Insights From Canada's LivABLE Environment Conference 2020

A new year is upon us, and despite the challenges from 2020, some silver linings will pave the way for improving wellness in our homes in 2021.

One highlight from 2020 was Canada’s first LivABLE Environment conference, organized by Canada’s Living In Place ambassador, Linda Kafka from Toronto. I attended the 3-day virtual trade event which brought the global design community together to explore creative innovations and designs that support living in place and wellness in the home. The various presentations related to inclusive design, accessibility, technology and science, and wellness. There was an impressive mix of experts ranging from builders, architects, designers, healthcare providers, experts in colour, lighting and technology, air quality specialists, environmental engineers, and various experts from Health Canada. The different perspectives provided valuable insights on what it takes to create LiveABLE environments for all people, regardless of age or ability.

Here are a few insights and takeaways that stood out the most for me, and some of the exciting research and innovations making their way into LiveABLE homes in the future.

Home Technology

There is an impressive amount of innovative technology coming into the residential market. As we move into 2021, technology will have a larger role in homes. The simple and intuitive platforms available on the market today can play a significant role to ease daily living, improve health and well-being, and increase the safety and security in our dwellings.

Delos, a tech company based in the U.S. providing research-based innovations, spoke about their wellness intelligence software called ‘DARWIN’. The software is a holistic in-home wellness platform that acts as the ‘healthy brain to the home’, so to speak. The technology intuitively responds to the conditions in your home to purify air and water, and provides dynamic lighting to enhance restorative sleep (also known as circadian lighting which mimics the body’s natural sleep rhythm). This is one remarkable tech company on the market that will lead the way for healthier homes with positive health outcomes.

Healthy Sustainable Products & Air Quality

The conference also highlighted more healthier and sustainable products for use in residential spaces. With today’s challenges of the pandemic, more homes are integrating ‘cleaner’ materials like non-porous antimicrobial surfaces, and products with contactless features such as sensor operated faucets and lighting.

Indoor air quality was also a hot topic for discussion, and a few speakers spoke about the importance of air purification systems to filter pollutants in homes. From fabrics and furniture with off-gassing chemicals, to manufactured wood products with formaldehyde, to paints with VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), all these sources contribute to poor air quality over time. Such pollutants can aggravate respiratory conditions or contribute to carcinogenic effects on your health. Much like the ingredients you read on a food label, being mindful of the material profile and what you put into your home is just as important to your health. Health Canada makes this easy for us! A few clicks through Health Canada’s website and the chemical profile and its effects on health are at your fingertips.

Cambria, a natural stone manufacturer that spoke at the conference, presented their ‘cleaner’ sustainable product profile. Mined in Canada, Cambria stone countertops is certified by Greenguard as a low-emitting product for indoor air quality and has antimicrobial properties with its nonabsorbent characteristics. From manufacturing to sustainability practices, to its safety profile for food preparation, this stone company promotes wellness in everything it touches.

Other Notable Innovations

Although there were many presented at the conference, a few other beautiful design innovations worth mentioning that improve livability and wellness, include Savaria Vuelift’s sleek and stylish glass elevator designs, and Sugastune’s stylish door and hardware systems. Both products improve accessibility and can greatly impact your lifestyle at home.

Photo credit: Savaria - Vuelift mini

Neuroaesthetics & Nature

The conference also presented some interesting research on design and well-being. One related to neuroaesthetics, which studies how the brain processes and experiences art and beauty from a neurobiological perspective. Aesthetically pleasing designs can appeal to all your senses to improve mood and feelings, and your ability to relax and manage stress. In fact, exposure to art through museum trips, have been prescribed by doctors in Montreal to treat various health ailments like depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

Other research relates to incorporating nature into design. Treatments in Japan, called Shinrin Yoku - also known as nature therapy, has been shown in research to have therapeutic effects on the immune system, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and mental health. It’s not surprising to see that nature inspired features is becoming more popular in residential designs.

I’m looking forward to incorporating some of these new innovations and healthier sustainable products into my own designs. To learn more about LivABLE homes and wellness design solutions that support health and well-being, connect with me today!