By Ayla Manning, Marketing Content Producer
The World Interiors Day 2022 guiding theme is “Pride of the Past and An Incentive for the Future.” What better subject than wood, an ancient material with enduring popularity, which represents hope for a better future, and provides a tangible connection to the natural world?
Wood is beautiful and versatile in its utility and has been used as a building material for as long as humans have built. Wood is culturally significant: it is the material we turn to when we want to connect more closely to the natural world. Sometimes wood choices are symbolic; sometimes they are based on technical characteristics.
Wood insulates and absorbs sound. It is flexible, lightweight, renewable, and beautiful. We love to see, touch, and use it. Despite the many new and innovative products and materials available to designers, wood has remained perennially popular.
On an individual scale, each piece of wood displays its history in its grain. Environmental conditions and tree variety contribute to the unique grain of each piece. On a broad scale, the use of wood connects us to the past, either through reclaiming techniques or reclaiming materials.
By Caroline Bosc, Professional Interior Designer
Signage exists everywhere in our world. You see it when you drive down the street, you read it as you walk through malls and airports. It is in our grocery stores, in our workplaces, and it is most definitely in our schools.
In response to Calls to Action #92, we are committed to Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. This will require skills based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.
The following is collection of links and resources that are intended to educate and spark conversations amongst our staff, families and professional community. We do not claim the links provided are exhaustive or complete, but we will hope that they will help to carry these conversations forward.
By Allison Slonosky, Marketing Strategist
As architects, designers, and urban planners, building great buildings and communities is what we always strive to do. As we see built structures from our past become abandoned and disused, we are presented with opportunities to reimagine the roles these structures can play in the future of our communities.
By Reanna Merasty, Architectural Intern
Indigenous history and the voices of Indigenous people are vibrant and shape our environment. June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to celebrate the vibrancy of the various nations, and unwavering contributions by Indigenous Peoples. Adjacent to the celebrations, is the time for knowledge sharing, and furthering education and understanding on Indigenous history.