Strategies 4 Impact! Inc.
What's New? Archives Volume 2
impact of design quality on health
June 12, 2011
Yes, on health!
A great article by Architect Tye Farrow and Sharon VanderKaay in the March issue of Canadian Architect underscores the connection!
Example: urban sprawl, strip malls, hectares of asphalt parking lots, long commutes - all the worst characteristics of suburbia - are increasingly being seen as having a broad, direct and negative impact on health.
Who walks or even bikes in the suburbs? Planning and design are all about car travel. Need a quart of milk? Hair cut? Roll of stamps? Want to visit a friend?
Hop in the car.
Anyone wonder why obesity has become such a ubiquitous health issue?
Farrow and VanderKaay propose that debate about design needs to move away from design jargon ("mixed use" and "sense of place") to much more tangible and REAL conversations about the 5 "Vital Signs" (vital signs - health - get it?)
Design that:
- Creates connections with the natural world (also see the note 2 articles below on NIMBY - Nature In My Backyard)
- Projects character that is locally inspired - unique, individual
- Provides lots of variety and visual interest to experience while you walk
- Stimulates social interaction
- Leaves a legacy of long-term health
Let's face it, our health care system is strained, to say the least. We can't assume we can afford to just keep throwing more money into it - that's simply unsustainable.
Instead, quality design can play a major role in reducing "preventable disease".
Brilliant strategy!
But, what do we do about the suburbs we've built for the last few decades?
Farrow and VanderKaay cite the book "Retrofitting Suburbia" by Ellen Durham-Jones. It offers 80 examples of "suburban transformations" like one in Colorado where a massive mall was redeveloped into a couple of dozen walkable blocks of sustainably-designed new buildings.
All in all a powerful thesis that ought to stimulate discussion and debate not just within the design professions, but among the general public and - very importantly - with politicians and policymakers!
"green litigation arrives in canada"
June 19, 2011
Brian came across an interesting article on the Building Strategies and Sustainable Design website today. (Brian has written for that publication)
Evidently litigation around sustainable and 'green design' has found its way to Canada. The article outlines a couple of US examples, then discusses a statement of claim filed re. a Toronto condo project.
The claim alleges that the building was marketed as 'green' as in inducement to purchasers, but, despite rectification of deficiencies, it remains "far from the cutting edge green building promised". For example, the HVAC system is not delivering the efficiencies promoted to purchasers.
The advice: make sure your contracts deal with risks related to "green building" issues such as failure to achieve LEED certification. Contracts should also clearly set out responsibilities of all parties related to building performance and for collecting and submitting documentation for certification, approval of authorities, and so on.
brian presents strategic plan to agm
June 22, 2011
Brian presented the organization's new strategic plan "Proud Past. Dynamic Future"at the Annual General Meeting of DeafBlind Ontario Services.
He opened by briefly describing what a strategic plan is, and the process he used to facilitate the work of the Board of Directors and Senior Management in developing this one.
Brian told attendees that a strategic plan is critically important for every organization and business because it defines what the enterprise will look like a few years down the road and what it will be doing. (Often called Vision and Mission)
He went on to explain how a good strategic plan helps the leadership maintain the FOCUS of the organization AND ensure that precious resources are invested to achieve the objectives described in the plan.
rebuilding new orleans after hurricane katrina
July 7, 2011
A May 28 piece in What's New talked about attending the American Institute of Architects Convention in New Orleans. That city was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
While attending the convention, Brian took an AIA tour of the 9th Ward where rebuilding is ongoing.
That area suffered the most damage, and unfortunately, the most deaths. The "Make It Right" project staged an international design competition is now building the winners. Some unique and outstanding designs are housing some of the residents who were displaced by the storm.
(the second article in the series will focus on a fascinating project in the Upper 9th Ward)
david suzuki supports ontario's green energy act
July 22, 2011
David Suzuki Supports Ontario's Green Energy Act
On June 9, What's New talked about the David Suzuki Foundation redefining NIMBY as Nature in My Backyard.
