Response to Member Queries

The AIBC is pleased to respond to member queries regarding financial reporting which were brought up on June 27, 2009. Click here for more information or to read the complete document.

Members Advisory: Request For Proposal

Capilano College Film Centre Development (2009-003)

Deadline: August 13, 2009

Appendix D to this RFP has been brought to the attention of the institute by concerned members. Having reviewed the Appendix, the Architectural Institute of British Columbia is obliged to note that responding to the RFP with proposals under Appendix D can place an architect in contravention of the AIBC bylaws, specifically Bylaw 34.16 and the related AIBC Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

Proposals that comply with the RFP as written would place architects and their firms in jeopardy as to business risk, professional conduct and insurability.

This concern has been shared with Capilano University.

Michael Ernest MAIBC
Director of Professional Practice

AIBC Mail Ballots

In anticipation of the upcoming mail ballot on proposed AIBC bylaw additions, council has considered and approved rules for the conduct of mail ballots. These rules were approved by formal resolution of council and are posted for member information. Ballots will be distributed by mail to all members the week of August 17 - 21. Click here for mail ballot procedures.

Jerome Marburg, LL.B., MBA
Director of Registration & Licensing and General Counsel

Information Session for Foreign Registered Architects and Alternatively Qualified Individuals

The AIBC’s Registration and Licensing Department is hosting an information session for anyone registered as an architect outside of Canada and the United States and interested in registering in British Columbia through alternative qualifications, as well as those candidates who may be eligible through Section 37 of the Architects Act. It takes place Monday, August 31, 2009 from 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m. at the AIBC large boardroom. Note: lunch will not be provided so please feel free to bring your own. Those interested in attending are asked to r.s.v.p. to AIBC Registration Coordinator Róisín O’Neill at roneill@aibc.ca. Also, if you know of anyone who may be interested in attending, please encourage him/her to contact Róisín. Attendees are also advise to review the information on the Foreign Trained Architect registration process prior to the session by visiting www.aibc.ca/fta

Competencies/Outcomes Matrix Survey

In keeping with the shift to competency-based assessment, the AIBC has been developing a matrix to describe the knowledge, education, skills, attitudes, etc. required of a fully qualified architect entering into the profession -  baseline competencies that every architect must have before he/she is licensed to practice. It includes a comprehensive list of competencies/outcomes, grouped under the major categories of Design and Construction Documents, Construction Contract Administration, Management, and The Profession. Member input is now sought to test the matrix and its standards. You are invited to take part in a survey that asks you to share your opinion of the minimal competency level in the various areas of the practice. Click here to access the survey.

The survey, which should take no more than a half-hour, will be available until August 28. Your participation and input is most appreciated.

Jerome Marburg LL.B
Director of Registration & Licensing and General Counsel

Newly Published Guidelines on Intellectual Property

The AIBC is pleased to announce the publication of the new “Guidelines on Intellectual Property” document, mutually endorsed and created in collaboration with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC and the Consulting Engineers of BC (CEBC). The document has also benefitted from the review and input of AIBC Practice Board members and in-house legal appraisal. To view or download, please visit http://www.aibc.ca/member_resources/practice/pdf/Guidelines%20on%20Intellectual%20Property.pdf.

AFBC Golf Tournament

The 9th Annual Architecture Foundation of British Columbia Golf Tournament will take place Friday, 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.

In addition, some sponsorship opportunities are still available. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of this event. Sponsorships will be filled on a first come, first served basis. For more information on registration, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, please contact Margo Johnston at: margo.johnston@shaw.ca.

Thank-you to our sponsors:

Member Log-in

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 AIBC web site, including the self-reporting of learning units. If you have bookmarked the old CES Reporting page, please do not use it to enter your self-reports. As of July 23, 2009, if you self-report using the old link, your self-reports will not be received and will not be entered into your transcript.

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, clicking on “Forgot your Log-in ID”, and specifying the e-mail address to which you would like the new password sent. Please note: this address must match the e-mail address the AIBC 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.

