NEUF at the 2023 Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) Conference

As the 2023 Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) Conference is about to start in Sudbury, Ontario, we are proud to share Ailsa Craigen and Sarah Ives will host a session tomorrow, June 22, on “Designing for Dignity” through the lens of Children’s Treatment Centres and Schools in Ontario.

Held for the first time in the North, the topic of this year’s conference, Designing for Dignity, holds immense significance as it emphasizes the crucial role of architecture in creating culturally appropriate spaces that honor the inherent worth and value of every individual. As architects, closely guided by community input, we can help transform our environment into a source of empowerment, comfort and dignity for all. The concept of “dignity” is a keystone in the design of spaces for children—particularly 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 treatment centres are about hope, comfort, and connections. Drawing from the collaborative community processes and experience designing civic projects across Ontario and Quebec, through the lens of two projects, the session will highlight the unique challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends in designing for individuals with special needs.

These projects further the firm’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and NEUF’s research in the important topics of neuroarchitecture – designing efficient environments based not only on functional parameters, ergonomics and environmental comfort, but also on subjective concepts such as emotion, happiness and well-being.

Event: 2023 OAA Conference

Date: June 22, 2023

Time: 8:30am

Click here to learn more about the conference and how to register.