BOB Talk: Beyond the dam - Beavers, Humans & A Changing Landscape

Join Amir Rahsaz for a TED Talk style evening, exploring human–beaver coexistence and a more sustainable climate future for the Okanagan. Join us at Barn Owl Brewing for an engaging, TED Talk–style talk with Amir Rahsaz, an interdisciplinary designer, researcher, and visual artist with a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Design, a Master’s degree in Sustainable Environmental Design from the University of Tehran, and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (Sustainability) from the University of British Columbia, Okanagan. Amir’s interest in speculative design began in Iran, where he explored unconventional relationships between living organisms, waste materials, and human habitats. After moving to Canada, he became involved in collaborative design research exploring the role of wetlands in addressing climate change in the Okanagan. Through this work, he developed a fascination with beavers and their remarkable ability to transform landscapes, inspiring him to explore new possibilities for human–beaver coexistence through speculative design. His research and design work have since received international recognition and been presented at conferences including ISEA 2025 and SIGGRAPH 2026. In this informal and thought-provoking talk, Amir will explore how design, sustainability, and ecological imagination can help us reimagine our relationship with the natural world. Drawing on his research through Beaver World, he’ll share how beavers can inspire new approaches to climate change, landscape transformation, and human–wildlife coexistence. Whether you’re interested in sustainability, design, wildlife, or the future of our local ecosystems, come ready to think differently, challenge assumptions, and discover new possibilities for a more sustainable future in the Okanagan. Grab a pint, bring your curiosity, and enjoy an evening of big ideas and great conversation. Each ticket includes admission and one beverage.