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Registrations are now being accepted for the third annual Canadian Green Building Council National Conference takes place in Vancouver from June 8-1, 2010. More...

April 16 2010

AIBC Homepage

AIBC Annual Meeting and Annual Conference Update

Members and associates are now receiving mailed packages of materials with information on the May 8, 2010 annual meeting. Please note:

Looking forward to getting together,

Michael A. Ernest MAIBC
Executive Director

 

Call for Scrutineers

The AIBC Annual Meeting is fast approaching. One of the highlights of the meeting on Saturday, May 8 will be the election of a new governing council. Ballot counting, scheduled to begin at approximately 2:00 p.m., will be carried out by a select group of scrutineers appointed by the AIBC council president in accordance with the Architects Act, bylaws, policy and procedure established by council. The AIBC seeks expressions of interest from any persons wishing to be appointed as a scrutineer. In order to be considered, you must submit a letter of intent via e-mail no earlier than 8:00 a.m. on Monday April 26, 2010 and no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 30, 2010 (receipt will be recorded from the date/time stamp on the AIBC e-mail server). Direct your application to Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel Jerome Marburg jmarburg@aibc.ca. Those chosen will be notified of their appointment at the beginning of the annual meeting.

Click here for AIBC Council Election Balloting Procedures.

 

Keynote Presentation

The AIBC is pleased to announce Peter Busby MAIBC FRAIC as this year's keynote speaker on Thursday, May 6, 2010. His presentation, titled 'Architects as Agents of Social Change’, will explore the concept that architecture is an art form that comes with direct responsibility to society. Peter will look at the balance of socially and environmentally responsible architecture and the effect it has on communities. With support from case studies and architects both local and international, this keynote seeks to understand the social process behind good architecture - where it has been, and where it is going. The profession of architecture is about more than designing buildings; Peter will look into the power of political, educational and social contributions by various Canadian architects. From regional planning to personal commitment and advocacy, architects have the responsibility to be leaders in delivering change for the betterment of society.

Register Now

Registrations are now being accepted for the 2010 AIBC Annual Conference, taking place from May 6 – 8 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Click here to register online. Early bird rates are available until April 16, 2010. Please register as soon as possible to take advantage of early bird rates and ensure course selection. For complete schedules and session information, please see the AIBC Annual Conference web site. Registration closes on May 1, 2010. Detailed information can be found online at www.aibc.ca/conference2010.

Note: Single session registration will be available as of April 26, 2010.

Thank you to our Sponsors and Exhibitors:

sponsor logos

Role Call: AIBC Sustainability Committee

The AIBC Sustainability Committee is seeking a new member. The committee acts to advise, assist and  support AIBC staff in fulfilling council policies on sustainability. Members of the committee represent various sizes and types of firms as well as design education, government and utilities. The committee seeks to identify initiatives and strategies on sustainability that would assist members in the area of architectural practice, as well as providing leadership and information to members, allied professionals, technical bodies, government and the general public.  If you are interested in becoming a member or for more information, please contact Coordinator of Professional Practice Erica Holt by e-mail (eholt@aibc.ca) or phone (604.683.8588 ext. 314).

Fine-tuning Your Practice: The Practice Consultation Service Answers Your Questions at This Year’s Annual Conference

The AIBC Practice Consultation Service has proven to be tremendously successful, providing feedback to firms of all ages and sizes with respect to their standard office practices, and addressing questions relating to a variety of firm management topics. In kind, participating firms have provided their own valuable reflections on the process itself. The PCS has given them with a unique opportunity to step back and examine “the bigger picture”, and to ask more detailed questions relating to everyday practice management concerns.

At this year’s AIBC Annual Conference, the Practice Consultation Service Committee will address a number of PCS-related questions in an open forum intended to promote dialogue between practice consultants and fellow architects. Discover trends in practice management, design, and business process. Take home strategies for immediate implementation in your own work environment. Roundtable discussions will provide opportunities to share experiences in design firm management, including such topics as:

For more information about this session, or to learn more about the PCS and schedule a practice consultation, please contact Coordinator of Professional Practice Erica Holt  by phone (604-683-8588; ext. 314) or e-mail (eholt@aibc.ca).

