Becker Joins AIBC Operations

The AIBC is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Becker MAIBC, P.Eng. to the new part-time role of Practice Advisor. He is working under the direction of Director of Professional  Services Maura Gatensby MAIBC in providing support with consultant selection processes (including RFPs), terms and conditions of contracts, and consideration of hypothetical situations. Paul has practised in Quebec as well B.C., and brings particular technical expertise in the areas of masonry construction and restoration; building envelope; and project development and management. His volunteer efforts at the AIBC have included the Building Envelope, Investigations and Practice Consultation Service committees. Members can look forward to Becker contacting them in response to certain of their queries to the AIBC.

2010 AIBC Annual Conference

Community Building: The Social Impact of Architecture
2010 AIBC Annual Conference

May 6 - 8, 2010
Vancouver Convention Centre

Now more than ever, social challenges are beckoning change and transformation on a global scale. The theme for 2010, Community Building: The Social Impact of Architecture, celebrates the many ways in which today’s built environment defines our communities, and the critical role that architecture plays in articulating that definition. From simple homes and functional business space to state-of-the art hospitals and schools, from gritty streetscapes to iconic sport facilities, our communities are a true reflection of our complex society. Through vision, innovation, and social awareness, architects play an important part in shaping not only what our communities are, but what they can be. Through five learning streams, the 2010 AIBC Conference will explore architectural history, modern innovation, new challenges, best practices, and some of the innovative ways in which architects are responding to the social call for action. Detailed information can be found online at www.aibc.ca/conference2010.

Annual Fee Renewal

As the end of the year approaches, so too does the time for payment of 2010 fees for members, associates, firms and affiliates. Fee invoices are being prepared for delivery on or after the middle of December 2009.  This year, we will be using our new database systems to generate invoices and process online payments. An invoice will be e-mailed to every person and firm for whom we have an identified e-mail address. Those without an e-mail address on our system will receive theirs by regular mail. In preparation for the annual fee cycle, please log on to your member profile or log on to your firm profile and ensure your contact information is correct. Once invoices are issued, you will be able to log in through this same location to review and pay your invoice on-line. Note: In order to remain in good standing, payment must be received before February 1, 2010.

Firm Updates Overdue
Outstanding Annual Updates Required Immediately

The Architects Act and AIBC bylaws require every firm to file an annual update with the AIBC. Firms that have not yet updated their profiles must do so immediately to ensure accurate publication in the 2010 AIBC Directory. Firm update information and instructions (including firm login identification and password information) was e-mailed to every firm on October 15, with an identified owner / administrator and e-mail address, and mailed to all other films for which we have no email address. To complete your update, you must log on to your on-line firm profile (http://aibc.memberpro.net).

Free Practice Consultation Service Making a Positive Impression

Response to the AIBC’s Practice Consultation Service (formerly Practice Standards Consultation Service) continues to be overwhelmingly positive. Participating firms have provided excellent feedback respecting benefits to their firms and the informative nature of the process itself. As a result, firms of various sizes have been able to better standardize their project organization of projects and improve their processes. Here’s what some have to say about their PCS experience:

“This experience has been a smooth and cooperative process. The precise statements and the clear understanding created a great communication tool. My interview was neither threatening nor worrisome, but rather a helpful wake-up call on methods of practice where I should be using more standard check sheets rather than relying [solely] on my 39 years of practice!”
- Ben Levinson MAIBC

“We have found the process valuable to our firm. The methodical, step-by-step preparation process … has been an excellent opportunity for us to step back and review what we are doing right and what we can improve upon.”
– Hugh Cochlin MAIBC

The PCS is not a design review. Rather, it is a positive, educational, interactive process that allows members to consider their practices through external feedback from volunteer practice consultants — fellow architects who have stepped up to share their wealth of experience, understanding and knowledge. Their advice may pertain to any area where support is needed or wanted, and the visit can provide a good opportunity to chat about a variety of topics relating to a member’s practice. The process affords a closer look at how one’s firm manages itself and its projects, including organizational structure, contract management procedures and office administration.

