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Project submissions for the 2010 Annual AIBC Architectural Awards must be received at the AIBC offices by March 15, 2010 at 12:00 noon. More...

March 12, 2010

AIBC Homepage

Invitation: Conversation with Council

AIBC registrants are invited to take part in an informal dialogue with AIBC council following the council meeting on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. This is an opportunity to ask questions and share thoughts about the future of the profession, the direction of the institute, and any other professional concerns that may be on your mind. This free event takes place at the AIBC offices from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m (#100 - 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver). Light refreshments will be provided.

Kindly r.s.v.p. to communications@aibc.ca.

Deadline Approaching: 2010 Annual AIBC Architectural Awards

The deadline for awards submissions is Monday, March 15, 2010 at 12:00 noon.

Detailed information including award categories and submission guidelines is available at http://www.aibc.ca/conferenc2010/awards/. Questions or inquiries regarding the AIBC awards program should be sent to communications@aibc.ca.

Social Change Pulls Focus at Annual Architectural Conference

The power of architecture to change social norms is the focus of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia’s 2010 Annual Conference, this May at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Titled Community Building: The Social Impact of Architecture, the conference will examine the many ways in which today’s built environment helps to define our communities, and the critical role that architects can play in shaping that definition for the future.

“As a society, we continue to wrestle with social issues, looking for answers to everyday challenges such as sustainability, integration, marginalization and homelessness,” explains AIBC President Pierre E. Gallant MAIBC AAA MRAIC. More...


Save the Date: 2010 AIBC Annual Conference

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

May 6 - 8, 2010
Vancouver Convention Centre

Detailed information can be found online at www.aibc.ca/conference2010.

Reminder: AIBC Council Nominations

Nominations are still being accepted for the 2010/11 AIBC Council. All nomination forms must be submitted with original signatures, and must be received at the AIBC offices no later than 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2010. The election closes at the Annual Meeting on Saturday, May 8, 2010.

You should have recently received your council nomination form by mail. They are also available online via the AIBC Council web page, or by clicking on the following:

2010 NCARB ARE Preparation Seminars

Over the coming months, the AIBC Intern Architect Committee will be holding a series of free ARE preparation seminars to help IAs prepare for the NCARB ARE exams. These preparation seminars will be held approximately every two weeks, and will generally run from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the AIBC Architecture Centre (#100 - 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver). Click here for seminar topics, dates and times.

The seminars are designed to provide strategies and other tips for each exam. They are not intended to cover specific exam content. IAs will find it helpful to have some familiarity with exam materials and some experience with the graphic practice program prior to attending each respective seminar.

The next seminar, Programming, Planning and Practice, will be held Monday, March 15, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. No advance preparation is required. Reservations to registration@aibc.ca are encouraged, but not mandatory. For more information, please contact Manager of Registration and Licensing Roisin O'Neill at roneill@aibc.ca. Note: Schedule subject to change

AIBC Digital Directory Now Available Online

The 2010 AIBC Directory is now available online at www.aibc.ca. To access the file directly, click here.

In an effort to be more sustainable, print copies of the directory will not be mailed to all AIBC registrants this year. A complimentary print copy is available upon request. To request your copy, please call (604) 683-8588. Public purchases of the 2010 AIBC Directory is available through the AIBC offices for a fee of $60.00.

Role Call: AIBC Design Panel Committee

The AIBC’s Design Panel Committee (DPC) is seeking a new member for its team. The committee engages in valuable discussions on the importance and role of advisory design panels (ADPs), including how best to promote their appropriate function in the public interest. The committee reviews ADP applications and provides recommendations for nomination of candidates to municipal advisory design panels across the province. For additional information, please refer to AIBC Bulletin 65, “Advisory Design Panels: Standards for Procedures and Conduct”, which provides an outline of the objectives, criteria and procedures for nomination to, and service on, an advisory design panel (http://www.aibc.ca/bulletins/Bulletin_65_jan09.pdf). The DPC meets for lunch the first Wednesday of each month (excluding July and August).  For more information please contact Coordinator of Professional Practice Erica Holt by phone (604-683-8588, ext. 314) or e-mail (eholt@aibc.ca).

