Our country is winter

This word, developed by a Quebec geologist, primarily designates a geographic reality. But besides the obvious issue of latitude, it’s important to ask: how does the relationship with winter and cold shape a culture?

After all, learning to live and thrive in a northern climate presents a series of adaptation and innovation challenges. Challenges that require solutions rooted in our specific territory.

Illuminate possible

    The quantity of natural light is considerably lower during the winter. And yet, it’s crucial to our well-being. How can light be used to improve the daily life of Nordic populations?

Here are some avenues for reflection:

Intelligent design

of light to increase well-being.

Promotion

of the benefits of light throughout the year.

Intelligent application

of light to increase well-being.

Light well-being solutions

with soothing properties that synchronize with the circadian rhythm or boosts the mood.

Interior and exterior solutions

that follow natural cycles.

Apply for this challenge and together we will explore the world of possibilities for Canadian citizens. Here are the challenges


Take the challenge

Looking for
inspiration?

Un parapluie lumineux


Ce parapluie Days Innbrella de l’hôtel Wyndham est conçu pour éviter que les vacances ne soient gâchées par le mauvais temps et pour apporter la bonne humeur.

Un soleil urbain


Deux enjeux cruciaux —la santé et la qualité de l’air — sont abordés de front par cette installation du Studio Roosegaarde.

L’éclairage pour contrecarrer le blues hivernal​


Dans la Innovation House Finland, basée à Helsinki, cette solution d’éclairage centrée sur l’humain vise à contrer la déprime hivernale et apporter un peu de lumière naturelle dans leur espace de coworking.

Day&Night


La lampe Day&Night est une lampe conçue par l’artiste Éléonore Délisse qui oscille sur une période de 24 heures en harmonie avec le cycle des jours et des saisons.

Solutions Sollum


En recréant les conditions d’ensoleillement depuis différents endroits, cette technologie permet de faire pousser des fruits et légumes n’importe où.








Snow-Motion

        By 2050, the proportion of the population aged 65 and over will have doubled. Since the elderly have specific health care needs, especially during the colder months, what tools, products or services can bring solutions to this problem?

Here are some avenues for reflection:

Create a sense of belonging

by building communities specifically during the winter season to counter isolation.

Facilitate communication

and exchanges between generations.

Ensure safety in a preventative or compensatory way against winter hazards like falls and bitter cold.

Ensure that senses,

flexibility, dexterity and physical activity are maintained.

Apply for this challenge and together we will explore the world of possibilities for Canadian citizens. Here are the challenges


Take the challenge

Looking for
inspiration?

Familia


Un projet du Studio Fantasio, des appareils simples, esthétiques et ergonomiques qui offrent aux personnes âgées une plus grande autonomie.

Rendever


Le meilleur du phy-gital? Cette solution utilise la réalité virtuelle pour vaincre l’isolement social des personnes âgées en leur faisant vivre des expériences partagées.

Navettes LocoMotion


Un projet signé Solon qui vise à combattre l’isolement des aînés. Des cyclistes bénévoles font découvrir des parcours historiques et se chargent des courses avec une bicyclette adaptée.








Frilutsliv

Unlike some animals, humans don’t hibernate all winter (with a few exceptions, maybe!).

But maintaining a level of physical and emotional comfort during the harshest months requires innovative adaptations.

Here are some avenues for reflection:

Extend the duration of objects

from a seasonal to annual approach

Adapt technologies

for performance in very low temperatures.

Optimize spaces

and reduce waste in closets, in the yard, etc.

Facilitate the transition

between inside and outside.

Make

the outside experience as comfortable as the inside one, even when it’s -30 degrees.

Liberate the movement

of extremities, even when bundled up.

Exchange about best practices,

about knowledge and the ways to approach the colder months with other Nordic regions.

Apply for this challenge and together we will explore the world of possibilities for Canadian citizens. Here are the challenges


Take the challenge

Looking for
inspiration?

Réchauffer les mains en réduisant son empreinte​


Ces chauffe-mains réutilisables, une solution durable pour rendre plus tolérables les basses températures.

Ski de fond en commun​

La ville de Lahti en Finlande a mis à la disposition de ses citoyens un système de ski-partage pour profiter de l’hiver, faire du sport et se déplacer différemment.

Warming Huts


Dans la ville de Winnipeg se tient une compétition de huttes chauffantes où se mêlent art, architecture et réflexions sur notre rapport à l’hiver.








The Process