Partisans (architectural firm)

PARTISANS is an internationally-recognized architecture firm known for its future-forward approach to design and technology, civic advocacy, and cultural engagement. Based in Toronto, Canada, the firm was founded in 2012 and operates under the leadership of Alex Josephson. Stemming from a philosophy rooted in defying conventional norms, PARTISANS designs architecture, cities, concepts, and even ideas, with projects that range from furniture, houses, skyscrapers, to masterplans. PARTISANS operates as a diverse group of architects, thinkers, storytellers, and cultural enthusiasts united by a shared mission to revolutionize the boundaries of architecture. The firm's portfolio includes versatile projects for varied clientele, including renowned restauranteurs, real estate trusts, and Fortune 500 companies. The name PARTISANS represent the firm's interest in collective action and architecture as a political force for social and cultural good.

Contribution to Canadian Architecture
Since its establishment, the firm has played a pivotal role in enhancing Canada's cultural climate, employing an innovative methodology centered around process-based solutions.

The 2016 Luminato Festival in Toronto saw an unprecedented success when PARTISANS creatively repurposed The Hearn, a decommissioned power plant, into a dynamic venue for multidisciplinary performances. Simultaneously, the firm took on the challenge of revitalizing Ontario Place, a cultural hub with deep roots in Toronto's history. Through multi-phased renovations, PARTISANS transformed Ontario Place into a year-round destination for the latest exhibitions in performance, music, art, and culture. This groundbreaking initiative set a precedent for reuse projects in Toronto, sparking an ongoing conversation about the city's built environment.

PARTISANS has also championed community-driven and value-based design initiatives, exemplified by their design work for iconic landmarks like Windsor's Charles Brooks Memorial Peace Fountain. In 2020, the firm received the prestigious Emerging Architectural Practice Award from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. The jury commended PARTISANS for their original, powerful, and evocative projects that transcend scales, from interiors to city planning. The firm's commitment to architecture as a social vehicle is evident in the beloved spaces they have crafted, reflecting a bold and expansive vision of architecture as both an art form and a profession engaged with profound cultural questions.

History
Founded by Alex Josephson and Pooya Baktash in 2012, PARTISANS emerged from a commitment to defy norms. Their collaboration began during their Master of Architecture studies at the University of Waterloo, where a shared dissatisfaction with larger firms' lack of creativity and innovation sparked the inception of PARTISANS.

PARTISANS emerged with modest commissions, gradually advancing to larger projects. In 2013, the firm secured a pivotal commission to redevelop and expand Toronto's historic Union Station's commercial real estate. Leveraging the station's identity as a major transit hub, PARTISANS transformed the landmark into an unprecedented culinary and retail center. The year 2014 marked a turning point for PARTISANS, propelling them into the spotlight with internationally acclaimed wood sculptural endeavors such as The Grotto Sauna and Bar Raval, setting the stage for later signature projects like the high-rises 55 Yonge, 69 Yonge, Elm St, and the Innisfil Orbit Masterplan. These projects showcased PARTISANS' exceptional mastery of materiality, underscoring their commitment to pushing the boundaries of architectural discipline. Jonathan Friedman, an architect with over a decade's experience in Ontario, joined PARTISANS as a third partner in 2014. In 2023, the partners parted ways by mutual agreement, and Jonathan Friedman and Pooya Baktash have started their own ventures. Currently, PARTISANS is led by Alex Josephson who continues to shape the firm's legacy of architectural innovation and boundary-pushing designs. A Toronto native, Alex Josephson gained experience with architect Massimiliano Fuksas in Rome before returning to Canada with a mission to bring a strong creative vision to Toronto. Alex Josephson has been awarded the Globe & Mail 2013 Catalyst Award for PARTISANS' innovations in architecture and cultural engagement.

Graphic Novel
In 2014, Partisans published a graphic novel called "Suburbabylonia", a part manifesto, part satire novel. The book has the appearance of dreamy images and truth-seeking spaceman hero, but beneath the surface, the authors aim to mock an off-kilter version of a Toronto-like metropolis, destroyed by unchecked building boom and ineptitude of municipal politicians.

Book
In 2016, Hans Ibelings along with Partisans co-wrote a book called "Rise and Sprawl: The Condominiumization of Toronto". Together they tackle the criticism of Toronto's current skyline, and how the rapid growth of downtown as well as the condominium development has changed Toronto.

Recognition

 * 2020 - RAIC Emerging Architectural Practice

Notable Projects & Awards

 * Current: 1925 Victoria Park Ave
 * 2023 - Holcim Gold Medal, North America
 * Current: 55 Yonge
 * 2022 - Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award, Skyscrapers & High-rises
 * 2023: Canvas House
 * 2021: Vela
 * 2021 - Azure Magazine's Top 10 Interiors of the Year
 * 2020: Gusto501
 * 2023 - Toronto Urban Design Award
 * 2020 - International Masonry Institute JBC Masonry Innovation Competition
 * 2020 - IES Illumination Award
 * 2019: Innisfil Orbit Masterplan, Garden City Plan for 50,000 new homes in Ontario
 * 2022 - Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award, Urban Planning
 * 2021 - AZ Awards: Urban Design Visions Finalist
 * 2021 - International Property Awards: Best Landscape Architecture Canada & Ontario
 * 2019: Toronto Biennial of Art
 * 2018: Quetzal
 * 2022 - Michelin Star
 * 2019 - Canada's 100 Best Restaurants: Best Restaurant Design
 * 2019 - Canadian Interiors, Best of Canada, Hospitality
 * 2018: Fold House
 * 2021 - WAF House & Villa (Rural/Nature) Finalist
 * 2018: Union Station, Toronto's central train terminal, Interior Fit-Out
 * 2017: Yeoui-Naru Han Gang Wishbone Ferry Terminal
 * American Architecture Prize: Winner in Architectural Design & Transportation
 * 2016: Luminato Festival of the Arts at The Hearn
 * 2017 - Toronto Urban Design Awards, Special Jury Award for Urban Activation
 * 2015: Bar Raval
 * 2016 - MCHAP Emerging Architecture, 2016 Nominee
 * 2016 - American Architecture Prize, Gold in Hospitality Interior Design
 * 2016 - AIA International Region Merit Award
 * 2015 - Architect Magazine R+D Awards, Special Mention
 * 2015 - Canadian Interiors Magazine, 18th Annual Best of Canada Design Competition
 * 2015 - Ontario Wood WORKS! Interior Design Award
 * 2014: Grotto Sauna
 * 2015 - OAA Design Excellence
 * 2015 - WAF World Building of the Year Shortlist
 * 2015 - BOY, Best in 10: Beauty/Spa
 * 2015 - Architizer A+ Healthcare & Wellness Popular Choice Winner
 * 2014 - Interior Design "2014 BOY Winner: Spa"
 * 2014 - AIA International Honor Award
 * 2014 - Interior Design Magazine Award, Best of 2014
 * 2014 - Ontario Wood WORKS! 2014 Wood Design Award
 * 2014: Gweilo
 * 2018 - Wallpaper* Design Awards, Lighting
 * 2017 - European Product Design Awards, Silver for Illumination/Floor Lamps
 * 2016 - Azure Magazine AZ Awards, Best Lighting Installation
 * 2015 - Architizer A+ Awards, Architectural Lighting
 * 2015 - LAMP, Lighting Award