2010 Annual Fees (Registrants and Firms)

Annual fees are due and payable on or before February 1, 2010. To pay fees online, simply go to http://aibc.memberpro.net and log on. Those registrants who have both a personal registration and a firm licence (certificate of practice) are reminded that you will need to access two different web pages.

• Click here for more information
• Click here to view Bulletin 01: 2010 Fees, Fines & Charges

To Be or Not to Be … In Good Standing

The Architects Act says that annual fees are payable on or before February 1 each year and that if a member, firm, licensee or associate does not pay those fees on or before February 1, they cease to be “in good standing”.

What exactly does it mean to be “not in good standing”?

• Click here for more information
• Click here to view Bulletin 01: 2010 Fees, Fines & Charges

Council Responses to 2009 Motions-from-the-floor

At its January 2010 meeting, AIBC Council completed its review and approved its responses to a series of four motions-from-the-floor (MFTF) that were supported at the 2009 Annual Meeting (the motions can be found in the draft June 27 Minutes of the Annual Meeting, under item 6.0). While noting that that any such motions are advisory and non-binding to Council, and that the specific motions had some specific wording challenges, Council reiterated its commitment to giving them due consideration with particular attention to the intents behind them. Council's responses are as follows:

Response to MFTF 6.1
Council policy now supports outcomes-based competency evaluation as one method of determining an individual’s capacity to meet registration criteria, and is actively doing that for candidates seeking to become architects.

Council is sensitive to concerns of some architects about possible/perceived effects of an expanded regulatory sphere under a revised Architects Act. Council respects these concerns.  Council is of the opinion that the public interest will be best served if/when buildings of size/typology that currently can be designed and constructed under direction of people without proven competency and methods of accountability require competent and accountable professionals to design and review their construction. Future membership categories, if any, will be defined and limited by stringent competency standards commensurate with the complexity of work required under any scope of practice granted to that membership category.

Council is committed to an ongoing strategy of principled engagement/consultation with the membership; is not contemplating legislation-specific drafting in 2010; but remains open to the prospect of the Architects Act applying to a broader scope of building sizes/types/complexities than is now the case.

Response to MFTF 6.2
Prior drafts of a new statute are set aside. The provincial government is interested in receiving only essential components/directions/needs developed by the AIBC and Council arising from a demonstrated consultation process.

That process will elicit input, dialogue and support before any related submission to government, which will be shared with the membership.

Response to MFTF 6.3
The AIBC has a broad statutory mandate. Primarily a regulatory body, it also has the duty and capacity (under legislation and bylaws) to deliver programs and services to support the public interest by strengthening the profession (e.g.) in matters of practice, professional development and public/industry outreach and collaboration. 

The AIBC is, however, limited (in mandate, resources and priority attention) in the nature and extent to which it should/can address matters of advocacy purely on behalf of architects.

In order to address any advocacy gap, there already exist these two avenues:

• Architectural Foundation of BC (AFBC)
• Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC)

Members are encouraged to join one or more of the abovementioned groups. They both are necessarily at arms-length from, but are on amicable terms with, the AIBC. The AFBC is already an “independent society” within our profession. The RAIC recently established a BC chapter.

Council believes it is beyond the scope of the Architects Act to establish a committee to explore this avenue.

Response to MFTF 6.4
Council recognizes and acknowledges members’ interests in a process that is open, inclusive and engages the full range of stakeholder input and involvement.

To that end, Council has begun an engagement process, key components of which include:

• Face-to-face consultation
• Open forums with principled discussion
• Sharing clear information
• Canvassing informed thought and opinion
• Surveying/polling feedback (note: referendum is not available under the Act)

Council will listen carefully and utilize stakeholder feedback to inform its future directions and decisions consistent with its governance of the institute in the public interest. Council will continue forward on this basis.

Document 8C

We are pleased to announce that a new contract is now available: ‘AIBC Document 8C - 2010 Standard Short Form Contract Between Client and Consultant’. It supersedes ‘AIBC Document 8 Standard Short Form Agreement Between Client and Architect’. The new contract has been developed by the AIBC Contracts Committee (chaired by Monica Baillie MAIBC) in cooperation with, and endorsed by, the Consulting Engineers of BC.  It is designed to be used by both architects and professional engineers in situations where the more comprehensive forms of agreement are not required. It is also suitable for use as a stand-alone contract for small, simple projects or limited scopes of service, or as an interim agreement, permitting professional services to commence while a more appropriate and complete contract is being prepared.

