PORTFOLIO by: Aidan Evans

Architecture fascinates me due to its emphasis on developing new structures, its ability to challenge creative problem-solving, and its influence on communities as well as the environment. This portfolio reflects my passion for exploring my creative interests and experiences. The goal is to evoke a sense of wonder and connection in those who view it as each piece tells a unique story and showcases my growth as an artist. The structural world around me has always drawn me into admiration as it has deepened my imaginative process. Design molds and enhances our surroundings with artistic creativity and balance that can only be accomplished through dedication to the craft. From the initial idea through technical challenge, I believe that architecture outlives ourselves and has the potential to inspire the following generations by providing functional space that enriches people’s lives with experiences, comfort, enjoyment, and freedom. I’m passionately thrilled to explore further opportunities and all the field has to offer.

Giant Leaps 2022

This piece expresses the broader implications of the Wright brothers' first flight and how it swiftly developed innovation in aviation and eventually space travel, all within nearly 60 years.

The Waaban Crossing 2022

A pencil drawing of the third crossing across the Cataraqui River which neighbors my home. The bridge was built near sacred Indigenous grounds and its name is often used to describe dawn and new phases of life. The 1.2-kilometer bridge is the largest infrastructure project in Kingston, Ontario, and will improve the community's connectivity and quality of life.

Liberty Still Stands 2022

Interpretation of the climate crisis and rising sea levels, Lady Liberty still guides those through stormy seas with gleaming hope…

Considering the long-term implications of our actions, thinking for the future means designing sustainable, resilient, and adaptable structures to the changing needs and conditions. The future is exciting yet worrisome, the impact of design will always have a significant influence on the environment and on the people who will use them.

The Flying Goddess 2022

This image focuses on the small elegant hood ornament of a vehicle that represents our aspirations to strive for greatness and reach new heights.

Evening Chirps 2018

An idyllic scene of birds perching on a wire at dusk, this painting captures the peacefulness of the evening. With soft hues of orange and purple highlighting the sky, the birds stand out in sharp contrast against the fading light. Their individual sizes add an expressive touch of character to this tranquil composition. Painted as a school project.

Santa’s Mysterious Helper 2020

A Charming portrait that depicts a whimsical yeti, decked out with festive flair, engulfed in a winter squall. Painted as part of an arts and crafts night at a local restaurant

Endless Ocean 2022

Captured a photo of my younger brother wandering on the shoreline. The wide range of tones and warm, golden light from the sunset creates a dreamlike atmosphere, illuminating the distant moon’s surface With the vast expanse of the ocean stretching out before him, this picture emulates the feeling of wonder and awe in the face of nature's beauty.

Magenta Bay 2022

While camping at a park on lake Ontario, I shot a photo of a local gazing into the surreal vibrance of the gleaming evening. The colors are arrayed into soft blends of purple and pink, which elude the name.

Passing By 2022

Sometimes we forget to truly live in the moment and experience the breathtaking beauty of nature around us. During a recent vacation to Barbados, I desired to capture this moment and received a composition rich with a warm, golden afterglow over calming waters. The scene is serene with the hues contrasting against the blue sky, creating a breathtaking view that is unique to this tropical paradise.

Cavern Stones 2022

This image showcases the natural formations that structure the Earth that is hidden beneath. The textures of the rocks are highlighted by light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and dimension. The rough, unpolished surfaces of the cavern contrast with the smooth stones that reach up into the light, creating a striking composition that highlights the power of time and erosion.

Owl Dish 2017

A hand-painted ceramic plate featuring a simple and delightful depiction of an owl. The owl's big eyes and distinctive markings are brought to life with a soft and warm palette of colors, creating a playful and quirky feel. The plate's smooth, curved surface highlights its simplicity and makes it stand out.

Go Leaf's Go Mug 2018

Cheering on my personal favorite hockey team when painting this ceramic mug, it features the bold phrase “Go Leaf's Go”, which adds an extra touch of team spirit. Perfect for a morning coffee or hot cocoa, this mug is a must-have for any dedicated Leaf fan.

