Length: 1 CEU
Topic: Advanced Technology
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 Parliamentary Precinct aims to be a model of excellence and a global leader in Universal Accessibility (UA). The East Block is not only one of Canada’s finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture but remains authentic to its originality with most of its exterior and interior intact. Hence, its Governor General’s Entrance offered a perfect, albeit challenging setting to design a universally accessible entry. The design meets UA best practices compiled for the Parliamentary Precinct, which originated from a variety of International and Canadian Codes and Standards. The project comprised sensitive interventions from the exterior approach through to the security desk on the interior. Interventions include walkways with integrated lighting and snow melt systems, handrails, enhanced access control and what will be Canada’s first ever lift with transformable steps. This project not only balances accessibility, security, and heritage but also serves as a pioneering pilot for UA upgrades in the ongoing Centre Block Rehabilitation.
Identify the unique constraints that heritage listed buildings present in respect to creating Universally Accessible entrances.
Discuss new opportunities for using technology for successful integration of universal accessible features in heritage settings.
Examine the impacts of universal accessibility improvements on the character defining elements of the heritage listed building.
Describe solutions to implement universal accessibility in heritage buildings whilst maintaining heritage value.
Subject Matter Experts:
Alexander Brooks
CAHP, M.Sc.Historic Bldg. Conservation, Certificate in Architectural History
Senior Conservation Specialist, DFS architecture
Alex Brooks has dedicated his 18-year career to architectural conservation and institutional projects. He was lucky enough to grow up in a 300 year old timber framed home where his fascination with historic buildings took hold. In his native UK, he has benefited from university conservation programs of unparalleled quality. He has a strong knowledge of construction and conservation, as well as Canadian conservation standards, including the ""Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada"". From 2005 to 2012, prior to joining DFS Inc. architecture & design, Alex worked in three architectural firms specializing in conservation in the UK and one in Sydney, Australia. Throughout his career, he has worked on many significant historic buildings. His expertise includes historic building research, conservation and building technology, heritage recording and project management. He is currently pursuing certification as a “Building Science Specialist”.
Tara Paulose
OAA, MRAIC, APTI, M.Arch.
Architect, DFS architecture
Tara Paulose is an architect with a rich background in both heritage conservation and contemporary urban projects. Her career has been marked by her involvement in high-profile, large-scale projects and her adaptability across various architectural scales and contexts, including the $1B rehabilitation of the West Block in Ottawa. She graduated from the University of Mumbai, India, a city known for its complex and vibrant urban fabric. This formative experience provided her with a deep understanding of the multifaceted nature of architectural challenges. Her move to Canada, where she completed a master’s degree at McGill University, broadened her expertise and allowed her to work on diverse projects of different natures. At DFS inc. architecture & design, she has taken on responsibility for a variety of projects, from Functional Programming and Feasibility Studies, through to project completion. She also has worked on institutional and private sector projects and has taken on the role of assistant to the Project Architect.
Lola Fenton
B.Arch
Architect (Spain), DFS Architecture & Design
Lola Cuenca Fenton is a Spanish architect based in Montreal, specializing in universal design and accessibility. With architectural studies in Spain and France, Lola brings a global perspective to her practice at DFS Architecture & Design. Her commitment to accessibility began during her studies at her university in Granada, where she contributed to projects creating barrier-free educational environments and participated in urban transformation initiatives with citizen involvement. She also conducted training for professors on adapting curricula for students with diverse abilities and volunteered at camps for teenagers with disabilities.
Lola participates in projects in the higher education and heritage fields, where creating inclusive architectural experiences presents both challenges and exciting opportunities. She prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility in every project. Her ability to conceptualize projects holistically and break them into manageable workflows ensures optimized processes and project excellence. Dedicated to advancing accessibility standards, Lola continually strives to foster inclusive environments through her work and advocacy.
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)