Length: 1 CEU
Topic: Sustainability / Climate
Delivery Mode: Online On-Demand
What's Included: Video, Quiz, & Certificate
Registration Fee: Members $50 | Intern $35 | Student $25 | Non-Member $75
This webinar is part of the RAIC 2025 Conference on Architecture!
The escalation of climate change threatens global food security and worsens pre-existing inequities in diets, particularly for vulnerable communities. Viewed primarily as a commodity, food is problematically shaped by unsustainable practices from production to consumption that perpetuate negative environmental, social, and health outcomes. Architecture and urban design are tools which can cultivate resilience, address poverty, and stimulate economic growth by supporting local and circular food systems in Canada. By drawing on extensive research from non-governmental organizations, precedent studies, and interviews with food-insecurity-focused non-profits, a framework geared at shifting mindsets is proposed both to challenge existing preconceptions and practices of food production and to guide food security-focused design interventions. Through the development of food network hubs to connect existing local initiatives and infrastructure with new urban food production and skill-based training facilities, we can improve access to healthy food while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Describe the critical status of global food security
Evaluate one possible framework for addressing food insecurity
Examine precedent studies which address food insecurity and other social inequities
Analyze a thesis proposal that explores how architecture and urban design can be leveraged to develop local and circular food systems in Sudbury, Ontario.
Subject Matter Expert:
Michael Sirois
M. Arch, B. Arch Sc., RAIC, OAA Intern
Intern Architect, A. Slade Architects, Inc.
With over 14 years of diverse experience in architecture, Michael Sirois has made significant contributions across various roles and sectors. Having worked at several prestigious firms, he has gained a wide range of experience in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial projects. Currently serving as an Intern Architect at A.Slade Architects in which he brings a wealth of expertise and a deep passion for creating innovative and sustainable designs.
Michael’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Architectural Science from Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University) in 2010. He further honed his skills through the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s Syllabus program for five years before returning to complete his Master of Architecture at Laurentian University in 2024. His thesis focused on addressing food security issues driven by unsustainable practices, exploring how architecture and urban design can foster positive change while shifting mindsets on how we produce and consume food.
Beyond his professional achievements, Michael is also a devoted husband and father of two girls. With his family, he enjoys spending time outdoors, indulging in activities like hiking, camping, and fishing. As an avid gardener and landscape photographer, Michael is passionate about experiencing the beauty of nature, which continually inspires and informs his professional work in creating harmonious and sustainable architectural designs.
This webinar is in English. Closed captions have been provided in both English and French.
Pricing
Member: $50 / Non-Member: $75
Intern Member: $35 / Intern Non-Member: $75
Student: $25 (must be an RAIC student associate member)