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July 16, 2010
Important HST Information Update
Members and firms will have noted and already be using the HST-related information published in our June 4, 2010 eNews. That information was based upon material gathered from a number of reliable sources and remains largely correct. Regrettably, as we have become recently aware, some of that information relating to B.C. construction progress payments and the application of HST was incorrect. Many thanks to the sharp-eyed members who, in the course of applying the HST in their practices, discovered the difference and identified the issue for us. The correct procedures can be found here:
- http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/gi/notice246/notice246-e.pdf
(pages 29-30) - http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/documents_library/notices/HST_Notice_001.pdf
(pages 14-16)
Looking ahead, we are working on updating AIBC Practice Note 13 regarding value-added taxes, as well as adjusting the AIBC Tariff of Fees for Architectural Services (and related bulletins) as any project’s "contract price" (i.e. the cost of construction before value-added taxes as defined in CCDC construction contracts, AIBC Tariff of Fees and AIBC consulting contracts 6C and 8C) has been reduced with the elimination of the formerly embedded Provincial Sales Tax.
Thanks for your understanding.
Maura Gatensby MAIBC
Director of Professional Services
Fine-tuning Your Practice: The Practice Consultation Service answered your questions at this year’s Annual Conference
The AIBC Practice Consultation Service has proven to be a great success, providing feedback to firms of all ages and size with respect to their standard office practices and addressing questions relating to a variety of firm management topics. In kind, participating firms have provided their own valuable reflections on the process itself. The PCS has afforded them with a unique opportunity to step back and examine “the bigger picture”, and to ask more detailed questions relating to everyday practice management concerns.
At this year’s AIBC Annual Conference, the Practice Consultation Service Committee addressed a number of these questions in an open forum that promoted dialogue between Practice Consultants and fellow architects. Roundtable discussions offered the opportunity for attendees to share their own knowledge of design firm management relating to Digital Media & Information Management; Management of Projects (Process & Resources); and RFPs and Client/Consultant Agreements.
The feedback from the sessions has been overwhelmingly positive, with members citing it as an excellent opportunity to engage consultants directly as well as listen to the experiences of other fellow colleagues.
As a useful introduction to some of the topics that may be covered during a practice consultation, please take a look at the Practice Self-Assessment Rating Form available for download on the AIBC website:
http://aibc.ca/member_resources/practice/pdf/4.1_PCS_PSARF.pdf
To learn more about the PCS or to schedule a practice consultation, please contact Coordinator of Professional Practice, Erica Holt, by phone (604-683-8588; ext. 314) or e-mail (eholt@aibc.ca).
Continuing Education Annual Deadline
The end of the Continuing Education System reporting period was June 30, 2010. Architects, building designers, residential designers and architectural technologists with a registration date prior to July 1, 2009 were required to report 18 learning units by the end of June, of which at least eight were core learning units.
Thanks to all who have diligently reported their learning activities; it is expected that the high rate of compliance in previous reporting periods will continue. The Professional Development department is currently working on reviewing the high volume of submissions that inevitably arrive at the end of the reporting period. Final transcripts will be mailed out in August. Registrants who are not compliant with the requirements of the Continuing Education System are subject to a $750 fine.
As of July 1, 2010, all self-reports of learning activities must be reported online. If you need any assistance with online reporting, please contact Professional Development Coordinator Catherine Bolter (cbolter@aibc.ca) or Professional Development Coordinator Aleta Cho (acho@aibc.ca).
AIBC Summer Hours
Please note that the AIBC will be on summer hours during the months of July and August. Office hours are Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Regular hours will resume in September.
Architectural Walking Tours
This summer, discover the architectural details of B.C.'s two urban centres through the AIBC Architectural Walking Tours. Six scenic tours are available in both Vancouver and Victoria from July 2 - August 28, 2010. Tours begin at 1:00 p.m. daily (except Sundays and Mondays). The cost is $5 (Victoria) and $10 (Vancouver) per tour. Further information, including details on group tour arrangements, is available by calling (604) 683-8588 ext. 333 or by e-mailing tours@aibc.ca.
