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Article
Contribution
  |  Channel: Innovation Incubator

In North America, the queer community has seen their identity in the public realm contested over the years, bringing out anti-queer activists protesting queer presence in public spaces. These ongoing efforts to oppress queer use and expression have contributed to a decline in the physical and mental health of queer individuals. This research project brings... Read more »

Article
Contribution
  |  Channel: Innovation Incubator

The detrimental effects of climate change due to the increase of carbon emission into our atmosphere have led to several issues in our cities and impacted the health of residents. The high use of motor vehicles, the long distances of transit, and the increased number of impervious surfaces have not helped mitigate the heat island... Read more »

Article
Contribution
  |  Channel: Innovation Incubator

‘The Meanwhile’ is an engagement toolkit for temporary interventions on sites undergoing development. The toolkit is a conversation starter to prompt stakeholders with tactical urbanism ideas that can activate the site prior to the project construction phase. This is done through a suite of cards which are categorized based on parameters such as: size, cost,... Read more »

Article
Contribution
  |  Channel: Building Technology, Innovation Incubator

The first step to understanding the regenerative potential of mass timber involves assessing the lumber supply chain and forestry best management practices. This paper explores these topics, beginning with an overview of the carbon cycle of wood products and the role designers play in protecting the earth’s resources through material selection. While sourcing sustainable mass... Read more »

Article
Contribution
  |  Channel: Innovation Incubator

For years, the lab bench has be considered the ‘rockstar’ of the laboratory. But are scientists using it as much as they have in the past? Is the type of science, flow within the lab, or reliance on specialized laboratory spaces and equipment making the lab bench in need of a makeover? We targeted interviews... Read more »

Article
Contribution
  |  Channel: Innovation Incubator

Increased opportunities and the ability to work from home supported by unbroken technological connectivity have allowed the stressors and anxiety of the workplace to creep deeper into our personal lives.​ Hence, it is essential to reset the brain while increasing separation between work and personal life. TRANSITion is a passenger-focused solution that helps regain control... Read more »

Article
Contribution
  |  Channel: Material Performance

In collaboration with nonprofit research organization Healthy Building Network, we released two pioneering reports aimed at transforming the way architects and designers select sustainable, low-carbon gypsum drywall, flooring, and insulation.  To learn how to optimize for both embodied carbon reduction and material health in these product categories, access the reports here.

Article
Contribution
  |  Channel: Building Technology

The expanding world of mass timber projects provides stunning examples of built work and offers fertile ground for design innovation. Our clients and partners are eager to work with us on exploring what mass timber can offer. Getting from the initial excitement of a mass timber project proposal to the completed project requires many decisions... Read more »

Article
Contribution
  |  Channel: Human Experience (Hx), Innovation Incubator, Mobility

“Confronting the Sexist City” is a study that helps reimagine our cities and understand how we can create better opportunities for women, girls, and other gender-diverse individuals in the public realm. This first exploration involved a group of participants traveling along a 2.2km stretch of Queen Street in Toronto, documenting their range of emotions and... Read more »

Article
Contribution
  |  Channel: Human Experience (Hx), Innovation Incubator

The post-acute care space is in dire need of innovation. Post-acute care facilities provide rehabilitation and long-term support for patients’ continued recovery and management of chronic illness or disability. With the increasing need to improve patient care and demographic shifts, healthcare systems have been focusing on quality improvement. However, there are several instances where patients... Read more »

Article
Contribution
  |  Channel: Innovation Incubator, Material Performance

The architectural model is both a tool for communication and a vehicle of exploration; not only does it reflect a formal design idea, but also ethics in material selection. Just as the building industry can generate enormous amounts of waste, so too can the ideation process. Copious amounts of single use materials are used and... Read more »