A reminder to all that a written agreement is a requirement per Bylaw 28.0. Practitioners are encouraged to review this new client-consultant contract and its accompanying guide, as well as Bulletin 67, ‘Terms of Engagement’, which addresses obligations regarding client-architect agreements.

Click here to open AIBC Document 8C (with Guide)

Click here to open Bulletin 67

The contract is being delivered by means of an interactive .pdf form which is available for download at no charge. When the contract is ready for use with a client, an AIBC Authorization Seal is to be affixed (to each copy) without which it is not valid. The AIBC Authorization Seals are available for architects and professional engineers from the AIBC. They can be purchased in person or via mail for $10 each. Please contact the AIBC front desk to obtain your order form.

Maura Gatensby MAIBC
Director of Professional Services
mgatensby@aibc.ca

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 Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 4:30 p.m.

Advance Notice for Potential AIBC Council Nominees

AIBC Council invites you to consider running for election. All architects in good standing are entitled to nominate and elect their representatives to council. Once elected, council members are called upon to represent the public interest and support the good of the profession as a whole. Responsibilities include participation in council meetings, involvement with assigned boards and task forces, contributing to council’s development of policy and planning for the institute’s future directions. Registrants from the associate categories of Architectural Technologists, Building Designers/Residential Designers, IDIBC-registered Interior Designers, and Intern Architects have a parallel opportunity to nominate and elect a non-voting council liaison from within their respective ranks. Those elected serve two-year terms. Watch for the formal “Call for Nominations” in early February.

Nominations will close on March 18, 2010.

Next Oral Review Session – March 2010

Due to the timing of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the next oral review session will be held on March 23 and 24. The application form is available to download. Oral reviews are open to those Intern Architects who have both completed and logged at least 2800 hours, along with the required AIBC courses. Alternative Qualifications Candidates who are eligible to sit the oral review may also apply.

Those candidates planning on take part in this round of oral reviews are invited to attend an Oral Review Preparation Workshop on Wednesday, March 3, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the AIBC offices.

Update: AIBC Bylaw Proposals Disallowed

Prior to Christmas, the AIBC was informed that the bylaw proposals voted on by members earlier in 2009 and tabled with government had been disallowed as is government’s prerogative under the Architects Act. The institute has now received the rationale for that decision. The proposed bylaws related to a requirement that AIBC Council publish to its membership any proposed changes to the Architects Act or enabling legislation, as well as carry out advance consultation with members who might be affected by any proposed new legislation. According to the Honourable Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development:

“I have been advised that there is no authority under the Architects Act for the making of bylaws requiring consultation by Council with the membership of AIBC. Having received that advice, I recommended to the Lieutenant Governor in Council that the bylaws be disallowed pursuant to section 25(2) of the Act on the basis they are ultra vires the Act. The Lieutenant Governor in Council accepted that recommendation and has disallowed Bylaws 36.1 and 36.2.”

The order in council was passed on November 26. While the provincial government was not prepared to approve the bylaws, the minister did express support for the principles of disclosure and consultation on matters of legislative reform, in keeping with AIBC Council’s ongoing member engagement activities.

Online Course Registration is Up and Running

Those interested in registering for AIBC courses can now do so online. We do appreciate the patience shown while we’ve been working out various technical glitches.

MAIBCs, ATs, BDs and RDs: As participants in the AIBC’s Continuing Education System, you should have already acquired your Logon ID and Password. This is what you will need to register online for a course. Once you’ve accessed your file, click on “Events” to see the course schedule.

Intern Architects and Applicants: You should have received an e-mail in December about getting new logon instructions that will allow you to access your file. If you do not have your Logon ID and Password, please go to 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 instruction. Should you require additional information or support, please contact Aleta Cho at acho@aibc.ca or Catherine Bolter at cbolter@aibc.ca.

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.

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) were e-mailed to every firm on October 15, with an identified owner / administrator and e-mail address, and mailed to all other firms 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 (Proscenium Architecture and Interiors Inc.)

