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RHIANNON LEE

INTRODUCTION

Since I was young, I found absolute happiness in designing and optimizing spaces, and as I got older I realized that I could develop my hobby into my career. I am studying architectural technology at Sheridan College with the goal of pursuing a career catered to human-centric design and project optimization with the aid of BIM (Building Information Modeling). As I continue to grow the mindset of optimization and never-ending improvement is solidified, and it helps with development in many aspects of life.

THE ECONEST

Mississauga faces challenges with affordable housing, limited green spaces, and a disconnect between commercial and residential areas. This renewal project reimagines the west side of Square One using biophilic design and adaptive reuse to create a mixed-use development with affordable housing, green roofs, public spaces, and collaborative work areas. Inspired by organic forms and a greenhouse concept, the design integrates natural elements to enhance urban sustainability while fostering community well-being. By repurposing existing infrastructure, the project reduces waste and aligns with Mississauga’s urban planning goals, transforming Square One into a model for sustainable and inclusive city living.

PRIMARYENTRANCE

SECOND LEVEL

THIRD LEVEL

ENTRANCETERTIARY MALLENTRANCE

FITNESS CENTRE

WORKSPACE

STATE OF THE ARTIST

State of the Artist addresses Toronto’s housing crisis, which continues to displace lower-income individuals, especially artists, from the very neighborhoods they help define. Traditional zoning separates residential, commercial, and cultural uses, fragmenting the urban fabric and limiting creative community life. This project challenges those boundaries by blending art and architecture into a single, connected space. Located at 1056 Queen Street West, the mixed-use, mid-rise building draws inspiration from Beaux-Arts architecture and classical sculpture. Its facade, wrapped in aluminum mesh, mimics a flowing veil, symbolizing the building as both a canvas and a home for artistic expression. Light and texture shift throughout the day, giving it a dynamic, sculptural presence. A central scissor stair core improves circulation and maximizes residential space. Social connection is fostered through a public-facing gallery and café at street level, and shared lounges and patios above. Sustainability features include green roofs, low-VOC materials, and grey water systems, aligning the project with LEED goals. By merging symbolic design with practical needs, State of the Artist reimagines affordable housing not as compromise, but as opportunity—a space for dignity, creativity, and connection within the cultural heart of the city.

1 Bedroom + Den

2 Bedroom + Den Core Outdoor Patio Gameroom + Workspace

SIXTH FLOOR

1 BEDROOM & DEN UNIT

GALLERY

GAMEROOM

THE TERRA PROJECT

In response to rising energy costs, ecological strain, and rural housing inaccessibility, The Terra Project proposes a sustainable, self-sufficient alternative. Many conventional homes especially in cold climates like Haliburton, Ontario are resource-intensive and dependent on centralized grids. Our critique lies in their inefficiency and lack of adaptability. We designed an 850-square-foot, net-zero tiny house that operates entirely off-grid while harmonizing with its boreal surroundings. The home uses passive solar orientation, super-insulated walls, solar panels with battery storage, and a composting toilet to eliminate reliance on municipal infrastructure. Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling further minimize its environmental impact. Inside, modular furniture and a greenhouse-like sun-space maximize functionality, enhance thermal performance, and support biophilic living. The structure is built from locally sourced wood and low-carbon materials like green concrete. This project redefines comfort through sustainability, proving that resilience, beauty, and efficiency can coexist in just 850 square feet.

LOWER LEVEL

THE FIREKEEPER

Located on The Collegeway, in Mississauga, Ontario, the Firekeeper project embraces the principles of biophilia and sustainability. The proposed fire station will be designed to seamlessly integrate with the natural environment, creating a harmonious coexistence between urban development and nature.

ALLEGRO DANCE STUDIO

As dancers struggle to find affordable, inspiring space in the city, this project reimagines a disused industrial warehouse as a contemporary dance studio. These forgotten structures, often seen as relics, hold immense spatial potential with open plans, and tall ceilings ideal for movement-based practices.

Rather than hiding its industrial past, the design embraces it. Exposed concrete, steel framing, and weathered textures are left intact, while new elements like acoustic baffles, translucent partitions, and suspended lighting float gently within the space like choreography. By adapting instead of erasing, this studio becomes a dialogue between structure and motion—transforming a static shell into a living, expressive space. It’s not just a renovation; it’s a reactivation of rhythm, where architecture and dance move together.