Studio VMA Inc. / Studio Veronica Madonna Architect

Building Community, Dignity, and Belonging: Rethinking Aging in Place  @studiovma | #MassTimber #AgingInPlace #BiophilicDesign #CommunityLiving As our population ages, how we design for aging matters more than ever. Aging in place isn’t just about staying put—it’s about staying connected.  Studio VMA recently completed a feasibility study for the Ashiyana Aging in Place Community Development, a visionary project that brings together spirituality, community, sustainability, and intergenerational living in a mass timber–designed environment. What makes this project unique? 🔹 ~200 residences designed with accessibility and comfort in mind 🔹 Community spaces that spark connection, from gardens to a cultural hall 🔹 A children’s learning centre that encourages intergenerational exchange 🔹 Natural materials like wood-fibre insulation and sustainable cladding 🔹 A holistic approach that supports body, mind, and spirit Using mass timber and biophilic design, this model prioritizes environmental performance and resident well-being. It’s more than a place to live—it’s a place to thrive. At Studio VMA, we believe that everyone deserves to age with dignity, surrounded by culture, care, and community. The Ashiyana project proves that sustainable, community-based living is not just possible—it’s the future. 🌱 Let’s build a future where aging in place means living well, together. Check out our latest blog here: #ArchitectureForGood #StudioVMA #HealthyCommunities #AccessibleDesign #IntergenerationalLiving #DesignMatters #ElderCare #RegenerativeDesign #PrefabConstruction

Designing Futures: Biophilic Architecture and Sustainable Well-being in Educational Spaces As Canadians spend 90% of their lives indoors, it’s critical to reimagine how architecture can enhance well-being, sustainability, and social equity—especially in educational spaces, where design directly impacts children’s mental health and development. Join me for a lecture exploring biophilic design as a transformative approach to regenerative architecture, featuring a case study on an elementary school in Toronto. Key topics: 🌿 The principles and benefits of biophilic design. 📊 Using life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost assessment (LCCA) for sustainable building solutions. 🛠️ A framework for designing low-carbon, health-centric spaces that address environmental and socio-economic challenges. Let’s explore how to create spaces that support both human and planetary well-being. 👩🏫 Presented by Veronica Madonna, OAA, MAA, FRAIC, Architect, Associate Professor, and Founder of Studio VMA Inc., with over 20 years of experience advancing innovation toward a low-carbon, regenerative, and healthier future. 📅 Date & Time: January 9, 2025 at 11:00 am ET 📍 Location: Virtual, Ontario Association of Architects Webinar Link: https://lnkd.in/giAZRFwe Let’s reimagine architecture as a tool for change. #BiophilicDesign #RegenerativeArchitecture #SustainableBuildings #HealthySpaces #ArchitecturalInnovation #EducationDesign #StudioVMA

Lesotho and Southern Africa have been a source of invaluable lessons and inspiration during this incredible journey. As I wrap up my time in Lesotho, I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to share insights on mass timber and sustainable building construction through a lecture for the students at Lerotholi Polytechnic.

Exciting news! Veronica Madonna, Assistant Professor at Athabasca University and Principal of Studio VMA, has been recognized with a Special Merit in the 2024 Timber Education Prize by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). This award highlights her dedication to advancing timber education and sustainable design. Veronica’s commitment to innovation in wood technologies and her impactful work in architecture are an inspiration. Congratulations to Veronica for this well-deserved recognition! Read more here: Link to ACSA Press Release #TimberEducation #SustainableArchitecture #StudioVMA #WoodDesign #RegenerativeDesign #EmbodiedCarbon

On my way to Washington, DC! I’m honoured to be part of the esteemed jury team for the ACSA Timber Competition.

📄 Reminder: If you haven't already done so, check out our report on the future of advanced forest-based materials! 🌲 Ontario’s vast #forest resource is emerging as an unprecedented opportunity for low-carbon #building materials as the #construction industry moves towards more environmentally #sustainable practices. 💡 Since mass timber can provide a 70% reduction in embodied carbon along with #durability and #speed, our forestry sector is well positioned to support Ontario's building sector beyond #timber. Read the full report on our website ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gbKdt3Vr Report created in collaboration with Studio VMA Inc. / Studio Veronica Madonna Architect #LowCarbon #MassTimber

Introducing our latest publication in collaboration with CRIBE: Centre for Research & Innovation in the Bio-Economy: Advanced Forest-Based Biomaterials Roadmap ⁠ ⁠ 🌲 Ontario’s forest resources present a distinct opportunity for the utilization of low-carbon building materials, aligning with the construction industry's ongoing shift towards more environmentally sustainable practices. ⁠ ⁠ 💡 Mass timber emerges as a promising solution, offering an impressive 70% reduction in embodied carbon. As an industry, we must go beyond and also consider other materials in our buildings. ⁠ Access the comprehensive report by following the link: https://lnkd.in/gbKdt3Vr ⁠ #Bioeconomy #Biomaterials #Forestry #GreenBuilding #EcoFriendly #SustainableConstruction #MassTimber #Innovation #Ontario #EnvironmentalImpact #LowCarbon

It's impossible to ignore the two biggest issues at hand in Ontario; housing affordability and urban density. The challenges are markers of several things from economic environment to the quality of life for future generations and at Studio VMA we aim to create spaces that innovate and benefits today's society and future generations. Check out our latest blog post talking all about this dual dilemma: #ontariohousing #housingaffordability #ontariohomes #ontariobuilding #architect #architecture #construction

It was an incredible opportunity to work with CRIBE in developing this report on the critical discussion of advancing forest-based biomaterials in Ontario’s construction industry. Lowering embodied carbon, creating healthier buildings, and generating job opportunities are just some of the many benefits.

Decarbonizing the construction industry is a big conversation that we need to keep having since it's one of the biggest challenges. Not only do we offer Life Cycle Assessments that give a holistic view of the environmental impact across a project's life cycle, we also transition as much as possible towards sustainable alternatives. Some of these alternatives include mass timber and engineered wood to reduce those carbon emissions. Curious about the other ways Studio VMA is working to decarbonize the industry? Reach out and say hi at #carbonemissions #construction #ontarioconstruction #sustainablearchitecture #canadianarchitect