MArch Student Raya Allataifei Attends 2025 Venice Architecture Biennal

Selected out of over 200 applicants by the Canada Council for the Arts, MArch student Raya Allataifei attended the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, an international showcase featuring architectural work from around the world that took place during the month of June. Her time in Venice was used to support the development of her thesis research as she enters her second year. Her thesis focuses on the relationship between architecture and nature, and critiquing the current “subtractive” relationship modern society has with nature in reducing it as a resource. The core of Raya’s research work revolves around the intersection of two Greek terms she brings together, technē–physis, exploring the evolving relationship between human craft, technology and nature.

Raya’s interest in sustainable architecture was greatly influenced by her time at Stuttgart University in Germany, where she spent an exchange semester in 2024. In Germany, she conducted research in a biomaterials laboratory where she contributed to the development of a reinforced mycelium panel, the largest panel produced using laboratory-grown fungal mycelia. The panels explored the mycelium's potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional building materials by enhancing their structural performance through reinforcement techniques. With the Venice Architecture Biennale’s theme also having focused on innovation, Raya’s work aligned well with it and her time in Venice engaged her with various global perspectives and ideas. 

Raya shared that she believes North American institutions have less of a focus on areas such as biomaterials and other innovations in sustainable architecture compared to European institutions. She hopes to see it introduced more as students such as herself begin to explore these topics. Having experience abroad, engaging with the lab in Germany and seeing other work done in Europe has opened Raya up to a new world of research. Her time in Venice has added to this exploration, where she described her experience in her fellowship as "fun and full of learning."

During her previous professional work experiences with two different architecture firms, she discovered that she wanted to jump back into doing academic research. Raya shares she is grateful for the diverse experiences she's had within architecture, in expanding her points of view and exposing her to the different research areas and practices being adopted outside of Canada. Raya is interested in bringing the freedom and imagination practiced by architects in Europe into North America. 

As a piece of advice for students entering graduate research programs, Raya shares that it is important to take advantage of any opportunity present and immerse yourself in diverse experiences, whether that is through travel, multidisciplinary discussions, or participation in professional events. She believes in the value of immersing oneself in diverse experiences to broaden one's intellectual and creative horizons.  

Professional Development Tools

Building a supportive professional network requires time and effort. In the long run, it pays to focus on quality rather than quantity. In a world where instant gratification is available in many forms, when it comes to networking, it is important to realize that the best professional relationships are those that are built and enriched over a period of time. Architect Onah Jung writes about the importance of building these long lasting professional relationships in her blog post.

Each week, Ketan Marballi, Postdoctoral and Graduate Student Professional Development Specialist, provides tools to advance your professional skills. Book an appointment with Ketan for help with career exploration, resumes, CVs, cover letters, and LinkedIn

Falling Walls Lab Toronto

Date: August 14th, 2025 

Application Deadline: July 24th, 2025 

Location: East Common Room of Hart House, 7 Hart House Circle 

Which wall will your research break? Pitch your innovative idea in just three minutes, showcasing a breakthrough that positively impacts science and society.

Falling Walls Lab is an international pitch competition that challenges students and early-career professionals to present their breakthrough ideas in just three minutes. 

Each year, renowned academic institutions around the world organize their own Falling Walls Labs to showcase the quality, diversity, and passion of their region’s most innovative minds. Participants from around the world share their research — connecting disciplines, cultures, and 100 Finalists qualify for the global finale in Berlin on November 6th, 2025.

NanoOntario Conference

Date: July 30th, 2025 to July 31st, 2025 

Early Bird Registration Deadline: July 11th, 2025

Location: Ted Rogers School of Management

The 14th Annual NanoOntario Conference is taking place on Wednesday, July 30, and Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Co-hosted by the University of Toronto Scarborough and York University, this premier event brings together researchers, students, and industry professionals from across Ontario to showcase and discuss cutting-edge developments in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Highlights of this year’s conference include:

- Research presentations from faculty, students, and industry leaders

- Poster sessions showcasing emerging innovations

- An interactive exhibitor space for sponsors and partners

- Ample networking opportunities across disciplines and sectors

*Please note that there is an Early Registration Rate (before/on July 11th) for Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): $70

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