Flexible work styles, open workstations, access to daylight and collaborative spaces were all identified as key design elements for the future workplace ...

To get the greatest value out of a LED lighting retrofit, ask about a manufacturer’s product testing, quality control and sustainability practices.

Studies examining the effectiveness of implementing ceiling lifts have found decreases in injury rates, decreases in workers’ compensation claims, perceived decreases in the risk of injury and improved morale with a decrease in absenteeism.

Are today’s health care professionals at greater risk for repetitive strain injuries and other musculoskeletal problems than their predecessors? Yes, says Adam Labelle, an associate ergonomist with workplace furniture and accessories ...

Effective use of colour must always be motivated by a clear design rationale that can be related aesthetically to the built form, functionally to wayfinding or branding, or psychologically to the needs of the end user.

Voluntary action will continue to be the predominant dismantler of barriers in Ontario’s built environment and landscapes ...

The Canada BIM Council (CanBIM) recently held a regional session in Vancouver. The presentations consistently emphasized one fundamental aspect of building information modeling (BIM): collaboration.

Linoleum flooring fell into decline in the post-war era after the invention of vinyl flooring, which was cheaper and faster to produce and available in a wider range of colours. But as interest in sustainability and life cycle costing has grown ...

Over the years, carpet warranties have changed considerably, limiting their liability. In some cases, the manufacturer will: specify what type of cleaning is appropriate to maintain the warranty; require cleaning receipts to indicate when and ...

Here are three space usage trends that have been successfully implemented by organizations in recent years. An organization can use these as guidelines to formulate its own space usage needs.

To ensure a sound masking system works as expected, a clear set of performance standards should be established prior to procurement. If not, the system may not provide the desired level of speech privacy or noise control.

The USGBC has introduced an ergonomics pilot credit that promotes the creation of spaces and buildings that support occupant health and performance and have lower operational costs.

A renaissance of sorts is underway in the vinyl flooring industry. Choice is no longer limited to sheet vinyl, peel-and-stick with its contrived designs and faux finishes, and vinyl composition tile. Now, there are luxury vinyl tiles ...

Since the first Canadian energy efficiency regulation that phased out a handful of inefficient general service fluorescent lamps (GSFL) was introduced in 1995, there has been steady progress in the availability of more efficient lighting solutions ...

Creating a successful space strategy involves understanding the company’s culture, its goals and staff work styles. Understanding the company’s corporate DNA is critical to creating the right space, coupled with the right ...

Decorating is an important part of what some interior designers do but only a small part. This perception can affect designers’ ability to practice.

The new Surrey City Centre Library is not only a striking architectural landmark; it serves as a civic anchor for the city’s changing downtown core.