Continuing Education Transcripts

Registrants required to report their professional development activities will have now received their second Continuing Education transcript for this reporting period, which includes all educational activities reported up to March 8, 2010. Please review your transcript to determine if it matches your own records. Should you have any questions, or if you believe that some learning units are incorrect or are missing, please e-mail Professional Development Coordinator Catherine Bolter (cbolter@aibc.ca) or Professional Development Coordinator Aleta Cho (acho@aibc.ca). The end of the Continuing Education System reporting period is June 30, 2010. Architects, Building Designers, Residential Designers and Architectural Technologists are required to report 18 learning units by this date, of which at least eight must be core learning units.

In the previous reporting period ending June 30, 2009, 89% of self reports were received online. Building on this success, we will be joining our colleagues in most of the rest of the country and going paperless; this current reporting period will be the last one in which paper copies will be accepted. As of July 1, 2010, all self-reports of learning activities must be reported online. If you need any assistance with online reporting, please contact Catherine or Aleta.

For those who have not yet completed your continuing education for this reporting period, the full 18 learning unit requirement can be earned at the AIBC Annual Conference, Community Building: The Social Impact of Architecture, which will be held May 6 to 8 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Register now at http://www.aibc.ca/conference2010/index.html.

Maura Gatensby MAIBC
Director of Professional Services

 

2010 NCARB ARE Preparation Seminars - Revised Schedule

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.

Please note that the dates for Schematic Design and Building Design & Construction Systems have been swapped. The next seminar will be Building Design and Construction Systems on Monday, April 19, 2010, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Reservations to registration@aibc.ca are encouraged but not mandatory. For more information, please contact Manager of Registration and Licensing Roisin O'Neill at roneill@aibc.ca. Note: Schedule subject to change.

2010 AIBC Directory

The 2010 AIBC Directory is now available. In a continuing effort to be more sustainable, a digital version can be accessed or downloaded by clicking here. A limited number of printed copies are available upon request. Public purchase of the 2010 AIBC Directory is available through the AIBC office for a fee of $60.

Candidates for 2010/2011 AIBC Council

Thank you to all who expressed an interest in running for the 2010/2011 AIBC Council. The nomination period has now closed. The following is the list of candidates who will be vying for one of five vacant Architect positions on council:

Information packages, including ballots, biographical information and details on the election process to determine representatives to council from the list above, will be mailed at the end of this month. The results of the election will be made known at the annual meeting on Saturday, May 8.

In addition, single nominations were received for the positions of Intern Architect Liaison, Building Designer / Residential Designer Liaison, and Interior Designer Liaison. As a result, the following individuals have won their respective position:

No nomination was received for the Architectural Technologist Liaison position. Council now has the authority to appoint a suitable representative to that position if it desires.

Role Call: Intern Architect Committee

The Intern Architect Committee is seeking Intern Architects to join its team. The committee provides services and support to IAs seeking registration. It also voices the concerns, issues, and suggestions of IAs to the Registration Board. In turn, the board may seek feedback from the committee regarding the Intern Architect Program. In addition to facilitating communications with IAs, the committee assists in maintaining and organizing the NCARB ARE study material library; ARE Seminars and Oral Review Workshops; and other IA activities. If you are interested, please contact Manager of Registration and Licensing Róisín O'Neill at roneill@aibc.ca.

Role Call: CACB

The Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) was established in 1976 to assess and certify the academic qualifications of individuals holding a professional degree or diploma in architecture who intend to apply for registration. One of the roles of the CACB is the accreditation of schools of architecture in Canada, of which there are 10. Accreditation typically requires a self-evaluation on the part of the institution, followed by a site visit and review conducted by a team of volunteer architects. Site visits are typically five days during which the team reviews documentation, examines student and faculty exhibits, conducts open-ended interviews, and tours facilities to identify concerns that may not have been evident in the submitted report. The architects who visit these schools are volunteers under the direction of the CACB.  Members of visiting teams are charged with assessing the program's conformance with the CACB conditions, and with making a confidential recommendation on a term of accreditation to the CACB directors. Volunteers contribute their time, and are reimbursed for expenses. With eight Canadian schools due for accreditation visits over the next three years, the CACB is urgently seeking additional volunteers from across the country to increase the pool of people who can undertake the accreditation visits. If you are interested, please contact Mourad Mohand-Said, Executive Director of the CACB at info@cacb-ccca.ca. For additional information, visit http://www.cacb-ccca.ca.