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.

Consultation spots are available throughout 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 (2010) – Fees, Fines and Charges

An updated edition of Bulletin 01 (2010) - Fees, Fines and Charges is now available online at http://www.aibc.ca/bulletins/Bulletin_01.pdf.

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

Simon Fraser University City Program

Free Public Lecture: PlanTalk: The Chicago School - Insights from Sadhu Johnston and Mike Shiffer

Welcome two of Vancouver's newest city-shapers as they share their experiences from one of North America's most vibrant cities - Chicago. Vancouver Deputy City Manager Sahdu Johnston and TransLink Vice-President of Planning Mike Shiffer both worked in “The Windy City”, one in the Mayor's office and the other with the Chicago Transit Authority, at a time when sustainability was emerging as a key platform in the city's political culture. This lecture is jointly sponsored by the Planning Institute of British Columbia - South Coast Chapter, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Metro Vancouver Chapter, and Simon Fraser University’s City Program. It happens Wednesday, January 27, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the SFU Segal Building, 500 Granville Street, Vancouver. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Reserve at www.sfu.ca/reserve. For a complete listing of upcoming SFU courses and lectures, please visit http://www.sfu.ca/city/.

2 Non-Core LUs

 

Featured Course: Making Change Happen: Building Commitment to Create Sustainability

This course enhances the ability of participants to be effective sustainability champions, regardless of whether they are newcomers, social-change enthusiasts or old-hand sustainability leaders. Participants benefit from the expertise of lecturers from the public and private sectors. The first day moves from an exploration of what it takes to make change happen, to a hands-on workshop on facilitating effective change processes. The second day introduces key change ideas and leads into an interactive team exercise based on a real-life case study. In addition, participants will have an opportunity to create a personal plan for taking change ideas and tools forward in their work. It takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on January 22 & 23, 2010,. The cost is $600. For details and registration information, please visit http://www.sfu.ca/city/course7popup.htm

14 Non-core LUs

British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Centre for Architectural Ecology

Grow2000: Planting in the Pacific Northwest

The course will provide participants with a good understanding of the role that green roofs can play in the conservation of biodiversity in urban environments. They will explore an ecological approach to plant selection and design into current green roof design practices. Using critical thinking to analyze the underlying issues of sustainability, biodiversity and natural processes, students will develop an appropriate plant selection for green roofs in the Pacific Northwest. They will study in detail a range of plants available in regional ecosystems and investigate their growing requirements as well as some non-native plants used in the green roof industry. They will also study the relationships between plant function, plant form and canopy complexity on plant survival and habitat implications. Students will practice the basic principles of plant design based on site conditions, plant function, species mix, berries, pollen, and habitat, through the preparation of a planting plan for an actual project. The course includes a green roof tour and visit to a local nursery. To register, please visit www.greenroof.bcit.ca or contact Administration and Technology Transfer Coordinator Jonathan Hays by email (Jonathan_Hays@bcit.ca) or or by phone (604-456-1007).

January 23, 30, and February 6, 2010 – 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (18 hours over 3 days)
BCIT, Great Northern Way Campus (555 Great Northern Way, Vancouver).

18 Core LUs

BC Wood

Wood Products R&D Tour: FPInnovations and the Centre for Advanced Wood Processing (CAWP)

You are invited to join BC Wood and partners FPInnovations (Canada's national wood products research institute) and CAWP (The University of British Columbia's Centre for Advanced Wood Processing) to learn what is new and innovative in wood developing products. FPInnovations and CAWP develop and test innovative wood developing products such as new building systems, engineered wood products, windows, doors, flooring and furniture.

The session takes place Wednesday, February 3, 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (lunch provided) at FPInnovations, 2665 East Mall (UBC campus, near the stadium), Vancouver. Space is limited so please RSVP as soon as possible by calling Barbara Bell at barbara.bell@fpinnovations.ca or 604 803 1169.