Now, the Toronto Star reports that David Suzuki has made a "rare foray into partisan politics" by endorsing the Ontario Liberal party's Green Energy Act. Goes on to point out that the PCs say they will scrap the FIT program and other elements of the Liberal's green strategy including initiatives related to wind and solar power.
The PCs have also said they'll kill the Siemens deal, and with it the $7 Billion that the company promises to invest in Ontario developing green manufacturing.Quoting the Star ...
I dont get it, because its a job creator I would have thought that the Conservatives would be banging away at the need to create jobs, the host of CBCs The Nature of Things said during a stroll with McGuinty in Stanley Park on Wednesday.
Ontario right now is a leader in North America. Why would anybody come in and throw that out the window? It doesnt make any sense.
ontario's new infrastructure strategy
July 27, 2011
Ontario's New Infrastructure Strategy
One of Brian's favourite words is "strategy".
Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure, Bob Chiarelli, recently announced "Building Together", a 10-year strategy for infrastructure investment in that province.
The strategy includes a projected $35B investment over the next three years to continue to address the so-called "infrastructure deficit" in Ontario.
That's especially noteworthy given the provincial deficit, which could otherwise result in major cuts to infrastructure investment! It's certainly had that impact in the past!
The announcement notes a general trend to longer-term planning and announces that the government is adopting a 10-year planning framework going forward.
Now that's strategic!
The Introduction outlines some of the direct and indirect economic returns resulting from effective and consistent investment in infrastructure, including preserving and creating a projected 300,000 jobs over the next three years.
"Building Together" looks like some positive news for the design and construction sector, Ontario's economy in both the short and long term, AND the quality of public infrastructure in Ontario.
rebuilding new orleans after katrina - part 2
August 18, 2011
Rebuilding New Orleans After Katrina - Part 2
Brian was in NOLA in May and toured rebuilding efforts (that are still far from complete).
This 2nd article in the series describes a second awesome strategy in play, the Musicians' Village.
Led by Branford Marsalis and Harry Connick Jr., this community is being rebuilt by Habitat for Humanity with the key objective of attracting musicians back to New Orleans. Many were forced to leave after Katrina left them without housing.
The heart of the neighbourhood is the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music that, in addition to providing rehearsal and performance space for resident musicians, will introduce local kids to the world of music - so critically important to every child's development!
trtl - canadian housing entry in us solar decathlon
September 9, 2011
TRTL - Canadian Housing Entry in US Solar Decatholon
TRTL - Technological Residence Traditional Living - is the innovative entry designed and built by a team from the U of Calgary for this year's US Dept of Energy Solar Decathlon.
The net-zero detached home will generate at least as much energy as it uses via a rooftop PV (photovoltaic) array. It is constructed of prefabricated Structural Insulating Panels (SIPs) over a steel sub-frame.
What is most interesting, perhaps, is that the team partnered with the native communities of Treaty 7 with the objective of reflecting aboriginal traditions in the design and construction. The team is hopeful that this can be a prototype for affordable housing, including for aboriginal families.
Check out the website and Go, Team Canada!
celebrate small business week in canada
October 18, 2011
Every year at this time BDC sponsors Small Business Week. The theme this year is Power Up Your Business - Invest, Innovate, Grow!It runs through October 22 and there are lots of resources and eventson the website.
grand valley construction association's pace 2011
October 23, 2011
Again this year, Brian is working with the Grand Valley Construction Association's President, Martha George, to present their annual ... and much anticipated... PACE event.
"The ICI construction industry is undergoing unprecedented change ... If you're not at the leading edge of knowledge, you're at the bleeding edge. PACE addresses this by bringing industry experts together in exclusive gathering of buyers of ICI construction services and business leaders to discuss:
P = Planning - The critical value of business strategy in these volatile times.
A = Advocacy - How to make it work for ICI.
C = Contracts and Conditions - The RISK of non-standard contracts.
E = Evolution of Procurement - What's driving it?
