The University of Manitoba Faculty of Architecture is building ‘Bridge-Stairs for John Hejduk’ as their winning warming hut design at The Forks, as shown on January 22, 2026. (CHRISD.CA)
WINNIPEG — The artists have been chosen, and the designs have been finalized. The annual warming design competition is underway at The Forks.
More than 200 submissions were made, and the winners have been hard at work to take their imaginative designs from paper to real life.
On Friday, artists were putting the finishing touches on their work under bone-chilling temperatures near the Nestaweya River Trail.
“Build Week captures what makes the Warming Huts special,” said Sara Stasiuk, president and CEO, The Forks. “It’s hands-on, it’s public, and it brings people into the process. Watching these huts take shape reminds us that winter is something we build together.”
This winter’s warming huts are being built by artists and designers from China, France, Belgium, Germany, the United States, as well as local grade school and post-secondary students.
Winning designs
Moon Rabbit (China)
An illuminated rabbit-shaped structure inspired by ancient mythology, symbolizing wisdom, luck and reunion. Built with a timber frame and translucent panels, it glows at night and includes an elevated seating area, with sheltered space below for small animals.
Wildlife Scramble (USA)
An interactive hut featuring rotating illustrated blocks that showcase Manitoba wildlife. Visitors can mix and match animal designs, while built-in seating and framed openings invite people to pause, play and take photos along the trail.
Dram: As the Cold Answers (France & Belgium)
A metal installation inspired by an ancient siege ram, reimagined as a quiet place for reflection. A wind-driven horn and a suspended tree-trunk gong create sound, while a small alcove encourages visitors to stop and listen.
Continuum: When Water Pauses and We Move (Germany)
A 30-metre-long passageway made entirely of compacted snow. Designed as a sensory experience, the tunnel of repeating arches shifts in light, sound and temperature as visitors move through it.
Homegrown Talent
Grade 7 students from Bison Run School in Winnipeg designed “Warm Up With a Great Book,” a book-shaped hut promoting literacy and sharing through a Little Free Library. The University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Architecture is building a scaffold-based structure that frames views of The Forks and river trail. Travel Manitoba is also debuting its first warming hut, a heart-shaped design with mirrored interiors meant to celebrate connection and community.
To see renderings of the winning warming huts, visit TheForks.com.
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