IA Blog

The AIBC Intern Architect Update is now an online blog. Revised regularly, the blog provides the latest information on IA courses, preparation seminars and examinations. Visitors can also post comments on an interactive message forum. To subscribe, please visit the site at http://internupdate.blogspot.com/.

Role Call: Mentor Roster

The AIBC maintains a list of available mentors as a resource for new Intern Architects. If you are interested in being a mentor, please click here for the ember roster form. The information you provide will be included on a list made available to potential IAs upon request. As a mentor, you may self-report one non-core learning unit per IA, per year, under the category of professional service. Please check the Intern Blog at http://internupdate.blogspot.com/ for more information.

Building Envelope Education Program (BEEP) Course Registration

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

BEEP Module I:

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

Vancouver Island Chapter Meeting

Green Construction with Insulated Concrete Forms

The featured speaker will be Douglas Bennion, Senior Technical Advisor of Quad-lock Building Systems Ltd. The meeting takes place Wednesday, August 26, 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at Ambrosia Centre, 638 Fisgard Street, Victoria. Note: space is limited to 35 people. There is no charge for this event but please confirm your attendance for catering purposes by August 24th to jmcoe@shaw.ca

1 Core LU

BC Hydro

Power Smart Forum

Hosted annually in downtown Vancouver, BC’s leading energy conservation conference fosters key information sharing opportunities and provides solutions for B.C. organizations that strive to put energy-efficient and conservation practices into action. This year’s event features an expanded tradeshow and more than 40 professional development sessions. It all happens October 13 – 15 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. For more information or to register, please visit http://wwe12.bchydro.com/businessevents/forum/program/.

Core and Non-core LUs available

Heritage Vancouver

A Walking Tour of Vancouver’s Old East End (Strathcona)

Enjoy a stroll through the streets and alleys of Strathcona while house historian James Johnstone shares some of the many fascinating stories he has uncovered concerning the people who built and lived in Vancouver’s historic east end.. The tour takes place Saturday, August 15, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Meet in front of Tosi’s Italian Food Import Company (624 Main Street, between Keefer and East Georgia). The cost is $15 ($10 for Heritage Vancouver members). Reserve early as this tour is limited to 30 people. For more information and to register, please visit www.heritagevancouver.org or e-mail info@heritagevancouver.org.

2 Non-Core LUs

Terrazzo Tile and Marble Association of Canada

Stoneology Seminar

The Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC) is pleased to present Stoneology, a one-day seminar for architects, designers, and specification writers.
Sessions include:

• Stone 101: Stone Quarrying, Selection, Selling, and Proper Application

• Stone 201: Stone Testing, Specifying, Fabrication, and Install Recommendations

• Care and Maintenance of Stone

• Green Issues of Natural Stone

Two seminar dates are available: Wednesday, October 7 and Thursday, October 8. They take place at the TTMAC offices, 108- 3650 Bonneville Place, Burnaby, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. AIBC members are eligible for the same special pricing as TTMAC members. For more information or to register, please see the online registration form or call Len Tompkins at 1-800-201-8599.

6 Core LUs

Simon Fraser University City Program

Sustainable Community Development Certificate

“Sustainable community development” refers to developing the varied dimensions of a community as well as the land and environment upon which it depends. The Simon Fraser University City Program and the Centre for Sustainable Community Development offer a certificate designed to give you the practical information you need today. Delivered by the most experienced consultants and instructors available, this flexible program is comprised of eight two- and three-day intensive courses that can be completed in 10 months. The certificate is based on a six-point Community Capital Tool, developed by S.F.U. Professor Mark Roseland, which recognizes that sustainable communities seek solutions and strategies that advance six areas of community capital: physical, ecological, social, human, cultural, and economic. For more details and to register, please visit http://www.sfu.ca/city/scd-sustain.htm

Courses qualify for Core and Non-core LUs.

The Vancouver Heritage Foundation

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.