The process is simple and straightforward. Members begin by filling out a Practice Self-Assessment Rating Form that serves as a starting point for self-evaluation and provides an introduction to the firm for the practice consultant. The next steps are to gather project documents and administrative records for three projects that are representative of the firm’s work, in preparation for the practice consultant’s visit and interview.

A very limited number of consultation spots remain for 2009, with additional spots available in 2010. For more information on how you can take advantage of this valuable resource, please contact Coordinator of Professional Practice Erica Holt by phone (604-683-8588; ext. 314) or e-mail (eholt@aibc.ca).

Update: Bulletin 01 – Fees, Fines and Charges

An updated version of Bulletin 01 - Fees, Fines and Charges is now available online at http://www.aibc.ca/bulletins/Bulletin_01_2009.pdf. This new version incorporates changes to address the AIBC’s newly-established Alternative Qualifications Assessment process for Architectural Technologists, along with minor syntax adjustments and modified sequencing for improved clarity and transparency.

Updated Digital Signature Software

Notarius, the authorized digital signature supplier of the AIBC, has released an updated version of ConsignO. The improved software responds to numerous user suggestions offered over the past few years. For existing Notarius users, ConsignO 3.0 will be included with your subscription to the digital signature service. For a limited time, new subscribers can also obtain it when paying only the $95 subscription fee (a saving of $80). Note: this offer ends December 15, 2009. For more information, refer to AIBC Bulletin 60, visit the Notarius web site, or contact Notarius directly at (514) 281-1577 or toll free at 1-888-588-0011.

Role Call: AIBC Awards Advisory Committee

The institute is seeking members interested in joining the AIBC Awards Advisory Committee. This committee will work with staff to formulate a jury for the 2010 AIBC Awards in Architecture, and review the institute’s awards program. This committee will meet approximately four times between October 2009 and February 2010, with meeting times to be determined. All classes of AIBC registrant, including both former committee members and those newly interested in becoming involved, are welcomed to apply. For more information or to indicate your interest in volunteering for this committee, please contact Director of Communications David Wiebe at dwiebe@aibc.ca.

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

Cascadia Green Building Council

Transformational Lecture Series: Peter Clegg

Peter Clegg’s decades of experience and experimentation in environmentally responsive design have produced incredible results. Perhaps most inspiring is Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios’ reputation as a practice genuinely committed to sustainability. FCB Studios’ work has been recognized with numerous awards including the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize in 2008. In this lecture, Clegg will share the studios’ philosophy of architecture as both a social art that can transform people and an imperative response to global warming. It takes place Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Simon Fraser University Harbour Centre in Vancouver. To register, please visit http://vancouvertlspeterclegg.eventbrite.com/.

2 Core LUs

IMAGINiT Technologies

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

Pacific Business and Law Institute

Construction Management: The Practical and Legal Issues

The increased use of construction managers has created a variety of pressing legal and practical issues. For construction management to be effective, everyone involved must understand how to minimize project liability and avoid incurring unnecessary expenses. At this one-day practical conference, leading experts will guide you through one of the trickiest and rapidly evolving areas of the construction business. You will gain valuable insights and practical tips to meet the challenges of today’s increasingly competitive market. Issues addressed will include:

• When and why do you use a construction manager;
• Situations where construction managers should be avoided;
• The legal intricacies of construction management;
• Understanding the method and impact of the various models of management in the industry;
• Practical insight on the “how tos” of construction management;
• How to deal with the most crucial issues that arise in the contract phase; and
• Lessons learned and advice for future projects.

It happens December 10, 2009, at the Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel. For more information, or to register, please visit http://www.pbli.com/819/

6 Core LUs

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

Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC)

The Integration of Mechanical, Structural & Envelope Systems Towards Net Zero Buildings (Victoria)

This workshop will explore ideas, provide technical study data and help inform future direction for engineers of all disciplines to take an active role in the design of sustainable buildings. Participants will be engaged and inspired to integrate sustainable strategies into designs. By the use of information, case studies and interactive group discussion, attendees will also be able to develop your road map to work collaboratively towards net zero energy, water, and optimization of materials in buildings. The cost is $282.45 per person. It takes place in Victoria on Monday, December 7, 2009. For details and to register, click here.

