Children play with a bicycle in a courtyard framed by a modern black building in a railside development Winnipeg setting.

Innovative Architecture in Winnipeg Transforms Spaces into Community-Centric Hubs

User avatar placeholder
Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-10-22

Winnipeg, known for its rich confluence at the Forks, is witnessing a pivotal transformation driven by 5468796 Architecture, the local firm that put Winnipeg on the map, architecturally speaking. This company is reshaping the urban landscape with the Railside development, an engaging project turning historic ground into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly community. This initiative represents a significant step in urban planning, aimed at revitalizing the city.

For another inspiring architectural project that revitalizes a community, explore Lisbon’s new residential gem by the Tagus River for its integration of natural scenery and modern design.

The project will feature over 1,200 mixed-income units and aims to mimic the charms of walkable cities with its ten mid-rise buildings. These structures will house retail, commercial, and hospitality spaces at the ground level, connected by public squares and shared alleyways. This approach reflects the essence of mixed-use development by integrating living and commercial spaces.

5468796 Architecture, the force behind this vision, has gained recognition for its unique approach to integrating buildings with their surroundings. The firm’s projects are characterized by a careful blend of contemporary creativity and economic viability, as seen in their iconic works like the Pumphouse and the Cube.

Architecture team on open-air staircase connecting two modern buildings.
The 5468796 Architecture team stands on the open-air staircase that connects 90 and 100 Alexander.

The Minds Behind the Railside Design

At the helm are Sasa Radulovic and Johanna Hurme, an influential duo whose collaboration extends beyond architectural practice. Starting as classmates and later partners at Stephen Cohlmeyer’s firm, they have together shaped a studio culture focused on community and innovation.

Their distinct roles complement one another: Hurme considers broader urban impacts while Radulovic focuses on detailed architectural expressions. Together with Colin Neufeld, their third partner, they foster a non-hierarchical work environment aimed at promoting creativity and teamwork.

Their office environment reflects this ethos, fostering a long table facilitating open dialogue and collaboration. Staff members describe the culture as human-centric, offering flexibility and fostering a supportive atmosphere uncommon in the industry.

Modern white building next to a traditional two-story house.
A modern white building with many irregularly placed square windows stands next to a traditional two-story house.

A Commitment to Community

5468796’s dedication is visible in projects like Centre Village and Welcome Place, which focus on affordable housing with communal spaces. This spirit is also evident in the new community development, focusing on integrating community interaction with architectural aesthetics. These early endeavors set the tone for city-integrated housing projects, balancing design artistry with social responsibility.

The firm’s recent ventures on Alexander Avenue transform a historic warehouse and a modern structure into 206 dynamic residential units. By keeping restoration minimal and connecting it with new elements, they enhance both the living space and pedestrian experience.

Black multi-story building with horizontal slatted facade and rectangular windows.
A multi-story building with a black horizontal-slatted facade and rectangular windows, designed by 5468796 Architecture.
Black louvered facade building over a ground-level plaza populated with pedestrians.
Modern building exterior featuring a black louvered facade supported by concrete columns over a ground-level plaza with pedestrians.

Designing for Social Interactions

The Alexander Avenue complex exemplifies 5468796’s approach, integrating shared circulation spaces and promoting spontaneous social encounters among residents. The decision to omit private outdoor spaces in favor of a communal rooftop terrace further encourages community interaction and supports local businesses by avoiding excessive shared amenities.

The firm emphasizes creating economically viable projects, aware of the financial challenges posed by Winnipeg’s market conditions. Despite the pandemic’s impact on local commerce, their vision remains steadfast, aiming to revitalize downtown with thoughtful design and public engagement, as highlighted in their latest efforts.

People lounging on a rooftop terrace with corrugated metal wall and angled louvered roof.
People relaxing on a rooftop terrace featuring a corrugated metal wall and an angled louvered roof.

