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Mark your calendar for the 2010 Vancouver SustainaBUILD Conference taking place this fall. More ...

June 18, 2010

AIBC Homepage

CES Reporting Deadline: June 30, 2010

This is a reminder that the deadline for Continuing Education System reporting is quickly approaching. If you haven’t already done so, please self-report your learning units by Wednesday, June 30, 2010. Please do not self-report your attendance at AIBC External Provider events, the AIBC Annual Conference (with the exception of the keynote speaker presentation), AIBC courses or AIBC volunteer activities. Although paper self-reports are still being accepted, online submissions are preferred. If you need assistance with the online reporting system, or if you have any questions, please contact Aleta Cho at acho@aibc.ca or Catherine Bolter at cbolter@aibc.ca.

Revised: AIBC Bulletin 65, Advisory Design Panels: Standards for Procedures and Conduct

AIBC Bulletin 65 has recently been revised in order to clarify that registered architects (MAIBCs, only) are eligible to serve on advisory design panels as nominees of the AIBC. Intern Architects, Retired Architects, and other registrants are eligible and encouraged to serve (as appointed) on behalf of other organizations or community interest groups, as applicable. The amendment, under the review provided by the AIBC Design Panel Committee and the Practice Board, has been made in order to establish consistency with current (longstanding) council policy (6.6) which reflects the same.

Maura Gatensby MAIBC
Director of Professional Services

Revised Schedule: 2010 NCARB ARE Preparation Seminars

Over the coming months, the AIBC Intern Architect Committee will be holding a series of free ARE preparation seminars to help IAs prepare for the NCARB ARE exams. These seminars will be held approximately every two weeks, and will generally run from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the AIBC Architecture Centre (#100 - 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver). Click here for seminar topics, dates and times.

The seminars are designed to provide strategies and other tips for each exam. They are not intended to cover specific exam content. IAs will find it helpful to have some familiarity with exam materials and some experience with the graphic practice program prior to attending each respective seminar. For more information, please contact Manager of Registration & Licensing Róisín O'Neill at roneill@aibc.ca. Note: Schedule subject to change.

2010/2011 AIBC Council

The institute has a new governing council following its annual meeting on Saturday, May 8, 2010. Pierre E. Gallant MAIBC AAA MRAIC has been re-elected as President for the coming year. Other officers include Gordon C. Richards MAIBC MRAIC (Vice President), Tim Spiegel B.Sc. (QS) PQS (Treasurer), and Scott Kemp MAIBC MRAIC (Registrar). Veronica Gillies MAIBC MRAIC was also re-elected to council, while Joan Hendriks MAIBC and Lynne Werker MAIBC are newly-elected.

The four Liaisons to council, representing the three associate categories of Architectural Technologist, Building Designer / Residential Designer and Intern Architect, and representing the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia (IDIBC) include Michael Currie AT.AIBC, David E. Boswell BD.AIBC AScT, Nathaniel Nacionales IA.AIBC and Keath Seeton RID (Fellow).

Click here for a complete listing of 2010 / 2011 AIBC council members.

Click here to see the schedule for 2010 / 2011 council meetings.

 

2009 AIBC Annual Report

The 2009 AIBC Annual Report is now available in digital format on the AIBC web site. Click here to access the online PDF.

 

Building Envelope Education Program Course Registration

For those registrants wishing to complete the AIBC’s Building Envelope Education Program (BEEP), now is your chance. Follow the link http://www.aibc.ca/member_resources/professional_dev/index.html and check out the course descriptions and scheduled dates. You can also access it from the AIBC home page. Click on "Course Registration" under Quick Links and register online. These courses are only offered once a year, so don’t miss out.

 

BEEP Module I:
Building Science and the Building Envelope (Available Online)

Topics for Module I include:

For more information, please contact Professional Development Coordinator Catherine Bolter at cbolter@aibc.ca or (604) 683-8588, extension 312.

