Congratulations to Brendan Stewart [1], Assistant Professor in Landscape Architecture who is the recipient of the 2023 Ontario Association of Landscape Architects Research & Innovation Award [2] presented on June 8th at OALA Honours in Toronto.  

This award recognizes scholarly activities and/or the development of innovative practices and the publication and dissemination of this knowledge for the betterment of the profession and the greater good. This may include: academic papers, research, publications, books, e-applications or public presentations, which contribute to the knowledge base that furthers the advancement of the art, science and practice of landscape architecture.

Brendan’s teaching and research in both in the undergraduate BLA and MLA degree program focuses on cultural landscapes and community design.

Image:  Brendan Stewart

Prof. Stewart is a leader of the plazaPOPS program, a community-led, high-impact, and low-cost, process that transforms parking lots into free and accessible gathering places. The program seeks to support and enhance the vibrant communities and businesses that already characterize Toronto's inner suburbs. In addition, Brendan has received several SSHRC grants to fund this program and was awarded $1 million by the Federal government in June 2021.

Brendan brings his research passion into the classroom where he teaches courses on community design and incorporates plazaPOPs design into the studio and community engagement.