3 Core LUs

AIBC Vancouver Island Chapter Meeting

The next meeting of the AIBC’s Vancouver Island Chapter is Thursday, January 28, 2010, 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Ambrosia Centre, 638 Fisgard Street. This event is sponsored by Steelcase Inc. Speakers Craig Anderson and Joe Basic will discuss acoustics in buildings, touching on options for improving acoustical environments. This is a free event. However, preregistration is required for catering purposes. Please confirm you attendance by January 26 to John Coe at jmcoe@shaw.ca.

1 Core LU

Cascadia Region Green Building Council

Design & Build New Energy-Efficient Hospital and Healthcare Facilities Workshop

The BC Hydro Power Smart New Construction Program and Cascadia Region Green Building Council are pleased to offer this new full-day workshop for architects, engineers, owners, developers, and designers involved in new healthcare and hospital facilities. Panel discussions and networking opportunities follow the afternoon session. Morning session speakers include Heather Burpee M. Arch, Integrated Design Lab + Dept of Architecture, University of Washington; Chris Corps BSc MRICS, President - Asset Strategics Ltd.; Luis Damy P.Eng., Manager - High Performance Building Program, BC Hydro; Joel Loveland M. Arch, Integrated Design Lab + Dept of Architecture, University of Washington; Ray Pradinuk MAIBC, Principal - Leader Healthcare Research and Innovation Group, Stantec Consulting; Dennis Wilde, Principal - Gerding Edlen Development; and Jessica Woolliams LEED Ap, M. PL, BC Director - Cascadia Region GBC. Afternoon session speakers include Boriana Arguirova P. Eng., Associate and Project Manager - Building Engineering, Stantec's Health Care Group; Paul Marmion P. Eng., Senior Principal - Healthcare Research and Innovation Group, Stantec Consulting; and Caesar Ruest, Autodesk's BIM Solutions Executive. It takes place Thursday, January 28 at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, 580 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. To register, please call Jessica Woolliams (604) 909-9559. Additional information including pricing can be found online at http://www.cascadiagbc.org/events/2010/january/.

7.5 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: Okanagan Architecture Exhibit

January 6 – February 9, 2010
AIBC Gallery: #100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Several works completed by Okanagan-area architects are being 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.

Upcoming Exhibit: BienVenue: 2010 Games Architecture

February 10 – March 1, 2010
AIBC Gallery: #100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Opening Reception: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The Architectural Institute of British Columbia presents a unique exhibit from February 10 to March 1, 2010. Designed to coincide with the 2010 games, this exhibit will showcase the innovative work of B.C. architects and firms involved in designing competition and non-competition venues.

The AIBC Gallery is free and open to the public Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. An opening reception will be held Thursday, February 11. Advance reservations are required; please e-mail communications@aibc.ca to confirm your attendance.

Click here to preview a slideshow of current project submissions.

LetsGoForDinner.com

For your culinary needs this winter, 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

CHOP II – Hard Copy

The print 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 print version, encompassing three binders, includes a list of acronyms, index, checklists, charts, sample forms, and more than 600 pages of text. Note: As with the First Edition, CCDC contract documents are not included, and must be purchased separately. CD-ROM and PDF versions are also available. 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.

Seismic Slope Changes

New requirements for seismic slope stability have been added to the BC Building Code, effective February 1, 2010. Details on the new standards can be found online at http://www.housing.gov.bc.ca/building/bulletins/B10_01_seismic_slope_stability.pdf. For further information, please contact Steven Kuan, Seismic Engineer - Building and Safety Policy Branch - Ministry of Housing and Social Development, by phone (604-218-0296) or e-mail (Steven.Kuan@gov.bc.ca).

BC Safety Authority Directive - Elevators

The BC Safety Authority has issued a directive on ‘safety zones’ for elevating devices. This directive has a direct impact on the space planning of any building with an elevator, as it requires a specific unobstructed area for passengers entering or leaving an elevator.

Click here for the directive.

Canadian Architectural Practices Benchmark Study

Canadian Architect has released its 2009 Canadian Architectural Practices Benchmark Study. This national report provides a means of assessing industry norms such as how your firm's billings and growth compares to others, whether your management compensation is on par with others, and how much other firms are spending on information technology and marketing. To order a copy of the report, go to www.canadianarchitect.com/benchmark. To view a related video, visit www.canadianarchitect.com/video/benchmark.asp.

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.