Lawn Chair 2019

The final project for a woodshop class where we focused on the fundamentals of construction technology and detailed craftwork. The sturdy handcrafted wooden frame is complemented with geometric slabs and a rendering of a majestic mountain landscape at its centerpiece, adding a touch of rustic charm to the overall design.

Whether used for lounging in the backyard or simply display, the design required the ability to retract the seat and smoothly insert it into a back panel for easy portability.

Dream Home 2021

This digital floorplan was designed using Vectorworks design software for a tech design class and is a testament to the creativity and technical skills of drafting. The blueprints are a tailored solution for a fictional client, with careful consideration of their unique needs and preferences. We were also required to provide measurements and three-dimensional perspectives. From the spacious rooms to the efficient layout, every detail of the floor plan was thoughtfully crafted to maximize comfort and functionality. The result is an effectively designed, modern living space that balances its form and function.

Music Video 2022

Till There Was You – The Beatles (Cover) https://youtu.be/W5ImYUKWU2c

A short acoustic cover of “Till There Was You” by the Beatles released in 1963, arranged with three guitar parts.

Statement Of Interest

Architecture as a career has been engraved within me ever since I was a child. From Legos to sandbox games, they provided an easy and accessible way for me to experiment with different building designs, techniques, and the exploration of architectural concepts in an interactive way. I would spend hours indulging and overachieving to craft the most spectacular of structures as it offered an intuitive way to learn about basic architectural principles such as balance, symmetry, and scale. They were accessible and easy to manipulate at such an early age that they have influenced how I view my everyday life. Even though I have grown and developed other passions such as guitar music and fitness, there is something inspiring about living my childhood dream of being an innovator and creator.

The field continues to align with my hard work ethic, analytical perspective, and ambitious creativity. I am driven by authentic, original ideas that are innovative, can translate complexity into simplicity, and efficiently improve upon the foundations such as being one who is drawn to appreciating the small details in creative works that enlighten upon a bigger idea. My life goals are to achieve success, peace of mind, and discipline while actively overcoming my weaknesses of overthinking and self-doubt. By embracing my own flaws I've continued to learn more about myself and how passionate I am about achieving my goals, such as when I recently dedicated focus to my own fitness and realized the potential that one can have through their consistency. As an introspective individual, the exploration of new hobbies and topics such as photography, geography, and music has allowed me to relax through difficult times and after picking up the guitar a couple of years ago, my engaging curiosity led to me selfteaching myself the skills and theory.

Throughout high school, I have managed to achieve a ninety percent grade average and have earned Honors Roll for four consecutive years as well as received the C.A.P.P.A (Creative and Practical Performing Arts) award for guitar music at my school, which is presented to students with a high degree of excellence in the field as well as participated in numerous school music performances for charity and special needs. Along with volunteering to help organize various school extra-circular events and physical labor on job sites, contributing to the community and making a positive impact. For relevant work experience, I have had steady employment for the past two years at Lowes Canada while being a loyal employee and persevering in full-time school.

The McEwan School of Architecture caught my attention by fulfilling my interest in offering a rigorous and accredited program that prepares students for professional practices with Co-op and provides knowledge with skills to succeed in the field. There is a focus on the design of sustainability, resiliency, and communities, as well as being informed by the unique context of Northern Ontario and its Indigenous cultures. It also caught my attention by providing the students with a solid foundation in design, technology, history, and theory, as well as opportunities for hands-on learning through studio work, field placements, and community engagement. A good architecture school should have good relationships with the industry, co-op, and networking opportunities and the school meets those criteria by offering students the opportunity to participate in exchange programs with other universities, as well as opportunities for internships and co-op work experiences.

Comprehensive and challenging, this program unleashes opportunities for the professional practice of architecture and equips the skills needed to design sustainable and resilient buildings within communities. It proceeds to influence me and the world around us by being a source of inspiration and imagination with intricate details and seamless integration of form and function. Whether it is the way a building makes us feel, the way it facilitates our movements and interactions, or the way it represents our values and aspirations, a career in architecture has the power to shape our world in profound ways and make a positive impact through vigorous determination. Overall, with a deepened appreciation for design and a commitment to creating functional and aesthetic structures, I believe this program will encourage my desire to be part of the creative structural world which will continue to enthuse and delight those who experience them.