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Submissions from the 2009 Royal Architectural Institute of Canada's awards program are on display at the AIBC Gallery during the month of July. Attend the opening reception on Tuesday, July 7, 2009, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. More...
July 12, 2009
The Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition, in conjunction with the Architectural Institute of British Columbia, presents an architectural tour on bicycle. It takes place Sunday, July 12. Architects and related building experts will interpret a variety of building designs along a route through downtown Victoria, Vic West, Selkirk and James Bay. From classical heritage to modern, from traditional to environmentally sustainable, see how Victoria architecture has evolved. The 15 kilometre trip begins at 10:00 a.m. at the south end of the Selkirk Trestle. Packing a lunch is suggested. For more information, please call (250) 380-0768 or email gvcc@gvcc.bc.ca.
After much deliberation, the AIBC Council has decided to make an organizational change at the institute with the appointment of a new executive director.
Dorothy Barkley was the AIBC’s executive director for nearly 10 years. During that time, she made valuable and significant contributions to the institute, and helped to position it well for the future. Her work is appreciated. Council wishes her all the best in future endeavours.
Director of Professional Practice Michael Ernest MAIBC has assumed the position of Interim Executive Director. Michael has been part of the AIBC for many years, and has the full support and confidence of council in ensuring a smooth transition and delivering on the institute’s priorities going forward. A decision regarding recruitment of a permanent appointment will be made in the near future.
The profession has changed significantly in recent years, and so have the needs of the institute. This change provides an opportunity for renewed focus on immediate priorities and future directions.
Pierre E. Gallant MAIBC MRAIC
AIBC Council President
The AIBC is mandated to regulate the practice of architecture and to protect the public from individuals or businesses contravening the Architects Act. This responsibility includes investigating and taking appropriate steps when non-architects illegally provide architectural services or represent themselves as architects. To this end, the Illegal Practice Committee assists AIBC staff in conducting investigations. Summaries of recent illegal practice resolutions are now posted on the AIBC web site, and will remain accessible to the general public. Click here to read more about the Illegal Practice department or to view its recent resolutions. Both can be accessed under Public Resources.
The 9th Annual Architecture Foundation of British Columbia Golf Tournament takes place September 4, 2009 at the University Golf Club at the University of British Columbia. Players of all abilities are welcome to join in the fun and camaraderie – all in support of the AFBC. This major fundraising event supports the foundation and its dedication to the awareness, understanding and appreciation of the contribution architecture makes in our communities. Funds raised also help the foundation to support new architects and emerging firms through its various programs. Sign up your foursome now – early bird rates apply until August 1. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, please contact AIBC Director of Administration and Human Resources Carla Brown-John at cbrownjohn@aibc.ca.
Fire-rated assemblies, such as walls and floors, are typically fire tested in the United States in accordance with ASTM-E119, while in Canada the applicable fire test standard used is CAN/ULC-S101 "Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials" (see BC Building Code 3.1.7.1.(1)). Frequently, floor or wall assemblies already tested in the U.S. may also be listed for use in Canada. In such instances, there may often be load restriction limits under the Canadian listing. Such restricted loading limitations have also been stipulated under numerous ULC listed assemblies. These load restrictions may pose span limitations or effectively reduce fire resistance ratings of the listed assemblies. Current listings of fire rated assemblies should be reviewed and coordinated with appropriate consultants (including structural engineer and fire protection consultant) for these factors to properly address the load restriction conditions, and so that the fire-rated assemblies can be properly designed and constructed to reach the performance requirements prescribed under the codes. Practitioners are cautioned not to rely on hardcopies of fire test listings or older handbooks. Online versions are preferred, as the load restrictions have been, in some cases, relatively recent additions to the fire test listings.
This issue has been brought to the attention of the Canadian Codes Centre, the National Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Wood Council. It is understood that a task group is being commissioned on a national level to further review the matter. The Provincial Building and Safety Policy Branch is also aware of the load restrictions implications and is looking into working with several groups to review this issue.
Michael Ernest MAIBC
Director – Professional Practice
The latest edition (current to June 10, 2009) of the province's Architects Act has now been released and is available through the AIBC. This edition includes details on the most recent legislated changes concerning the University of British Columbia School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA), specialist designations, and TILMA, which were not part of previous versions. Click here to access this document from the AIBC website.