2010/2011 AIBC Council Meetings
AIBC council meets throughout the year, and AIBC registrants as well as
members of the public are always welcome to attend. Advance r.s.v.p.
required; please confirm your attendance by e-mailing Executive
Assistant
Katherine
Rau at krau@aibc.ca.
Click here for a complete listing of 2010 / 2011 AIBC council members.
Click here to see the schedule for 2010 / 2011 council meetings.
Building Envelope Education Program Course Registration
For those registrants wishing to complete the AIBC’s Building Envelope Education Program (BEEP), now is your chance. Follow the link http://www.aibc.ca/member_resources/professional_dev/index.html and check out the course descriptions and scheduled dates. You can also access it from the AIBC home page. Click on "Course Registration" under Quick Links and register online. These courses are only offered once a year, so don’t miss out.
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
British Columbia Building Envelope Council (BCBEC)
2010 Conference and AGM: Innovative Solutions – Building Tomorrow
The BC Building Envelope Council will be hosting a one-day conference. The conference will provide a discussion forum for the technical challenges and opportunities presented by increasingly sustainable building enclosure systems. Participants will share their experiences on a range of building enclosure issues including the investigation, repair, design, construction of projects, energy efficiency and retrofit strategies (including net-zero houses and energy-efficient high-rises.) The event takes place on September 22, 2010 at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver, BC. For details, visit http://www.bcbec.com/
6 Core LUs
Cascadia Region Green Building Council
LEED Canada Documentation Course (Victoria)*
This one day interactive workshop addresses the LEED certification process and the tools in place to assist applicants in seeking CaGBC LEED project certification for New Construction. This workshop addresses complex documentation requirements for the LEED NC 1.0 + addendum and the following application guides:
- Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURB)
- Campus and Multiple Buildings (CMB)
- Core and Shell (CS)
Due to time constraints, not all documentation requirements will be discussed in detail. This workshop does not address the NC 2009 documentation process. The event takes place on September 9, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Vancouver Island Technology Park at #2201-4464 Markham Street, Victoria. For details, visit http://cascadiagbc.org/
7 Core LUs
LEED Canada for New Constructions 2009 (Vancouver)*
This one day interactive workshop provides a technical review of the LEED Canada NC 2009 Rating System. Technologies and strategies that can assist in achieving credits are discussed, and participants are given the opportunity to consider the synergies between various credits. Case studies have been created to assist participants in applying their learning in relation to a real project scenario. This workshop also briefly identifies changes that have occurred during the evolution of the NC 1.0 Rating System and Addendum, to the 2009 system.The event takes place onSeptember 23, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings St., Vancouver.For details, visit http://cascadiagbc.org/
7 Core LUs
LEED Canada Core Concepts & Strategies Workshop (Victoria)*
This full-day workshop provides essential knowledge of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating Systems and sustainable building concepts. This workshop presents LEED concepts at the credit category level – across building types and rating systems – and the basics on the LEED certification process. It provides the foundation required for more advanced LEED training. Project examples help demonstrate and reinforce learning. The workshop takes place on September 28, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Vancouver Island Technology Park at #2201-4464 Markham Street, Victoria. For details, visit http://cascadiagbc.org/.
7 Core LUs
*Any CaGBC workshop will meet eligibility requirements for the Green Associate exam.
BC Hydro Power Smart Forum
BC Hydro’s annual Power Smart Forum takes place October 25-27 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The theme of this year’s forum, B.C.’s leading energy conservation conference, is Building the Green Economy. New to this year’s program is the opportunity to also attend BC Hydro’s Power Smart Excellence Awards on the evening of October 25. This year, the forum will feature internationally renowned speaker Dr. Thomas Homer-Dixon as well as prominent B.C. business leaders including Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts, BC Business Council CEO Virginia Greene, and Jonathan Rhone, President and CEO of Nexterra Systems. As in previous years, AIBC members have the opportunity to earn learning units for attending sessions. Registration opens August 19. Please visit www.bchydro.com/forum for more information.
