Highlights of Sudbury

1.5 Structured Learning Hours

The port city of Rotterdam has reinvented itself over the last 30 years to reclaim its allure for both residents and businesses. The initial phase focused on enhancing the city’s social fabric, repopulating the city centre, and drawing in tourists with iconic buildings, while redefining the economy of the city. In the second, more ambitious phase, the mostly below-sea-level city is facing the challenges of climate change, prompting the strategic reimagining of Rotterdam’s most vulnerable areas to be futureproof. Local architecture practice MVRDV has played a vital role in this urban transformation and continues to be a partner for the city. The firm has developed a software that allows the city to analyze and transform the urban landscape based on parametric data.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn about how a city can use high-quality architecture to reignite tourism.
2. Understand how Rotterdam uses temporary installations, such as the Rotterdam Rooftop Walk, to create understanding and support for large-scale urban transformation.
3. Understand how the temporary installations and their learnings are used as a basis for a parametric software that manoeuvres urban regulations and allows the city to develop toward a resilient future.
4. Learn why and how densification of the city is pursued, as well as how the urban quality is maintained and improved by adding more surface and people.

Note: This session qualifies for the OAA’s mandatory Climate Action requirement.

Jan Knikker is a partner and director of strategy & development at MVRDV, where he drives business development and public relations efforts, spearheading a large and dynamic studio that also includes the office’s visualization capacity. Jan further leads the office’s branding efforts, and MVRDV’s expansion into new markets, by supporting the office’s ambition to generate solutions to global challenges through a multifaceted approach to architecture and urbanism. He regularly lectures at international, commercial, and academic venues in Europe, the United Kingdom, Israel, Colombia, and Australia, and has written and contributed to numerous publications and exhibitions. Jan is a member of the HNI Heritage Network, and Gestaltungsbeirat of the City of Wiesbaden; he led the online design magazine Dafne, and was a member of the International Projects commission of the Netherlands’ Architecture Funds.

1.5 Structured Learning Hours

The Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) has recently adopted qualifications-based selection (QBS) as its preferred method for selecting consulting architects and engineers. Except in some cases, TCHC will no longer ask architects responding to RFPs to state their fee as part of their proposals; instead, proponents will be scored solely on the merit of their experience and ability to provide excellent service.

With more than five decades of experience in the United States and supported by numerous independent studies, it is evident that QBS results in better value for clients, fairer fees for consultants, and better buildings for end users. Learn how key metrics for equity, inclusion, and supporting the next generation of practices can benefit from QBS, and why this is important for clients, the profession, and the public interest.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn what QBS is, how it works, and why it saves money and time.
2. Gain an understanding of why TCHC and other public agencies have adopted (or are considering adopting) QBS as their preferred selection process.
3. Learn how TCHC expects QBS will lead to better project outcomes, better quality, and better equity for all project stakeholders.
4. Hear from practising architects and advocates about the benefits of QBS in advancing inclusive design that can result in positive social transformation.

Robert Boyd, BA (Hon.), M.Arch, OAA, is an architect and the senior construction manager, development, for Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC). His role sees him leading TCHC’s design and construction interests in the revitalization of Regent Park in downtown Toronto, including procuring all design consultants. Prior to joining TCHC in 2019, Robert worked for 23 years at a number of architecture firms, including IBI Group, Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc., and Kohn Shnier Architects. Most recently, he was responsible for spearheading TCHC’s corporate-wide adoption of a QBS process for engaging all of the company’s consulting architects and engineers.

Toon Dreessen, OAA, FRAIC, AIA, LEED AP, is a graduate of Carleton University and recipient of the Alpha Rho Chi medal. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and was inducted into the RAIC College of Fellows in 2016 and received the OAA’s Order of da Vinci in 2020. Toon leads Architects DCA, which has roots dating back more than 40 years and is ISO 9001:2015 certified; he is responsible for award-winning projects in infill development, laboratory, research, and industrial sectors. He leads the company’s activism in the role of architecture in social justice, gender equity, fiscal responsibility, and the role of architects in a strategic, visionary, and thoughtful planning.