AIBC Web Feature: Pram in the Hall

Thank you to those who have provided feedback to "Pram in the Hall", an online feature by Stephanie Robb MAIBC that explores the impact of parenthood and family responsibilities on professional practice. Only 11% of architects registered in B.C. are women. Through revealing personal experiences and lessons learned, "Pram in the Hall" gets to the issues behind this disturbing trend. You can review comments, and contribute your own, by clicking here.

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 2009 PD/CES Course Schedule and Registration Form are available online at www.aibc.ca/member_resources/professional_dev/index.html


BC Wood

Cabinetry: Much More Than Meets the Eye – How it is Manufactured and Interconnected with the Architect and the Building Process

This seminar and tour will be held at one of B.C.'s premier cabinet manufacturers, Georgie Award winning Pacific Rim Cabinets on Annacis Island. Participants will learn about design and installation issues, hardware technology, and health and environmental issues relative to countertops. The session will also include a factory tour. All topics will be presented by experts in their respective fields. It takes place Thursday, April 29, 2:00 - 6:15 p.m. This is a free event. However, space is limited so please r.s.v.p. to Pam Dhillon (pam@pacrimcab.com) at your earliest convenience. Refreshments will be served. Pacific Rim Cabinets Factory is at 640 Belgrave Way, Annacis Island Business Park, Delta.

3.5 Core LUs

IMAGINiT Technologies

Autodesk® 2011 Workshop
You'll see firsthand how Autodesk® 2011 software can help you design, visualize and simulate ideas in the digital world — before they're in the real one. Do it with faster speed, greater power and more flexibility than ever before. Through intuitive demonstrations that highlight the latest functionality, you'll receive expert guidance that can help you exceed your clients' expectations, now and in the future. Special Guest Speaker: Lynn Allen from Autodesk. This half-day event takes place Wednesday, May 12, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver. To register, please visit http://www.rand.com/imaginit/lp/eblasts/1004_Vancouver/index.html.

4 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

Simon Fraser University City Program

Free Public Lecture: Active in Action: New principles for a sustainable world
How do we take the principles of active living, combine them with active transportation and expand our ideas and concepts to achieve a fully sustainable world? This is an ambitious question, and one that speaker Dan Burden takes on in a new and fresh presentation. Burden is an internationally-recognized authority on active transportation, livability and sustainability. He will illustrate implementation strategies for all sizes of communities, from those wanting to remain rural in character to those that are highly urban, with examples from Bogota to Abu Dhabi. This session is sponsored by the B.C. Recreation and Parks Association, Bombardier Foundation, the Active Transport Lab at the University of British Columbia, and SFU City Program. The date is Wednesday, April 21, 7:00 p.m. at SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. Admission is free, but seating is limited so reservations are required. For more information or to reserve your seat, please visit http://www.sfu.ca/city/fpl5popup.htm.

2 Non-core LUs

 

Green Economy Frontiers and Opportunities
Savvy communities - and the people, organizations, businesses, investors and entrepreneurs of which they are comprised — recognize that our global environmental crises also present tremendous new business and economic development opportunities. This course explores green economy opportunities and how communities can strategically develop and expand a green economy sector. This two-day event takes place Friday and Saturday, April 16–17, 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. The fee is $600. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.sfu.ca/city/course9popup.htm.

14 Non-core LUs

 

Urban Design: Alternative Development Approaches
Sustainable development, smart growth, growth management, and green buildings initiatives are pushing us to rethink how we develop our land. Alternative development approaches are evolving to explore land development standards that are less expensive, less wasteful, and more environmentally and culturally sensitive. This course explores current projects to discover the barriers and bridges to more innovative ways to develop our land, from policy to construction. Participants will be invited to bring their own projects and share them with the experts in a “problem-solving live” session.. It happens Friday and Saturday, April 30–May 1, 9:00 a.m. –5:30 p.m. at SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. The cost is $600. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.sfu.ca/city/course3popup.htm.

