This week, we're seeing a lot of movement in the housing landscape. Significant federal funding announcements, provincial pushback, and changing definitions of public housing are making headlines.  A new federal initiative is set to inject billions into housing infrastructure. However, the catch is that it's only for provinces willing to relax zoning restrictions. Will this lead to the change we need, or will it ignite a standoff with provinces like Ontario? Could architects play a broader role in creating modern, sustainable public housing as cities face a growing affordability crisis? A massive life sciences development north of Toronto could create new facilities and draw talent to the region. This is a pivotal moment for our communities. How will these policy shifts and new developments impact the built environment for decades? Let's discuss this in the comments!

Sen̓áḵw's return to the Squamish people marks a monumental victory after years of legal battles. Across Canada, Indigenous nations are reclaiming their rights, holding Canada accountable for fulfilling its end of the reconciliation pact. Critics believe that tall buildings and urban densification are somehow discordant with Indigenous principles but I believe that current projects in Vancouver offer an assertion to placemaking Indigenous-driven empowerment that will ideally shape a more progressive city for everyone.

Here is a significant example of sustainable urban development: the Etobicoke Civic Centre (ECC) is a campus that needs to be more ambitious even though its programmatic and renewable energy mandate is laudable. I'm bullish on the next wave of renewable energy technologies to bring more robust onsite energy storage (thermal and battery), PV panel integration, thermovoltaics, and other experimental and increasingly feasible onsite energy production. So much investment is moving into this climate tech. I'm encouraging the building industry to integrate and scale u on emerging renewable energy technologies.

We need to plan on how new energy infrastructure is built and impacting rural development. Thermal and battery storage can boost the potential for regenerative architecture and landscapes.

Our governments are investing $40B for EV battery plants. A fraction of these generous subsidies could be directed toward building a thriving regenerative agricultural future for Ontario communities.

In an era of networked collaborations, hybrid work and design egos, the value of authentic networks and dialogue remains all-important for so many reasons.

A reflection on the potential of building regenerative communities. Ambitious developments like Picton's Base 31 could become a global benchmark for future community building.

The architecture profession has much to gain from the evolution of artificial intelligence. Ultimately, the future of AI will drive improved collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking in both construction and design.

Sen̓áḵw's return to the Squamish people marks a monumental victory after years of legal battles. Across Canada, Indigenous nations are reclaiming their rights, holding Canada accountable for fulfilling its end of the reconciliation pact. Critics believe that tall buildings and urban densification are somehow discordant with Indigenous principles but I believe that current projects in Vancouver offer an assertion to placemaking Indigenous-driven empowerment that will ideally shape a more progressive city for everyone.

There was a time in the mid- to late-20th century when arts critics held serious power in swaying the consumption habits of the general public. Film and music were two realms in the popular press where this was particularly notable, with critics such as Pauline Kael and Roger Ebert for film or Lester Bangs and Robert Christgau for music writing reviews and essays in publications that many believed could “make or break a career.”

How can architects and other professionals project a positive, effective image that gets them hired by the right client? This is the question that Ian Chodikoff discusses in this lively interview with Arnaud Marthouret. Produced by Révélateur Studio & edited by Chris Rodd.

The ability to feed our communities as a result of COVID-19 has the potential to increase awareness of the economic, social and environmental challenges that continue to challenge our cities’ resiliency.