成人大片

Great architecture isn鈥檛 defined only by big ideas. It lives in the details鈥攈ow a structure breathes, connects, and comes together. It is in the joints, systems, materials, and decisions that shape how a building is constructed and how it performs for the people who use it. The NORR Jack Lemay Memorial Award at 成人大片 (成人大片) recognizes students who bring that mindset forward, demonstrating an awareness and accomplishment in  as well as academic excellence.

This year鈥檚 recipient, Jake Levy, was recognized for his third-year project Terraform鈥攁 mass timber community center proposed for Alexandra Park in downtown Toronto, ON. Terraform began as a conceptual exercise and evolved into a technically resolved system. 鈥淭he whole idea was like peeling the building away from the landscape,鈥� Jake explained. 鈥淚 wanted to keep the park on the roof so the building lifts and the community center lives below.鈥� As the project developed, it became a study in how a building can behave as a living organism. , rainwater collection, and hydroponic systems were integrated into a single architectural framework. 鈥淭he soffits and roof all collect rainwater,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t feeds a hydroponics center, so the building breathes and uses water like a natural system.鈥�

The award was established in 2004 in memory of Jack Lemay, a long-time Principal at NORR known for his leadership on complex institutional and commercial projects and his skill in construction and delivery. It recognizes architecture students who have completed their third year of studies and demonstrate that same commitment to detail and making architecture buildable.

For Jake, that connection resonates deeply: 鈥淭he award means a lot. It鈥檚 recognition for hard work. Our projects don鈥檛 just disappear after we submit them鈥攖hey can be seen as real achievements.鈥� His approach to Terraform reflects that ethos: physical models, joinery studies, and an iterative method grounded in the tectonics of building. 鈥淚鈥檝e always thought about how things actually go together,鈥� he said. 鈥淢odel making and detailing are where the ideas become real.鈥�

After a year-long co-op in Chicago and a research term at 成人大片 focused on  and material innovation, Jake returned with a broadened perspective. 鈥淚鈥檓 very passionate about sustainable architecture,鈥� he said, referencing his 3D-printed terracotta modules designed to support moss biomes in unused urban spaces. 鈥淩obotics, fabrication, sustainability鈥擨 like pushing all of it together.鈥�

Equally important to him is community. 鈥淚鈥檓 very passionate about helping and teaching,鈥� Jake noted. As a research assistant and active mentor in 成人大片鈥檚 program, he supports younger students in Design Build and fabrication projects. 鈥淧assing on knowledge is important. You always need other people.鈥�

That sense of continuity is reflected in this year鈥檚 ceremony, where past recipient鈥攁nd now NORR team member鈥� helped present the award. The moment captured the spirit of the Lemay legacy: one generation of architects supporting the next.

Photo Credit: Jake Levy