New Standards for Adaptable Housing

An amendment to the B.C. Building Code concerning Adaptable Dwelling Units came 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.

 

Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy

Metro Vancouver is consulting local residents and other stakeholders on the latest draft of its regional growth strategy, Metro Vancouver 2040: Shaping our future. This draft incorporates feedback gathered from municipalities and members of the public in the spring of 2009. The draft will now be shared and discussed at a series of public meetings throughout January, which you are invited to attend. For dates, locations and to register, as well as detailed information on the draft plan, visit www.metrovancouver.org/planning/development/strategy.

Public Meetings

Vancouver:	Monday, January 25, 2010, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Plaza 500 Hotel, 500 West 12th Avenue
Coquitlam:	Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Executive Inn, 405 North Road
White Rock:	Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., City Council Chambers, 15322 Buena Vista Avenue

Webinar: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 11:00 am – 12:00 noon

How do we maintain livability in the region while advancing sustainability? Presented by Johnny Carline, CAO/Chief Administrative Officer – Metro Vancouver. He and other Metro Vancouver staff will be available for the “question and answer” portion of the webinar.

To pre-register and for more information including details on the draft plan, the consultation history and process, and more ways to join the conversation, visit the website at: www.metrovancouver.org/planning/development/strategy.

Call for Entries: World Sustainable Building Conference

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

High Performance Design Exhibition

The Charles H. Scott Gallery at Vancouver’s Emily Carr University of Art + Design features a design exhibition from January 20 to March 7, 2010. Titled High Performance, it showcases a selection of products from the field of sports and recreation that showcase the innovative work of Canadian designers. With rugged landscapes, vast distances, and harsh winters, the Canadian environment has challenged designers and inspired the development of products that enable individuals to pursue activities in the Canadian landscape. Many products, such as kayaks and snowshoes, have evolved from their traditional designs into modern pieces through the use of high-tech materials, advanced manufacturing processes and new design strategies. Featured works include GV Snowshoes, G3 Genuine Guide Gear, Homegrown Skateboards, Gatt Sled, Hennessey Hammock, Feathercraft Products, BIXI Public Bike System, Knolly Bikes, Toby’s Cycle Works, Islander Reels, Arc’teryx, Cervélo Cycles, Boblbee, Dakine and the Original Maple Bat Corporation. The exhibition, with a unifying theme of “high performance”, is curated by Greg Bellerby and designed by Campos Leckie and Oliver Neumann in collaboration with the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and the University of Toronto Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, and presented with support of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad. For more information, please visit http://chscott.ecuad.ca/exhibitions/201001_high_performance.html.

Architects Respond to Haiti Quake

On January 12, a powerful earthquake hit the impoverished nation of Haiti, causing widespread damage and loss of life estimated to be in the tens of thousands. Architecture for Humanity, the international non-profit design services organization, has already begun working with local Non-governmental Organizations to support the rebuilding effort. An appeal is being made to the architectural community for the supply of construction and design professionals as well as support in the provision of earthquake resistant housing and community structures. To contribute to the rebuilding effort, visit http://architectureforhumanity.org/donate/form?program=haiti. For update on the situation in Haiti, you can go to http://www.architectureforhumanity.org/updates/2010-01-13-haiti-quake-appeal-update-massive-quake-and-aftershocks-caus.

Laurie Olin on Landscape Architecture

H.J. Webb and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture & Landscape Architecture are pleased to present as pat of the 2009-2010 lecture series, “Civic Delight” with Laurie Olin FASLA RLA. Olin, a Professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, is also a successful author and highly-regarded landscape architect. His portfolio of award-winning projects includes Bryant Park in New York and the J. Paul Getty Centre in Los Angeles. In 2008, his Philadelphia-based firm received the 2008 Landscape Design Award from the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum for excellence in landscape design and dedication to sustainability. This free lecture takes place on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 6:30 p.m. at the UBC Forest Science Centre.