4 Core LUs

Current Exhibit: FUTURESOCIAL

Monday, November 9, 2009 - Monday, January 5, 2010
AIBC Gallery: #100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver

The AIBC Gallery currently features select entries from the recently-held FUTURESOCIAL ideas competition. Jointly supported by the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and the B.C. Ministry of Housing and Social Development, this social housing design competition stimulated numerous innovative design ideas for supportive housing to combat homelessness.

Zipcar

Give the gift of green this holiday season with Zipcar, a car sharing program that enhances personal and business travel while protecting the environment. As a recent addition to the Club AIBC program, Zipcar is offering exclusive discount rates for all AIBC registrants. Enjoy a discounted membership rate of $30 / year, or set up a Zipcar for Business account for free. For more information on this offer, or to sign up, please visit www.zipcar.com/aibc or email Dave Lewin at dlewin@zipcar.com.

Heritage Buildings Case Studies

The Heritage Branch of the Ministry of Tourism Culture and the Arts is working with Parks Canada to influence the development of the 2015 National Building Code. In response, the provincial Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Arts has undertaken to provide nominations for case studies of British Columbia projects that demonstrate innovation in the application of the BC Building Code, or that showcase code compliance solutions that others might find helpful in retaining character-defining elements. Between 10 and 15 projects from each participating province will then be worked up to full case-studies for submission to the 2015 National Building Code Committee. Organizers are looking for one important and innovative code solution per project. If you know of a project that fits this description, you are encouraged to make a submission. Click here for the submission form, and here for the instruction sheet. For additional information, you can also contact Richard Linzey, Acting Manager - Heritage Programs, at richard.linzey@gov.bc.ca. Note: the deadline for submissions is December 12, 2009.

Washington State Licensing

The next licensing meeting for the Washington State Board of Architects is December 7, 2009. The meeting will be conducted via conference call at 3:30 p.m. For more information, go online to http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/architects/architectboardmtgsmin.html.

Monograph on Evaluating Building Structures

The National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) has announced a new monograph that provides architects and design professionals with a much-needed methodology to evaluate existing buildings for new or continuing use. Building Evaluation for Preservation, which details each step of the evaluation process, looks at both interior and exterior building structures using an easy-to-implement approach that reduces the possibility of costs and setbacks encountered during the development of a project. In doing so, it gives a clear and comprehensive approach for making the critical decision of whether to adapt and reuse a building or to demolish and rebuild. It covers structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems, and offers techniques to better understand how to evaluate each system separately. The cost is $300 ($200 for current NCARB Record holders). To order, go to http://www.ncarb.org/publications/pdpmonographs.html.

CHOP II

The CD-ROM version of the new Canadian Handbook of Practice, Second Edition can now be purchased online through the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. The handbook has been completely updated and features extensive additions, and has been completely updated. The CD-ROM version includes the same PDF version of the document currently available for purchase as a download. Note: As with the First Edition, CCDC contract documents are not included, and must be purchased separately. The CHOP is available at specially discounted prices for Canadian architects, intern architects, and students in a Master's program at an accredited Canadian school of architecture. For access to discounted prices, users must first register with the CHOP Order Centre. To register, order, of for information including prices, visit https://www.raic.org/chop/registration/index.cfm?CFID=12688804&CFTOKEN=38218247.

New Standards for Adaptable Housing

An amendment to the B.C. Building Code concerning the Adaptable Dwelling Units comes into effect December 31, 2009. This revision establishes new standards for adaptable housing applicable to single-storey suites in new residential, multi-unit buildings, whether adaptable housing is built voluntarily or required by local governments. The updated document can be found online at http://www.bccodes.ca/errata_revisions.htm. Those customers with online versions of the BC Codes will have their material uploaded after December 31. CD customers are asked to ensure their computers are connected to the internet after December 31st in order to automatically receive the upload.

