Studio

Barry Johns completed an 8500 word essay as the first Chapter in a new book edited by Isabel Prochner and Tim Antoniuk entitled SITUATING DESIGN IN ALBERTA. Published by the University of Alberta Press and released in December 2021, Reset: Changing the Built Environment in Alberta traces the origins of culture, place, suburbia and the Modern Movement in the context of city making and speculates on the future of cities in the province. The Foreword is written by Douglas Cardinal.

Since September 2020, Barry Johns is pursuing a Doctor of Design (DDes) at the University of Calgary, a practice based program which is the first of its kind in Canada. His research topic is Infill and missing middle typologies in mature urban neighborhoods focussed on creating community and an environment that fosters innovation and affordability, through new business models and respectful housing development via mass customization. The DDes draws upon reflection and evaluation of one’s own practice, plus broader research into relevant projects around the world. This complex subject in context with an aging Canadian population, dramatically changing demographics and anticipating how we might live in a post Covid-19 world; represents a new chapter in a rewarding career.

In November 2020, Barry Johns delivered an online lecture to 1000 people in celebration of the Nigerian Institute of Architects 60th Anniversary. The lecture addressed key aspects of his work in Canada, connecting the importance of water, climate, nature and place to sustainable urban development and its relationship to the rapid urbanization of cities from Lagos to the Nigerian capital, Abuja.