President’s Message

December 2009

It is the time of year for reflection, an examination of paths travelled and those unfolding. More...

AIBC Year End Seasonal Closure

Please note that the AIBC will be closed from Dec. 24, 2009 - January 3, 2009. On Dec. 23, 2009, the AIBC will be open from 8:30 a.m. - noon. The office will reopen on Jan. 4, 2010.

 

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.

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 believe 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.

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 - Tuesday, 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.

Upcoming Exhibit: Okanagan Architecture Exhibit

January 6 – February 15, 2010
AIBC Gallery: #100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Opening Reception: January 12, 2010, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Several works completed by Okanagan-area architects will be presented at the AIBC Gallery from January 6 – February 15, 2010. The exhibit features projects completed by architects working and living in a common Canadian landscape – a valley defined by its desert climate, bountiful lakes, pine forests and blue sky. Many of these projects have been recognized with Governor General and Lieutenant Governor awards. The exhibit aims to advance public knowledge of quality design, and to highlight the architect’s role in enhancing communities and improving lives. This exhibit is sponsored by the B.C. Chapter of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.

An opening reception will be held January 12. Advance reservations are required; please email communications@aibc.ca to confirm  your attendance.

 

LetsGoForDinner.com

For your holiday feasts this season, take advantage of LetsGoForDinner.com, an online membership program that allows you save at your favorite restaurants. Mention your ClubAIBC affiliation, and save $25 on gift certificates redeemable at Water Street Cafe, Wild Rice, Century Restaurant, and a wide range of restaurants in Vancouver and Whistler. For more information, or to sign up, visit http://www.LetsGoForDinner.com.

ClubAIBC has added new partners to its corporate discount program. To find out more about ClubAIBC's new offerings, visit http://www.aibc.intrd.com

EOI: St. Augustine's School

The St. Augustine’s School building committee is requesting Expressions of Interest for the provision of
Architectural Services for a new school building on the site of the existing school at 2145 West Eighth
Avenue in Vancouver.

St. Augustine’s is a co-ed elementary school in the Catholic independent school system with students
from kindergarten to grade 7. Fund raising is underway for a new school. It is the intent of the
building committee to retain an architectural firm to assist with preliminary planning and building
layout. The resulting design drawings will be used by the committee, forming part of a submission to
the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Once funding goals for the new school have been achieved, it is our
intent that the architect will be retained for complete design services. The proposed approximate
3,000 gsm building may be constructed in two phases.

Interested architectural firms are invited to submit their Expression of Interest for this
project by 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 12, 2010. Interested firms can view the complete call for
expressions of interest at: http://www.faithandfoundation.com/Support_Construction.html

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.

City of Vancouver Olympic Service Levels

Staff from many City of Vancouver departments will be providing support to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. As a result, some services levels will be affected for the period of the games, February 11-28, 2010. This includes Development Services, Planning, Licenses and Inspections as well as the Engineering Services Group (Crossroads location). New applications, fully completed, will be accepted for trades, tenant improvements, laneway housing, renovations to conditional one- and two-family dwellings, new “outright” one- and two-family dwellings, tree removal, signs, and “over the counter” development and building permits. Enquiries only will be accepted for project facilitation, rezonings, subdivision and strata approvals, and larger development and building permits. Inspections, building licenses, occupancy permits, property research and copies of building plans will be processed on a limited basis. Those who anticipate requiring any such services during the Olympics are encouraged to contact the city in advance. Additional information can be found online at http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices/

