Workshop 1: Introduction to Biocompatible Porous Concrete
Porous concrete is permeable to air, water, and nutrients. Researchers at McGill University's Biomass Production Lab, in collaboration with industrial partners, have developed an innovative biocompatible porous concrete that supports seed germination and plant growth. This modular material is cost-effective, made from industrial waste and reusable materials. The workshop provided an overview of recent findings on this novel concrete, exploring new research directions and potential applications in urban architecture and green building design. Participants also engaged in a hands-on demonstration, mixing and molding the biocompatible concrete in small groups while interacting with graduate students involved in the research.
Workshop 2: Circular Skills: Upcycling and Design for Deconstruction
In this workshop, participants designed and built a stool using transformed found materials, learning about circularity, deconstruction, and the repurposing of materials in construction. Led by SURCY, a local firm specializing in sustainable design and circular economy practices in Quebec, the workshop emphasized innovative approaches to reducing waste and fostering environmental responsibility. Participants gained hands-on experience while exploring the principles of sustainable construction and the importance of creative reuse in the built environment.
Workshop 3: Radical Gardens for Radical New Relations
In this workshop, led by the firm Nouveaux Voisins, participants designed and planted a collective prairie-style garden using perennial plants, emphasizing an eco-centric approach to support biodiversity. The firm’s projects focus on landscape architecture and the promotion of ecological health. The workshop included a theoretical discussion about our relationship to living things and the challenge of regenerating our damaged territories, followed by a "naturalistic planting" design exercise to apply these concepts in practice.