Late Fee Payment

The deadline for payment of annual fees has now passed. Ordinarily people who pay their annual AIBC fees after February 1 are subject to a higher annual fee. With the AIBC’s transition to an electronic notification and payment method this year, that deadline was extended by two weeks, meaning fees paid on or before February 12 were not assessed at the higher fee. Fee payments not yet received are now subject to the higher fee amount. All registrants and Certificate of Practice holders are encouraged to pay their fees sooner rather than later. Should you have concerns or questions about fee payment, please contact the AIBC at accounts@aibc.ca.

AIBC Web Feature: Pram in the Hall

The AIBC is pleased to launch “Pram in the Hall”, an online feature developed by Stephanie Robb MAIBC that explores the impact of parenthood and family responsibilities on professional practice. Only 11% of architects registered in B.C. are women. This series of interviews with design professionals who are (or once were) also raising families reveals their personal experiences and lessons learned, and gets at the issue behind this disturbing trend. Web visitors are encouraged to share their own thoughts and feedback. Click here to go to Pram in the Hall.

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.  The first offering of the year is BEEP Module III, scheduled for March 18-19, 2010.

12 Core LUs

BEEP Module I:

Building Science and the Building Envelope (Available Online)

Topics for Module I include:

For more information, please contact Professional Development Coordinator Catherine Bolter at cbolter@aibc.ca or (604) 683-8588, extension 312.

18 Core LUs

courselistings

The AIBC 2009 PD/CES Course Schedule and Registration Form are available online at www.aibc.ca/member_resources/professional_dev/index.html


Heritage Vancouver

The Future of the Bloedel Conservatory

The future of The Bloedel Conservatory, the iconic, avant-garde geodesic structure at the apex of Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park, is uncertain.  Since it was created as the City of Vancouver’s 1967 Centennial project, the conservatory has contributed significantly to the community. Heritage Vancouver welcomes heritage architect and former Vancouver Parks Board Commissioner Bill McCreery MAIBC; former Vancouver Parks Board Commissioner and city councilor May Brown; and Raymond Greenwood, a destination promoter known affectionately as “Mr. Fireworks”. They will talk about what might be done to ensure this unique resource is preserved. It happens Thursday, March 18, 2010, 6:45 - 9:00 p.m. at the Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street. Admission is $5 (free to Heritage Vancouver Members) and advanced registration is not required.

2 Core LUs


Evening at the Marine Building Penthouse

Heritage Vancouver invites you to a special fundraising event in the ultra-elegant penthouse of the Marine Building, “Vancouver’s Finest Heritage Building”. This is a unique opportunity to explore the two-floor private penthouse, enjoy the art deco atmosphere and the fabulous view, hear about its unique history, and share your personal experiences, stories and photos of the Marine Building. Heritage Vancouver President and heritage consultant Donald Luxton will lead tours while local historian Chuck Davis will intrigue you with stories of the penthouse. It happens Thursday, April 22, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Marine Building it located at #2000 - 255 Burrard Street. Tickets are $100 and include a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception. All proceeds go to support Heritage Vancouver’s initiatives to conserve Vancouver’s built heritage. Purchase your tickets early as space for this exclusive event is limited. You can do so on-line (add pay pal) or by cheque, If paying by cheque, make it out to Heritage Vancouver Society send it to Heritage Vancouver, P. O. Box 3336, Main Post Office, Vancouver, BC, V6B 3Y3.  Those paying by cheque are also requested to reserve a space by e-mailing info@heritagevancouver.org.