Metro Vancouver Non-road Diesel Engine Initiative

Between November 24 and December 1, 2009, Metro Vancouver (Greater Vancouver Regional District) held three public workshops across the region to review the proposed Non-road Diesel Engine Initiative with industry representatives and members of the public.  The goal of the initiative is to reduce particulate matter emissions from non-road diesel engines in order to improve air quality and public health in Metro Vancouver, and reduce the effects of climate change.  The region is now forming a working group with representatives from industry and government. The working group will be asked to meet, review and discuss the details of the proposed initiative, which is slated to go before the Metro Vancouver (GVRD) Board of Directors for their consideration in 2010.If you would were unable to attend the workshops but would like to provide feedback, please download the workshop presentation and discussion guide, or complete the discussion guide online, at www.metrovancouver.org/services/permits/DieselEmissions/Pages/DiscussionGuide.aspx and return it to Metro Vancouver by January 15, 2010. To learn more about the Non-road Diesel Engine Initiative, please visit www.metrovancouver.org/services/permits/DieselEmissions or contact Metro Vancouver.

Call for Papers: Heritage Challenges Conference

École de design and Institut du patrimoine of Université du Québec à Montréal are organizing a conference entitled “Preserving Modern Architecture in Québec, Canada, and Elsewhere: Heritage Challenges and the Mobilization of Knowledge”. It will be held in Montréal from October 14 - 17, 2010. Submissions are currently being accepted for conference presenters. For detailed information, including the Call for Papers, visit the conference web site (available in January) at http://www.ip.uqam.ca/

2010 BC Real Estate Convention

The 6th Annual BC Real Estate Convention takes place April 8-9, 2010 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This annual event, which brings together developers, realtors, municipalities, financial institutions, insurance agencies, associations and many other involved in the real estate industry, will be of interest to anyone involved with residential or commercial real estate. It features highly informative speakers, seminars, exhibitions, networking and investment opportunities. Admission is free with pre-registration. Go to http://www.bcrealestateconvention.com/bcrec/main/frame.php?main=22.

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

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.

West Coast Community Making

Vancouver’s Urban Arts Architecture is part of an innovative exhibit currently on display at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto. Titled "A Question of Place", it features the firm's regional ideas about community making and the use of innovative wood technologies. The exhibit concept uses wood as a significant building material in the development of Vancouver, expanding on a vision for creating community space inspired by the view from sitting on a log at one of the city’s many beaches. It also highlights innovative cross laminated timber (CLT) construction. A video of the exhibit can be found online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA41U0EEK3Q. It runs until January 5, 2010

2009 Canadian Architect Awards of Excellence

Canadian Architect has announced the winners of its 2009 Awards of Excellence, given each year to architects and architectural graduates for buildings in the design stage. This year, four Awards of Excellence were awarded:

• architectsAlliance and Maclennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects in joint venture for Block 31 in Toronto, Ontario; 
• atelier TAG + Jodoin Lamarre Pratte, Architects in Consortium for the Bibliothèque Raymond-Lévesque in Longueuil, Quebec;           
• RDH Architects Inc. for the Newmarket Operations Centre in Newmarket, Ontario; and
• the Arcop Group for the Jaypee Corporate Offices in Noida, India.

Among the six teams chosen for Awards of Merit was Vancouver-based D’Arcy Jones Design Inc. This year’s winners have been selected by a jury consisting of Gregory Henriquez MAIBC of Henriquez Partners Architects in Vancouver, Jean-Pierre LeTourneux of Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux Architectes in Montreal, and Paul Raff of Paul Raff Studio and RVTR in Toronto. Detailed information can be found online at http://www.canadianarchitect.com/issues/isarticle.asp?aid=1000351330&link_source=aypr_CA&link_targ=DailyNews#

 

 

Swiss Vote Delivers Blow to Architectural Freedom

By Roger K. Lewis, Washington Post
December 12, 2009

Imagine outlawing in America the construction of a particular architectural element because some citizens perceive it to be culturally undesirable or symbolically threatening. Presumably offensive structures, design motifs and ornamental art could be prohibited. Bans could apply to architectural features associated with certain political, social or religious groups, or with specific building types and materials. Rowhouses with flat roofs, exposed concrete block, synthetic siding or chain-link fencing could be prohibited. More …

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