Toon served six years on OAA Council, including two as president, and continues to serve on Association committees. He is a recognized public speaker and published author in local and national media, including CBC Radio, the Globe and Mail, and Ottawa Citizen.

Adam Feldmann, B.Arch, B.E.S, OAA, AAA, is a partner at architects-Alliance (a–A) and a seasoned architect and project manager with 25 years of experience in the design and management of mixed-use developments, academic buildings, mid- and high-rise residential projects, and waterfront public spaces in cities across Canada and the United States. A founding member of the a–A studio, he uses intelligent and sustainable design to improve the quality of individual buildings and the urban fabric, and to meet the needs of users and the greater community.

Adam was the design team leader for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games Athletes’ Village, a $514-million, 14.3-hectare project completed for Infrastructure Ontario, Waterfront Toronto, and the City of Toronto. Within a collaborative management structure, he worked closely with the tripartite client group, the developer/financier, builder, and three other architectural practices to complete the project on budget and two months ahead of schedule. Adam has led the subsequent development of parcels on the site, which has evolved into the Canary District neighbourhood. The Village was recognized with the 2012 Canadian Architect Magazine Award of Excellence, 2013 Canadian Urban Institute Brownie Award for Brownfields Redevelopment, and 2017 Urban Land Institute Global Award of Excellence (as a key component in the West Don Lands masterplan).

Adam is currently leading the University of Toronto’s Harbord Residence through concurrent approvals and value engineering processes, working closely with architectural collaborator Michael Maltzan Architect and with the University, City planners, and local stakeholders to square the University’s strategic requirements, local sensitivities regarding the integration of new architecture into a well-established urban campus, the needs of the graduate student body, and the exigencies of a volatile construction economy. He is a key member of the architectural team for The Well, a 3.2-hectare mixed-use residential, office, and retail development on the former Globe and Mail site at Spadina and Front Streets. When complete, The Well will encompass 1,700 residential units, 111,484 m2 of commercial space, and 29,729 m2 of retail and restaurant tenancies, interwoven with an enriched public realm of green space, courtyards, and pathways. Adam is a graduate of the University of Waterloo, and serves as a Guest Critic at Waterloo and at the University of Toronto Faculty of Landscape Architecture and Design.

1.5 Structured Learning Hours

A shift toward sustained, informed, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities is a key part of reconciliation with the First Peoples in Canada. By sharing their lived experience from Indigenous and non-indigenous perspectives, the panel will explore some of the issues around Designing for Dignity for Indigenous peoples (in this case, Nunavut Inuit). The conversation will touch on both professional and client/community perspectives. Panelists will discuss their work, consultation and collaboration approaches, and lessons learned, along with some challenging questions about the perpetuation of colonial relationships. They will relate how these experiences have contributed to their personal and professional growth.

Few architectural professionals in Canada are Indigenous or have deep experience supporting Inuit in the unique arctic environments that have been their Nunangat (homeland) for millennia. The journey toward Designing for Dignity in this context is life-long, but the panel hopes to leave attendees with the education listed below.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand needs, opportunities, and challenges inherent to designing for remote and predominantly Inuit communities in Canada’s Far North.
2. Gain more awareness of Inuit cultural and historical context as a necessary part of respectful and constructive engagement between architectural professionals and these communities.
3. Learn examples of consultation and collaboration approaches informed through extensive working relationships with Inuit clients and end-users.
4. Understand suggestions for additional knowledge resources and information regarding opportunities to provide services.

Wayne Olson, OAA, LEED AP, is an architect and owner of Arctic Strategies Consulting, which provides strategic planning and project support for housing and infrastructure investment in northern, remote, and Indigenous communities. He has been privileged to live, travel, explore, and work in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut as a graduate architect based in Yellowknife, as Director of Infrastructure for the Government of Nunavut, and most recently in the role of consultant Project Director for Nunavut Housing Corporation’s $2.7B eight-year partnership to deliver 3,000 new social, affordable, and market housing units across 25 predominantly Inuit communities. He has 30 years of experience in senior roles, supporting the planning, design, and delivery of billions of dollars in public-sector infrastructure, commercial, and institutional facilities, and housing.