Brian will talk about some of those big changes that are happening and on the horizon, and about business strategy.
Other speakers will include Alex Carrick, Chief Economist, Daily Commercial News; Geza Banfai, Partner and Certified Specialist in Construction Law at Heenan Blaikie; and, Michael Inch, VP Procurement at Infrastructure Ontario.
When? Friday, November 18th from 9am til 12.30
Where? Cambridge, ON
For more information email brian@strategies4impact.com
innovation conference 2011 - awesome!
November 5, 2011
As he does every year, Brian attended the Architectural Record Innovation Conference in NYC.
Watch for his report on it - fabulous and invigorating!!
Meantime, here'san "a propos" sign in an MTA Subway car in Manhattan. (Brian transits everywhere when travelling!)
it's the ... environment, Stupid!
November 12, 2011
Recent polling by Angus Reid (September 2011) turned up some interesting results.
Despite roiling markets, general uncertainty about the economy (especially the Eurozone) and the results of the last federal election, it seems the majority of Canadians surveyed by Angus Reid believe that protecting the environment is more important than the economy. 52% of Canadians also believe that global warming is the result of man-made emissions.
See the story on the Angus Reid site here.
(Apologies, btw, to Bill Clinton whose campaign coined the phrase "It's the Economy, Stupid!" in his successful 1992 presidential election run in the U.S.)
pace 2011
November 21, 2011
PACE 2001
Congratulations to Martha George and the Grand Valley Construction Association on another successful PACE event on November 18.
Since she launched the program three years ago, Brian has been working with Martha discussing how owners, buyers and service providers can keep "PACE" with the huge changes in the design and construction sector. Again this year, Brian facilitated the event and delivered one of the presentations.
This year's central theme was "teaming" a more collaborative approach to project procurement and delivery.
Alex Carrick, Chief Economist at Reed Construction Data gave an overview of the economic outlook and urged partipants to get our of their comfort zone and look for new things to do and new ways to do them.
Brian talked about some of the trends he is tracking and the critical need to develop a comprehensive strategy to maximiaze the benefits and minimize the risks from the changing marketplace. He spoke at length about Integrated Project Delivery, an emerging "team" approach to procurement and delivery of infrastructure projects, as well as the application of Lean principles to project delivery. (Lean originated with Toyota in manufacturing ... maximize value and minimize waste)
Anton Pojasok, VP of Professional Services at Infrastructure Ontario talked about the 4 business lines of that provincial agency and the lead role it plays in infrastructure delivery and asset management.
Geza Banfai, a well-know construction lawyer, closed with his view that Integrated Project Delivery is coming ... it's "inevitable". He also outlined some of the legal provisions in team-model contracts.
brian's speaking at construct canada 2011
November 27, 2011
As happens every year, the organizers have asked Brian to speak at Construct Canada in Toronto. Two sessions this year.
First is "Strategies for Profiting from the Trends That are Transforming Our Industry and Market on November 30 from 10.30 til noon. Brian will highlight many of the trends he tracks and then discuss some ideas for strategies that will help YOUR business maximize the benefits, and manage the risks, associated with the unprecedented changes happening ... and about to happen ... in procurement and delivery of design and construction.
Second will be "The Emergence of Lean Project Delivery as a New Approach to Design, Construction and Project Management" on November 30 from 1pm to 2.15 pm. Brian's been watching and talking about Lean Construction, which applies to construction lean principles from the manufacturing sector to maximize value and minimize waste. In a b.note published last year, he suggested that the entire process of design and construction would benefit from the Lean approach. He'll be joining Dick Bayer, Interim Executive Director of the Lean Construction Institute, to help you understand the potential of Lean Project Delivery.
bill clinton opens ontario economic summit
December 1, 2011
We attended the opening event of this year's Ontario Economic Summit to hear former US President Bill Clinton give his take on Ontario's green energy policies and health care, and talk about cities and regions. He was positive and complimentary to Ontario on all three and saidif we get those right "The world will beat a path to your door.
