An inclusive capital brings people together to enjoy shared experiences regardless of age, physical ability, language, culture and more. Join us for this conference event where panelists discuss inclusion in our urban landscapes.
Learn how the interpretation of Kìwekì Point was integrated into the overall landscape design and natural features of the site, promoting discovery and connectivity with the Ottawa River. Hear about the creation of integral and meaningful moments with Two-Spirit Elders across Canada as part of the vision and design of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument. This lab will also explore sensory-responsive design, highlighting its importance in the inclusive design of public outdoor spaces for neurodiverse user groups.
This Urbanism Lab conference is presented in partnership with the Canadian Institute of Planners.
Our featured speakers:
Liz Wreford
OALA, MALA, SALA, AALA, APALA, CSLA
Principal Landscape Architect and Director, Public City
Presentation: Thunderhead: Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument
Liz Wreford will discuss the vision of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument in Ottawa, the competition and design phase, collaboration between artists and Elders, and the construction process.
Critical to the approach to the 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument was a deep understanding of the Indigenous worldview, particularly that of Two-Spirit individuals, and its relevance to Canada’s public memorials. Liz will discuss the design team’s experience and share their current work with Two-Spirit Elders across Canada to create integral, meaningful moments in the monument.
Kathryn A. Finnigan
MLA, ASLA
Designer and Qualitative Researcher
Therapeutic and Restorative Landscape Designer
Presentation: Sensory Responsive Design: Qualitative Study Insights for Crafting Neuro-Inclusive Environments
Kathryn will present emerging insights from a qualitative study on perceived relationships between outdoor built environments and sensory sensitivities in several neurodiverse user groups. It aims to deepen attendees’ understanding of neurodiversity and sensory sensitivities, highlighting their importance in the inclusive design of public outdoor spaces. Additionally, the untapped potential of sensory responsive design will be highlighted.
Garry Meus
Senior Landscape Architect
National Capital Commission
Presentation: Kìwekì Point Interpretation Plan
Interpretation at Kìwekì Point is implemented where interpretative content and elements are integrated into the overall landscape design and natural features of the site. Stakeholder and community engagement, particularly the collaboration of two First Nations in the National Capital Region, has been a fundamental component of building the Interpretation Plan. It is guided by the “Big River Landscape” design by breaking down artificial divisions between the “natural” and the “human,” encouraging visitors to see the surrounding landscape from different perspectives. The overall ambition of the Interpretation Plan is to promote discovery and connect people with the Ottawa River valley in a 21st-century urban setting.
When?
Monday, June 10, 2024, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm (EDT)
Where?
Urbanism Lab
40 Elgin Street, 2nd floor, Ottawa, Ontario
