Introduction // WELL Certification

The International Well Institution has been actively working over the past year to launch the Well Building Standard - a measured and performance based certification program that recognizes buildings or interior spaces that make an effort to encourage the health and well being of its occupants. Similar to the USGBC's LEED certification in format and process, WELL established 7 key concepts that affect a human's health while indoors. These seven concepts include: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Fitness, Comfort and Mind.

We're incredibly excited to see efforts like this made. At Jerilyn Wright & Associates, we have been actively pushing for these ideals for the last 10 years. Space can, without question, enhance or degrade a person's mood and sense of well-being. Natural daylight as example, has been proven countless times in past and contemporary research to increase productivity and decrease both absenteeism and presenteeism. We look forward to seeing WELL permeate through the design and construction industry.

More information about WELL can be found here.

Link // Design Miami 2015

Design Miami is one of the more eccentric global design shows, curating a collection of one-offs, the avant-garde, and quirky art installations. The show just wrapped up. You can see the highlights from the show here. Or browse through their instagram feed @designmiami for a quick glimpse.

Link // Pantone Colours of the Year

For the first time, Pantone released not one, but two colours of the year. 2016's colours are Rose Quartz (Pantone 13-1520) and Serenity (Pantone 15-3919) - Light pink and light blue respectively. Pantone is receiving a lot of attention for the obvious comment on the gender neutrality movement occurring throughout the globe. However, there is more to the choice as seen below in an excerpt from the Pantone release:

"As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace."

It's great to see Pantone jumping in to ongoing dialogue designers are having around the topic of health and well-being. Read more about the Pantone choices here.

Link // Dubai Design Week

Last Week Dubai introduced the world to its Design Week - an exposition of international design though with a clear focus on middle eastern design. See link here. (Be sure to browse through their Instagram feed.)

Dubai is not typically associated with design, however the city has grand ambitions to grow its art, design, and fashion industries. Being strategically located between eastern and western markets and the host of the 2020 world fair, Dubai is visually well placed to make an impact on design trending. You can read more about these plans in a Dezeen article here.

Unique Installation // Baux Acoustic Panels

Heard the name Baux lately? We're not surprised if you have. Baux, is gaining international exposure for their unique building material that is "surprisingly functional and remarkably beautiful". Founded by Johan Ronnestam, Fredrik Franzon, and the the design studio Form Us With Love (one of Fast Company's ‘50 most influential designers shaping the future’), Baux is a Swedish company that supplies acoustic panels made of WoodWool.

These panels are not only sound absorbent but also moisture-regulating, heat-regulating, and a recycled product. JWA Design worked with Opus and Baux to bring one of the first North American installs to Britannia, Calgary. Utilizing one of Baux's pre-created designs that matched the Opus color palette, JWA assembled the 250 piece magnetic-backed puzzle over an eight hour day. To see more about Baux click here.

Link // Tech Office Trends - For Everyone?

A great quick read on the cutting-edge offices of today's tech companies and what other industries can learn from them - without trying to replicate them. Read more about it here. 

"Before accepting the tech office trends as the de facto basis for every future workplace, it is worth pursuing which features provide meaningful enhancements to well-being, culture, and productivity and which are just passing fads." - Sascha Wagner

Reveal // Japan Canada Oil Sands

JWA collaborated with Japan Canada Oil Sands (JACOS) to accomplish two key goals during the build out of their renovated space: reduce their real estate and enhance their identity.

By implementing an efficient office layout and creating several multi-function spaces JWA was able to significantly decrease JACOS' total space requirements and leasing costs. 

An enhanced identity was created for JACOS by fusing contemporary Japanese and Canadian architectural styles. A Shou Sugi Ban (black charred wood) feature, high-contrast finish palette, crisp detailing, and the expression of Wabi Sabi (appreciation for imperfection) were incorporated to create a true-to-self space that fit JACOS' unique business culture. 

Take a look at the space here: http://www.jwadesign.com/jacos

Reveal // Minas Brazilian Steakhouse

A belated congratulations to Jose Montes and Carolina Lopez on the opening of Minas Brazilian Steakhouse in Eau Claire, Calgary. Having now been open for several months, the restaurant is thriving with multiple positive reviews for delicious, authentic cuisine and the vibrant, contemporary interior. See photos of the restaurant here.

"The look is playful with colourful wood boxes stacked into room dividers and multi-coloured chairs and china adding texture to the room. A big, open kitchen sits in the middle with a hot buffet running along the front of it and a cold buffet filling the centre of the room." - John Gilchrist Calgary Herald April 24th 2015