18 Core LUs

 

courselistings

The AIBC 2010 PD/CES course schedule and registration form are available online at www.aibc.ca/member_resources/professional_dev/index.html

AIBC Vancouver Island Chapter Meeting

Total Design Freedom: Heavy Timber Connectors for Glulam, Parallam, and Solid Timber
Presented by Colin Chornohus, Branch Manager for Structural Products Ltd, this seminar will provide participants with detailed information on the use of innovative and cutting edge heavy timber connection systems for products such as glulam, Parallam and solid timber. With an emphasis on glulam connections, the seminar will highlight capabilities as a glulam manufacturer. Topics include 3D-modeling software, precise CNC robotic machining, and the ability to provide fully-framed glulam packages from start to finish. The seminar takes place on Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. at the Ambrosia Centre, 638 Fisgard Street, Victoria. There is no charge for this event but please confirm your attendance to sjohal@wood-works.ca by June 28, 2010.

1 Core LU

BC Wood

Global Buyers Mission 2010
BC Wood is pleased to announce its seventh annual Global Buyers Mission (GBM), to be held at Whistler Village from September 9 - 11, 2010. GBM 2010 is an excellent opportunity for architects and designers to learn and connect with producers of world-class wood products from B.C. and the rest of Canada. Building on the success of last year’s event, GBM 2010 offers a complete architect and designer program including the chance to learn up to eight core learning units through seminars given by industry leaders and site-visits to some of Whistler’s architectural marvels. Participants also have the opportunity to meet with close to 100 exhibitors from the value-added wood industry, along with social and networking events with domestic and international colleagues. Due to funding cutbacks, there will be a $300 fee this year, which covers two nights’ accommodation at one of Whistler’s luxury hotels, two major social / networking events, meals, and a return transfer from downtown Vancouver or the Vancouver International Airport (details available upon request). For more information, please contact Roy Manion by phone (604-882-7100) or e-mail (rmanion@bcwood.com). Information is also available online at www.bcwood.com.

 

Designer Kitchen Tour

BC Wood, along with Pacific Rim Cabinets, invites you for a day of touring kitchens in fabulous White Rock and South Surrey homes. It takes place Saturday, June 26, 2010, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The cost is $20 (minimum donation), with all proceeds to benefit the Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary Society Please contact Pacific Rim at (604) 515-7377 for tickets or further information on the tour.

3 Non-core LUs

 

SFU City Program

Free Lecture Series: Light as it Shapes the Architectural Environment
Attend this educational presentation to better understand how digital media has evolved, and how it is transforming architectural space using light and moving images. It happens Wednesday, June 23, 7:00 p.m. at SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. The presenters will be Bruce Ramus of Ramus Illumination and Douglas Welch of EOS LIGHTMEDIA. Tickets are $15 ($10 for RAIC and IES members, free for students with identification) and can be purchased online at http://members.raic.org/courses.php or at the door (cash or cheque). To download an informational flyer, go to www.sfu.ca/city/PDFs/LIGHTING_JUNE23_ePOSTER.pdf.

2 Non-core LUs

 

Urban Design Certificate
The award-winning Urban Design Certificate Program is a part-time, interdisciplinary, mid-career professional development program designed for working professionals from diverse backgrounds. Courses are taught by leading urban design practitioners in two- and three-day intensive courses in Vancouver as well as Alberta. Participants will complete six core courses and two electives.

Core courses:

1. UD: Theory and Practice
2. UD: Visual Communication
3. UD: Economic Fundamentals
4. UD: Studio I (Analytic Tools)
5. UD: Ecological Planning and Sustainable Design
6. UD: Studio II (Synthesis of Urban Form)

Electives:

1. UD: Alternative Development Approaches
2. UD: Designing Integrated Neighbourhoods
3. UD: Implementation Methods
4. UD: Planning for Transportation and Accessibility
5. UD: Public Realm
6. UD: Urban Revitalization

For details or to register, please visit http://www.sfu.ca/city/udc.htm by July 16, 2010.


Sustainable Community Development Certificate
The Sustainable Community Development Certificate is designed to give participants the most current and practical information on sustainable development. Courses are taught by experienced consultants and instructors in the field. This flexible program, offered by the SFU City Program and the Centre for Sustainable Community Development, is comprised of eight two- and three-day intensive courses over 10-18 months.