Non-core and Core LUs Available
SFU City Program
A Field Guide to Transit Debates
As transit becomes more popular, many cities are having intense and often bitter quarrels about what kind of transit to build or operate. This timely session features Jarrett Walker, a consultant specializing in transit network design and policy with 20 years experience on four continents. Currently, he is a principal consultant for McCormick Rankin Cagney, based in Sydney, Australia. Working from 20 years of experience as a transit planning consultant, Walker will examine some of the most common confusions that affect debate about transit, and that often lead to disappointing outcomes. He will also suggest strategies for clarifying transit debates, by recognizing the unavoidable “hard choices” that arise from transit’s intrinsic geometry and costs. It happens Wednesday, August 4, 7:00 p.m. at SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. Admission is free; reservations are required. Reserve at www.sfu.ca/reserve.
2 Non-core LUs
BC Wood
2010 PNE Show Home Tour
BC Wood is pleased to partner with Woodtone in presenting a private showing
and tour of the 2010 Pacific National Exhibition show home prior to its
public opening. This event showcases the most environmentally sustainable
exterior cladding material on the market: wood. Woodtone is the supplier
of the entire exterior package for the PNE show home, which uses manufactured
wood sourced from the pine beetle-infested forests of British Columbia.
Through this tour, attendees will learn about:
- The numerous ways wood from B.C.’s Mountain Pine Beatle-infested forests can be utilized for cladding; trim & fascia; engineered corners; and soffits for porch areas;
- The 25 year warranty on factory coatings on exterior products used on the show home; and
- How wood, if finished and applied correctly, can be low maintenance.
It takes place Thursday, July 22, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Please r.s.v.p. to Jason Nickel by e-mail (jasonn@woodtone.com) or telephone (604) 888-3167.
1 Non-core LU
Global Buyers Mission 2010
BC Wood is pleased to announce its seventh annual Global Buyers Mission
(GBM), to be held at Whistler Village from September 9 - 11, 2010. GBM
2010 is an excellent opportunity for architects and designers to learn
and connect with producers of world-class wood products from B.C. and
the rest of Canada. Building on the success of last year’s event,
GBM 2010 offers a complete architect and designer program including the
chance to learn up to eight core learning units through seminars given
by industry leaders and site-visits to some of Whistler’s architectural
marvels. Participants also have the opportunity to meet with close to
100 exhibitors from the value-added wood industry, along with social
and networking events with domestic and international colleagues. Due
to funding cutbacks, there will be a $300 fee this year, which covers
two nights’ accommodation at one of Whistler’s luxury hotels,
two major social / networking events, meals, and a return transfer from
downtown Vancouver or the Vancouver International Airport (details available
upon request). For more information, please contact Roy Manion by phone
(604-882-7100) or e-mail (rmanion@bcwood.com). Information is also available
online at www.bcwood.com.
Canadian Wood Council / Wood WORKS! BC
Webinar: The Wood First Act in B.C.
Do you have questions about the new Wood First Act in B.C.? The act, which
received royal assent on October 29, 2009, requires provincially-funded
projects to use wood as the primary construction material where appropriate
and within the BC Building Code. Wood WORKS! BC has been asked to assist
communities with the Wood First Act's “build with wood” requirements,
and is pleased to present this webinar designed to provide answers and
practical information. It features Werner Hofstatter, Wood WORKS! BC
Wood First Advisor who recently served as the Director of the Ministry
of Forest & Range's Wood First Initiative, along with Wood WORKS!
BC technical advisors Peter Moonen and Bill Billups. The webinar is available
online beginning Tuesday, June 15 at 9:30 a.m. Go to www.WoodFirstAct.Info.
1 Core LU
IMAGINiT Technologies
Revit Architecture 2011 BIM Management
Revit Architecture is a powerful Building Information Modeling (BIM) program
that supports the ability to coordinate, update, and share design data
with team members throughout the design, construction, and management
phases. The objective of the Revit Architecture 2011 BIM Management course
is to enable students who have worked with Revit to expand their knowledge
in setting up office standards. Specific topics include setting up templates
with annotation styles, preset views, sheets and schedules, as well as
custom element types and families. By creating standard templates and
custom elements, a key component in the BIM process is to establish a
company foundation for different types of projects. Doing so ensures
that new projects flow smoothly and efficiently. The length of this training
session is one day. Please contact Kam Seignarack of IMAGINiT Technologies
for more information at 604-207-2114 or by e-mail kseignarack@rand.com.
