Biocompatible Porous Concrete
Thursday, October 5, 2023 | Noon
Location: Macdonald-Harrington Building, Room 101-102, 815 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal
Workshop Facilitators: McGill University’s Biomass Production Lab
Porous concrete is permeable to air, water and nutrients. Working with industrial partners, researchers in the Biomass Production Lab at McGill University have developed an innovative biocompatible porous concrete material that allows for successful seed germination and plant growth. Importantly, this novel biocompatible porous concrete is modular and fabricated at a relatively low cost from industrial waste products and reusable materials. The first half of this workshop provides a background and overview of the recent findings surrounding this novel material, as well as new research directions and potential applications, including urban architecture and green building design. The second half of the workshop will provide a hands-on demonstration, allow participants an opportunity to mix and mold the biocompatible porous concrete in small groups and interact with some of the graduate students that have contributed to this research.
The workshop is limited to 30 participants.
Circular Skills: Upcycling and Design for Deconstruction
Friday, October 13, 2023 | Noon
Location: Macdonald-Harrington Building, Room 101-102, 815 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal
Workshop Facilitators: SURCY, animated by Melania Grozdanoska and Sébastien Beauregard
Design and build a stool out of transformed found materials in this upcycling workshop. Learn about circularity in construction in Quebec, as well as deconstruction and reconditioning needs of materials before they can be used again. Come explore how design parameters change when starting with existing materials or when planning for deconstruction!
The workshop is limited to 13 participants.
Prerequisite skills: Capacity to use hand tools like hand saws, sanders, and drills.
Radical Gardens for Radical New Relations
Friday, October 27, 2023 | Noon
Location: Macdonald-Harrington Building, Room 101-102, 815 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal
Workshop Facilitators: Nouveaux Voisins
Design and plant a prairie-style garden using perennial plants, an eco-centric approach to supporting biodiversity. The first half of the workshop will include a theoretical discussion about our relationship to living things and the challenge of regenerating our damaged territories. The second half of the workshop will include a «naturalistic planting» design exercise and a planting activity.
The workshop is limited to 30 participants.