Core courses:

1. Foundation in Sustainable Community Development
2. Applications in Sustainable Community Development
3. Sustainable Economics for the Real World
4. Making Change Happen: Building Commitment to Create Sustainability
5. Integrating Social Dimensions into Sustainability
6. Sustainable Community Development Studio

Electives:

1. Strategic Decision-Making for Sustainable Results
2. Communicating Sustainability for Awareness, Accountability, and Action
3. Urban Transportation: Planning and Designing for Sustainability
4. Leading Edge Solutions to House Everyone
5. Tackling Climate Change - Going Carbon Neutral and Beyond
6. Green Economy Frontiers and Opportunities

For details, or to register, please visit http://www.sfu.ca/city/scd-sustain.htm.

The Urban Design Certificate and Sustainable Community Development Certificate are part of SFU’s certification programs for md-career professionals. All courses qualify for non-core learning units. The application deadline is July 16, 2010.

Canadian Wood Council / Wood WORKS! BC

Webinar: The Wood First Act in B.C.
Do you have questions about the new Wood First Act in B.C.? The act, which received royal assent on October 29, 2009, requires provincially-funded projects to use wood as the primary construction material where appropriate and within the BC Building Code. Wood WORKS! BC has been asked to assist communities with the Wood First Act's “build with wood” requirements, and is pleased to present this webinar designed to provide answers and practical information. It features Werner Hofstatter, Wood WORKS! BC Wood First Advisor who recently served as the Director of the Ministry of Forest & Range's Wood First Initiative, along with Wood WORKS! BC technical advisors Peter Moonen and Bill Billups. The webinar is available online beginning Tuesday, June 15 at 9:30 a.m. Go to www.WoodFirstAct.Info.

1 Core LU

IMAGINiT Technologies

Revit Architecture 2011 BIM Management

Revit Architecture is a powerful Building Information Modeling (BIM) program that supports the ability to coordinate, update, and share design data with team members throughout the design, construction, and management phases. The objective of the Revit Architecture 2011 BIM Management course is to enable students who have worked with Revit to expand their knowledge in setting up office standards. Specific topics include setting up templates with annotation styles, preset views, sheets and schedules, as well as custom element types and families. By creating standard templates and custom elements, a key component in the BIM process is to establish a company foundation for different types of projects. Doing so ensures that new projects flow smoothly and efficiently. The length of this training session is one day. Please contact Kam Seignarack of IMAGINiT Technologies for more information at 604-207-2114 or by e-mail kseignarack@rand.com.

6.5 Core LUs


Sustainable Design: Ecotect Analysis Fundamentals (Web-based Workshop)

Ecotect Analysis software is a comprehensive concept-to-detail sustainable design analysis tool, providing a wide range of simulation and analysis functionality. Users can interact with powerful 3D feedback to explore factors such as solar energy, shadows and reflections, and day lighting. Using Autodesk Ecotect Analysis, architects and designers can gain better insight into building performance early in the process, helping to achieve more sustainable designs, faster time to market, and lower project costs. For more information or to register, please contact Kam Seignarack by e-mail (kam.seignarack@rand.com) or phone (604-207-2114).

16 Core LUs

Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

Renaissance Architecture and Restoring Strategies

The RAIC is offering two summer courses in Ferrara Italy on historic restoration and 21st Century sustainable practices.

Renaissance Architecture and Restoring Strategies

This course offers a synthetic framework of the Renaissance innovations including art, architecture and cultural changes. The Renaissance in Italy went from the XIVth to the XVIIth century, with the climax in the first half of the XVIth Century, when all around Europe the papacy was a strong catalyst to the artistic production, from architecture to the urban design, from art to literature, produced by many masters such as Palladio, Michelangelo and Raffaello. Ferrara, Italy has been one of the capitals of the papacy that, together with the dukedom, gave great support to massive examples of building innovations and elegant decorations. To safeguard and maintain this important building heritage, specific conservation policies and methods have been developed, testing innovative materials and techniques that will be presented during the course with lessons and guided on-site visits of private and public buildings.