Deadline Extension: 2010 Festival of Architecture Presenters

The Call for Presenters deadline for the 2010 Festival of Architecture has been extended to December 7, 2009. Next year’s event, a joint effort of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada  and the Saskatchewan Association of Architects, takes place June 22 - 26, 2010 in Saskatoon. In addition to being rife with professional development opportunities and social networking events, the event, themed “Sounds Like Architecture”, will coincide with the city’s annual jazz festival. For more information, including a Presentation Application Form, visit www.raic.org.

Gingerbread Challenge

Get into the spirit of the season the second annual Gingerbread Competition and Charity Auction, sponsored by Creative Room. Vancouver architects and designers are challenged to re-interpret and construct a traditional gingerbread house within a modern context. The results will be auctioned off with proceeds going to Architecture for Humanity (Vancouver Chapter). Entries will be judged by last year’s winner D’Arcy Jones, conceptual artist Ken Lum, designer Bill Pechet, and Contemporary Art Gallery Director Christina Ritchie. The gala opening and auction takes place Thursday, December 10 at the Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street. A discounted price of $15 is available to AIBC registrants who sign up prior to December 10. Go to https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=10171697. For more information and bidding, visit http://www.creativeroom.ca/gingerbread/

Wood Design Awards Book

Each year, the Canadian Wood Council publishes the winning projects from its annual Wood Design Awards program, the only North America-wide program recognizing achievements in wood architecture. In addition to highlighting the winners of the 2008 Wood Design & Building Awards, this year’s book also features the frontrunners from the Canadian Wood WORKS! Awards (including representation from British Columbia and Ontario) as well as the U.S. WoodWorks Wood Design Awards. This hardcover edition showcases stunning architectural design and building craft, and is a lasting reference for those seeking inspiration in wood design. To order your copy, go online to http://www.cwc.ca/Publications/Wood%20Design%20Awards%20Book/?Language=EN

Art Institute Grad Show

The Art Institute of Vancouver invites you to attend its Fall Graduate Portfolio Review, Friday, December 18  from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (closing ceremonies to follow). Network with industry professionals and colleagues, mingle with students, and gain a firsthand look at what these graduates can do - for you and your company - as they present their design, fashion, and media concepts all in one place. Featured graduates will represent the following programs: Animation Art & Design; Digital Film & Video; Fashion Design & Merchandising; Fashion Marketing & Management; Game Art & Design; Interior Design; Graphic Design; Professional Recording Arts; 3D Modeling for Animation & Games; Visual & Game Programming; and VFX for Film & Television. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and refreshments provided by the institute’s International Culinary School. It takes place at the Renfrew Campus, 2665 Renfrew Street, Vancouver. Industry attendees are asked to r.s.v.p. To do so, or for more information, please contact Marcos Armstrong (778-373-8959; marmstrong@aii.edu) or Stephen Hummel (778-373-.8970; sthummel@aii.edu)

2010 BC Real Estate Convention

The Sixth Annual BC Real Estate Convention takes place April 8-9, 2010 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This trade show is aimed at those interested or engaged in investing in residential or commercial real estate, both professionals and the general public. With presentations, seminars and close to 100 exhibitors, it brings together developers, realtors, municipalities, financial institutions, insurance agencies, associations and others involved in the real estate industry. Admittance is free for those who preregister online at http://www.bcrealestateconvention.com/bcrec/main/frame.php?main=25&sub=89. For detailed information, visit, http://www.bcrealestateconvention.com/bcrec/main/frame.php.

HPO Building Smart Webinars

This fall, the Homeowner Protection Office will be piloting web seminars based on previous Building Smart live presentation seminars. These webinars will be accessible from one’s computer, making them available province-wide to an audience that includes licensed architects, builders, suppliers, manufacturers, building designers, building officials and many other building professionals who have attended the Building Smart series of seminars presented throughout B.C. over the past six years. Available this winter, the first webinar entitled Avoiding Moisture Problems in Houses will provide practical information that will help you avoid moisture problems in the construction of single detached houses and townhouses. Additional information will be posted on the “What’s New” section of the HPO website (www.hpo.bc.ca) during November.