14 Non-core LUs

Heritage Vancouver

Powell Street: A Walk into the History & Future of the Japanese Canadian Community

Join Heritage Vancouver on a guided walk through old Japantown led by Judy Inouye and Ray Ota, volunteers at the Japanese Canadian National Museum. Celebrate Asian Heritage Month with this historical tour back in time to the pre-war, bustling community of Japanese Canadians who lived and worked in the area. See where Japanese-style bath houses, tofu makers, the Maikawa Department Store and many other successful businesses anchored the community.  The date is Saturday, May 29, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Tickets are $15 ($10 for Heritage Vancouver members), and the tour is limited to 30 people. Meet at 220 Jackson Street in front of the Japanese Buddhist Church. For more information or to purchase your ticket, visit http://www.heritagevancouver.org or e-mail info@heritagevancouver.org.

2 Non-core LUs

 

Evening at the Marine Building Penthouse

Heritage Vancouver invites you to a special fundraising event in the ultra-elegant penthouse of the Marine Building, “Vancouver’s Finest Heritage Building”. This is a unique opportunity to explore the two-floor private penthouse, enjoy the art deco atmosphere and the fabulous view, hear about its unique history, and share your personal experiences, stories and photos of the Marine Building. Heritage Vancouver President and heritage consultant Donald Luxton will lead tours while local historian Chuck Davis will intrigue you with stories of the penthouse. It happens Thursday, April 22, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Marine Building it located at #2000 - 255 Burrard Street. Tickets are $100 and include a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception. All proceeds go to support Heritage Vancouver’s initiatives to conserve Vancouver’s built heritage. Purchase your tickets early as space for this exclusive event is limited. You can do so on-line (add pay pal) or by cheque, If paying by cheque, make it out to Heritage Vancouver Society send it to Heritage Vancouver, P. O. Box 3336, Main Post Office, Vancouver, BC, V6B 3Y3. Those paying by cheque are also requested to reserve a space by e-mailing info@heritagevancouver.org.

3 Non-core LUs

Pacific Business & Law Institute

Construction Law: Practical Guidelines for Doing Business in 2010

Join PBLI for a one-day update on key legal issues facing the construction industry today. This convergence will provide you with current, practical advice to avoid delays and other costly mistakes. The event is chaired by Stuart B. Hankinson of Shapiro Hankinson & Knutson Law Corporation. It takes place on Friday, May 7, 2010, at University of British Columbia Robson Square in Vancouver. For details or to register, please visit http://www.pbli.com/845/index.html.

6 Core LUs

Construction Specifications Canada

Breakfast Meeting: Managing Insurance Requirements
Specific topics for this meeting will include:

It happens Thursday, April 22, 2010,  7:00 a.m. at The Executive Hotel Vintage Park, 1379 Howe Street, Vancouver.

1 Core LU

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 offer 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.

Cascadia Green Building Council

Workshop: Design and Build Energy Efficient Schools

The BC Hydro Power Smart New Construction Program and Cascadia Region Green Building Council are pleased to offer this new, full-day workshop for architects, owners, developers, engineers, cost consultants, and others involved in new K-12 school facilities. It is scheduled for Wednesday, April 28, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Simon Fraser University Harbour Centre (J&R Segal Event Rooms). For the full program agenda and to register, please visit http://cascadiagbc.org/events/2010/april/workshop-design-build-new-energy-efficient-schools-1

6.5 Core LUs

Society of Graphic Designers of Canada, BC Chapter

Design Week – Design Currency: Defining the Value of Design

Design Currency 2010 will offer designers, business leaders and government workers the opportunity to experience current design thinking while reshaping their understanding of the value of design. Registration includes the opening keynote session and welcome reception, all sessions of the Design Currency Conference, admission to the Design Currency Trade Fair and workshops. It takes place April 26 to April 30 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. For details, or to register, please visit http://www.designweekvancouver.ca/.

Core and Non-core LUs Available

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: BienVenue: 2010 Games Architecture

AIBC Gallery: #100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver

February 10 - April 30, 2010

Designed to coincide with the 2010 games, the Architectural Institute of British Columbia presents a unique exhibit that showcases the innovative work of B.C. architects and firms involved in designing competition and non-competition venues.