Current Exhibit: FormShift Vancouver Ideas Competition

August 7 – 31, 2009
AIBC Gallery: #100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Winning entries from the recently-held FormShift Ideas Competition will be on display at the AIBC Gallery from August 7-31. FormShift Vancouver saw the Architectural Institute of British Columbia teaming with the City of Vancouver to present an exciting new ideas competition that will help shape the changing face of the city. FormShift Vancouver invited architects, designers and anyone else with creative flair to submit innovative built form ideas. Come view recipients in the Vancouver Primary, Vancouver Secondary, Vancouver Wildcard categories, as well as those earning honourable mentions. For more information, please visit www.formshiftvancouver.ca.

 

Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)

AIBC registrants can now take advantage of more savings at Club AIBC. The insider discounts program has added several participating partners for the summer, including the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) in Vancouver. Registrants can receive a 25% discount for day-passes at the PNE Playland, as well as savings for selected admissions passes at the PNE Fair. For a complete list of participating businesses, or for more information on the Club AIBC discount program, please visit http://www.aibc.intrd.com.

NCARB Intern Development Program

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 IAs acquire the comprehensive training that is essential for competent practice, and will make the 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/.  Note: These changes do not affect Canadian IAs in the Intern Architect Program (IAP).

End of HPO Reconstruction Program

As of July 31, 2009, the Homeowner Protection Office will no longer be accepting new loan applications for the Reconstruction Program. All applications received prior July 31 will be reviewed by project on a first-come first-received basis, and those deemed eligible will be offered a no-interest repair loan provided that the building permit for their building envelope renovation is obtained by January 31, 2010. The reconstruction fee of $750 per multi-unit building constructed for sale in the coastal climatic zone remains in place to continue to fund the program. All other purposes and requirements of the Homeowner Protection Act ­­ - such as builder licensing and home warranty insurance - will remain in force, and relevant HPO programs and services will continue. This includes: licensing residential builders and building envelope renovators; administering owner builder authorizations; monitoring the performance of the third-party home warranty insurance system underwritten by the private sector; and, carrying out research and education.

BC Building Code Binder Package

Based on customer feedback, BC Codes is pleased to offer a consolidation of all BC Code 2006 changes for the BC Building Code binder (including Plumbing Services). This new product includes all amendments made to the BC Building Code up to April 2009.  The amendments are provided as replacement pages with instructions for insertion into the BC Building Code binder.  Also included is a new tab for Part 10. The cost of the package is $16.95 each plus GST, which covers publishing, printing and shipping. Please note: this updated package is available to the BC Building Code Binder (including Plumbing Services) only. Also, the errata and revisions will continue to be available free of charge at http://www.bccodes.ca/errata_revisions.htm.  To place an order, visit http://www.crownpub.bc.ca/pubdetail.aspx?nato=7680002898 or call 1-800-663-6105. Please reference product number 7680002898.

NCARB Security & Development Fee

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.

Mentor Architect Wanted

S.U.C.C.E.S.S., the community-based multi-service organization that supports new immigrants, provides a host mentor program that matches newcomer professionals with Canadian residents to provide guidance in entering their field in Canada. The program is currently seeking a volunteer architect fluent in Farsi/Dari to mentor a newcomer. It will involve two to three hours of mentoring, once a week for approximately three months. The intent is to acquaint the newcomer with Canadian workplace culture, share industry and labour market knowledge, and help access employment and educational opportunities. If you think this position may be of interest to you, please contact Host Mentor Coordinator Jessica-Ann Dozois by phone (604-936-5900) or e-mail (jessica.dozois@success.bc.ca).

Canadian Architecture Roadshow

The Roadshow: Architectural Landscapes of Canada is about to hit the highway for a two-week cross-country odyssey. Beginning in Vancouver, it will consist of a series of linked, broad-based national events that will focus architectural discourse in Canada for the public, the profession, and schools of architecture. Nine critical architecture and design experts from across Canada will travel and lecture together, delivering rapid fire public presentations of their work at eight Canadian schools of architecture. This unique project, made possible through support from the Canada Council for the Arts, is a redefinition of the traditional, singular notion of “Canadian Architecture”, and has been conceived as a flexible and open process to encourage participation, discussion and debate between the public and those architects taking part. Understanding that Canadian architecture means many different things to different people, the intent is to spark a debate about relevant ideas, themes and modes of practice, and broaden the understanding of contemporary architecture in Canada. Participants include:

