AIBC Bylaw Proposals Disallowed

The AIBC has been informed that the bylaw proposals voted on by members earlier this year and tabled with government, have been disallowed as is government’s prerogative under the Architects Act. The institute has not yet received reasons for this decision. A formal letter informing us of government’s decision is expected shortly and will be shared with the membership.

On-line AIBC Course Registration

Attention all AIBC registrants: are you ready for on-line course registration? 

As of December 15, 2009, the 2010 AIBC Course Schedule and on-line registration will be up and running.  The new system is faster than mail or fax. Just think: no more waiting for course registration confirmation. Instead, you will receive your receipt at a click of a button.

MAIBCs, AT.AIBCs, BD.AIBCs and RD.AIBCs: As participants in the Continuing Education System, you should have already acquired your logon ID and password, required when registering on-line for a course. If you do not have your ID and password, please visit http://aibc.memberpro.net/main/body.cfm?menu=login. and click on “Forget your Logon ID or Password?”.  You will then receive an automated e-mail with the necessary information. If this is not successful, please contact Aleta Cho at acho@aibc.ca or Catherine Bolter at cbolter@aibc.ca.

As a reminder, following the current reporting period (ending June 30, 2010), any self-reporting will be required to be submitted on-line.

2009-2010 AIBC Volunteer Recognition Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the AIBC’s annual Volunteer Recognition Awards. There are three award categories:

• AIBC Honorary Membership - for significant and outstanding contributions by a non-registrant towards increasing awareness and appreciation of architecture. Click here for the nomination form.
• AIBC Special Certificate of Recognition - for recent and general volunteer contributions demonstrating expertise and leadership in specific initiatives for the benefit or enhancement of the practice and profession of architecture by an individual registrant or firm. Click here for the nomination form.
• The Barbara Dalrymple Memorial Award for Community Service - in recognition of lifetime or exceptional contributions by an individual registrant or firm. Click here for the nomination form.

You are encouraged to submit the names of individuals you feel are deserving of formal recognition for their volunteer contributions to the institute and the profession. The deadline for nominations is February 3, 2010.

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

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

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: 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.

RFP: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Terrace B.C.

AIBC members are invited to submit proposal to provide architectural services for the design and construction of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Renovation Project. The Church has identified a need to upgrade its facilities in order to correct deficiencies related to age and the evolving needs of the community. For more information, visit the AIBC's "Competitions and Expressions of Interest" web page.

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.

West Kelowna Community Plan

The District of West Kelowna is holding a public open house on Saturday, December 10, 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Mt. Boucherie Secondary School, 2751 Cameron Road. This is an opportunity to review proposed policy directions and offer an opinion on the new Official Community Plan.  For additional information, go online to http://definingwk.ca/.

Globe 2010

Globe 2010, the Biennial Conference and Trade Fair for Business and the Environment, will take place March 24 – 26 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This is the largest and longest-running event dedicated to the business of the environment in North America. The conference themes for 2010 include corporate sustainability innovation, climate change & carbon management, the future of energy, financing the low carbon economy, and the urban infrastructure revolution. Additional topics such as water and clean technology will be covered. For more information, or to register, visit www.globe2010.com

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.

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.

Call for Nominations: 6th Annual BC Wood Design Awards

Wood WORKS! BC, a project of the Canadian Wood Council, is now accepting nominations for the annual Wood WORKS! BC Wood Design Awards, to be held on March 29, 2010 at the Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver. These awards recognize leadership and innovation in wood use while publicly recognizing and encouraging continued excellence in the building and design community. Award categories include: Residential; Green Building; Multi-unit Residential; Commercial; < $10M Institutional Wood Design; >$10 M Institutional Design; Interior Beauty of Wood; Western Red Cedar; Architect; and Engineer. There is also a new award category this year for BC Premier’s Wood Champion. Chosen projects will showcase the special qualities of wood such as strength, beauty, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Projects commissioned after January 2007 are eligible, and the deadline for nominations is February 11, 2010. For award program information and nomination forms, visit the Wood WORKS! BC website at www.wood-works.ca/ or call Lorna Malone at 1 (877) 929-9663, ext 4.

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.

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.

Frustrated Architects Dump Panel
Hope en masse resignation will ‘humiliate’ City Hall into designing a better Ottawa

By Kate Jaimet, The Ottawa Citizen
December 8, 2009

All seven architects on the Downtown Ottawa Urban Design Review Panel resigned en masse Tuesday, having reached the conclusion that they are wasting their time in a largely fruitless effort to improve architecture in the city. More …

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