheppards of Good Hope in the market. O...
10/01/2025

Mapping in the Market tote bags are now for sale! 20$, cash only. Proceeds go to Sheppards of Good Hope in the market. On sale tonight, tomorrow, and Friday night. 🛍️

And introducing our last but certainly not least panelist - Ali Shafaee 🎶🪩Over his 20+ year career, Ali Shafaee has prod...
10/01/2025

And introducing our last but certainly not least panelist - Ali Shafaee 🎶🪩

Over his 20+ year career, Ali Shafaee has produced large-scale events across the world, co-founded one of Canada’s leading event production organizations and 4 successful music festivals across multiple genres. Ali was honored in 2019 with a Forty Under 40 Award and received an Ottawa Tourism Award for Escapade Music Festival, which celebrated its 15-year anniversary in 2025. 
In 2023, Ali became the Regional Vice President at Live Nation and head of its office located in Ottawa. His passion for live events and music has fueled him to continue to be a leader and innovator in the space and, in his new role, will be overseeing multiple festivals across Ontario as well as the growth and revitalization of Live Music in the nation’s capital, with projects like HISTORY Ottawa and more.

Looking forward to seeing you all tonight and chatting about the future of the market and how our collective memory shapes its built form.

Postcards are available throughout the events with a mapping exercise on the back. ✏️🗺️ Sketch your memories, experience...
10/01/2025

Postcards are available throughout the events with a mapping exercise on the back.
✏️🗺️ Sketch your memories, experienced histories, future ideas, get creative!

Either return your sketched postcard to an OAW volunteer at the events, or scan and send your sketches to [email protected] to be included in the showcase at our Vernissage on Friday

Only 1 more sleep until the panel discussion. Not too late to register 🎤Meet our 4th panelist Lesley Collins! 🏙️✨Lesley ...
09/30/2025

Only 1 more sleep until the panel discussion. Not too late to register 🎤

Meet our 4th panelist Lesley Collins! 🏙️✨

Lesley Collins, RPP, MCIP, CAHP is the Program Manager of Heritage Planning at the City of Ottawa. She is a Registered Professional Planner and member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals with over 20 years of public sector experience at the intersection of planning and heritage conservation. Lesley has extensive experience on a variety of development projects and has played a significant role in shaping heritage planning policy in Ottawa since joining the City in 2009.  In her current role, she leads a team of heritage professionals on initiatives to conserve and recognize Ottawa’s built heritage including the City’s response to recent provincial legislation changes. She is passionate about ensuring that all residents of Ottawa can see their own story reflected in Ottawa’s historic buildings and champions creative approaches to heritage conservation that respond to the needs of a growing city while recognizing our collective memory

Check our link in bio if you haven’t registered for the panel discussion this Wednesday! 🎤 Introducing our next panelist...
09/29/2025

Check our link in bio if you haven’t registered for the panel discussion this Wednesday!
🎤 Introducing our next panelist - Pat Nicastro 🇮🇹

Pasquale (Pat) Nicastro has had a connection to the culinary world from an early age. During his formative years, Pat diligently contributed to his father’s grocery store in Little Italy, dedicating his free time after school and on weekends. Following his graduation from university, Pat recognized a market opportunity for an authentic Italian market in downtown Ottawa. He opened La Bottega Nicastro in the Byward Market in May in 1995. 

He has been an executive board member on the Byward Market BIA and now a founding member of the BAC. The BAC is as a conduit between the Byward Market District Authority, and the business community located within the ByWard Market District Operational Boundary.  

Over time, La Bottega has unequivocally earned the adoration of the local community. Esteemed gourmets and Italian nonnas alike, hailing from Ottawa and beyond. It is not uncommon to witness esteemed chefs from the city’s premier restaurants and hotels perusing the aisles of La Bottega. The resounding triumph of Nicastro brand products comes as no surprise. With a diverse range of over 100 meticulously crafted food items under the esteemed Nicastro label, expertly produced both locally and in Italy, we effortlessly rival established national brands. Our discerning clientele can attest to the unmatched quality and distinctive flavors found on our shelves. 

Presently, the La Bottega family of enterprises encompasses: 

1. La Bottega Fine Food Shop Byward Market
2. La Bottega Cafe Home Societe 
3. La Bottega Cafe Gatineau 
4. La Bottega Ottawa Airport 
5. Lollo Gourmet Salads 
6. Byward Wine Market

🎤 Introducing our next Panelist on our panel discussion this upcoming Wednesday -Mathieu Grondin, Aka Ottawa’s Night May...
09/26/2025

🎤 Introducing our next Panelist on our panel discussion this upcoming Wednesday -
Mathieu Grondin, Aka Ottawa’s Night Mayor 🌃✨

Born and raised in Montreal, Mathieu Grondin has enjoyed a varied career in creative industries and economic development.
 