• Manon Asselin OAQ (Atelier TAG - Montreal)
• David Battersby IA.AIBC (Battersby Howat - Vancouver)
• Philip Beesley OAA MRAIC (Philip Beesley Architect - Toronto)
• Marc Boutin MAAA MRAIC (The Marc Boutin Architectural Collaborative - Calgary)
• Randy Cohen (Atelier Big City - Montreal)
• Annie Lebel (Atelier In Situ - Montreal)
• Neil Minuk (DIN Projects - Winnipeg)
• Roger Mullin (Roger Mullin – Halifax)
• Lisa Rapoport OAA (PLANT architect inc. - Toronto)

All nine participants will travel together across the country by bus, investigating, discussing and critiquing the discipline of contemporary architecture in Canada. The feature events will take place at eight schools of architecture, beginning with the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture + Landscape Architecture on Wednesday, September 23. All events are free and open to the public. Along the way, the roadshow will also be looking to discover, photograph, and film the places and people who help define the country. Afterwards, the content exhibited and developed during the process will be used as the basis for a publication, website and film, and ultimately curated into a travelling national exhibition.

Harvard Design Leadership Conference

The Design Firm Leadership Conference 2009, co-hosted by the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, EFCG, The Greenway Group, and DesignIntelligence, takes place September 23-25. Tailored to senior executives of architecture, engineering, and construction firms, it will feature the latest research and thinking on financial and strategic management of design firms, with a strong business and financial orientation and a focus on networking. The conference includes a presentation of the latest research on design and design firm management, including in-progress research of Harvard’s RMJM Program for Research in Integrated Practice. Topics to be addressed include Management Strategies for Thriving Through the Recession, Managing for Creativity and Innovation; and Integrated Project Delivery and its Role in Achieving Sustainability. Featured guest speakers include Frank Gehry (Gehry Partners), Kermit Baker (American Institute of Architects), Robert A.M. Stern (Yale School of Architecture), and Bill Valentine (HOK). For additional information, visit http://www.di.net/about/conferences/design_firm_leadership_conference_2009/

Personal Information Protection Act Conference

The 4th Annual Personal Information Protection Act Conference, presented by the Privacy Commissioner of British Columbia and Alberta, is being held in Vancouver this fall. PIPA 2009 - Solving the Privacy Puzzle takes place October 14-16, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver. This event offers case studies, plenary lectures, and expert-led sessions provided by organizations across British Columbia and Alberta. New this year are pre-conference workshops on "PIPA for Non-Profits", "What Every Privacy Professional Needs to Know About Electronic Record Keeping - eRM 101", "Privacy Officer Bootcamp" and "The ABC's of Access and Severing." An early bird registration rate of $499 is available until September 18. For more information and to sign up, go to http://www.verney.ca/pipa2009/index.php.

Designing Inside the Box

AIBC members are invited to take part in a special design project at the upcoming IDSWest 2009 industry and consumer show, September 17-20 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Sponsored by the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia and Western Living Magazine, “Designing Inside the Box” is your chance to share your original West Coast take on creating a unique space – one that makes people think. The catch? Each space will be contained within a shipping container. Originally intended for the design community, the invitation has now been extended to architects. Turn loose your imagination and tap into your creativity. For more information and to register, visit www.idswest.com.

Call for Entries: PREFAB 20/20

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.

BC Cultural Crawl

The BC Cultural Crawl is a showcase of arts, culture and heritage taking place throughout the month of August in more than 90 British Columbia communities. You are invited to take part, beginning with a self-guided tour of province-wide, community-initiated events: music, theatre and dance performances, visual arts, festivals, museum and heritage exhibitions, culinary arts and more. Using the self-guided online resource, browse through the month’s local events, cultural crawls, and community art walks. Access itineraries, maps and other resources needed to plan your own exploration. Go to www.art-bc.com.