Pitseolak Pfeifer, an Inuk born and raised in Iqaluit, Nunavut, is president and CEO of Inuit Solutions, a management consulting and community engagement company dedicated to improving the social and economic outcomes of Inuit communities through collaborative and inclusive approaches to business, research, and governance. Building on his 20-plus years of middle and senior management expertise advocating for Inuit communities and on his MA in Northern Studies, Pitseolak works toward strengthening the value of Inuit knowledge across sectors of activity and in projects that he hopes inspire others in the service of their communities. He has designed and delivered workshops, lectures, and training seminars with students and Indigenous-focused practitioners. He has authored journal articles and written pieces that encourage readers to pause when considering policies and programs that affect Inuit communities.

Justin Leclair is an architect with Parkin Architect’s Ottawa office and had been leading design work for the Arctic sector since 2008. His most recent work in the Territory of Nunavut includes three schools where each project presented new opportunities for culturally appropriate design guided by community input. The concept of Qaggiq, which means a centralized communal gathering area, continues to be a key design feature in all educational projects. As he engaged in collaborative processes and the design of numerous community projects across Nunavut, Justin expanded his understanding of the important concepts of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ)—that which Inuit have always known to be true. IQ embraces all aspects of traditional Inuit culture, and is one of his guiding principle for the design of education, healthcare, and justice facilities in Nunavut.

1.5 Structured Learning Hours

Many of us grew up studying the great modernists such as Wright and Le Corbusier, and more recently have seen the emergence of Starchitects like Zaha and Gehry. While there is little question design leadership is required in architecture, we postulate that we are in the early stages of a new era of design collaboration that recognizes the importance of many voices and multiple inputs on something as complicated and societally important as architecture.

From the early hand sketches to the detailing phase to the rigour applied during construction, architecture is a highly collaborative effort. To recognize and reward it as the work of a single voice is disingenuous, especially in this new era of decolonization and modern complexity. In parallel, we have seen client groups grow in their sophistication and desire to recognize multiple voices within their own teams, as well as within the communities their buildings will serve. This evolution should be met with an equally collaborative process with the design team.

Place des Arts in Sudbury is made up of multiple and varied voices of its seven Franco-Ontarian arts organizations. The speakers discuss how these seven client voices were met with an equally collaborative design process employed by the joint venture of Moriyama Teshima Architects and Bélanger Salach Architecture for the design of the project. Speakers outline the roles and responsibilities of the various team members—client and design team—and unfurl the design, detailing, and construction process for this new cultural facility in the heart of downtown Sudbury.

Learning Objectives:
1. Explore design collaboration between multiple architects.
2. Understand the design process: program, compromise, and right-sizing.
3. Hear a case study about Place des Arts.
4. Learn about re-examining design authorship.

Brian Rudy, B.E.S., B.Arch, OAA, NSAA, AAA, AIBC, FRAIC, is a partner at Moriyama Teshima Architects. His combination of passion about the poetry of architecture and practicality for how projects get realized has made Brian one of the leaders of his practice’s cultural portfolio for the last 20 years. Brian’s strong design leadership searches out meaningful and right-sized solutions that place sustainability and cultural sensitivity at the very heart of the design. In addition to work on Place des Arts in Sudbury, he has a wide breadth of experience in educational, performing arts, and transportation projects, ranging from the Governor General’s award-winning Canadian War Museum in Ottawa to the Etihad Museum in Dubai, and the multi-billion-dollar P3 Gordie Howe International Bridge. A strong believer in the sustainable practice of adaptive reuse, Brian has also led several innovative projects including Discovery Centre in Halifax, which is repurposed from a pre-existing power plant turbine hall, and the Humber College Building G project, a heritage-designated administration building of the former Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital.

Amber Salach, B.A.S, M.Arch, OAA, MRAIC, is a principal at Bélanger Salach Architecture and the chair of the Northern Ontario Society of Architects (NOSA), as well as sits on the advisory panel of Building Equality in Architecture North (BEA[N]), where she devotes her time to organizing continuing education events, promoting local architecture and dialogue among architects and the community at large. She is part of the fourth generation of architects to lead a firm established in 1964 that has created legacy projects throughout Sudbury and the North. Amber was appointed partner in 2015 and is the first female architect and partner of the firm, as well as the first licensed and practising female architect in Sudbury. She has led a number of community initiative projects as one of the main design and project architects for recent projects such as Place des Arts, Laurentian University Student Centre, Manitoulin Secondary School Revitalization, St. David Catholic Elementary School, and the redevelopment of the Rainbow District School Board Offices.

