Toronto-based think-centre HXOUSE will offer a unique educational opportunity in urban design to students at York University.
HXOUSE – co-founded by La Mar C. Taylor, Ahmed Ismail and Toronto-native The Weeknd – is a non-profit organization that serves as a creative incubator and accelerator and offers workshops and events that empower students.
York’s Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change has partnered with HXOUSE to bring City of Experiences – an educational session exploring urban environments – to the Keele Campus on March 27.
As part of its mandate to offer programs and resources to emerging talent with a focus on mentorship, networking and fostering innovation, HXOUSE will deliver a two-hour, activity-based workshop to offer a new mode of learning to students. The program is also open to York community members who are interested in attending.
City of Experiences, led by Christopher Pandolfi, director of programming at HXOUSE, reimagines urban design by prioritizing the needs, emotions and experiences of the people who use these spaces. The program considers how traditional planning often overlooks these elements due to a lack of tools needed to incorporate them into design policies. With a lens on the critical relationship between people, tools and space, City of Experience aims to empower residents to take an active role in shaping their surroundings.
“Through hands-on engagement and practical application, City of Experiences offers a learning model that reflects York’s dedication to dynamic, innovative education,” says Alice Hovorka, dean, Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change. “It encourages students to explore urban design concepts in action, deepening their understanding of city spaces while actively shaping the future of their communities.”
Pandolfi will lead interactive activities where students and participants can explore innovative design strategies to answer design scenarios that challenge traditional planning processes. By stepping outside conventional frameworks, learners will reinvent city spaces to better reflect the diverse needs and lived experiences of the community.
With a background in design and education spanning over 15 years, Pandolfi offers deep insights into innovative urban planning. As a co-founder of the research and design studio Department of Unusual Certainties and an educator, he specializes in design strategy, spatial planning and UX/UI. His expertise will guide participants in exploring forward-thinking approaches to urban spaces.
“This collaboration offers students and attendees a chance to gain practical experience and develop skills that are essential for modern urban design,” says Hovorka. “Through this partnership, York University and HXOUSE are empowering the next generation of urban designers to create more inclusive and emotionally resonant cities, ultimately benefiting city residents and the broader community.”
Visit the program listing for more.