The Illegal Practice Committee is looking for two members to assist the AIBC with outreach and enforcement of the illegal practice provisions in the Architects Act. Duties of the committee include: investigating alleged incidents of misrepresentation and illegal practice; recommending resolution; and liaising with local authorities and related organizations to promote compliance with the Architects Act. Meetings will be conducted on an as needed basis; typically, the committee meets every two months. If you are interested in serving on this committee, or would like more information, please contact Jackie Buchan at (604) 683-8588, ext. 316, or by e-mail at jbuchan@aibc.ca.
The AIBC recently moved to a new database. One of the changes resulting from this upgrade pertains to the log-in for the “Member Access” section of the web site, including the self-reporting of learning units.
Your personal AIBC identification number is no longer being used as your log-in identification and password. Your new log-in i.d. and password can be obtained by going to the “Member Log-in” webpage (http://aibc.memberpro.net/main/body.cfm?menu=login), clicking on “Forgot your Log-in ID”, and specifying the e-mail address to which you would like the new password sent. Please note that this address must match the e-mail address the institute has for you in its database. If you do not have a current e-mail address on file, or if your e-mail address has changed recently and you have not updated your file, the system will deliver an error message. If your e-mail address has changed recently, please send the updated information to membership@aibc.ca prior to attempting to log in.
The new database system and related changes, once fully in place, will make the self-reporting of learning units and other day-to-day processes much more efficient. In the interim, your patience is greatly appreciated.
The AIBC and the Intern Architect Committee have developed a series of short surveys designed to gain a better understanding of what is happening with the Intern Architects in B.C. The surveys will address such areas as mandatory course work, examination processes, experience with mentors, professional involvement with the community, submitting CERB hours, obstacles encountered in pursuing your internship, and satisfaction with the IA program. The first of the surveys has now been posted through the IA web log. Click here.
For those registrants wishing to complete the AIBC’s Building Envelope Education Program (BEEP), now is your chance. Follow the link to our Professional Development web page and check out the scheduled dates as well as the course descriptions. These courses are only offered once a year, so don’t miss out. Send in your completed registration form as early as possible for each course. The next offering is: BEEP Module II Building Science: Theory, Design, and Practice, scheduled September 17-18, 2009
6 Core LUs
Building Science and the Building Envelope (Available Online)
Topics for Module I include:
The Outdoor and Indoor Environment
Conditions Within the Envelope
Materials and Their Moisture Content
Rain Penetration
Pressure Differences Due to Wind
Predicting Building Envelope Performance
For more information, please contact Professional Development Coordinator Catherine Bolter at cbolter@aibc.ca or (604) 683-8588, extension 312.
18 Core LUs
The AIBC 2009 PD/CES Course Schedule and Registration Form are available online at www.aibc.ca/member_resources/professional_dev/index.html
Old School: Courses for Building Conservation
This award-winning program brings theory and practice together and emphasizes hands-on learning. To complete the certificate, participants must take the core course Heritage 101: Understanding Heritage Conservation and seven elective courses. For a complete 2009 course listing, click here.
Sustainable Community Development Certificate
Sustainability: a six-syllable word with a dozen definitions. But what do you really need to know when the world around you is changing so fast? SFU's City Program and the Centre for Sustainable Community Development offer a certificate designed to give you the practical information you need today, from the most experienced consultants and instructors available. It's a flexible program comprised of eight two- and three-day intensive courses that can be completed in 10-18 months. Courses can be taken individually. For details, visit http://www.sfu.ca/city/scd-sustain.htm.
Urban Design Certificate
SFU City Program's Urban Design Certificate Program is accepting applications for the 2009 cohort. 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, and occasionally in Alberta. Each course qualifies for core learning units. The application deadline is July 17, 2009, and courses start in September. Visit http://www.sfu.ca/city/udc.htm for details.
Each course qualifies for Core LUs.