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 current submissions.

clubaibc

Special Subscription Rate: Azure Magazine

This spring, Azure magazine, one of the leading magazines covering contemporary international architecture and design, is offering a special subscription offer to AIBC members. Each issue delivers readers inspiring ideas and cutting-edge innovations, from state-of-the-art green building to the latest in furniture and home accessories from around the globe. With this offer, you can receive eight issues of Azure (1 year’s worth) for only $20.00, taxes included. That's 40% off the regular subscription rate, and 70% off the newsstand price. Offer available to Canadian addresses only. To take advantage of this special offer, please sign up at: https://secure.indas.on.ca/care/azu/subscribe.php3?key=AAIBC10

Health Learning Needs Survey Results

In January, the Provincial Health Services Authority conducted a survey to help determine the educational needs of planners and design professionals regarding healthy built environments. Representatives from organizations including the AIBC, Association of Professional Engineers of B.C., B.C. Society of Landscape Architects, Planning Institute of B.C. and private sector planning consultants were invited to complete an online questionnaire. There were 47 respondents. Amongst the survey findings is the indication that while most planners and design professionals have knowledge of how the built environment relates to health, there appears to be a knowledge gap concerning how B.C.’s healthcare system works, and how planners and design professionals can collaborate. To see the full survey results, click here.

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: North Shore
Topic: Strengthening the Regional Food Network in a Global Economy
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hollyburn Country Club, 950 Crosscreek Road, West Vancouver

A thriving regional food network can provide jobs, security, public health benefits, and food for local and export markets. Its success is dependant on strong and resilient linkages between all parts of the supply chain. What are the barriers to success? How do we overcome them? What is the impact of the global economy? What is the role of the region? Presenters include Mark Holland, principal and co-founder of HB Lanarc Consultants Ltd.; agrologist, resource economist and journalist Wendy Holm; Allen Langdon, western Canada vice-president for the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors; and George Leroux, owner, director and advisor of Agri-food Sector. To register, visit http://apps2.metrovancouver.org/sustainability/Smailing_list/EventRegistration.asp?EventID=117

Americas Convention of Civil Engineers

The Institution of Civil Engineers' 2010 Americas Convention comes to Richmond June 3~5, 2010.
Titled " Engineers @ the Heart of Society: Collaborating + Innovating for Our Common Future", it will focus on the growing need for collaboration across disciplines along with regional and global innovation. The conference will offer a mixture of serious discussions, inspiring examples, leading edge tools and provocative inquiry. It will open with a look at the challenges of low-carbon design. Other sessions will focus on climate change issues, sustainable development, innovation and globalization. Early bird rates are available until May 9, 2010. To download a convention program and to register, visit http://ice-americasconvention2010.eventbrite.com/

Call to Design Professionals, Artists and Students: Green Revolution

In collaboration with the Cascadia Region Green Building Council, Leigh Square Community Arts Village in Port Coquitlam is compiling a multimedia exhibition that will examine the growing movement and impact of greening and sustainability in architecture, design and community practises. How can art and architecture be created that embraces or critiques the idea of “going green”? Showcase your current projects and future designs. Educate and promote a green future. Challenge yourself to work with alternative and recycled media in order to create an exhibition piece that has something to say about the “Green Revolution”. The exhibition will be held June 3 – July 26, 2010. The deadline for submissions is May 10, 2010. Entries can be made by e-mail to arts@portcoquitlam.ca, or via CD delivered to: Exhibition Committee, Leigh Square Community Arts Village, # 2100 - 2253 Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam, BC, V3C 3B8. For additional information, please visit http://www.portcoquitlam.ca/Dynamic/AssetFactory.aspx?did=8428 or contact Port Coquitlam Arts and Culture staff at 604.927.8442.

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.

BUILDEX Vancouver 2010 Registration

There is still time to register for BUILDEX Vancouver 2010. The conference, the largest of its kind in Western Canada, is intended for the design and construction sector with wide-ranging sessions for architects, interior designers, contractors, property managers, developers, owners and others. This year’s event will feature more than 50 seminars, 100 speakers and 600 exhibits. Keynote sessions include an architectural panel that will speak to “Radical Pragmatism: New Modes of Architectural Practice”. It will include Kevin Hydes (President and CEO - Integral Engineering), Marion LaRue (LEED® AP, Principal and Operations Leader - Cannon Design Architecture Inc.), George Shaw (AIA LEED® AP, Partner - LMN Architects) and Donald Schmitt MAIBC (Principal - Diamond & Schmitt Architects). The conference takes place April 21-22 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. For a full list of seminars and to register, visit www.buildexvancouver.com.