3 Non-core LUs

AIBC Vancouver Island Chapter Meeting

Creative Solutions for Difficult Times

Difficult times often act as a catalyst for firms and individuals to differentiate and position themselves for growth and increased profit. Instead of dropping fees, de-valuing services and products, and becoming desperate for business, leading firms embrace the challenge of redefining their practice and strengthening existing client relationships in order to pursue new and profitable business opportunities. Presenter: Ralph Kison of Kison Inc. The meeting is Wednesday, March 31, 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at Ambrosia Centre, 638 Fisgard Street, Victoria.

1 Core LU

Construction Specifications Canada (CSC)

Breakfast Meeting: Sustainable Building Envelope Design Practices
This meeting takes place Thursday, March 18, 7.00 am at the Executive Hotel Vintage Park, 1379 Howe Street, Vancouver. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.csc-vancouver.ca/.

1 Core LU

Lighthouse Sustainable Building Centre

2010 Green Building Challenge Workshop - Heating Your Home

Lighthouse will present case studies of Vancouver homes that were part of the 2010 Green Building Challenge: the Norman Residence, the Hayter Residence, the Babicki- Moore Residence, the Mah Residence, and the Kerchum Residence. Come learn about the energy, water and waste reductions achieved, challenges encountered, and lessons learned by the owners of each project. The date is Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The cost is $25. Please register online at http://2010challengemar13.eventbrite.com/ or r.s.v.p. to helenc@sustainablebuildingcentre.com and pay at the door.
4 Non-core LUs

For information on other upcoming Green Building Challenge Workshops, please visit http://www.sustainablebuildingcentre.com/2010_green_building_challenge_workshops

Simon Fraser University City Program

Integrating Social Dimensions Into Sustainability

Sustainability has three dimensions: economic, ecological and social. The social dimension is still “the poor relation”. When denied, legitimate social issues can derail projects with even the most laudable of environmental intentions. These can include “soft” issues such as ethnicity, class, culture, personal health, affordable housing, employment, individual identity and social cohesion. In this two-day course, sustainability will not be viewed primarily as a product but rather as a process where power and issues of social justice and equity are considered essential to successful outcomes. It takes place Thursday and Friday, March 19 -20, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For details and to register, please visit http://www.sfu.ca/city/course8popup.htm.

14 Non-core LUs

Bradlee Distributors

Join Bradlee Distributors on Thursday, April 1 for an evening of extensive product training on one of the industry’s most luxurious kitchen brands, Sub-Zero and Wolf.
Cocktails begin at 5:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. The educational component (seminar and tour) takes place from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The location is 13780 Bridgeport Road, Richmond. Please r.s.v.p. to Alexis at (604) 244-1744 or agavin@bradlee.net.

1.5 Non-core LUs

Society of Graphic Designers of Canada, BC Chapter

Design Week – Design Currency: Defining the Value of Design

Design Currency 2010 will offer designers, business leaders and government workers the opportunity to experience current design thinking while reshaping their understanding of the value of design. Registration includes the opening keynote session and welcome reception, all sessions of the Design Currency Conference, admission to the Design Currency Trade Fair and workshops. It takes place April 26 to April 30 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. For details, or to register, please visit http://www.designweekvancouver.ca/.

Core and Non-core LUs Available

British Columbia Institute of Technology Centre for Architectural Ecology

GROW 0001 - Green Roofs - Concepts, Systems and Incentives

Participants will learn about the basics of green roofs, definitions of the different types of green roof systems and materials, appropriate vegetation for intensive, semi-intensive and extensive green roofs. Course content will provide knowledge of a benefit analysis of green roofs through case study. The format will be two hours of lecture and two hours of workshop. Participants will tour the dedicated Green Roof Research Facility at the Centre for Architectural Ecology to review products and mock up a green roof assembly. This interdisciplinary course would be of interest to planners, design professionals and others in the building industry. For more information please contact Jonathan Hays at BCIT Centre for Architectural Ecology by phone ((604) 456-1007) or e-mail (Jonathan_Hays@bcit.ca). It takes place March 25, 2010, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Centre for Architectural Ecology (BCIT Great Northern Way Campus, Vancouver). For details or to register, please visit http://www.bcit.ca/study/courses/grow0001.