Every project by 5468796 Architecture is a testament to their core belief: meaningful architecture shapes communities. Their work continues to inspire and redefine urban living in Winnipeg, with this initiative illustrating how architectural innovation can lead to robust, interconnected communities.

Learn how shared spaces enhance urban living in Y’s Housing’s Reservoir Townhouses, a creative approach to suburban architecture.

Black slatted building on V-shaped pillars, trees in foreground with pedestrians.
A multi-story building designed by 5468796 Architecture with a black slatted facade, supported by V-shaped concrete pillars at the street level, with trees and pedestrians in the foreground.
Elevated circular building on concrete pillars beside city highway and sidewalk.
A circular, elevated building on concrete pillars, designed by 5468796 Architecture, overlooks a city highway and sidewalk.
Concrete building under large circular roof, two people walk toward entrance.
A concrete building sits beneath a large circular roof cutout, with two people walking toward the entrance.
Modern building with dark corrugated metal facade and exterior staircases.
A multi-story modern building designed by 5468796 Architecture with a dark, corrugated metal facade raised on thin steel pillars, featuring exterior staircases and an open ground level.
Two-story building with metal frame and glass walls viewed from gravel courtyard.
A two-story building with a modern metal frame and glass-walled interior seen from an outdoor gravel courtyard.
Industrial interior with mezzanine, large skylights, and ground-floor machinery.
Interior view of an industrial space featuring a mezzanine level with a metal staircase, large skylights, and heavy machinery on the ground floor.
Outdoor corridor between dark metal apartment buildings with stacked balconies.
Outdoor corridor between two dark, corrugated metal apartment buildings with stacked balconies and metal railings.
Metal-screened facade building on steel pillars seen from a street corner.
Modern building designed by 5468796 Architecture with a metal-screened facade supported by steel pillars, seen from a street corner with pedestrians and a streetlamp.
City street with outdoor stage in park surrounded by brick buildings.
High-angle view of a city street featuring a small outdoor stage in a park surrounded by historic brick buildings.
Cube-shaped structure with modular grid exterior in park setting with trees.
A modern, cube-shaped structure designed by 5468796 Architecture with a modular, metallic-grid exterior situated in a park with trees.
Children play with a bicycle in a courtyard framed by a modern black building in a railside development Winnipeg setting.
People and children with a bicycle in a courtyard surrounded by a modern black building with horizontal slats.

Sources & Links

Source: azuremagazine.com

Frequently asked questions

Who are the key figures at 5468796 Architecture?

The key figures at 5468796 Architecture are Sasa Radulovic and Johanna Hurme, who collaborate with Colin Neufeld as partners. Together, they focus on integrating community and innovation in their projects.

What is the focus of the Railside development project?

The Railside development project focuses on transforming historic grounds into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly community. It aims to create a mixed-use environment by integrating residential, retail, commercial, and hospitality spaces.

How does 5468796 Architecture promote social interactions?

5468796 Architecture promotes social interactions by designing shared circulation spaces and omitting private outdoor areas in favor of communal rooftop terraces. This approach encourages community interaction and supports local businesses.

More in

Architecture

All Architecture

More like this

OMA redesigns Taipei showing Songshan Towers interlocking with city skyline and surrounding greenery.

OMA Redesigns Taipei’s Songshan Towers: A New Approach to Urban Renewal

Modern cityscape with revitalizing shangyu bold architecture, featuring vibrant urban greenery integrated with sleek buildings.

Revitalizing Shangyu: A Bold Architectural Vision Transforms Urban Spaces

Residents gather at a community forum in Taipei, discussing urban renewal and how residents shape Taipei's plans.

Residents Shape Taipei's Future: OMA Designs Innovative Renewal with Community at Heart

Spacious modern market design with open-air areas, people shopping in Sydney Fish Market.

Revitalising Sydney's Waterfront: How 3XN GXN's Design Transformed the Sydney Fish Market

Menu