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OAA Perspectives – Sheena on Energy Models
. This fall’s OAA Perspectives, a magazine published by OAA for its members features an article by Principal Sheena Sharp on Energy Models. In it, Sheena highlight the power of using energy modeling as a tool to drive design and decision making. She also discusses questions about the accuracy of energy modeling and outlines how to choose the […]
Read moreNet-Zero Eco-Cabins
We challenged ourselves to design off-grid cabins that function well and are comfortable throughout the year. Cabins located in the secluded wilderness are great for resting, recovering, and enjoying nature, but servicing the site can be expensive. Our approach is to super-insulate the walls, minimize air leakage, optimize for solar gain, use a high […]
Read moreSolar Energy in Urban Planning: Planning, Design + Implementation
This Monday September 29th, the Architcture Department at Ryerson University is hosting a symposium on “Solar Energy in the Urban Context” From the International Energy Associations site: A large portion of the potential for energy efficiency in existing buildings and potential to utilize solar energy still remains unused. Globally, goals and specific targets are […]
Read morePeople’s Climate March
Canada, along with many other nations, has signed on to the goal of keeping global warming below an average of 2 degrees. It is generally recognized that above this level, we will start to experience irreversible feedback loops that will lead to a planet uninhabitable for humans. However, our politicians, of all stripes, are not taking the steps […]
Read more2030 Challenge
Buildings consume nearly half of the energy consumed in the USA and generate nearly half of the total yearly CO2 emissions according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). In Ontario, “the building sector remained the third largest GHG (Greenhouse gas) emitting sector in 2012, representing just over 17 per cent of Ontario’s GHG emissions, […]
Read moreFaces in the Crowd
Heda Sharifi’s exhibit Faces in the Crowd is being taken down this week after a succesful and well-received showing for the Contact Photography Festival. Thanks to Heda for his great vision of the city’s residents. The refreshments and delicious gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches by Randall from “Cut the Cheese“. We look forward to next years […]
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