Louis Bélanger, B.E.S., B.Arch, OAA, MRAIC, is a founding partner of the architectural firm of Bélanger Salach Architecture. Fluently bilingual, he has developed relationships with the Francophone community and his unique combination of skills and experience in a wide variety of projects has contributed to the diversity of the firm’s portfolio. Louis’ experience with leading large-scale community projects in Greater Sudbury is unparalleled. With 33 years of in-depth, hands-on, local experience, he brings strong leadership to the firm’s institutional design team. He has been the lead architect and project manager on many community-minded projects such as Place des Arts, Health Sciences North phase 1 revitalization project, South End Community Library, the Northern Water Sports Centre, Countryside Arena, Pioneer Manor, Elgin Street Greenway, and St. Joseph Parking Lot Redevelopment at Bell Park.

Jason Philippe, Architect, OAA, OAQ, is director of architecture for Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) with the federal government of Canada, where he advocates for the value of collaboration between clients and designers as catalyst for synergy and success. A Franco-Ontarian from Northern Ontario, he studied at Carleton University and the Bauhaus in Germany. Jason completed his internship with Larocque Elder Architects (LEA) of North Bay and practised as a design architect with Moriyama Teshima Architects (MTA) in Toronto.

1.0 Structured Hours

Learn how textures and colour affect the final appearance for both clay and concrete products and discuss the difference between surface-coated and through-body colour. In this session, led by Brampton Brick’s Mike Kriesel, participants will have the opportunity to view examples of how to incorporate blending colour and texture, and review common colour and texture masonry issues.

Learning Objectives
1. Better understand the manufacturing process for both clay and concrete products.
2. See the type of equipment used and overall process of how texture and colours are produced in masonry products.
3. Discuss the limitations of colour and texture for both clay and concrete masonry.
4. Gain the ability to properly diagnose and resolve many on site aesthetic issues for masonry.

1.5 Structured Learning Hours

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) has entered Canadian law. As part of federal procurement, a minimum of 5% Indigenous content is now required, while other clients are seeking architectural services that incorporate Indigenous perspectives.

Fewer than 1% of licensed architects in Canada are Indigenous. Collaboration is critical to meet demand until the profession diversifies. How can Indigeneity in architecture add value, depth, and cultural richness to our shared environments? How do we avoid exploitative relationships, tokenism, and cultural appropriation? This session explores how to build reciprocal relationships with Indigenous practitioners.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn how to respect and support Indigenous staff, consultants, engagement participants, knowledge carriers, and design professionals.
2. Gain a sense of when to include either Indigenous architects or consultants into the design team, and how their contributions integrate with project phasing and service delivery.
3. Understand ways to build reciprocal relationships with Indigenous participants and practitioners to get the best result for the project.
4. Learn how to integrate Indigenous perspectives into your design work that are regionally appropriate and mutually beneficial while avoiding cultural appropriation.

KaaSheGaaBaaWeak | Eladia Smoke, M.Arch, OAA, OAQ, FRAIC, LEED AP, is Anishinaabekwe from Obishikokaang | Lac Seul First Nation, with family roots in Alderville First Nation, Winnipeg, and Toronto. Eladia has worked in architecture since 2002, and founded Smoke Architecture as principal architect in 2014. She is the first Anishinabekwe architect in Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec, as well as the third Indigenous woman licensed as an architect in Canada. She taught as a Master Lecturer at Laurentian’s McEwen School of Architecture from 2016 to 2022. She serves as a founding member of RAIC’s Indigenous Task Force. Eladia represented Canada at the 2018 Venice Biennale Unceded exhibition as part of an international team of Indigenous designers and architects. Current professional work includes community-based and institutional projects working alongside Indigenous stakeholders, collaborating with First Nation communities, and listening closely to our Elders.