21 Core LUs

 

Approach to Sustainable Architecture

The sustainable approach is now firmly joined with architecture all over the world. Italy has a growing experience of building design using an energy efficient approach, starting many years ago with a more “European”style coming from northern countries, resulting in a more “Mediterranean”strategy that includes both summer and winter evaluation in the building design. Research on sustainable architecture in Italy is following key ways: new performances for traditional materials and components (mainly applied to the refurbishment of buildings in the city centres); and the promotion of renewable energies through the upgrading of building envelopes and systems (to plan, improve and design new buildings). Italy is developing a specific background on the sustainable refurbishment of building heritage, merging its experience in restoration and conservation with the need for more efficient services and materials. Working primarily to maintain and manage their cultural real estate, Italian architects need to properly deal with the traditional using innovative technologies, testing with care the compatibility between energy requirements and historical matters. This course will give an outlook of the state of the art in Europe, with many national and international examples and showing how all issues are linked with energy efficiency and new trends for sustainable architecture that should be at the core of the environmental approach adopted for planning Expo 2015 in Milan.

21 Core LUs

For more information, please see the online PDF.

 

AEC Daily Online Learning

AEC Daily offers free online courses worth core learning units. For a list of offerings, please visit their online learning centre at http://www.aecdaily.com/en/236763?list=4.

Current Exhibit: 2010 Annual AIBC Architectural Awards

May 17 – June 28, 2010
AIBC Gallery: #100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Winners and other submissions for the 2010 Annual AIBC Architectural Awards are on display at the AIBC Gallery this spring. This year represented another record-breaking number of submissions across four award categories: The Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Awards in Architecture; The AIBC Innovation Award; The AIBC Special Jury Award; and the AIBC Emerging Firm Award. The AIBC Gallery is free and open to the public Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Click here to view a slideshow of project submissions.

 

Special Offers: June Highlights

AIBC registrants can now enjoy direct access to Dell Canada's ongoing weekly promotions. Club AIBC also offers special deals at LetsGoForDinner.com. Save up to $25 on gift certificates at such restaurants as Relish GastroPub & Bar and Le Bistro Chez Michel. To learn more about these and other current Club AIBC offerings, visit aibc.intrd.com.

Program Director Sought for RAIC Syllabus Program

Athabasca University is seeking a program director for the renewed RAIC Syllabus Program to be administered through Athabasca University. In partnership with the RAIC, Athabasca University has been engaged in renewal of the RAIC Syllabus Program. During this transitional period, the position of Interim Program Director is required to provide leadership and management services to both Athabasca University and to the program as it begins the transition to Athabasca University. The Interim Program Director will be responsible for the effective management of programs and operations while exercising stewardship over its human and financial resources as well as transition to the university. This person, in association with the Syllabus Registrar, will also be responsible for effective communications and counseling of students during the transition period. In addition, the interim Program Director will be responsible for overseeing the development of updated courses and curriculum in consultation with Athabasca University and its Program Advisory Council. This is a full-time contract position. If you are interested in applying, please send a cover letter and curriculum vitae to lisac@athabascau.ca. All applications must be received before 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2010. For more information, please visit http://www.raic.org/notices/employment/interim-archdirector-au_june1.pdf or contact Jon Hobbs at jhobbs@raic.org.

Green Dream Home Demonstration

The Green Dream Home, an energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly home in Kamloops, has reached the demonstration phase. The project is the first of two Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) EQuilibrium™ Housing Initiative demonstration homes in B.C. to be completed and opened for public tours, and the eighth to open across Canada. The home was built by Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central Interior and Thompson Rivers University as part of an initiative to encourage builders and developers to build the next generation of sustainable housing. The Green Dream Home combines state-of-the-art energy-efficient design and construction techniques with renewable energy production.

New RAIC ED

The Royal Architecture Institute of Canada (RAIC) has announced the appointment of Jim McKee at the RAIC’s new executive director, effective July 19, 2010. McKee previous headed the Coalition for Cultural Diversity, involved in mobilizing cultural organizations in Canada and elsewhere in support of the UNESCO Convention on the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. He has also previous worked for the Writers Guild of Canada, Transport Canada, First City Trust and Deloitte & Touche. He replaces Jon Hobbs, who had held the position since 2001.