IDIBC Awards of Excellence Gala

Tickets are now on sale for the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia’s 2009 Awards of Excellence Gala. This event celebrates the talent and vision of B.C.’s design community. It takes place on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre (Hamilton at Dunsmuir, Vancouver). For more event information, please call (604) 298 5211.

CaGBC National Conference

The third annual Canadian Green Building Council National Conference takes place in Vancouver from June 8-10, and registrations are now being accepted. The theme for 2010 is Performance Matters: The next generation of buildings and communities, with sessions and workshops on how to foster an energy conservation and efficiency culture resulting in dramatic and permanent reduction in the use of electricity in new construction, existing home and commercial markets, and sustainable communities. Note: CaGBC Member pricing applies to AIBC registrants who attend the conference, and AIBC intern architects and student members are eligible for CaGBC student pricing (less than half price) by registering online. In addition, IAs and students are invited to attend the tradeshow free of charge on Thursday afternoon – simply provide the necessary identification at the registration desk. For more information and to register, go to http://www.cagbc.org/cagbc/conference/registration.php.

2010 SAA / RAIC Conference

AIBC members are encouraged to mark their calendars for the 2010 Saskatchewan Architectual Association / Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Conference and Festival of Architecture, June 22-26 in Saskatoon. “Sounds Like Architecture!” will feature a wide range of continuing education sessions, networking opportunities and other festival events. In keeping with the conference theme, this year’s event will coincide with the start of the annual Saskatchewan Jazz Festival – a 10 day celebration of music. Visit the conference web site at www.festival.raic.org.

Call for Entries: World Sustainable Building Conference

Canadian firms are invited to take part in the Sustainable Building Challenge, an international co-operative process to develop understanding of performance assessment tools and highlight innovative sustainable building design techniques. The challenge will form a key part of the Seventh World Sustainable Building Conference (SB11) in Helsinki, Finland, October 18-21, 2011. Held every three years, the event provides the opportunity for the world’s leading technical experts and researchers to advance their knowledge by focusing on technical developments and case studies. The 2009 conference in Melbourne, Australia, attracted more than 2,000 delegates and showcased projects from 60 countries. Canadian designers - particularly architects, engineers, commercial developers and building owners - are encouraged to submit their projects for consideration. Commercial, institutional and multi-unit residential building types from either the public or private sector will all be considered; eligibility is restricted to projects that demonstrate potential exemplary and balanced sustainability performance objectives as part of the design process. All projects must be under construction or completed prior to June 1, 2010. The iiSBE Canada SB11 Team will select three building projects from those submitted. Up to five additional projects will be selected and presented in poster format. The closing date for entries is Friday, April 30, 2010. Further information and application forms, go to http://www.iisbe.org/sbc11/canada/call.

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.

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/

Western Living Designers of the Year 2010

Entries are now being accepted for the 2010 Western Living Designers of the Year awards. The categories are Architecture (residential), Eco/Green, Fashion (in­cluding Jewelry), Furniture, Industrial, Interiors (residential) and Landscape (residential). Criteria include how the work submitted reflects and potentially influences the way we live in Western Canada. This year’s honorary chair is artist and author Douglas Coupland. Judges include Omer Arbel IA.AIBC. The deadline for submissions is Monday, May 17, 2010. Visit www.westernliving.ca for submission guidelines and further details.

Earth Awards 2010

Entries are now being accepted for Earth Awards 2010, a global search for sustainable innovations designed for the 21st Century. Submissions are invited in six categories: Built Environment, Fashion, Products, Systems, Future and Social Justice. Consideration will be given to ideas great or small, realized or prototypes, but which distinguish themselves in meeting six criteria: achievable, scalable, measurable, useful, original and ecological. The grand prize winner will receive $50,000 while category winners receive $10,000. The competition will culminate with an exhibition in sustainable design. The deadline for submissions is May 10, 2010. For more information, visit www.theearthawards.org

Power Smart Forum & Excellence Awards

BC Hydro’s annual Power Smart Forum happens October 25 – 27, 2010 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. It will bring together business decision makers who are seeking strategies for energy-efficiency and conservation. This year’s event has been expanded to three days, and will include the Power Smart Excellence Awards, BC Hydro’s annual celebration of energy-efficiency and conservation leadership. As planning for this event begins, participation is being inviting from members of the province’s building design and construction sector. A call for speakers at the Power Smart Forum has now been issued. In addition, nominations are now being accepted for the BC Hydro Workplace Conservation Leader award. Both calls close on Friday, April 30 at 4:00 p.m. For forum details and proposed speaking topics, visit bchydro.com/forum. For awards information, go to bchydro.com/awards.