Gaining Ground: Resilient Cities Conference

AIBC members are invited to take part in Resilient Cities: Urban Strategies for Transition Times, an upcoming Gaining Ground conference being held in association with Smart Growth BC and in collaboration with the Canadian Society for Ecological Economics. It happens October 20-22, 2009 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. With North American cities facing transformational challenges in sustainability, economy, and urban management, they are scrambling to comprehend and manage the shift toward ecological practices and greater resilience. Sustainability imperatives, the call for climate action, the prospect of a quickly shifting energy future, pressure for new approaches in almost every urban system, and the shock of the economic downturn are all part of the equation. This conference will explore strategies to make cities more robust, and will enable participants to advance their thinking on three key subjects:

• innovation in sustainability governance and best current practices for managing sustainable urban systems;
• capturing opportunities in the green economy; and
• strategies for building widespread sustainability collaborations that engage the community level.

For more information, please visit www.gaininggroundsummit.com

Kamloops Green Dream Home

Construction has begun on the Green Dream Home demonstration project, an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly home being built in Kamloops. The project is one of 15 chosen through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s EQuilibrium™ Sustainable Housing Demonstration Initiative, which encourages builders and developers to build the next generation of sustainable housing in Canada. It is being done through the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central Interior in partnership with Thompson Rivers University. The design work is being done by architectural and engineering technology students at TRU. The Kamloops home, the first demonstration home of its kind in British Columbia, will integrate optimal solar orientation, energy efficiency and renewable energy systems into its design and construction, in addition to using natural materials with low levels of pollutants. To reduce water use, rainwater will be captured and drought-resistant native plants will be used on the site. The Green Dream Home will be built primarily by TRU students as part of their training program. Once completed, the home will be open for public tours and then raffled off to raise funds for a local charity. CMHC’s EQuilibrium™ Sustainable Housing Demonstration Initiative provides a new approach to housing in Canada, striving to balance housing needs with environmental concerns. For more information, visit CMHC’s website at www.cmhc.ca.

Arthur Erickson’s Secret Garden Tours

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.

World Architecture Festival

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.

RMIT Conference

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:

• addressing global issues locally through collaborations between artists, communities and local government;
• the links between creative communities and civic engagement;
• the ways creative processes can mobilize communities for positive social change; and
• cultural citizenship and cultural rights, as an aspect of a broader human rights agenda.

For additional information including the Call for Presentations form, visit the conference web site at http://www.cdn-generations.net.au/conference.htm

WAN Urban Design Sector Award

World Architecture News is pleased to announce the launch of the inaugural WAN Urban Design Sector Award 2009. This is the latest in WAN’s bi-monthly “Excellence in Design” award program, building on  the success of its previous Education, Healthcare and Civic contests. This is an international competition that will be judged by a top-level panel headed up by Alastair Lansley, architect of London's stunning St. Pancras Station. Submissions are invited for projects in the transport, infrastructure, urban design, landscape and public realm areas in two categories: Completed and Unbuilt. The closing date for submissions is August 31, 2009. For additional information and to register, go to http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.urbanenterpage

Brick Design Competition

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.

The Queen Will See You Now: Zaha

By Will Jones, Elemente
July/August 2009

“I remember when I was seven; I went with my parents to a furniture maker’s studio in Beirut to see some new furniture they had ordered for our home. I remember the style was angular and modernist, finished in a chartreause color; and for my room there was an asymmetric mirror. I was thrilled by the mirror and it started y love of asymmetry.” More …

A Class Act on a Building Site
A Canadian architect has put a lot of effort into developing portable structures to educate the children of construction labourers alongside their temporary job-site living quarters

By Nina Suebsukcharoen, Bangkok Post
August 9, 2009

Those who buy houses and condominiums seldom think about the construction workers who do backbreaking work to build these homes - and their children who usually go without any schooling. These labourers mostly come down from northern Thailand or are undocumented workers from Cambodia, Laos and Burma. Often neither the parents nor the children have access to education or health care. If both parents work at the construction site the children have to accompany them to these dangerous areas because they lack day care facilities. Some of these children have been fortunate enough to get help from Graeme Bristol (MAIBC, MRAIC), a Canadian-registered architect who has been lecturing at the School of Architecture and Design at King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) since 1998. More …

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