DESIGN INNOVATION | CONVERSATIONS + EXPLORATIONS
SSHRC-CRSH Partnership Calgary: Quality In The Built Environment
We were thrilled to host a vibrant and thought-provoking event on 📅March 20th as part of our SSHRC-CRSH funded research project, Living Atlas of Quality in Architecture and the Built Environment.
“Design Innovation: Conversations + Explorations,” held at Haworth, brought together leading voices from across disciplines, in an intimate salon-style gathering, to examine how #innovation, #culture, #people, and #place converge in the built environment. Curated and moderated by Dr. Brian R. Sinclair, PhD DrHC FRAIC AIA (Intl), the dynamic session served as a rich platform for challenging convention, exchanging bold ideas, and envisioning more inclusive, sustainable, and human-centered design futures.
Each speaker offered a distinct and inspiring perspective, sharing insights that bridged #technology, #emotion, #sustainability, #identity, and #resilience. The morning culminated in a powerful panel discussion, enriched by thoughtful and provocative questions from research students and audience members—highlighting the depth of engagement and the emerging leadership of the next generation of designers and thinkers.
Conversations of this nature are rare yet vital in advancing #transdisciplinary thinking and shaping the future of design. By weaving together insights from #architecture, #construction, #geography, #digital innovation, and #community-based practice, we begin to redefine what quality means in the context of our cities—moving beyond form and function towards greater well-being, deeper meaning, and enduring long-term impact.
Featured Innovators:
🎤 Dr. Victoria Fast - University of Calgary
🎤 Robert Claiborne - DIALOG
🎤 Sumer Singh, P.Eng. - MASIV | Mercedes and Singh Innovative Ventures
🎤 Stephanie Yeung - GGA-Architecture
🎤Bill Black- Calgary Construction Association (CCA)
Thank you to everyone who attended, engaged in the conversation, and continues to push the boundaries of design to improve the built environment and quality of life for all.
🙏 A heartfelt thanks to Richelle Black and Patti Strome from Haworth for generously hosting us and creating such a welcoming space for meaningful dialogue.
And a special shoutout to our incredible Calgary: Quality In The Built Environment research team — Kevin Kremer CPA, CA, Justin Eng, Jonathan Jucker, and Nooshin Esmaeili, AAA, MRAIC — for their help and support. Your contributions, energy, and commitment are deeply appreciated!
Stay tuned for more events, publications, and insights from our SSHRC project on Calgary: Quality In The Built Environment.
#SSHRC #BuiltEnvironment School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape - University of Calgary #DesignInnovation #HumanCenteredDesign #Architecture
#QualityMatters #DesignThinking #Sustainability #Wellbeing #CultureAndDesign SSHRC-CRSH #LeadershipInDesign