1. What is the SHIFT Architecture Challenge?

The SHIFT Architecture Challenge is an aspirational Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) program for highlighting the distinct contribution of the architecture profession to addressing key societal issues. It invites Ontario Architects, Licensed Technologists, interns, students, and their teams to respond to an identified area of concern. The program runs biennially (i.e. 2021, 2023, 2025) and has a different theme each year, having begun with the SHIFT 2019 Infrastructure/Architecture Challenge.

2. What is the theme for 2027?

The theme for the current edition of SHIFT is The Streets.

The built environment is an integral part of human life. The spaces we inhabit can shape our moods, our sense of safety, our health, and our collective well-being. Equally essential to this vital network of spaces are the connections—the system of pathways between places that allow us to get where we want to go.

These “streets”—whether urban main streets, pedestrian paths, suburban arteries, rural roads, or more figurative avenues—are more than liminal spaces or mere backdrops as we go from here to there. The streets can be different things to different people, with formal and informal uses, all overlapping and intersecting in communities across Ontario and beyond. Streets can be places of celebration and gathering, but they can also be places of hardship and isolation. And design is central to how we experience our streets.

The 2027 SHIFT Challenge, The Streets, invites those in the profession to bring their unique design sensibilities to envision Ontario streets that are inclusive, versatile, sustainable, safe, welcoming, and enjoyable places to be for everyone, including the most vulnerable members of our communities.

From dense cities to quiet towns, how can streets be adaptable to meet the needs of today, while considering the needs of future generations? What does it mean to design for a truly great street?

3. Is a SHIFT submission centred around hypothetical ideas as a solution to a problem or are they supposed to be built solutions?

A built solution could be part of a submission to illustrate a practical example, but it is the aspirational idea or concept that can be widely applied to the Reshaping Communities theme that is the actual subject of the submission. Looking at some of the selected projects from 2025, 2023, 2021 and 2019 will provide some examples.

4. Why should I take part?

This program enables the architectural profession to be viewed by the public in a new light and reflects the capacity for design thinking to permeate all aspects of life.

Those selected will be part of presentations, publications, podcasts and  events.

5. Who can participate?

While submissions by teams of individuals—either emerging or established—from diverse professional backgrounds are encouraged, the team lead (i.e. spokesperson) must hold status with the OAA. This includes:

• Architects;
• Licensed Technologists;
• Retired Memberss;
• Intern Architects;
• Intern Technologists
• Student Associates
• Student Technologists; and.
• Honourary Members.

Other team members may include those from the design community and beyond, like community activists, politicians, subject matter experts, or institutional representatives.

The SHIFT Challenge is not open to current members of the OAA Council or the Communications and Public Education Committee (CPEC).

6. What do I need to do?

Submissions include three main components:

• text outlining an issue related to the concept of The Streets and how architectural thinking can address the topic (maximum 5,000 words);
• supporting images (maximum of 14 visuals, drawings, and/or photos); and
• video providing an overview of the submission (maximum length of three minutes).

Submit your entry using the online submission site which will be available in the fall.

7. How are selections made?

Submissions will be evaluated for their ability to capture the public imagination and inspire new ways of thinking. The jury–which will be announced in the future– will review the submissions for clarity, excellence and quality of presentation in regard to five main criteria: innovation, social responsibility, inspiration, inclusivity, and holistic approach.

8. Who selects the SHIFT submissions?

The new SHIFT jury has not yet been announced. The 2025 jury included a diverse mix of practitioners from the architecture profession as well as allied fields. They were led by a jury facilitator in making selections. To learn more about these individuals, click here.

9. When is the deadline?

The deadline for SHIFT 2027 is Monday, January 18, 2027 at 11:59 PM EST.

10. What happens if my submission is chosen?

With the goal of increasing public dialogue, the chosen submissions will form the basis for a broader conversation on the issue promoted by the OAA, including exhibits, presentations, podcast episodes and publications.

For the 2025 edition, this included a book publication and media outreach, podcast appearances, participation in a lecture series at the OAA Headquarters in Toronto, as well as a special event in Ottawa. For 2027, new opportunities for media interviews, blogs, and publications will be assessed, as will targeting specific audiences and engaging in social community issues where the SHIFT ideas are applicable.

11. Does SHIFT replace the OAA Design Excellence Awards?

No, the SHIFT Architecture Challenge does not eliminate the Design Excellence Awards—in fact, in many ways, it complements them. SHIFT takes place in ‘odd-numbered’ years (i.e. 2019, 2021, 2023), while Design Excellence will be celebrated in ‘even-numbered’ years (i.e. 2018, 2020, 2022). For more information on this awards program, click here.