6.5 Core LUs
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: Prefab 20*20: Visions for 400 Square Foot Homes
July 19 – August 23, 2010
AIBC Gallery: #100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver
This exhibit showcases submissions from Prefab 20*20, a recent international open ideas competition. The competition challenged designers to propose free-standing, prefabricated dwelling units covering a footprint of no more than 400 square feet (37.5sm) in an urban setting anywhere in the world. Each unit was required to accommodate two adults, with room for sleeping, bathing, cooking, working, studying and storage. A total of 285 teams from 149 cities and 26 countries responded to the call. This exhibit will feature the winner, two runners-up, four honorable mentions, shortlisted and local entries. Prefab 20*20 was organized by Architecture for Humanity Vancouver, the Architectural Institute of British Columbia, and Interior Design Show West. It was sponsored by Azure Magazine. The exhibit will also include samples from the recent Architecture for Humanity “Quickhomes Superchallenge,” featuring immediate Vancouver housing design proposals integrating prefabricated and modular structure design. The AIBC Gallery is free and open to the public Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
New Summer Offerings
Club AIBC, the official corporate benefits program for AIBC members, has expanded its offerings for the summer months. Members can now take advantage of subscriptions and special offers for popular niche magazines such as BC Outdoors, Cottage, Canadian Aviator, Pacific Yachting and Western Sportsman. A special introductory offer is available to Club AIBC members until August 31, 2010. For more information, visit www.aibc.intrd.com.
BCDC-2 2008 Updated to Reflect the HST
Registered users of the BCDC-2 2008 document are advised that the document has been updated with regard to the Harmonized Sales Tax. To access the document visit http://www.pccbc.com/preregistration.html
Green Dream Home Demonstration
The Green Dream Home, an energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly home in Kamloops, has reached the demonstration phase. The project is the first of two Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) EQuilibrium™ Housing Initiative demonstration homes in B.C. to be completed and opened for public tours, and the eighth to open across Canada. The home was built by Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central Interior and Thompson Rivers University as part of an initiative to encourage builders and developers to build the next generation of sustainable housing. The Green Dream Home combines state-of-the-art energy-efficient design and construction techniques with renewable energy production.
New RAIC ED
The Royal Architecture Institute of Canada has announced the appointment of Jim McKee at the RAIC’s new executive director, effective July 19, 2010. McKee previously headed the Coalition for Cultural Diversity, involved in mobilizing cultural organizations in Canada and elsewhere in support of the UNESCO Convention on the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. He has also previously worked for the Writers Guild of Canada, Transport Canada, First City Trust and Deloitte & Touche. He replaces Jon Hobbs, who had held the position since 2001.
BC Cultural Crawl 2010
The BC Cultural Crawl is a self-guided tour of community-initiated events: music, theatre and dance performances, visual arts, festivals, museum and heritage exhibitions, culinary arts, community art walks and more. This year’s crawl takes place throughout August in communities across the province. For detailed information on local cultural tours, community art walks, itineraries, maps and other resources you need to plan your own exploration, visit www.art-bc.com or contact culturalcrawl@art-bc.com
Ride-Share Week 2010
The fourth annual Ride-Share Week takes place October 4-8, 2010. For the first time, this annual week of promotion and participation in ridesharing will be expanding province-wide. Organized by the Jack Bell Ride-Share Foundation, this event is designed to promote and raise awareness for active, sustainable transportation. Using the Jack Bell Ride-Share database (https://online.ride-share.com/en/my/), individuals and businesses can sign up to match journeys and start enjoying greener commutes. RSW Coordinators will receive a “Green Zebra Guide”, a local savings book for sustainable living. Promotional materials will be provided in mid-August, and prizes will be awarded to ride sharers, including a round trip for two to Edmonton on Via Rail’s *The Canadian*. For more information, contact Rae-Anne LaPlante at rae-anne@ride-share.com or (604) 879-RIDE (7433).
