Kohn Partnership Architects will be sharing expertise on housing innovation and sustainable urban development at The Buildings Show 2025 in Toronto this December. The team will participate in two sessions, highlighting their leadership in addressing Toronto’s evolving housing needs and advancing sustainable mixed-use communities.
“The Missing Middle in Toronto: Trends, Challenges and What Comes Next“
Date & Time: Tuesday, December 3 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Toronto’s “missing middle” housing segment is at the center of urban development conversations. This session will explore the current trends driving low-rise, multi-unit housing in established neighborhoods, including as-of-right multiplex zoning and gentle density initiatives. Panelists will unpack the biggest barriers — from financial feasibility and zoning constraints to community opposition — and share emerging design and development strategies that bring these projects to life.
Kohn’s Sean Lawrence joins the panel alongside Jordan DeBrincat Mintzas, Altree Developments Inc., and Sajjad Siraty, LCG Residential Builders, to discuss innovative approaches to multi-unit housing and provide attendees with insights on navigating policy change, market pressures, and design innovation.
“Developing Zibi – Canada’s First One Planet Community“
Date & Time: Friday, December 5 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Zibi is Canada’s first One Planet Living-certified community, setting a benchmark for sustainable urban development. This session explores how Zibi Voda (Block 206) & Block 207 transform a former industrial site into a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood, integrating heritage preservation, net-zero carbon strategies, and diverse housing models including co-living and affordable rental units.
Sean Lawrence will join Brad Rodgers, Dream Unlimited, to share practical strategies for balancing sustainability, social equity, and adaptive reuse in large-scale developments, highlighting Zibi as a model for the future of sustainable communities.
For additional details and to register for the sessions, visit: http://bit.ly/47STFjD