July 2009
AIBC Gallery: #100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Opening reception: Tuesday, July 7, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Submissions from three of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s awards programs will be on display at the AIBC Gallery for the month of July. These awards recognize excellence in the architectural profession. This exhibit features award-winning projects from three programs:
2009 RAIC Awards of Excellence: Bestowed every two years recognizing the greatest achievement in the following categories: Allied Arts Medal, Innovation in Architecture, Advocate for Architecture, Architectural Firm and Green Building;
2008 Governor General's Medal's in Architecture: Recognizing outstanding achievement in recently built projects by Canadian architects. This program, administered jointly with the Canada Council for the Arts every two years, contributes to the development of the discipline and practice of architecture, and increases public awareness of architecture as a vital cultural force in Canadian society; and
2008 National Urban Design Awards: Part of a two-tier program held in cooperation with major metropolitan centres in Canada, recipients are previous year's winners from participating municipalities.
Advance reservations are required for the opening reception on July 7; please e-mail communications@aibc.ca to confirm your attendance.
Club AIBC, the official corporate benefits program for AIBC registrants, provides valuable insider discounts on a variety of products and services. Based on registrant feedback, the program is expanding its roster of corporate partners during the summer months. AIBC registrants can take advantage of new discounts on hotels, golfing, and numerous travel and leisure opportunities. Please check http://www.aibc.intrd.com for complete details.
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards will increase the fees for the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) effective October 1, 2009. The new fee for each division will be $210 (U.S.), an increase of $40. This increase is due in part to recent incidents of examination content disclosure by ARE candidates. The NCARB was forced to replace a substantial amount of examination content that was posted online, as well as add two full-time staff members to monitor and investigate examination disclosures and copyright violations.
The B.C. Building Code was recently amended to allow six-storey wood-frame construction. In support of this, B.C. Wood WORKS! and the Canadian Wood Council have teamed up to produce an educational video. It is available, along with additional related material, through the B.C. Wood WORKS! web site: http://www.wood-works.org/BC%20Wood%20WORKS/Six%20Storey%20Wood%20Frame%20Buildings%20in%20BC/?Language=EN. It can also be viewed at http://media.cwc.ca/videos/BC_video.html.
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) has reviewed the National Architectural Accrediting Board’s (NAAB) 2009 Conditions for Accreditation, Public Comment Edition. That document is now available. To download a copy, go to www.ncarb.org/Forms/NCARB_Comments_on_2009_Conditions_22%20May_09.pdf.
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) is updating its Intern Development Program (IDP) requirements to more closely align with the current practice of architecture. The new program requirements, which will be rolled out as “IDP 2.0,” will help ensure that interns acquire the comprehensive training that is essential for competent practice, and will make reporting experience fundamentally easier. The first phase of the three-phase program introduction happens this July. Detailed information is available through the NCARB web site: http://www.ncarb.org/.
On October 28, 2008, Vancouver City Council enacted the 2010 Winter Games Building By-law Relaxation by-law to regulate the design construction and inspection of temporary structures and buildings for 2010 Winter Games special event facilities. Provisions in this new by-law provide a simple, streamlined and fast-tracked building permit and inspection process for VANOC- and city-controlled sites. The process is similar in fashion to the current Certified Professional Program, with greater reliance on design professionals to provide assurance that the design and construction complies with city by-laws and regulations. The new by-law requires a CP to facilitate the building by-law permit process for all city-controlled sites. For further information and procedures, please visit http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/cbofficial/bylawsregs/2010/process.
The Homeowner Protection Office (HPO) Maintenance Matters #7 bulletin, entitled Building Envelope Maintenance and Renewals Planning, is now available online. This bulletin will provide those who live in or look after multi-unit residential buildings with an overview on how to be proactive in the maintenance and care of the building envelope. It is one in a series of bulletins designed to provide practical information on building envelope maintenance for multi-unit residential buildings including townhouses, low and high-rise residential buildings. To download the latest bulletin, click here.
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/dialogues/Pages/default.aspx.
Sustainable Community Breakfast - Carbon Neutral Games VANOC and Offsetters
The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is the first games in Olympic history to have a carbon offset sponsor. The locally-based Offsetters Clean Technology is working with VANOC to neutralize the carbon footprint of the games with projects that showcase B.C. leadership and innovation on climate solutions. Join us to learn how the carbon offset portfolio for the games will work and opportunities for involvement. VANOC representatives will also provide an update on their sustainability planning for the games, and launch the new Vancouver 2010 Sustainability Journey video.
