Last week, from October 20 – 22, I (Laura Plosz) attended the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) Annual Conference held in Saskatoon. I participated in some great sessions focused on strengthening community networks and the impact that the built environment has on childhood fitness and obesity rates. Also met some true community leaders from across the province - Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Radville, Regina, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Battleford, Kyle, Estevan and others.

New equipment that I liked - the Energi outdoor playground system – equipment that allows people to achieve a full body workout with the added benefit of accessing free video demos through smartphones. Combines 2 of my favorite things - fitness and technology.

[ CLOSE ]

In Seville, Pedro Kok has created a video-narrative exclusively for Domus Metropol Parasol by Jürgen Mayer H.: a giant-scale structure that, like Santiago Calatrava’s nearby El Alamillo suspension bridge, emerges forcefully from the urban fabric. According to Kok, Parasol is a kind of architectonic promenade that physically transports people over city rooftops, offering an unexpected point of view. He raised thousands of controversies among politicians and experts, but residents have successfully adopted it, rediscovering a square in the historic town which for years had been relegated to the parking. Check out the video at the link below. [ CLOSE ]

From the CISC Awards 2009 - Sustainability Category, this video features Triffo Hall at the University of Alberta, a building still being toured today which showcases its re-use of materials, specifically the steel structure. [ CLOSE ]

Triffo Hall: Re-use of existing Steel