Urban Land Institute BC: Young Leaders Cascadia Conference
This summer, the Urban Land Institute presents a young leaders conference featuring an opening address by Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. Titled Vancouver, Seattle and Portland: City and Regional Identities, this conference brings together ULI young leaders and high profile mentors for each of these respective cities, in an effort to explore how Cascadia respective identities differ and overlap. It takes place July 16 - 17 at the Terminal City Club's Metropolitan Ballroom (837 West Hastings Street, Vancouver). The cost is $85 USD for ULI Young Leader Members and $100 USD for non-members. To register, please visit http://britishcolumbia.uli.org/. For more information, please contact Regional Coordinator Jeannie Bates at e-mail jeannie.bates@uli.org or telephone (604) 761-8060.
SustainaBUILD Conference
Mark your calendar for the 2010 Vancouver SustainaBUILD Conference this fall. The conference program features innovative content, ideas and cutting edge technologies related to sustainable development and green design. It takes place November 23 at Vancouver's Westin Bayshore Hotel. Early bird rates of $275 + HST will available from late summer through to November 2. For more information and to register, visit the conference web site at http://www.sustainabuild.com/vancouver/index.htm. Questions can be directed to Gillian Wright by e-mail (gwright@mmart.com) or telephone (604.739.2112 ext. 192058.)
Edifice: Exploring Art, Archives and Architecture
Edifice: Exploring Art, Archives and Architecture, an exhibition that presents 10 new paintings of downtown Vancouver buildings done in realist style by Graham Winter, will be featured at the newly refurbished City of Vancouver Archives Gallery from June 2 - August 26, 2010. The exhibition, the first of its kind in Vancouver, is designed as a multi-faceted exploration of the early- to mid-20th Century downtown Vancouver buildings that represent the “modern” of the artist’s childhood. It will also include a video wall of digitized archival photos and records of the buildings and the period in which they were built. The City of Vancouver Archives Gallery is located at 1150 Chestnut Street. For more information, please visit www.vancouver.ca/archives.
IDSwest 2010
Mark your calendars for the next Interior Design Show West, October 14-17, 2010 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. IDSwest is Western Canada’s premiere annual residential design show featuring 200 exhibitors showcasing quality products and services to an audience of architects, designers, industry professionals, consumers and media. New program highlights this year include Future Masters, a showcase of young design talents and local design institutions; and Spare the Change, a design challenge with a $2 budget. For detailed information including speakers, exhibitors and schedule, keep an eye on the event web site at http://www.idswest.com/index.php.
Building SustainABLE Communities Conference
The Building SustainABLE Communities Conference, hosted by The Fresh Outlook Foundation, takes place in Kelowna from November 16 to 18, 2010. Speakers include:
- 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.
- 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.
For more information, including program and registration details, please visit www.freshoutlookfoundation.org.
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 at http://www.ip.uqam.ca/.
3rd International Holcim Awards
Entries are now being accepted for the 3rd International Holcim Awards. This competition, organized by the Holcim Foundation, celebrates innovative, future-oriented projects that contribute towards a more sustainable built environment. It recognizes sustainable practices in engineering, landscape and urban design, infrastructure, and materials and construction technologies. The main category is open to working professionals including architects, engineers, planners, builders and construction firms whose projects have reached an advanced stage in design with construction to take place no earlier than July 1, 2010. There is also a "Next Generation" category for students enrolled in the final year of a bachelor program, or in graduate or post-graduate programs. Entries must be submitted online by March 23, 2011. Go to www.holcimawards.org.
Northern Exposure Photo Contest
Entries are now being accepted for the Northern Exposure Photo Contest, as part of the BUILDEX 2011 Vancouver Conference & Exposition taking place February 23 and 24 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Student and amateur photographers are invited to capture Vancouver's amazing architecture. Winning entries will have the opportunity to be featured in the BUILDEX 2011 marketing campaign and be exhibited at the tradeshow. Deadline for submissions is September 27, 2010. For more information, visit http://www.buildexvancouver.com/contest/index.htm.
Greater Vancouver Commercial Building Awards
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is hosting its first ever Commercial
Building Awards on September 23, 2010. The awards are meant to honour excellence
in local commercial and industrial construction within Greater Vancouver,
including recognizing the architects, designers, owners, developers, financiers,
and realtors responsible for creating some of the most exciting and innovative
projects in the region. Categories include:
- Mixed-use — Commercial/Residential;
- Community facilities including senior’s housing/church/schools/government/recreation facilities;
- Retail/shopping centres;
- Office;
- Industrial;
- Rental housing;
- Hospitality — hotels/motels/resorts; and
- Commercial renovation/restoration.