IHC2010

Registrations and abstracts are now being accepted for the International Housing Conference 2010, taking place in Singapore from January 26-20. 2010. This event, organized by Singapore’s Housing and Development Board with a theme of “Sustainable Housing: Charting New Frontiers”, will bring together eminent experts, leaders and professionals to share their experience, perspectives and vision on the subject of sustainable development with a focus on housing. For more information on the conference program and topics, visit the website at http://www.internationalhousingconference.com/. To register, go to http://www.internationalhousingconference.com/online.html. An early bird rate is in place until November 30.

Deadline Extension: 2009 Wood Design Awards

The deadline for submission to the 2009 Wood Design Awards has been extended to Monday, December 7, 2009. This awards program, produced by the Canadian Wood Council, is the only annual North America-wide recognition program specifically for achievements in wood architecture. Entries should consist of building projects that show a broad range of wood building and finishing materials, though they need not be constructed entirely out of wood. Award categories include: Non-residential (new and remodeled), Residential (new and remodeled), Architectural Interior Design and International Projects. Entries will be judged on the success with which the project satisfies the building and site requirements of the client using appropriate wood product applications. This year’s Wood Design Awards jurors are Silvio Baldassarra, Vice President of NORR Ltd. Architects and Engineers; Keith Boswell AIA, Technical Director of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP; and Wendy Evens Joseph FAIA LEEP AP, of Wendy Evens Joseph Architecture. Additional information can be found at http://www.cwc.ca/Events/BuildingAwards.

TownShift: Suburb into City

Entries are now being accepted for “TownShift: Suburb into City”, an open international ideas competition seeking innovative ideas for five of Surrey's established town centres. The aim of this juried competition is to shift the thinking towards more intense, public-minded and productive urban futures for each of these town hubs within the province’s second most populous city. The hope is to open debate and generate innovative new thinking about suburbs transforming towards sustainability in an era of increasingly expensive energy, and to help transition Surrey from a postmodern suburb to a vital contemporary city. The task is to create livable, walkable, sustainable, residential density around shopping malls, retail strips, recreation centres and residential bungalows in the designated areas. The competition has been approved by the AIBC. Jury members include: Jane Durante FCSLA, Durante-Kreuk Landscape Architects, Vancouver; David Miller FAIA, Miller-Hull Partnership, Architecture Chair – University of  Washington; Mary Beth Rondeau MAIBC, City Architect - City of Surrey; Stephen Teeple OAA FRAIC RCA,  Teeple Architects, Toronto; and Peter Webb B.Arch, Senior Vice President - Concord Pacific Development, Vancouver. Registration closes January 4, 2010. Entries will be showcased at an exhibit beginning February 4, 2010, with winners announced and awards presented on February 24. Some $75,000 in prize money is up for grabs. For more details, visit www.townshift.com.

RAIC Gold Medal and Architectural Firm Award Deadline

The deadline for nominations and submissions for the RAIC’s annual Gold Medal and Architectural Firm awards is Friday, December 11, 2009. The RAIC Gold Medal recognizes a significant body of work deemed to be a major contribution to Canadian architecture with having lasting influence on the theory and/or the practice of architecture. Any individual, living or dead, may be nominated. The Architectural Firm award, formerly offered as part of the RAIC Awards of Excellence, is now a stand-alone award. It recognizes an architectural firm or practice that has consistently produced distinguished architecture. Those eligible include architectural firms or architectural practices that are resident in Canada or have their principal office located in Canada, possess the appropriate Certificate of Practice or authorization to practice as required by the provincial licensing authorities, and have been together as an organization or as successor firm for at least 10 years. Both of these honours will be selected by a single jury. For more information, please visit http://www.raic.org/. You can also e-mail awards-prix@raic.org, or call (613) 241-3600, x 214.