1.5 Structured Learning Hours

The wasted effort, disputes, acrimony, lack of trust, and litigation experienced by all participants in the design and delivery of projects is steadily increasing—and the cost for everyone, including the insurance premiums we all bear, is no longer sustainable. Put simply, we have reached the breaking point!

Integrated project delivery (IPD) embodies a paradigm shift in project delivery, the essence of which is intentional, intensive, and focused collaboration among all key members of the project team—owner, consultants, and contractor—to identify and agree on project goals, and then meet them together. IPD’s hallmarks include early involvement, co-location, stipulated profit at risk, and waivers of claim among the participants.

This session. sponsored by Pro-Demnity Insurance Co.,focuses on how the architecture profession, as well as owners and contractors (and their legal advisors), need to “think different” in the IPD environment, highlighting the significant benefits of doing so (including greater owner satisfaction, better profitability, reduction of risk, and deep professional satisfaction for the participants).

It includes discussion of CCDC-30, the revolutionary multiparty IPD agreement that one commentator states, “will reshape the Canadian construction industry landscape,” plus lessons learned from several real-life experiences with IPD.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand why project delivery models are evolving toward greater collaboration, and why IPD is an attractive approach for owners, consultants, and contractors.
2. Gain the ability to describe the key features of an IPD approach that depart from the current conventional project delivery models.
3. Learn how and why CCDC-30-2018 is a fundamental departure from previous CCDC form of contract.
4. Become better prepared to consider and plan an IPD approach with clients and colleagues.

Geza R. Banfai, counsel at McMillan LLP, is a highly regarded Ontario lawyer, specializing in infrastructure (construction and public procurement matters). He is a frequent presenter and prolific writer on a variety of construction and infrastructure-related issues. In his construction law practice, he has represented participants at every level of the construction pyramid, from negotiating and drafting construction and related contracts (including alliancing and joint venture agreements, P3, and similar lender-driven arrangements) to claims and disputes of many kinds.

Geza is a strong supporter of the architectural profession in Ontario, an experienced and knowledgeable critic of the increasingly adversarial qualities that characterize much of the present design and construction process today, and a passionate advocate for more collaborative alternatives, in particular IPD. He sits as the ex-officio legal representative on the Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) and chaired the CCDC IPD committee that created the CCDC 30-2018 standard form Canadian IPD contract. He currently chairs the task group considering updates to CCDC 30 to reflect experience gained in the initial five years of use.

John C.A. Hackett, B.Arch., OAA, FRAIC, is the VP Practice Risk Management for Pro-Demnity Insurance Company. Since 2004, he has been the “voice on the phone” and respondent to emails from architects seeking assistance with concerns related to liability and professional liability insurance. John has served as the moderator for many risk education seminars and events sponsored by Pro-Demnity, and has authored several risk management advisories. Before joining Pro-Demnity, he practised architecture for 35 years as a principal at one of Ontario’s larger practices. He is a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.

Bill Lett, OAA, FRAIC, is a managing principal at Lett Architects Inc. With more than two decades of practice, he has been involved in the design of major municipal, cultural, healthcare, and institutional projects across the province of Ontario. Bill sits as a board member of the Integrated Project Delivery Alliance, which supports emergent approaches demonstrating enhanced project outcomes for owners, consultants, and contractors. He believes in strong collaboration in design and construction, as evidenced by his firm’s participation in four Ontario IPD projects—two completed, two currently underway. Through his practice, he has participated in the development of Canada’s first Guide to Social Procurement in Construction with Buy Social Canada. Additionally, Lett Architects is the highest-ranked B Corp certified architecture practice in Canada, and Bill holds memberships in Green Economy Canada, Arts Consultants of Canada, the Canada Green Building Council, and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.

Philip Ghosh is an experienced litigator with a practice dedicated to defending architects against professional liability lawsuits as in-house legal counsel at Pro-Demnity Insurance Company. He has successfully represented clients at all levels of Court in Ontario, as well as at mediations, arbitrations, administrative tribunals, and professional colleges. Philip graduated from Queen’s University Law School in 2011, and was called to the bar in 2012. He is a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario, the Ontario Bar Association and Canadian Defence Lawyers. Although Pro-Demnity has yet to experience any claims on IPD projects, Philip has taken a personal interest in gaining a better understanding of IPD and the content of the CCDC 30-2018 multi-party agreement.