There will also be a Judges’ Choice Award for best overall entry.
Adjudication will be performed by a select panel of judges respected for
their expertise within the real estate community. To be eligible, the institutional,
commercial or industrial building or renovation project must be located
within the REGBV area, and completed between January 1 and December 31,
2009. The deadline for nominations is July 30. For further information,
contact Commercial Coordinator Tammy Dunn by phone (604-730-3033) or e-mail
(tdunn@rebgv.org).
Archifoto: International Awards of Architectural Photography
Submissions are now being accepted for Archifoto, an international competition for amateur and professional photographers. The theme for this year’s competition is “Architecture is Sustainable!” Applicants are invited to submit up to three photographs that explore issues of sustainability and durability surrounding architecture and urban landscapes. The competition is organized by the gallery La Chambre in Strasbourg, France, and Les Journées de l’Architecture, an architecture festival that takes place in Alsace, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Basel. Submissions are due by July 31, 2010. For more information on the competition, visit http://www.archifoto.org/.
Call For Submissions: 2010 Design Exchange Awards
The Design Exchange Awards promote Canadian design excellence and recognize the critical role of design in all types of organizations including commercial entities (large and small businesses), not-for-profit organizations, and the public sector. The awards celebrate the success stories achieved through close partnerships between clients and designers. The DXAs are Canada’s only award program to judge design by results, balancing function, aesthetics and economic success. The early submission deadline is July 20, 2010, followed by the final submission deadline of September 30, 2010. Click here to learn more or visit the DXA web site for complete details.
AECOM Competition
AECOM Technology Corporation, one of the world's largest engineering and architectural design firms, is pleased to announce Urban SOS: Transformations, a design competition offering US $20,000 in prize money for integrated design responses to sites in select global cities. The competition is open to students in the fields of architecture, urban and regional planning, urban design, landscape architecture, economics, environmental science, engineering, and related disciplines. Now in its second year, Urban SOS gives students around the world the opportunity for real engagement with issues facing built, natural and social environments. Last year’s competition attracted more than 1,000 entrants from 239 colleges and universities in 64 countries. This year, the competition will explore the topic of “Transformations”, looking at cities that are in the midst of change that represents both challenge and opportunity to their future. Featured cities include Beijing, China; Istanbul, Turkey; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Johannesburg, South Africa; Phoenix, United States; Port au Prince, Haiti; and São Paulo, Brazil. The competition seeks creative, viable proposals for site redevelopment. The five semi-finalists will receive a trip to the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona this November. Submissions will be accepted until July 31, 2010. Visit www.aecom.com/urbansos for complete submission requirements.
The Language of Architecture
Pritzker Prize-winning architect Kazuyo Sejima on designing the Louvre-Lens and curating the Venice Architecture Biennale
By Helen Young Chang, The Wall Street Journal
July 9, 2010
As hard-hatted workers swarm in the abandoned mining site from which the future Louvre-Lens museum will rise, architect Kazuyo Sejima sips a steaming espresso, a pack of cigarettes in hand. "Would you like some?" she asks, offering me both. I decide to pass. It's 26 degrees centigrade that day in Lens, northern France, and even warmer inside the flimsy office trailer where we sit, surveying the site. But the heat doesn't seem to affect this year's Pritzker Architecture Prize winner and curator of the next Venice Architecture Biennale, who speaks in a thoughtful sotto voce. More …
Ahead of The Curve
Greg Callaghan, The Australian
July 9, 2010
Let's start with a splendid over-generalisation. In the 20th century architecture was male; in the 21st century it's female. No, we’re not talking about the flood of women graduates from our architectural schools but the shape of the structures themselves. The iconic buildings of the 20th century, barring a few notable exceptions, were built around straight lines, squares and rectangles, incarnated in the flat-topped, “big box” skyscrapers of the post-World War II period, and epitomized by New York’s World Trade Centre towers, destroyed in 2001. Now, thanks to a revolution in digital modeling, architects are thinking outside the box, replacing straight lines with curves, right angles with bends, rectangles with sensuous silhouettes, plain, flat facades with shimmering folds and seams. More …