Shuko Montréal l Design Competition

The City of Montréal is sponsoring a nationwide ideas competition for the redesign of the Champ-de-Mars métro station area of the city. The station, which features glassworks by renowned artist Marcelle Ferron, is one of the few Montreal landmarks remaining from prior to the construction of the Ville-Marie expressway. The immediate perimeter of the station forms a link between downtown Montréal and Old Montréal, and is one of the main pedestrian access routes to the historic district. Entrants are invited to submit development proposals that integrate smoothly with the existing public spaces and take into account the current and future built environment, including the impending development of the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal and the planned covering of the Ville-Marie expressway. Proposals must promote citizen appropriation of the urban environment and provide a development framework that facilitates movement through the city. The competition, which is being conducted on an anonymous-entry basis, is open to all design professionals, students or consortium whose main place of business is in Canada. It is a single-stage competition, with two submission categories, one for professionals and the other for students. The language of the competition is French. However, the conceptual approach may include a text in English. The competition jury will use criteria such as enhancement of the architecture and glassworks of Champ-de-Mars métro station; reinforcement of pedestrian links and access routes; and innovative and esthetic qualities. Jury members include:

• Melvin Charney, architect;
• Odile Decq, architect and Director of the École Spéciale d’Architecture, Paris;
• Jacques Des Rochers, Curator of Canadian Art, Montréal Museum of Fine Arts;
• Michel Dionne, architect, Cooper, Robertson & Partners, New York;
• Raphaël Fischler, urban planner and professor at the School of Urban Planning, McGill University;
• Mario Masson, landscape architect and Division Manager, Service du développement culturel, de la qualité du milieu de vie et de la diversité ethnoculturelle, Ville de Montréal;
• Alessandra Ponte, associate professor, School of Architecture, Université de Montréal;
• Philippe Poullaouec-Gonidec, landscape architect and holder of the UNESCO Chair in Landscape and Environmental Design at Université de Montréal.

Registration is required by January 15, 2010. Proposals must be submitted no later than February 10, 2010. For more information and to register, visit http://www.realisonsmontreal.com/fr/projet/Amenagement-des-abords-de-la-station-de-metro-Champ-de-Mars. Entrants who have questions about the competition must submit them by e-mail to the Design Montréal office at info@realisonsmontreal.com no later than January 15, 2010.

A Fresh Look at 20th Century Architectural Heritage

The International Union of Architects has launched an international competition that will 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.

Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize

The Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize is a biennial international award to recognise individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the creation of vibrant, liveable, and sustainable urban communities. Nominations are applicable for any individual or organization who have demonstrated a key leadership role in areas such as urban planning, policy and programming, and applied technology for urban solutions. The inaugural prize will be awarded in June 2010, as part of the World Cities Summit 2010 in Singapore. For more information, please visit www.leekuanyewworldcityprize.com.sg.

City's New Architecture Frees Toronto the Timid
Who knew? Toronto isn't afraid to colour outside the lines, taking risks that have energized the city

By Christopher Hume, Toronto Star
November 28, 2009

It hasn't been Toronto's year of living dangerously so much as its decade. Since 2000, we have built buildings, launched projects and drawn up plans that once would have been utterly unimaginable in this city. For all its timidity and feelings of inferiority, Toronto has started to think big, take architectural risks. More …

Governments Agree to Faster Recognition of Foreign Credentials

By Norma Greenaway, Vancouver Sun
November 30, 2009

The RIBA has joined forces with architecture institutes around the world to deliver a 15 point “call for action” on climate change in Copenhagen next month. It challenges governments and the architecture profession to work together to achieve lasting action to combat global warming. More …

Famed Architect Unveils Plan for Queens Quay Jewel

By Christopher Hume, Toronto Star
December 1, 2009

A warning to all those who complain nothing ever happens on Toronto's waterfront: Moshe Safdie is designing a major mixed-use complex for a site on Queens Quay, just east of Sherbourne St. Safdie is the Montreal-trained architect whose first waterfront project, Habitat at Expo 67, made him world-famous. More …

 

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