Dinner at Home 2020: Celebrating our graduates

The Azrieli School’s annual Dinner in the Street, celebrating the thesis work of Master of Architecture students, this year became Dinner at Home. More than 60 guests gathered online to share a meal and celebrate those graduating from our professional program.

Like all memorable dinner parties, the April 16 event served up tasty food, music, and conversation over several hours. A local caterer delivered a four-course meal to students in Ottawa, while those who had left the city received an Uber Eats gift card. There were speeches and toasts, a few tears, and at least one tuxedo. Faculty and guest critics wished the students well and congratulated them on this milestone. 

Here’s how graduating students David Woodruff and Jesse Bird describe the event:

“The Dinner in the Street at Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism is an annual celebration in the architecture building which marks the end of the year’s Master of Architecture thesis defences. It is one of those moments all graduate students look forward to and one that sticks with us as a moment of celebration and closure to the incredible years spent in the school. Though the event is named for its location, this year’s Dinner in the Street has proven that it is certainly not defined by it.”

“Filled with good spirits, beautiful speeches, and lots of laughter, we shared years of memories from the comfort of our homes. Following an incredible home-catered meal, students took to the virtual platforms to continue celebrations into the night, sharing moments of accomplishment and gratitude. It was a fitting and meaningful time spent together: relaxed, intimate, and genuine. The spirit of the night filled our homes, and yet again, Dinner in the Street exemplifies itself as a glowing celebration of friendships and memories that will last a lifetime and the place that brought us together.”

Some of the speeches:

Yvan Cazabon (faculty)

Ozayr Saloojee (faculty)

Emmanuelle van Rutten (alumna)

David Woodruff (student)

The thesis work is displayed in an online gallery, a virtual version of the Architecture Building created by Matthew Nestico. See it here: ASAU2020.ca

“Thesis is never easy, but the camaraderie of the studio always helps our students gain confidence and test ideas,” said school director Jill Stoner. “In this year’s extraordinary circumstance, mostly alone at home for these past five weeks, they have shown resilience and innovation, and produced some beautiful work.”