4 Core LUs

Women in Architecture (WIA)

Employment Issues
Join WIA for an evening of information sharing, advice, and experiences. Laura Arpiainen, Monica Baillie, Nancy Mackin, Joy Martin, and Desiree LaCas are among the voices at the table. Issues under discussion include maternity leave, the Employment Act, documents that your employer might ask you to sign, the role of the AIBC, and where to turn if you have questions. Everyone is welcome. It takes place Wednesday, March 24, 2010: potluck dinner at 6:00 p.m., discussion at 7:00 p.m. The location is Eva Matsuzaki’s home, 2550 Courtenay Street, Vancouver. RSVP is appreciated; contact Eva by phone (604-228-0807) or by e-mail (evamatsuzaki@gmail.com).

2 Non-core LUs

InterCoast Sales

3rd Annual Sustainable Architecture Symposium

You are invited to attend this intensive full-day workshop featuring recognized experts who will present the latest technologies for sustainable architectural design using advanced building envelope technologies.
Attendees will gain a better understanding of some the key design issues in designing sustainable buildings. This seminar will be of interest to design principals architects, engineers, building owners, municipal government officials and LEED®AP professionals. Registration is $219.00 (early bird rate of $189 prior to March 7). It takes place at the Empire Landmark Hotel, 1600 Robson Street, Vancouver on Thursday, March 18. For more information or to register, please visit www.intercoastsales.ca or contact Annette Riley by phone (1-877-866-3369) or e-mail (Annette@intercoastsales.ca).

6 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: BienVenue: 2010 Games Architecture

AIBC Gallery: #100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Designed to coincide with the 2010 games, the Architectural Institute of British Columbia presents a unique exhibit that showcases 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.

Click here to view a slideshow of current project submissions.

clubaibc

Special Subscription Rate: Azure Magazine

This spring Azure magazine, one of the leading magazines covering international contemporary architecture and design, is offering a special subscription offer to AIBC members. Each issue delivers readers inspiring ideas and cutting-edge innovations, from state-of-the-art green building to the latest in furniture and home accessories from around the globe. With this offer, you can receive eight issues of Azure (1 year’s worth) for only $20.00, taxes included. That's 40% off the regular subscription rate, and 70% off the newsstand price. Offer available to Canadian addresses only. To take advantage of this special offer, please sign up at: https://secure.indas.on.ca/care/azu/subscribe.php3?key=AAIBC10

New Infrastructure Projects Announced for BC

The provincial and federal governments have announced a joint program for 25 new infrastructure projects in British Columbia, including highway, bridge and road upgrades. More than $17 million in federal funding will be allocated under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, along over $16 million as part of the province’s three-year, $14-billion capital infrastructure program. Remaining funds will be provided by local governments and partners. Detailed information on the projects can be found at http://www.pm.gc.ca/grfx/docs/The_fifteen_projects.pdf

Health Learning Needs Survey Results

In January, the Provincial Health Services Authority conducted a survey to help determine the educational needs of planners and design professionals regarding healthy built environments. Representatives from organizations including the AIBC, Association of Professional Engineers of B.C., B.C. Society of Landscape Architects, Planning Institute of B.C. and private sector planning consultants were invited to complete an online questionnaire. There were 47 respondents. Amongst the survey findings is the indication that while most planners and design professionals have knowledge of how the built environment relates to health, there appears to be a knowledge gap concerning how B.C.’s healthcare system works, and how planners and design professionals can collaborate. To see the full survey results, click here.

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.

Invitation to Participate: Energy in Housing Stakeholder Advisory Meeting

The Province of British Columbia is developing proposals regarding energy performance standards for Part 9 housing, equivalent to Energuide 80. AIBC registrants are invited to attend a meeting where representatives of the Ministry of Housing and Social Development will explain this project and hear perspectives on the approaches being considered. The government is seeking input from the profession, and as leaders in the construction industry, all registrants are encouraged to attend and bring their views forward. Stakeholder meetings will be held in Abbottsford, Kelowna, Prince George, Vancouver and Victoria.