A Fresh Look at 20th Century Architectural Heritage

The International Union of Architects has launched an international competition that invites participants to share their own expression of 20th Century architecture using today’s design tools. Architecture students from around the world are invited to create image models of significant architectural creativity realised during the last century. All phases of the competition will be conducted on-line, and all image models must be based on digital photographs created using Autodesk® ImageModeler™ and Autodesk® Stitcher™ Unlimited software (the software will be made available to competitors free of charge for the duration of the competition.) Working as teams or individuals, students are free to choose the structure they wish to represent, from a major landmark to an unknown building, with the condition that it was built between 1901 and 2000. Registration is open until April 26, 2010. For full information, visit www.archi.fr/3D_20th.

kudos

VCC Scores ULI Award

Vancouver Convention Centre West, a collaborative project involving Vancouver-based Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership and DA Architects + Planners along with LMN Architects of Seattle, has been selected for the Urban Land Institute's 2010 Awards for Excellence. The awards recognize the full development process of a project, not just its architecture or design. The criteria include leadership, contribution to the community, innovations, public/private partnership, environmental protection and enhancement, response to societal needs, and financial viability. VCC is the first convention centre project in the world to earn a LEED® Platinum rating. This year’s competition attracted more than 170 entries from throughout North America and South America. The VCC project was the only Canadian entry amongst the 10 chosen recipients. For more information about ULI’s Awards for Excellence program, go to www.uli.org/awardsandcompetitions.

 

Exclusive: “On The Record” With Former Vancouver City Electrician Ark Tsisserev – The Interview

By Alex Tsakumis
March 30, 2010

After my two months of reporting on this scandal that has enveloped Vancouver City Hall, Dr. Ballem was finally forced to release, last Friday, all city documents related to the firing of City electrician Ark Tsisserev. This was a result, in some part, of determined and purposeful action by Clr. Suzanne Anton, after participating in the exceptional Global TV piece of a few weeks ago, in which I was also interviewed, and Mayor Gregor Robertson looked utterly confused and sheepish. More …

Green and Affordable Homes, Out of the Box
Shipping containers hold the potential to revolutionize urban housing. First of three parts.

By Monte Paulsen, TheTyee.ca
April 12, 2010

Vancouver boasts both the "Greenest Neighbourhood in the World" - the LEED certified Olympic Athlete's Village - as well as the world's first LEED Platinum convention centre. But the city that calls itself the "Green Capital" has shown surprisingly little interest in a rapidly emerging building technology that promises to become not only far more environmentally friendly but also significantly less expensive than the heavy concrete construction that has reshaped the city's skyline. Indeed, Canada's first modern home built this way stands not in the Terminal City, but across the straight in Victoria. More …

Urban Gems Helping City Shine
Local designers thrive, inspire

By: Brent Bellamy, Winnipeg Free Press
April 12, 2010

The recent global economic downturn has had a devastating effect on the architecture industry in North America. Nearly one-quarter of all jobs in the profession have been lost in the United States and with construction dropping by 25 per cent last year alone, Canadian firms have also been hit hard. Seemingly against this global trend, Winnipeg's architecture community has been flourishing in recent years. Several new firms have opened and many others have expanded their business in Winnipeg and abroad. While megaprojects designed by acclaimed international architects rightfully receive much of the fanfare, local designers have seized this period of growth to do imaginative work on smaller projects that are transforming the city's neighbourhoods. More …

We Need More Gathering Places in Our Urban Neighborhoods

In 1998, Seattle voters approved a plan to build 22 new branch libraries, siting them with care. Now we should apply those lessons to our community centers, whose current locations don't help create lively urban centers.

By Stuart Silk, Crosscut.com
April 14, 2010

In 1998, Seattle set itself on a path to develop 22 new branch libraries. In the wake of the unprecedented program, library use is way up — reinvigorating our desire to actually go to a library and bringing communities together. Can lessons from this success be applied to new programs, such as for neighborhood community centers or other facilities? More …

 

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