In 2017, Mathieu founded MTL 24/24, an organization that supports nightlife development in Montreal. The organization’s main objectives are to destigmatize nightlife activities, enable a dialogue between nightlife stakeholders, the community, municipal authorities and elected officials, and enhance economic prosperity by promoting nightlife culture, experiences and attractions. Mathieu has been a featured presenter at several international conferences for prestigious organizations such as UN-Habitat (World Urban Forum Katowice, 2022), the German Center for Research and Innovation (SXSW, 2023), and the Government of New South Wales (Sydney OPEN Forum, 2023). He is widely recognized as a global leader in nightlife advocacy.
 
In June 2024, Mathieu took over the position of Nightlife Commissioner for the City of Ottawa, becoming the first person in Canada to hold such a position. His mandate is to implement Ottawa’s Nightlife Economy Action Plan, which was adopted unanimously by City Council in May 2023, and to create the first municipal service dedicated to nightlife management in Canada, the Ottawa Nightlife Office.

🎤Introducing Camille Lewis, our first panelist for the panel discussion “Mapping the Market: Spatial Anchors & Planned H...
09/21/2025

🎤Introducing Camille Lewis, our first panelist for the panel discussion “Mapping the Market: Spatial Anchors & Planned Histories” ✨

Camille Lewis,  B.A.S, M.Arch, OAA, BOATT, MRAIC, CAHP
Associate, Project and Conservation Architect, CSV Architects
 
Camille is an Associate and Project Architect at Ottawa’s CSV Architects, specializing in heritage preservation.  She studied at Carleton University where she obtained Bachelor of Architectural Studies and Master of Architecture degrees. She is a licensed member of the Ontario Association of Architects and the Board of Architecture of Trinidad and Tobago.

With 18 years of industry experience, she has managed a diverse portfolio of projects in Ontario, Canada and Trinidad & Tobago including new builds, renovations, and heritage restorations.  Her recent work has included heritage rehabilitation and addition projects for Indigenous user groups; technical heritage restorations; large-scale light industrial; and place of worship projects.
Camille is an accredited member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals and served on their Board of Directors.  She oversees CSV’s Heritage Portfolio and plays a vital role in CSV Architects’ commitment to delivering high-quality projects and preserving cultural heritage.

Register now at the link in our bio 🔗

🎤 OAW Talks is back — an open, welcoming evening for creatives of all backgrounds to connect, share ideas, and showcase ...
09/21/2025

🎤 OAW Talks is back — an open, welcoming evening for creatives of all backgrounds to connect, share ideas, and showcase their work in a relaxed, engaging setting.

This edition explores the theme of mapping and the ByWard Market, with short, inspiring presentations that spark conversation and fresh perspectives.

🗓️ Expect good company, great ideas, and light food & refreshments throughout the night.

👉 Interested in presenting? We still have a few spots open — send a brief outline of your topic to [email protected].

Tell your coworkers, bring a friend! Help us celebrate Ottawa Architecture Week leading up to world architecture day 🌎📐C...
09/20/2025

Tell your coworkers, bring a friend! Help us celebrate Ottawa Architecture Week leading up to world architecture day 🌎📐

Check out our website to see the full line up of events.

Join us for a lecture by Russell Acton, founding principal of Acton Ostry Architects.🗓 Monday, Sept 29, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM
📍...
09/17/2025

Join us for a lecture by Russell Acton, founding principal of Acton Ostry Architects.

🗓 Monday, Sept 29, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Ottawa Art Gallery
🎟 Free and open to the public

Part of the Forum Lecture Series, presented by the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism with support from ORSA and ULI Ottawa.

Note to practitioners: All Forum Lectures count toward in-person, structured learning, per OAA and OAQ requirements. Sign up at our eventbrite to register.

Explore the ByWard Market through Jane’s Walks, sketching tours, building tours, and an Indigenous-led tour during Ottaw...
09/16/2025

Explore the ByWard Market through Jane’s Walks, sketching tours, building tours, and an Indigenous-led tour during Ottawa Architecture Week.

🔗 Sign up now at our website — link in bio.

OAW2025 Presents: Architecture Trivia Night! Join ORSA as they host an evening to find out who can quiz their way to the...
08/29/2025

OAW2025 Presents: Architecture Trivia Night! Join ORSA as they host an evening to find out who can quiz their way to the top and be crowned the Architecture Trivia Night Champions! This year’s quiz will feature questions relating to this year’s theme, “Mapping the Market: Spatial Anchors + Planned Histories”, as well as topics on architecture, urban planning, the city and much more. Teams will compete in a standard pub quiz before the top three (3) teams are selected to participate in a final lightning round.

Does your office want to prove they are the smartest in the town? Or do you and your friends have the winning combination of architecture smarts to outscore your opponents? Then sign up NOW before spots are filled 🎉

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