Can a Pandemic and Universal Design go Hand in Hand?
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By Laurène Bachand, Architect
Universal design is simple and inclusive. It is to ensure an environment can be accessed, understood, and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, or ability. It is not ‘just’ for wheelchairs. It is for all of us, at different stages of our lives.
As designers, we need to question how this pandemic can have a positive input on our built environment. I was wondering: could the pandemic be an opportunity to rethink the universal accessibility of our public spaces?
Crises helped shape modern architecture
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By Brent Bellamy, Architect + Creative Director
Originally published in the Winnipeg Free Press
Modern architecture was born out of a global health crisis. With tuberculosis crippling cities in Europe and North America in the early 20th century, gleaming white medical facilities called sanitoriums were designed to provide patients access to sunlight and fresh air, the only known treatment for the disease. This inspired architects to use the same ideas to promote mental and physical health in all new buildings.
(BRENT BELLAMY PHOTO) The Women’s Hospital at Health Sciences Centre is an example of health-care architecture whose principles could inspire other building design.
Making Space for Wellness
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By Jeni Ross, Administrative Professional
The concept of wellness has been a very hot topic of discussion lately. Not just within our workplace at Number TEN but expanding through workplaces and homes globally given the current situation. If wellness was not something that you incorporated into your routine prior to social distancing and isolation life, it is most certainly something that you have likely begun to incorporate now during this global pandemic.
Form Follows Fun
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By Laurène Bachand, Architect
I am reading the book, Architecture for babies to my daughter (I know, I know… eye-rolling)
The architecture depicted in this book is so playful and colourful – it’s so fun.
Image: Architecture for babies from Baby 101
See how fun that colourful city is? Green. Yellow. Purple. Ferris wheels… Happiness.
Don’t you wish our real cities were that much fun? I do. Especially now.
How can Designers and Architects Learn to Adapt and Continue to Collaborate in the Virtual World?
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By Genevieve Bergman, Associate, Workplace Studio Lead
As designers and architects , we spend a large portion of our day working with one another and our clients (primarily in person), collaborating on projects. No matter what phase of a project, we are trying to achieve a collective goal through our interactions by building trust, common bonds and productive relationships.
Collaboration in the workplace is crucial, whether it is working together brainstorming for creative solutions or offering critical perspectives, it is ultimately offering value to all team members by providing a space to communicate ideas. Workplace data has proven that a proper balance between focus and collaborative spaces leads to high performance, increased efficiencies and innovation in an office environment. Collaboration makes us feel good at what we do.
Number TEN Blog
Number TEN Inspired! captures the knowledge, passion and ideas of our award winning architects, interior designers and supporting staff, as they navigate through the complexities of the modern design landscape. We are creative problem solvers, advocates for better ways of doing things, and observers of all that is interesting and noteworthy in our field. This blog is our effort to share our knowledge and ideas in a way that resonates with everyone. Whether you work in the industry as an architect, interior designer, building manager, property developer, or are just someone with an interest in creativity and new ways of doing things, this blog has something for you.
