Ottawa, ON – The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is pleased to announce the Canadian recipients of the UIA Architecture & Children Golden Cubes Awards, an international program led by the International Union of Architects (UIA).
The Golden Cubes Awards recognize outstanding initiatives that help children and young people develop a deeper understanding of architecture and the built environment through education, publications, institutions, and media. Organized globally by the UIA Architecture & Children Work Programme, the awards celebrate innovation and excellence in fostering architectural awareness among future generations.
Following a national call and jury process, Canada’s selected recipients for the 2026 cycle are:
Canadian National Winners
School Category:
Team Members & Partners:
EPS: Graeme Dowdell, Barbara Cook, Thomas Gillard, Karly Kulpa, Tim Boan, Karen Belter, Rick Pease.
AU: Henry Tsang, Douglas MacLeod, Cynthia Dovell, Veronica Madonna, Trevor Butler, Emma Hansen, Carole Mason, Michael Shouldice.
Why do architects draw? In an era when young people increasingly rely on digital technologies and AI for creative tasks, “Foundations of Design” reasserts the value of thinking through the hand. Writing, drawing, and modelmaking strengthen cognitive processing, memory retention, spatial awareness, motor skills, and concentration through active, tactile engagement. The course introduces high school students (ages 16–18) to architecture as a creative, social, and ethical practice.
Written Media Category:
Rae St. Clair Bridgman / W is for Winnipeg – A Little Architect’s ABC
A picture book for young children. The book celebrates Winnipeg’s built environment and its iconic architecture, both historic and contemporary, all from an owl’s eye view.
Each national winner has been nominated by the RAIC to represent Canada at the international level of the Golden Cubes Awards. An international jury convened by the UIA will evaluate submissions from participating countries and select global laureates.
The international results will be announced in May 2026, with winners recognized at the UIA World Congress of Architects in Barcelona, taking place from June 28 to July 2, 2026.
Photos from both projects can be accessed through the media kit here.
About the Golden Cubes Awards
Established in 2011, the Golden Cubes Awards honour individuals and organizations that contribute to architectural education for children and youth. The program includes four categories: Schools, Institutions, Written Media, and Audio-Visual Media, with each participating country nominating one entry per category for international consideration.
About the RAIC
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is a not-for-profit, national organization dedicated to representing architects and architecture since 1907. The RAIC is the only national voice for excellence in the built environment in Canada focused on providing Canada’s architectural community with the tools, resources, and education to elevate their practice.
The RAIC is committed to showcasing how design enhances quality of life, while advocating for important issues of society through responsible architecture. The RAIC’s national office is based in Ottawa with a growing federated chapter model. Current chapters and networks are based in British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.
Media Contact
RAIC Communications
communications@raic.org