Rae Bridgman's book 'W is for Winnipeg—A Little Architect's ABC' wins Golden Cubes award.
The Faculty of Architecture is pleased to announce 'W is for Winnipeg—A Little Architect's ABC' is one of the Canadian winners of the 2026 UIA Architecture & Children Golden Cubes Awards, an international program led by the International Union of Architects (UIA).
Professor Rae St. Clair Bridgman's is a multi-talented professor in the city planning department with her work going far beyond the classroom. An urban planner, writer, illustrator and anthropologist and her latest book highlights all her passions and skills.
The Golden Cubes Awards recognizes exceptional approaches in education for children and youth by developing a deeper understanding of architecture and the built environment. The award also highlights Rae St. Clair Bridgman's approach to scholarship and creative practices, showing how academic inquiry and artistic expression can engage new audiences.
Bridgman's book introduces children to architecture and design thinking through an engaging alphabet format. It invites readers to explore Winnipeg's built environment and discover the stories within its buildings, landmarks, and public spaces. For Bridgman, the recognition shows how creative work rooted in a specific place can contribute to broader conversations about architecture, education, and imagination. The book also shines a spotlight on Winnipeg's rich architectural heritage, demonstrating how the city's distinctive buildings, public spaces, and design history can inspire audiences far beyond Manitoba. By transforming familiar landmarks into engaging opportunities for learning and discovery, the book offers a unique model for introducing complex ideas about the built environment to young readers in an accessible and meaningful way.
Featuring a whimsical owl that guides and encourages readers to "look up," the book blends architectural history, artistic interpretation, and storytelling. Through hand-drawn illustrations and Winnipeg landmarks, Bridgman encourages children to observe their surroundings and imagine how cities can evolve. At its heart, W is for Winnipeg aims to inspire curiosity and creative thinking. Bridgman hopes readers will understand that cities are shaped by people, ideas, and possibilities. By introducing architectural concepts early, the book encourages children to become thoughtful observers and contributors to their communities. The book's message is captured in one of Bridgman's most memorable observations:
Following this national selection, the submission was officially forwarded to the International Union of Architects (UIA) to represent Canada at the international level of the awards program. Innovation and dedication deserve the highest recognition. We extend our warmest congratulations to Rae St. Clair Bridgman on receiving the UIA Architecture & Children Golden Cubes Awards and on bringing Winnipeg's architectural stories to readers around the world. This prestigious award highlights her unwavering commitment to excellence. We look forward to witnessing her continued impact and future achievements.
Learn More About W is for Winnipeg—A Little Architect's ABC
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