This project examines the feasibility of low-cost evolutionary housing strategies to accommodate changing uses in Canada. It is a partnership between the University of Waterloo school of Architecture and architect John van Nostrand who has developed numerous prototypes for evolutionary housing in Canada and internationally. The research will begin with an analysis of existing prototypes […]

This research is about technologies for ‘DIY’ or ‘novice’ home-construction. The research asks if high energy efficiency homes could be built by novice and non-expert builders. Energy efficient construction is an increasingly expert craft: with specialized knowledge, tools, and practices now required to achieve excellent building energy performance, this presents barriers to building efficiency for […]

The box tree moth (BTM) (Cydalima perspectalis) is an invasive insect pest from Asia that was confirmed to be present in Etobicoke, Ontario by the CFIA in November, 2018. This is the first known introduction of BTM to North America. BTM attacks boxwood (Buxus spp.), a popular broadleaf plant used in residential and commercial gardens, […]

IR imaging presents the temperature distribution of the exterior surface of a wall and is typically assessed through visual inspection by building science experts. A specialist must review numerous images one by one which is inefficient and inaccurate. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with IR camera attachments has become a method of faster […]

SQWhere.com is a Vancouver-based local platform that will be made accessible via an online website and through mobile phones. The SQWhere.com platform provides web tools that use mapping, tagging, search and transaction systems thus enabling social interactions and information exchange. The graphical user interface for the SQWhere.com platform which allows users to engage and navigate […]

Evidence-based research has provided a body of evidence which links improved patient outcomes with building features such as courtyards, views of nature and access to daylight. While the quantitative data produced by such studies makes a strong case to decision-makers for the inclusion of such features into healthcare facilities, the design of healing environments requires […]

Nowhere is Canadafs rich cultural diversity more present than in the techniques of construction brought to our country by the hands of our immigrants. Whether a religious monument or a simple farm house, architecture makes visible the invisible workings of the material imagination. In this sense, the fabrication of buildings, not just their form, is […]

The intern will work coilaboratively with the Canadian Heritage Information Network to develop a knowledge based digital archive for heritage conservation generally and, more specifically, for materials applications and methods of construction related to heritage buildings. The archive, entitled Heritage Architecture and Digital Archives (HADA) will not only address technological challenges, but also effectively contextualize […]

Developing a thorough comprehensive understanding of the full environmental impacts inherent from the construction industry is a current challenge in order to facilitate the decision making during the design proces to achieve sustainability. An efficient method to analyze such impacts is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which evaluates the impacts such as global warming emissions, air […]

This project explores the space between the users and Kodak’s products. It focuses on the application of user‐centered design research methodologies and techniques to define opportunities surrounding Kodak products’ usability, workflow and user experience. Specific and extensive research will be done on Kodak products. These products can be installed in a variety of combinations, and […]

One of the most effective ways to reduce energy consumption in buildings is to construct them with more advanced envelope systems. There appears to be a lack of study in this area for apartments in North America and this research project aims to fill that gap. The objective of this project is to provide a […]

In North America, the prairies of the Great Plains represent an important natural region and provide crucial ecological goods and services for both humans and wildlife. The intern's research looks to evaluate cumulative effects of development on multi]scalar habitat and movement pathway selections of pronghorn, considered an indicator species for the overall health of prairie […]