BC Building Code Revisions for High-efficiency Plumbing Fixtures

Effective October 4, 2010, high-efficiency (4.8 litre) toilets or dual-flush toilets will be required in all new residential buildings (or when major renovations occur). In all other occupancies, the requirement for a maximum flush cycle of 6 litres will remain unchanged. Whenever urinals are installed, high-efficiency (1.9 litre) urinals will also be required. Information on the new standards can be found online at http://www.housing.gov.bc.ca/building/consultation/het/index.htm. For further information, please contact Christine Webb, Senior Policy Advisor - Building and Safety Standards Branch - Ministry of Housing and Social Development (phone: 250-356-8165; fax: 250-387-8164; e-mail: Christine.A.Webb@gov.bc.ca).

SustainaBUILD Conference

Mark your calendar for the 2010 Vancouver SustainaBUILD Conference this fall. The conference program features innovative content, ideas and cutting edge technologies related to sustainable development and green design. It takes place November 23 at Vancouver's Westin Bayshore Hotel. Early bird rates of $275 + HST will available from late summer through to November 2. For more information and to register, visit the conference website at http://www.sustainabuild.com/vancouver/index.htm. Questions can be directed to Gillian Wright at e-mail gwright@mmart.com or telephone 604.739.2112 ext. 192058.

Edifice: Exploring Art, Archives and Architecture

Edifice: Exploring Art, Archives and Architecture, an exhibition that presents 10 new paintings of downtown Vancouver buildings done in realist style by Graham Winter, will be featured at the newly refurbished City of Vancouver Archives Gallery from June 2 - August 26, 2010. The exhibition, the first of its kind in Vancouver, is designed as a multi-faceted exploration of the early- to mid-20th Century downtown Vancouver buildings that represent the “modern” of the artist’s childhood. It will also include a video wall of digitized archival photos and records of the buildings and the period in which they were built. The City of Vancouver Archives Gallery is located at 1150 Chestnut Street. For more information, please visit www.vancouver.ca/archives.

Pecha Kucha Special Edition: Walk the Talk, Green Your City

This June, the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia present a special edition Pecha Kucha volume entitled “Walk the Talk, Green Your City”. Produced by Cause+Affect, it’s a part of Vancouver's 'Greenest City 2020 Conversation'. The unique 20 slides x 20 seconds format will feature 14 local instigators’ insights on the topic of sustainability and Vancouver's ambition to be the greenest city in the world by 2020. It takes place Wednesday, June 23, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Tickets are $10 and are on sale now at: pechakuchanightvancouver.eventbrite.com. For more information, please visit www.pechakuchanightvancouver.com.

 

Sustainable Region Initiative

The Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues and Sustainability Community Breakfasts are outreach components of Metro Vancouver’s Sustainable Region Initiative (SRI). They involve a series of high-profile debates and discussions intended to help decision makers shape the future of the region by presenting a range of views and stimulating fresh thought on regional issues such as housing, industry, labour and immigration, drugs and crime, regional economy, transportation, energy and agriculture. For more information, visit: http://www.metrovancouver.org/region/breakfasts/Pages/default.aspx.

Sustainability Dialogue
Topic: How should we manage our waste?

Every year, Metro Vancouver residents and businesses generate 3.4 million tons of garbage and recyclables. With that in mind, Metro Vancouver is consulting on a new Draft Integrated Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan to guide the management of solid waste in an affordable and environmentally responsible way. Written submissions are encouraged. Send your comments by July 14, 2010 to either Lois E. Jackson, Chair - Metro Vancouver or Greg Moore, Chair - Metro Vancouver Waste Management Committee. Issues raised in correspondence and at public meetings will be addressed prior to submission of the final plan to the B.C. Minister of Environment for approval.

