Student book explores city of the future

University of Manitoba architecture students are building a vision of Winnipeg's future -- and they're doing it one page at a time.

On Oct. 3 the faculty of architecture released Warehouse 17, its annual journal that showcases how students see the next generation of architecture in the city.

"It's a collection of student ideas for the future. While many apply to Winnipeg, they can also be used in any city in the world," said student and co-editor Jason Campbell, 29.

But most other cities won't have access to the 256-page tome filled with detailed colour photos and drawings. Last week's only planned print run yielded 700 copies for Winnipeg.

Co-editor Samantha Lynch, 32, said the book also reflects the history of Winnipeg as many projects deal with abandoned buildings or salvaged pre-existing materials, such as disused railway lines.

Some projects show a different way of thinking. Campbell said one student draws parallels between human waste and Winnipeg's Brady Road landfill.

"He made an acrylic cast of his body and filled it, over time, with everything he consumed. He then looked at the site and designed a methane collection tower and tunnels underneath the garbage," he said.

So why should you shell out $30 for this book when there are bills to pay?

"Architecture is such a defining factor to help us understand our society and it's really important to learn about different materials and how we might use them," said Lynch.

Warehouse 17 is now available at the University of Manitoba bookstore, McNally Robinson or by contacting the editors.

Jason and Samantha can be reached by e-mail at warehousejournal@gmail.com or by calling 474-7288.