1.5 Structured Learning Hours

Dignity refers to a person’s right to be valued, respected, and treated ethically and equally. The concept of “dignity” is a keystone in the design of spaces for children—particularly in buildings that aim to provide care and support to children and youth living with autism, developmental, behavioural, complex care, rehabilitation, and mental health needs. The vision for these buildings is to offer Best Life for every child and youth, with the goal to support children and their families in reaching the highest capability to navigate a world that was not purposefully designed for them, and to do so with dignity. Beyond instilling dignity, safety, and privacy, these children’s treatment centres are about hope, comfort, and connections, breaking the common perception many parents face that “this world is not designed for my child.”

This session discusses Designing for Dignity through the lens of children’s treatment centres and schools in Ontario. A case study review of two projects will highlight the unique challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends in designing for children and youth with special needs, including autism.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the variety and types of sensory triggers and the emerging trends on how to mitigate them.
2. Learn about the design principles to improve care spaces for children and youth facing developmental, behavioural, complex care, rehabilitation, and mental heath needs.
3. Discover the role these buildings play within the community and how to design for culturally safe spaces.
4. Explore how the principles discussed in this session can be applied to other types of care spaces.

Lilia Koleva, OAA, OAQ, MRAIC, LEED AP BD+C, is the founder of the NEUF architect(e)s’ Toronto office, where she leads a team engaged in a range of projects types and scales. Lilia has led several projects focusing on designing for children; ensuring that through design, clients are able to provide the highest standard of care and support to children and youth with autism, developmental, rehabilitation, and mental health needs. Lilia focuses on collaborative design, placing special emphasis on communication, the integration of technologies and engagement tools. Lilia is recipient of numerous prestigious awards and actively involved in today’s architectural discourse through a participation in national and international events.

1.5 Structured Learning Hours

In Greater Sudbury, the impacts of sulphur gases—from roast yards before 1928 and subsequently through smelter operations emitting sulphur gases and metal particulates—created a barren landscape of about 17,000 ha, with an additional 64,000 ha of stunted forest. The requirement for major reduction of emissions set the stage for implementing an assisted landscape recovery program.

Over the past 45 years, the Sudbury Regreening Protocol, based on effective interaction between community, government, academia, and industry, has been recognized globally for its regional landscape transformation. It has evolved from application of dolomitic limestone and fertilizer, seeding of agricultural grasses and legumes, and planting of tree seedlings to a more complete biodiverse restoration strategy using more than 80 species. By the end of last year, approximately 3,500 ha had received soil amelioration treatments, with over 10 million trees and shrubs planted for approximately $36.5 million, while also employing 4,900 individuals. The continuance of the Regreening Program is one of the pillars of Sudbury’s Community Energy and Emissions Carbon Neutral Plan. The success of the program provides hope and guidance for other world-wide restoration activities during the current UN Decade on Restoration. The rejuvenated landscape provides many opportunities for residents to enjoy a healthy landscape and to design the urban environment in harmony with nature.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn about the past environmental history of Sudbury that blighted the image of the city.
2. Gain insight into the evolving techniques that have allowed transformation of the urban landscape.
3. Discuss the benefits that the landscape changes have brought to the local community.
4. Reflect on incorporating these landscape changes into urban design.

Note: This session qualifies for the OAA’s mandatory Climate Action requirement.

Dr. Peter Beckett has spent more than 40 years as a restoration and wetland ecologist at Laurentian University in Sudbury, where he is now an Emeritus Professor and a Senior Fellow at the Vale Living with Lakes Centre. Peter serves as Chair of VETAC, an Advisory Panel to the City of Greater Sudbury that oversees the local landscape restoration. He holds a Noranda Award for "outstanding achievements in reclamation," a Watkin Award for Reclamation from the Canadian Land Reclamation Association, and a Pioneer in Reclamation Award from the American Society of Mining and Reclamation. Peter is an honorary member of the China Land Reclamation Society and has given numerous invited presentations on the Sudbury landscape restoration worldwide.