 

2010 RAIC/SAA Festival of Architecture

Registration is underway for the RAIC/SAA Festival of Architecture, talking place June 22 – 26 in Saskatoon. When registering, be sure to scroll down to the Additional Tickets section for a ticket to the Jazz Festival Party on Saturday evening. Included in the ticket is great music, food and beverages all under a VIP tent in the historic Delta Bessborough Gardens. Reduced SAA room blocks are available at the Delta Bessborough (www.deltabessborough.com/sdra08) and the Hilton Garden Inn (www.hilton.com Group Code "SAADEL"). For more information, go to http://www.festival.raic.org/index_e.htm.

IDSwest 2010

Mark your calendars for the next Interior Design Show West, October 14-17, 2010 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. IDSwest is Western Canada’s premiere annual residential design show featuring 200 exhibitors showcasing quality products and services to an audience of architects, designers, industry professionals, consumers and media. New program highlights this year include Future Masters, a showcase of young design talents and local design institutions; and Spare the Change, a design challenge with a $2 budget. For detailed information including speakers, exhibitors and schedule, keep an eye on the event web site at http://www.idswest.com/index.php.

Save the Date: Building SustainABLE Communities

The Fresh Outlook Foundation is hosting its fourth Building SustainABLE Communities conference in Kelowna, BC from November 16 to 18, 2010. Speakers include:

For more information, please visit www.freshoutlookfoundation.org.

 

Art Institute Grad Review

The Art Institute of Vancouver’s next Graduate Portfolio Review takes place Thursday, June 24, 2010 at 2655 Renfrew Street from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. The review will feature graduates from the following programs: Advanced Graphic Design; Animation Art & Design; Baking & Pastry Arts; Culinary Arts; Culinary Arts & Restaurant Ownership; Digital Film & Video; Entrepreneurship & Restaurant Management; Event Management; Fashion Design & Merchandising; Fashion Marketing & Management; Graphic Design; Hospitality & Restaurant Business Management; Interior Design; Professional Recording Arts; 3D Modeling for Animation & Games; VFX for Film & Television; and Web Design & Interactive Media. This is a chance to mingle with graduates, professionals, and colleagues from across industries. Visit the dedicated Industry Lounge. Refreshments will be provided. Industry attendees are requested to r.s.v.p. To do so, or for more information, please contact Marcos Armstrong by phone (778-373-8959) or e-mail (marmstrong@aii.edu).

Call for Papers: Heritage Challenges Conference

École de design and Institut du patrimoine of Université du Québec à Montréal are organizing a conference entitled “Preserving Modern Architecture in Québec, Canada, and Elsewhere: Heritage Challenges and the Mobilization of Knowledge”. It will be held in Montréal from October 14 - 17, 2010. Submissions are currently being accepted for conference presenters. For detailed information, including the Call for Papers, visit the conference web site at http://www.ip.uqam.ca/.

Greater Vancouver Commercial Building Awards

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is hosting its first ever Commercial Building Awards on September 23, 2010. The awards are meant to honour excellence in local commercial and industrial construction within Greater Vancouver, including recognizing the architects, designers, owners, developers, financiers, and realtors responsible for creating some of the most exciting and innovative projects in the region. Categories include:

There will also be a Judges’ Choice Award for best overall entry. Adjudication will be performed by a select panel of judges respected for their expertise within the real estate community. To be eligible, the institutional, commercial or industrial building or renovation project must be located within the REGBV area, and completed between January 1 and December 31, 2009. The deadline for nominations is July 30. For further information, contact Commercial Coordinator Tammy Dunn by phone (604-730-3033) or e-mail (tdunn@rebgv.org).

 

Powerful Women Award Nominations

Canada’s Women’s Executive Network is seeking nominations of a notable female architect for the 2010 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100™ Award. These awards, now in their eighth year, celebrate the accomplishments of Canada’s female leaders in eight categories: Corporate Executives; Entrepreneurs; Public Sector Leaders; Trailblazers & Trendsetters; Professionals; Champions; Arts & Communications: and Future leaders. Nominees from the architectural profession are particularly welcomed in the Professionals and/or Trailblazers & Trendsetters categories. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, June 30. For more on the nomination process, visit the web site at www.top100women.ca.