Canadian Society for Marketing Professional Services

The Canadian Society for Marketing Professional Services invites you to attend two half-day workshops on Wednesday, January 27, 2010. Titled “Learn the Art of Differentiating Yourself”, these sessions will teach you how to differentiate yourself, your firm, and your services from the competition. Presenter Dr. Janet Sanders, a recognized industry leader on marketing, branding and presentation skills, will discuss how to create rapport, develop trust, and successfully change your firm's approach to creating proposals. The breakfast session, “The First 30 Seconds: What to Say and Do, and NOT Say and Do, in the First Critical Meeting With a Prospect”, goes from 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. The luncheon workshop, “How to Break Out of the Pack by Breaking Out of ‘Same Old, Same Old’”, runs from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. Both take place at the Four Seasons Hotel, 791 West Georgia Street, Vancouver. The fee is $175 for single sessions and $300 for the whole day ($95 and $175 for CSMPS members). For more information, contact Wendy Thompson by phone (604-818-6614) or e-mail (info@csmps.com), or visit the website at www.csmps.com.

Save the Date: Building SustainABLE Communities

The Fresh Outlook Foundation is hosting its fourth Building SustainABLE Communities conference in Kelowna, BC from November 16 to 18, 2010. Speakers include:

• Terry Tamminen: Climate action advisor to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and BC Premier Gordon Campbell. Author of Lives Per Gallon: The True Cost of Our Energy Addiction. 
• Dr. Reginald Bibby: Sociologist at the University of Lethbridge and Canada's premier tracker and interpreter of social trends.
• Michael Kinsley: A senior consultant with the Rocky Mountain Institute who has helped build sustainable economies and environments since 1983.

For more information, please visit www.freshoutlookfoundation.org.

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, Licences 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 licences, 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/

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.

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.

Wood Design Awards

Entries are now being accepted for the sixth annual Wood Design Awards. This year’s event will feature two new award categories: The Premier’s Wood Champion Award and the Innovation Award. The Premier’s Wood Champion Award will honour an individual or organization demonstrating advocacy in the use of wood in construction in B.C. or abroad, or contributing significantly to the selection of wood in projects that demonstrate innovation of design with wood or the use of wood as a sustainable, climate-friendly building project. The Innovation Award will recognize creative and innovative approaches in the use of wood in building design, product design and/or processes. Other categories include: Residential; Green Building; Multi-unit Residential; Commercial; Institutional < $10 M; Institutional > $10 M; Western Red Cedar; Interior Beauty Design; Architect; and Engineer. The awards gala, March 29 at the Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver, celebrates excellence in structural and architectural uses of wood and provides an opportunity for architects, engineers, building designers, builders and project owners to showcase their projects. The call for nominations closes on Thursday, February 11. For more information and nomination forms, visit www.wood-works.ca.

A Fresh Look at 20th Century Architectural Heritage

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

Planners, Designers Mull Implications of Digital Surfaces

By Ted Smalley Bowen, Architectural Record
December 17, 2009

Look up from your cellphone and your pixelated field of vision stretches to the skyline. Electronic signs are everywhere, from billboards to taxis, and now buildings are becoming digital canvasses. Some are festooned with digital signs, some integrate lights and media to define space and add ornamentation, some combine those approaches. But with that expanded design palette, and the theoretical discussions about the relationship between media and architecture, comes the need to parse complex legalese, since digital facades potentially fall under regulations and ordinances governing signage and lighting. More …

Haiti Quake: A Plan for Reconstruction

By Cameron Sinclair, The Huffington Post
January 17, 2010

For those not used to working in disasters the first week is chaotic, filled with stories of heroism and despair. The first responders are not the NGOs or medical personal but the families of those who are injured or lost their lives. It is an overwhelming situation to be in. It is also not the time for architects to show up thinking they can rebuild. People are trying to find their loved ones not think about what their lives will look like in 5, 10 or 15 years. More …

Architect, or Whatever

By Kristina Shevory, New York Times
January 20, 2010

At the Ballard Farmers’ Market in Seattle on a recent weekend, passers-by could be forgiven for thinking John Morefield was running for political office. Smiling, waving and calling out hellos to everyone who walked by his stand, he was the picture of friendliness. All he needed was campaign buttons and fliers. In fact, Mr. Morefield, 29, is no politician, but an architectural designer looking for work. He was seated at a homemade wooden stand under a sign reading “Architecture 5¢,” with a tin can nearby awaiting spare change. For a nickel, he would answer any architectural question. More ...

 

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