Mossom Creek fish hatchery rises from the ashes

A few weeks ago I mentioned that we were producing a video about the remarkable resurrection of the volunteer-run Mossom Creek fish hatchery after a devastating fire. Thanks to Lafarge, other supporters and numerous volunteers, the hatchery is now back and better than ever.

How to build a podium (and a community)

Yesterday I documented the re-opening of the Mossom Creek Fish Hatchery in Port Moody, BC.

I get to attend a lot of events where people are speaking at a podium. The people are usually remarkable, but the podium itself is forgettable. (That's hatchery co-founder Ruth Foster in the photo; she qualifies as remarkable).

Also qualifying as remarkable is Rod MacVicar, another co-founder of the volunteer-run hatchery. Rod designed and built the podium using sustainable materials. Very fitting!

For the backstory on how the community came together and literally made this facility rise from the ashes, visit their website at www.mossomcreek.org

Also, check back here in a few weeks. I'll link to Lafarge's YouTube channel so you can view the video we're producing about Mossom Creek. Lafarge was a major sponsor in the rebuilding of the fish hatchery.

Another sidewalk doubling as a skylight

If you've read my previous posts, you know I really like this idea of translucent sidewalks. They provide natural lighting for the space below without having to burn coal to generate electricity to create artificial light. This sidewalk lights up the restrooms of the restaurant located in the basement of the Mercer Hotel in NYC. It's a common sight in the SOHO area of Manhattan.

Translucent sidewalk at Vancouver Convention Centre: ditto

My previous post about translucent sidewalks probably clued you in to the fact that I like this idea. Kudos to the Vancouver Convention Centre for allowing some light into the space below for the human earthworms.

Translucent sidewalk at NYU lets the light in

Subterranean rooms and hallways are very common in industrial and educational buildings. I've seen a lot of rooms where I would not want to spend my workday. But this translucent floor at NYU in Manhattan is a clever way of allowing light in. This makes a huge difference for people who might otherwise have to work or study in a windowless environment, which would be great for vampires but not the rest of us.

Habitat for Humanity net zero home leaves no carbon footprint

Here's a project we documented for Lafarge and the Canada Green Building Council. They wanted to understand how a net zero home could be designed and built using prefabricated concrete. "Net zero" means that the home will create as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year.