Read the full article here, including a link to Steve Pakin's report on interviewing Clinton after he spoke.
strategies at construct canada 2011
December 5, 2011
Brian spoke about some of the trends that are transforming Canada's design and construction sector, and linked them to the importance of a carefully-crafted business strategy.
"It's More Critical Than Ever That Every Business in This Industry Has a Solid, Intelligent Business Strategy!"
He explained that your strategy keeps your business focused on your markets, delivering value consistently, and resulting in success and sustained profitability.
He told the group how easy it is to create a sound business strategy, starting with studying "inputs" like the trends re-shaping the sector, as well as forces outside the industry that will affect it.
Before discussing some of those trends, Brian emphasized that he was only offering a few examples, saying "When I work with clients helping them develop their strategies, we usually spend a day-and-a-half or more doing this."
Trends he identified included:
- sustainability and "green"
- Canada's growing "infrastructure deficit"
- shfits in population demographics
- rapidly-evolving technologies
- government policy of all types
- major changes in project procurement and delivery
- industry consolidation
He wrapped the session up by urging business leaders to "get out of your comfort zone", to study these and the many other trends that will change our industry, and use that knowledge to create the intelligent business strategies that will help them succeed and profit.
See a PDF version of Brian's PowerPoint slides here
And watch for the story on Brian's second session at Construct Canada on Lean Project Delivery with Dick Bayer of the Lean Construction Institute.
infrastructure investment - the importance of "staying the course"
December 13, 2011
Brian talks a lot about the importance of infrastructure investment for our economy, our communities, the design and construction sector.
The Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario has just released a follow-up to its earlier report which linked infrastructure investment to GDP growth. The report stresses the importance of "staying the course", building on the increases in infrastructure investment over the past couple of years.
new b.note: integrated project delivery - why owners and industry are looking for a new approach
December 15, 2011
Brian has been watching the growth of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) in the U.S. over the past several years. Owners are frustrated with cost overruns, delays, poor quality, poor performance with 'traditional' project delivery models. Designers and builders see low profitability and lagging productivity signalling the need to find a new approach.
This new b.note will help owners and service providers understand what IPD is all about, the benefits it delivers, how it can fit into their strategies.
It's a 'team' approach, collaborative not adversarial. Bring all the key players together at the very outset of the project when the key decisions are being made. Share risk ... and reward!
It's real. It's happening. We've seen the case studies!
strategy and social enterprise
December 31, 2011
Strategy and Social Enterprise
About this time last year Brian was facilitating strategic and tactical planning with the Board and senior management of DeafBlind Ontario Services. It's a non-profit that, since 1989, has provided specialized services to support Ontarians who are deafblind.
Like so many similar organizations it finds itself heavily dependent on government funding - meaning the critically-important services it provides to its clients are terribly vulnerable, for example, in these times of "economic uncertainty". Sustainability of services is far from guaranteed. Ability to expand services is seriously constrained.
One of the strategic objectives adopted by the Board was to "Explore opportunities for social enterprise/proprietary initiatives."
Simply stated, social enterprise is about applying business principles and strategies to advance philanthropic objectives.
DeafBlind Ontario Services fleshed out its social enterprise objective thusly: "Our organization, and therefore our clients, have always been very reliant on funding support from the provincial government. We plan to temper that dependence by investigating the potential to generate revenue from other activities to help us serve and support our clients. For example, there may be opportunities to market our highly-valued TOUCH training to others. The reputation of our REACH program is growing, creating opportunities to support individuals who are deafblind in settings outside of our residences."
Given his extensive background working and volunteering in and with the non-profit sector, Brian was thrilled to read about the coming launch of the Pecaut Centre for Social Enterprise in honour of the late civic leader David Pecaut. Its objectives:
- develop the next generation of social entrepreneurs
- act as a knowledge hub for the non-profit sector
- help startup social enterprises make themselves sustainable
Keep an eye on this one, and consider how we can all offer our support!
Read the Toronto Star article about the Pecaut Centre for Social Enterprise here