Shifting Perspectives: Rethinking How We Design for Remote Communities

Shifting Perspectives: Rethinking How We Design for Remote Communities

This webinar is part of the RAIC 2024 Conference on Architecture, now available to stream!

Topics: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice

Length: 1 hour | What's Included: Video, Quiz, and Certificate of Completion 

As Canadian communities respond to emerging challenges, there is an opportunity and role for architects to lead and contribute to accessible, inclusive and sustainable initiatives. In particular, in rural and remote communities our work can play vital role in positive and foundational shifts in attitudes and actions. The session will use examples of processes, technologies and approaches to community engagement, design and construction delivery through the lense of cultural, geographical and technical characteristics. Examples of work in different regions of Canada with specific attention to Manitoba and Nunavut will be used. The need for architects in remote communities has never been greater. Can we meet the challenge?

By the completion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify Canadian rural and remote communities by geography
• Understand issues facing these communities relative to design, planning and infrastructure pressures.
• Recognize the role of architect and the opportunities to contribute through design
• Explore the benefits of architectural leadership in rural and remote communities.

Subject Matter Experts:

Jeff Penner
MAA, OAA, MRAIC, LEED AP
Senior Associate/Community Architect, Verne Reimer Architecture Incorporated

Jeff has spent the majority of his career as an advocate for rural and remote community access to design. He led Stantec Sports Studio supporting and leading projects across North America. He also is passionate about building communities with extensive time spent in South and Central America. Jeff has learned the many facets of designing with community that include project economics, stakeholder and public engagement and sustainable planning. Jeff brings his attitude that each community is different, that rural communities deserve the best and that we need to protect our cultural and natural resources that are the foundation of our history. Jeff began his career at LM Architectural Group where he focused primarily on rural healthcare design. He moved to GBR Architects and eventually created his own firm, ROAD Architecture (Rural Office of Architectural Design). The firm grew quickly and he returned to GBR/Stantec and finally to Verne Reimer   Architecture where he has advanced this focus to northern and indigenous communities.

Nicole Luke
B.Env.D, MARCH, 
Interne Architect, Verne Reimer Architecture 

Nicole Luke, B.Env.D, M.ARCH - is an emerging Indigenous architectural intern who is passionate about culture and design. Born in the territories with family residing in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, she is one of the first Inuk graduates to receive her Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees from the University of Manitoba. She aspires to be one of the first Inuit architects in Canada and aims to involve herself in projects that will inspire youth in northern communities to pursue education in the design field. She is dedicated to Indigenous initiatives, learning sustainable building practices, and understanding her role as a designer. Nicole continually explores new opportunities in learning and leadership. She is a fellow for the Inuit Futures in Arts Leadership Project (The Pilimmaksarniq/ Pijariuqsarniq Project), which supports Inuit/Inuvialuit to become leaders in their communities and an Indigenous design consultant/representative for the Parliament of Canada Welcome Centre's restoration/renovations project.