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Architecture49 Champions Inclusive and Accessible Laboratory Design at Sustainable Labs Canada Annual Conference

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As a leading firm in science and technology facility design, Architecture49 (A49) is proud to continue our support of the Sustainable Labs Canada (SL Can) Annual Conference. This year, we bring a fresh perspective to the discussions by exploring strategies for designing inclusive, accessible, and adaptable spaces that meet the diverse needs of today’s scientific communities.

In their presentation, "Empower, Embrace, Include: Diversity, Inclusivity and Accessibility in Laboratory Spaces," A49’s Sakshi Misra and Marco Garcia, together with Carmen de Hoog from the University of British Columbia, will outline strategies for creating lab environments that support researchers of varying abilities. Highlighting universal design principles, they’ll explore how the Rick Hansen Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) sets new standards for accessibility in laboratories.

The presentation will include RHFAC case studies from A49’s UBC School of Biomedical Engineering and the BCIT Trades and Technology projects, illustrating how thoughtful design and certification standards can lead to safer, more inclusive spaces that promote productivity, collaboration, and innovation.

Our dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion in science and technology facilities aligns seamlessly with this year’s conference focus, reinforcing the importance of equitable spaces that support collaboration and productivity. By actively contributing to this dialogue, we underscore our leadership in designing innovative, sustainable, and accessible spaces that meet the evolving needs of scientific communities across Canada.

Learn more about the annual Sustainable Labs Canada Conference here.

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