Wednesday, July 8
7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
British Columbia Institute of Technology Downtown Vancouver Campus, 555 Seymour Street
Featured Speakers: Linda Coady, Vice President of Sustainability – VANOC; and James Tansey, President and Co-founder – Offsetters. To register, go to http://apps2.metrovancouver.org/sustainability/Smailing_list/EventRegistration.asp?EventID=12.
MOSAIC, the non-profit organization dedicated to assisting immigrants and refugees, is seeking volunteers for its Workplace Connections program. This program brings together job-seeking, skilled immigrants with Canadian professionals who volunteer as mentors. The mentors provide informal, one-on-one support to their newcomer partner for up to three months. It involves discussion of all kinds of work-related topics including career options and professional issues. Partners also carry out job search activities together so that the newcomer feels supported. By connecting with a skilled peer to assist in career transition, newcomers gain knowledge, confidence, and access to professional networks. At the same time, the mentors learn about other cultures, and have the opportunity to develop relationships that really make a difference in the life of a new Canadian. For more information on how you can become part of the Workplace Connections program, contact Astarte Sands by e-mail (mentors@mosaicbc.com) or phone (604-254-9626).
Sustainability: everywhere, always. These three words sum up the ambitions of government decision makers and urban professionals everywhere. This fall, the Swedish Trade Council and the Canadian Urban Institute, in co-operation with the Embassy of Sweden, ReNew Canada magazine and the Embassy of Canada, invite you to participate in a learning exchange and technical tour of Sweden to see first-hand how the principles of Sweden's SymbioCity are revolutionizing urbanism and the process of city building. SymbioCity applies integrated thinking to all parts of city infrastructure: from passive energy housing to mixed use communities powered by district energy; from the transformation of defunct industrial complexes to culturally rich, internationally competitive knowledge hubs. No matter what your perspective or focus in city building is, this tour will provide insights and best practice approaches to help your community become more cost-effective, efficient and “green”. This week-long tour will be of particular interest to representatives from all levels of government, trade associations, companies, universities, consultants and media. It happens September 19-26, 2009. The registration deadline is Friday, July 10, and space is limited. Go to http://www.canurb.com/events/event_details.php?id=262 for more information.
The Vancouver Heritage Foundation invites you to attend “Hotdogs for Heritage”, a family fair and fundraiser to support the VHF. The event will feature an architectural salvage sale along with silent auction, prizes, entertainment and refreshments. It takes place Sunday, July 12, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at 1550 Angus Drive. Admission is by donation. For details, tickets and salvage inventory, visit www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org or call (604) 264-9642.
The creative spirit of Arthur Erickson still resides in the unique, tranquil and secret garden behind a cedar fence on the Point Grey property where the world-renowned architect resided for more that half a century. The beautiful yet informal garden conveys Japanese and West Coast design influences with a large reflecting pond, typical of Erickson’s work. The Arthur Erickson House and Garden Foundation, a charitable non-profit society incorporated in 1993 to acquire the Erickson house and garden, is working with the City of Vancouver to acquire heritage designation and restoration, thereby protecting the property as a place of education and inspiration for future generations. To support this effort, the foundation is opening the garden for guided public tours at set times until October 29. Admission is $10, and advanced notice is required. For further information and tour reservations, please call (604) 738-4195 or e-mail aegarden@telus.net.
This year’s World Architecture Festival takes place from November 4 - 6, 2009 in Barcelona. Submissions are now being accepted for its prestigious awards program. In addition to the Completed Buildings category, event organizers have added three new sections from which to choose: Future Projects, Interiors and Fit Out, and Structural Design. For more information and to enter, visit www.worldarchitecturefestival.com.
