Q&A

Dean Brian Sinclair

Interview by Katrina Bradley

The new EVDS Haworth Chair in Integrated Design is a milestone for the Faculty of Environmental Design. Can you explain?

The Haworth Chair in Integrated Design is our first research chair in EVDS. As such, it is exciting that this particular chair acknowledges and celebrates integration. EVDS was founded in 1971 as an interdisciplinary non-departmentalized faculty. Through the years it has been our holistic comprehensive philosophy that has given EVDS its edge—its unique position in the international landscape of higher education.

Why integrated design? What led the faculty to pursue a research chair in this area?

Our contemporary world is highly fragmented and separated. Each specialized activity is cast into its own silo or compartment—with these specialized activities often failing to talk with each other and share perspectives. Perhaps the age old phrase, ‘You can’t see the forest for the trees” proves relevant. Each specialization uses its own jargon, employs its own methods and disseminates findings within like circles. The Faculty of Environmental Design sees another way of working as appropriate and potent. That is, while we need our own areas of specialization, or disciplinary expertise, we need to transcend the focus at times to see the bigger picture. Architects need to talk with environmental scientists. Planners need to work with industrial designers. Urban designers need to collaborate with environmental designers. And so on and so on. To work together in such a manner demands a willingness to see the world from other vantage points. In the academy this has been historically and structurally difficult.

The notion of integrated design respects and reflects such interdisciplinary cooperation. If our approach to design is to limit it to single spheres of expertise our chances of failure are higher, especially when the modern problems we confront are so complex, messy and arguably ‘wicked.’ However, if we can reconsider the problem informed by the expertise of a broader range of disciplines, and if we can develop methods and mindsets of working that look beyond scalar boundaries and topical borders then we might realize some real breakthroughs and more powerful and appropriate design solutions. This is the leading edge dimension of integrated design.

How will the Haworth Chair serve to unite disciplines within and beyond EVDS?

Integrated design by definition requires manifold inputs into the equation. The Haworth Chair in Integrated Design will look most closely at emerging areas of practice known by terms such as agile architecture, open building, and systems approaches to the built environment. Perhaps the most obvious link is between our architecture and industrial design programs—in particular in the exploration of interior spaces that look closely at the level of construction detail and the inter-relationship between part and whole. How will a wall assembly come together? How will the parts ‘speak’ to each other, visually, electronically, technically, visually, etc.? The other disciplines in EVDS all have roles to play and expertise to contribute? Areas of connection include the public realm, urban landscape, policy and regulatory milieu, environmental quality (e.g., air, water, light, views, infrastructure, etc.), psychological issues, sociological dimensions of placemaking, economic modeling, cultural aspects, political realms, spiritual matters, etc. When we begin to consider integrated design then we are compelled to open many doors and tackle problems in a more holistic, intensive and comprehensive manner. While it’s not necessarily or usually easy or simple, it is nonetheless urgent and essential.

Why Haworth?

Haworth is an international company with a very strong design focus. The company is also increasingly concerned about systems approaches to the design and development of appropriate, highly functional, flexible, adaptable and beautiful environments. Clearly there are strong synergies between Haworth and the Faculty of Environmental Design. Haworth sees the importance in and need for high quality innovative research that will make our world better. The company is also a leader in many areas of sustainable design and environmentally-sensitive intervention. Such matters are paramount for EVDS and factor centrally into our strategic planning, vision and mission. We expect that the Haworth chairholder will engage in exciting experimentation, rich innovation and leading design work that will make a difference. The Haworth and EVDS partnership celebrates a vital connection of industry and academy intent on exploring the power of integrated design for making a better tomorrow today.

Donation funds first
EVDS research chair

By Katrina Bradley

With a focus on sustainability, design and the environment, the Haworth Chair promises to contribute critically needed knowledge, principles and practices

Dr. Dennis Salahub, vice-president research and international, recently announced the newly founded Haworth Chair in Integrated Design on behalf of the Faculty of Environmental Design (EVDS). This position is externally funded by Haworth Inc. under the Project Evolve partnership with Direct Energy Business Services. Project Evolve is a long-term partnership between the University of Calgary, Direct Energy Business Services and Haworth and is forecasted to yield more than $38 million in energy savings and student and research support over seven years.

The Haworth Chair will provide a focus on research and teaching in integrated design, bringing together a broad range of fields, scales, technologies, approaches and sectors.

The chairholder will effectively bridge between the academy and industry by disseminating valid, vital and thought-provoking research back into the community to benefit students, faculty and the broader community.

EVDS Dean Brian R. Sinclair underscores the precedent-setting aspects of the new chair.
“ We live in exciting yet challenging times, where complexity is increasing, the globe is shrinking, and the need for wise and appropriate design intervention is urgent. To effectively manage complex problems and to realize strong solutions we need new ways of seeing, thinking and acting.

The establishment of the Haworth Chair in Integrated Design acknowledges the great need for more holistic, creative and comprehensive approaches to tackling such problems.

“ With a focus on sustainability, design and the environment, the Haworth Chair promises to contribute critically needed knowledge, principles and practices that will enhance the quality of our experiences, our products, our spaces, our places, and our lives. ”

Recruitment of the Haworth Chair in Integrated Design will begin in early 2006.

Haworth Inc is an international leader in sustainable innovative interior solutions, operating in more than 120 countries and employing 7,500 members worldwide (including over 1,950 Canadians). The company’s Canadian headquarters, the Haworth Center of Excellence for Architectural Interiors and Wood Products, is located in Calgary Alberta.

“ We think beyond our business to our communities,” said Dick Haworth, chairman of Haworth.
“ We cultivate hope for our future by investing in people, education and a sustainable world. We will help make the world a better place for people to work and live. We are proud to invest in the Haworth Chair in Integrated Design at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Environmental Design. ”