Old Stories, New Ways: Learning about building and design from First Nations
8:30am - 9:15am
Keynote Address
In Canada and the Bow Valley, First Nations have thrived since time immemorial by making decisions through consideration of what is best for the next seven generations. In this insightful keynote, Vivian will share several important things we can learn from their work: when we think about collaboration and consultation, let’s strive to make decisions as a collective, rather than just individually. When we think about Sustainability and our long-term environmental impact, let’s remember that we are part of - rather than apart from - the natural world, and practice good stewardship of the environment. When we think about design, let’s remember that buildings inform our lives, and design with relationships in mind, shaping our built environment to enhance these relationships. Finally, from working with First Nations we discover the importance of process: the process of designing in a collaborative and integrated way helps us create sustainable and durable buildings that tread lightly on the land.
Vivian Manasc
Vivian's career as an architect has been built on creative collaboration and a passion for inclusivity, co-creation, and sustainability. After immigrating to Canada in her youth she moved to Edmonton and traveled internationally and within Canada. During this time she fostered relationships with Indigenous communities across Canada. Her work in northern regions refined her skills in cold-climate design.
As a leader of Reimagine, Vivian focuses on nurturing her team and promoting a healthy, integrated approach to work and life. She has been instrumental in advancing sustainable building practices, contributing to the Canadian LEED® Green Building Rating system and founding the Alberta Sustainable Buildings Symposium. Her accolades include the Alberta Order of Excellence (2017) and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Alberta (2019). In 2020, Vivian published her book titled, ‘Old Stories, New Ways’, which embodies conversations about an architecture inspired by Indigenous ways of knowing.
Vivian also champions accessibility in education, co-creating Canada's first online architecture program at Athabasca University, which now has the largest enrollment of any architectural school in Canada. As a former President of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and Chair of Athabasca University's Board of Governors, she continues to advocate for sustainability in design, particularly in renovating existing buildings. Vivian remains committed to collaborating with Indigenous communities and innovators worldwide.