Dalhousie University Faculty of Architecture and Planning

09/30/2026

As populations age, planners and policymakers face important questions about health, inclusion, social connection, and quality of life.

What role could play have in addressing these challenges?

Join author Maxwell Hartt for a thought-provoking discussion on how play can support well-being, combat loneliness, and reshape how we think about age-friendly community planning.

📅 Monday, October 5, 2026
🕕 6 p.m.
📍 Richard Murray Design Building, Room 3105
🎟 Free admission
🔗 Register today:

Aging Playfully: Reimagining the Possibilities of Age-Friendly Community Planning.

09/30/2026

On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we reflect on the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada and honour the strength and resilience of Survivors, their families, and communities. As educators, learners, and professionals who help shape the places where people live, learn, and gather, we recognize the importance of truth, respect, and meaningful action in the journey toward reconciliation.

🧡

09/23/2026

What if play were a key part of age-friendly community planning?

Join Dal's School of Planning on October 5 for a talk with Maxwell Hartt, author of Aging Playfully: Reimagining the Possibilities of Age-Friendly Community Planning.

Drawing on extensive research, Hartt examines how play can encourage physical activity, build social connection, combat loneliness and ageism, and broaden how we think about planning for healthy aging.

📅 October 5, 2026
🕕 6 p.m.
📍 Richard Murray Design Building, Room 3105

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-talk-aging-playfully-by-maxwell-hartt-tickets-2001397536909?aff=oddtdtcreator

09/21/2026

Join the Dalhousie Architecture Student Association (DASA) for the next session in its Fall 2026 Lecture Series: Off the Shelf with Jennifer Kudlats and Andrew Hill, co-founders of StudioAC .

Known for their thoughtful and inventive approach to architecture, StudioAC will share insights into their design process and the stories behind their work.

This is an excellent opportunity for students, alumni, practitioners, and anyone interested in architecture and design to hear directly from one of Canada's leading architectural firms.

📅 Wednesday, September 23, 2026
🕖 7 p.m.
📍 Auditorium B015, Dalhousie Medjuck Architecture Building
📌 5410 Spring Garden Road, Halifax

Free and open to the public.

09/17/2026

Tonight at 6 p.m. | Gallery Talk with Laure Nolte

Join Laure Nolte, recipient of the prestigious H. Allen Brooks Travelling Fellowship, for a gallery talk exploring the research, work, and travels that inspired AFIELD.

Drawing on a year of research across Japan, Europe, and North America, Laure will share insights into plant-based material cultures, fieldwork, and the environmental and social networks that shape the built environment.

📍 Dalhousie Medjuck Exhibition Space, 5410 Spring Garden Road
🕕 Tonight, September 17, at 6 p.m.

The talk is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.

09/10/2026

The Faculty of Architecture and Planning is thrilled to welcome Zahra Williams to the School of Architecture as an Assistant Professor.

A respected architect and partner at ZZAP Architecture + Planning, Zahra has built a distinguished career leading complex projects while championing architecture that celebrates community, context, and place. Her professional expertise, leadership experience, and passion for thoughtful design will make a lasting impact on our students and strengthen the connection between architectural education and practice.

Welcome, Zahra! We're excited for all that lies ahead.

09/08/2026

Welcome to a new academic year in the Faculty of Architecture and Planning!

Whether you're joining our community for the first time or continuing your journey with us, we're excited to begin another year of learning, creativity, collaboration, and discovery.

This fall brings plenty of reasons to celebrate, including faculty achievements, research excellence, new appointments, creative work, and upcoming events.

Learn more at the link below about what's happening across our community, including an upcoming exhibition by Laure Nolte and other recent Faculty milestones.

https://www.dal.ca/faculty/architecture-planning/news-events/news/2026/09/01/looking_ahead__celebrating_leadership__academic_excellence__and_new_beginnings_in_the_faculty.html

09/02/2026

Save the Date | AFIELD

Join us for AFIELD, an exhibition by architect, designer, and Dalhousie alumna Laure Nolte, 2024/25 recipient of the prestigious H. Allen Brooks Travelling Fellowship.

Awarded to exceptionally promising emerging architects and planners, the fellowship supports a year of independent global study, travel, and reflection. Drawing on research conducted across Japan, Europe, and North America, AFIELD explores plant-based material cultures and the social, material, and environmental relationships that shape the built environment.

Through fieldwork, photography, physical models, and design research, the exhibition invites visitors to consider how matter, meaning, and knowledge are cultivated and carried through the places we inhabit.

📍 Dalhousie Medjuck Exhibition Space, 5410 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax
📅 September 14-18, 2026
🕘 Open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Join Laure Nolte on Thursday, September 17 at 6 p.m. for a gallery talk about the research, work, and travels that inspired AFIELD.

For more information, visit: https://www.dal.ca/faculty/architecture-planning/news-events/events/2026/09/14/afield___h__allen_brooks_travelling_fellowship_exhibition.html

08/04/2026

🎉 The School of Planning Is Officially Re-Accredited! 🎉

The Dalhousie School of Planning has received another five-year accreditation from the Professional Standards Board for the Planning Profession in Canada, ensuring that both the Bachelor of Community Design (BCD) and Master of Planning (MPlan) programs remain fully accredited through the 2030-31 academic year.

What does that mean? It means our students can continue to graduate with credentials recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), helping them move seamlessly into the planning profession and make an impact in communities across Canada.

"Maintaining accreditation is essential," says School Director Ren Thomas. "It ensures our BCD and MPlan graduates can enter the profession with a strong foundation and contribute right away. It also connects students to valuable opportunities through the Canadian Institute of Planners, including scholarships and the Future Planners Program, which helps them build skills, experience, and professional networks."

The accreditation recognizes the School's continued commitment to excellence in planning education and reflects the hard work of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and practitioners who help shape the program.

Here's to the next five years of educating future planners, designers, and community builders! 🏙️🌳👏

07/16/2026

You're Invited: Book Launch Celebration for Silver Buckshot!

Join us in celebrating an exciting milestone from our School of Planning Director, Ren Thomas, at the launch of her newest book, Silver Buckshot.

📅 Saturday, July 25, 2026
⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 Richard Murray Design Building, 5257 Morris St. (Halifax)

Silver Buckshot shifts the conversation around housing—from problems to solutions. The book highlights how organizations across Canada are building housing that prioritizes people over profit, showcasing innovative policies, non-profit leadership, and new construction approaches that are transforming affordability.

Even more inspiring, Ren is donating 30% of royalties from the Halifax launch to Phoenix Youth, supporting shelter and transitional housing for young people in our community.

Come celebrate, connect, and be part of this important conversation about the future of housing.