Archifoto: International Awards of Architectural Photography

Submissions are now being accepted for Archifoto, an international competition for amateur and professional photographers. The theme for this year’s competition is “Architecture is Sustainable!” Applicants are invited to submit up to three photographs that explore issues of sustainability and durability surrounding architecture and urban landscapes. The competition is organized by the gallery La Chambre in Strasbourg, France, and Les Journées de l’Architecture, an architecture festival that takes place in Alsace, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Basel. Submissions are due by July, 31, 2010. For more information on the competition, visit http://www.archifoto.org/.

Call For Submissions: 2010 Design Exchange Awards

The Design Exchange Awards promote Canadian design excellence and recognize the critical role of design in all types of organizations including commercial entities (large and small businesses), not-for-profit organizations, and the public sector. The awards celebrate the success stories achieved through close partnerships between clients and designers. The DXAs are Canada’s only award program to judge design by results, balancing function, aesthetics and economic success. The early submission deadline is July 20, 2010, followed by the final submission deadline of September 30, 2010. Click here to learn more or visit the DXA web site for complete details.

AECOM Competition

AECOM Technology Corporation, one of the world's largest engineering and architectural design firms, is pleased to announce Urban SOS: Transformations, a design competition offering US $20,000 in prize money for integrated design responses to sites in select global cities. The competition is open to students in the fields of architecture, urban and regional planning, urban design, landscape architecture, economics, environmental science, engineering, and related disciplines. Now in its second year, Urban SOS gives students around the world the opportunity for real engagement with issues facing built, natural and social environments. Last year’s competition attracted more than 1,000 entrants from 239 colleges and universities in 64 countries. This year, the competition will explore the topic of “Transformations”, looking at cities that are in the midst of change that represents both challenge and opportunity to their future. Featured cities include Beijing, China; Istanbul, Turkey; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Johannesburg, South Africa; Phoenix, United States; Port au Prince, Haiti; and São Paulo, Brazil. The competition seeks creative, viable proposals for site redevelopment. The five semi-finalists will receive a trip to the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona this November. Submissions will be accepted until July 31, 2010. Visit www.aecom.com/urbansos for complete submission requirements.

Heritage BC Awards Program

One June 4, winners of this year's Heritage BC Awards program were announced. Outstanding Achievement Awards, the highest distinction, were presented to:

Awards of Honour were presented to:

Details about each award can be found at: http://www.heritagebc.ca/2010-heritage-bc-awards.

 

New Cannon VP

Cannon Design has announced the appointment hiring of Douglas Wournell MAIBC as Vice President. Wournell brings 18 years of architectural experience to the firm, with a portfolio of international work exclusively in the realm of sports architecture. Prior to joining Cannon Design, Wournell was founder and principal of Athletica Sport and Recreation Design. In his new capacity, he will support the firm’s national sports practice with responsibility for design leadership, developing and maintaining strong client relationships, mentoring and project leadership.

 

 

Gregory Henriquez: Vancouver's Ethical Architect

By David Jordan, BC Business

June 9, 2010

The heritage building at the corner of Homer and West Pender streets is an unlikely site for the headquarters of one of Vancouver’s most progressive architects. While the funky B.C. Securities building (named after its original 1912 owner, British Canadian Securities Ltd.) offers a stark contrast to Gregory Henriquez’s ultra-modern designs, the building, like the architect, is more about character than flash. Its worn grey facade is adorned with the ornate masonry of a bygone era. Inside the entryway, an old-fashioned directory – white letters elegantly back-lit against a black background – lists an array of low-rent tenants, mostly artists and non-profit associations. More …

Handmade Models Help Architects Visualize And Solve Design Problems

By Kevin Griffin, Vancouver Sun

June 14, 2010


As one of the founders of Maison de l'architecture du Quebec in Montreal, the country's only artist-run space focusing on architecture, urban planning and landscape design, Sophie Gironnay noticed something odd when she visited architects' offices. Among all the computers and their high-powered, three-dimensional architectural imaging programs stood all these models of buildings. More ...