The Cultural Development Network and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University are pleased to present "ReGenerating Community: Arts, Community and Governance National Conference" this coming September in Melbourne, Australia. This international conference will discuss local governments responses to creating new models of civic engagement. Submissions for conference papers and presentation are now being accepted. Conference themes include:
For additional information including the Call for Presentations form, visit the conference web site at http://www.cdn-generations.net.au/conference.htm
The IDSWest web site (www.idswest.com)
is now live and will be constantly updated with features, speakers, design
news and happenings from a West Coast perspective. Planning is well underway
for the event, which takes place September 17 - 20, 2009 at the Vancouver
Convention & Exhibition Centre. The 2009 show will introduce a variety
of space concepts and feature areas focusing on pushing the boundaries
of local and international design and architecture. Special sections include:
Designers on the Block – dedicated space for up-and-coming designers, providing an opportunity to get their feet wet by displaying in small, pre-built structures.
Stories Behind Design – showcasing the lesser known stories that help shape many of the designs on display.
Exhibition space at this prestigious trade show is also available.
Contact Jason Heard (jheard@mmart.com) to secure your preferred location and take advantage of promotional benefits.
The organizers of Interior Design Show West are accepting entries for an open design competition that will be an exciting new part of IDSwest 2009 this September in Vancouver. PREFAB 20/20, building on existing concepts for pre-built structures, is intended to push the boundaries of architecture on the West Coast. It challenges architects to share their visions for a 400 sq. ft. home. A 20 ft. by 20 ft. space has been set aside at the tradeshow to highlighting select entries. PREFAB 20/20 is sponsored by IDSwest, AZURE magazine, the AIBC, and Architecture For Humanity. For detailed information on the competition as well as other highlights from IDSwest 2009, go to www.idswest.com/prefab.php.
The association for Applied Science Technologists and Technician of British Columbia is accepting nominations for its 2009 awards. ASTTBC Awards are intended to recognize and honor ASTTBC members, as well as individuals and organizations in the B.C. science and technology community, who have selflessly supported the association through volunteering or have made significant contributions to technology or the profession of technology. Nominations are welcomed from both ASTTBC members as well as non-members, and non-members are eligible for some of the awards. For more information or to nominate a deserving person, click here. The deadline for nominations is August 1, 2009.
British Columbia architecture students are encouraged to participate in “Brick-stainable: Re-Thinking Brick”, an international design competition sponsored by Potomac Valley Brick. Current “green” and “living” building initiatives acknowledge the importance of integrated design solutions to achieve sustainability goals. This competition seeks to explore the potential of brick construction in the creation of an energy efficient building and challenges design teams to maximize the physical characteristics of this construction in the creation of integrated design solutions. The project involves creating a hypothetical guest house utilizing brick that is a model of energy efficiency. By exploring the thermal qualities of clay masonry construction, designers are asked to create a net-zero energy building utilizing this as a primary material. A reputable jury will select winners in two distinct award categories: Whole Building Design and Technical Design, with nearly $30,000 in prize money to be given out. The deadline for entries is October 30, 2009. For registration and details, including site description and drawing, visit the competition web site at www.brick-stainable.com.
By Knute Berger, Crosscut.com
Monday, June 22, 2009
Is the civic grass greener on the other side of the border? Two urban experts each make the case for the others' home town. Two of the region's civic heavyweights squared off at the Seattle Public Library on June 18 to settle the issue about which of Cascadia's two biggest cities has the best built environment, Seattle or Vancouver, BC. It was a rematch of a debate conducted earlier in the week in Vancouver, sponsored by VIA Architecture, which has offices in both cities. More …
By Lisa Rochon, Globe and Mail
Friday, June 26, 2009
There's a big, disturbing gap between what's normal for cyclists in Toronto and what's normal for cyclists in Copenhagen. Normal in Toronto means biking as an edgy urban sport. Normal means risking life and limb to dodge cars, pedestrians and, during the winter, ice and snow on roads and dicey bike paths. Normal in Copenhagen means bike paths receive the same kind of snow removal as the city's main arteries. In Copenhagen, half the city's population uses some of its 350 kilometres of devoted lanes, which is normal. More …
Architectural Institute of British Columbia
100 - 440 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 2N5
Tel: (604) 683-8588 toll free in BC 1-800-667-0753
Fax: (604) 683-8568 or toll free in BC 1-800-661-2955
info@aibc.ca
for staff contacts click here
