Green design, also known as sustainable or eco-friendly design, focuses on creating spaces that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. Here are some key principles and practices of green design:
By incorporating these principles into your design projects, you can create beautiful, functional spaces that are also kind to the environment. If you have a specific project in mind or need more detailed advice, feel free to let me know!mative.
- RAIC Gold Medal: Marianne McKenna and Shirley Blumberg, founding partners of KPMB Architects, have been awarded the 2025 Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Gold Medal for their contributions to Canadian architecture.
Marianne McKenna is celebrated for her ability to create architecture that resonates with culture, community, and the arts. She led the transformation of The Royal Conservatory of Music, including Koerner Hall in Toronto, a performance venue praised internationally for its acoustic and architectural features. Additionally, she oversaw the expansion and modernization of Toronto's historic Massey Hall and the renewal of Minnesota's Orchestra Hall. McKenna's portfolio spans workplace strategy, higher education buildings, and places of worship. A strong advocate for design education, she has dedicated herself to teaching, mentorship, and engagement with institutions such as Yale University and Laurentian University.
Shirley Blumberg is recognized for her commitment to architecture that supports inclusion, equity, and the public good. She is best known for her work on projects such as the Toronto Community Housing Corporation's Lawrence Heights redevelopment, the Harrison McCain Pavilion at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa, and the Montreal Holocaust Museum. These projects exemplify her belief that design can be a force for positive change. Blumberg has consistently addressed complex urban challenges through architecture, contributing to reconciliation, affordable housing, and inclusive public space.