Vancouver:
Tuesday March 23, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (doors open at 9:45 a.m.)
Georgia Room (ground floor), Terasen Centre, 1111 West Georgia (at Thurlow)

Abbotsford:
Tuesday, March 23, 3:30 – 6:00 pm (doors open at 2:45 p.m.)
Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, Abbotsford City Hall, 32315 South Fraser Way

Kelowna:
Thursday March 25, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (doors open at 12:45 p.m.)
Kelowna City Hall (Council Chambers), 1435 Water Street

Prince George:
Friday March 26, 10:00 a.m. – 12:0 noon (doors open at 9:45 a.m.)
Prince George City Hall (Council Chambers), 1100 Patricia Boulevard

Esquimalt / Victoria:
Thursday, April 8, 4:00 – 6:00 pm (doors open at 3:45 p.m.)

Esquimalt City Hall (Council Chambers), 1229 Esquimalt Road

Members of many residential construction stakeholder organizations have also been asked to participate in working groups that are advising on technical requirements and compliance/enforcement issues as well as education and training needs.  Please confirm which meeting you are planning to attend via e-mail to John Nicol, Energy Projects Team Leader, at John.Nicol@gov.bc.ca

IDIBC Awards of Excellence Gala

Tickets are now on sale for the Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia’s 2009 Awards of Excellence Gala. This event celebrates the talent and vision ofB.C.’s design community. It takes place on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre (Hamilton at Dunsmuir, Vancouver). A special early bird ticket promotion package is available: buy six tickets for the price of five. This promotional package expires March 15, 2010. To take advantage of this offer, please download the reply form and return it by fax to (604) 421-5211 or e-mail info@idibc.org. For more event information, please call (604) 298 5211.

GLOBE 2010 Invitation

The Canadian German Chamber of Industry & Commerce invites you to visit the German pavilion at the GLOBE 2010 Conference & Trade Fair, March 24-26 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The pavilion is part of the German Ministry of Economics and Technology’s program for export initiatives for renewable energy and energy efficiency. This is an opportunity to meet with German experts in renewable energy. For additional information, visit https://kanada.ahk.de/fileadmin/user_upload/03.Events/Montreal/2010-03-08_German_Exhibitors_at_Globe_2010.pdf.

CaGBC National Conference

The third annual Canadian Green Building Council National Conference takes place in Vancouver from June 8-10, and registrations are now being accepted. The theme for 2010 is Performance Matters: The next generation of buildings and communities, with sessions and workshops on how to foster an energy conservation and efficiency culture resulting in dramatic and permanent reduction in the use of electricity in new construction, existing home and commercial markets, and sustainable communities. Note: CaGBC Member pricing applies to AIBC registrants who attend the conference, and AIBC intern architects and student members are eligible for CaGBC student pricing (less than half price) by registering online. In addition, IAs and students are invited to attend the tradeshow free of charge on Thursday afternoon – simply provide the necessary identification at the registration desk. For more information and to register, go to http://www.cagbc.org/cagbc/conference/registration.php.

Pecha Kucha Vancouver Vol. 10

Cause and Effect invites you to attend the 10th edition of Pecha Kucha Vancouver, Thursday, April 8 at The Vogue Theatre. This informal event offers up a range of creative presentations using the popular “20 images for 20 seconds” format. The speaker line-up is currently being finalized; look for details at http://www.causeandaffect.com/pechakucha/. Tickets are available on line at https://tickets.voguetheatre.com/Online/seatSelect.asp?BOset::WSadmissions::admission::performance_id=55FC1593-D77D-4371-AF3E-65DB4A3D194F.

BUILDEX Vancouver 2010

Registrations are now being accepted for BUILDEX Vancouver 2010. The conference, the largest of its kind in Western Canada, is intended for the design and construction sector with wide-ranging sessions for architects, interior designers, contractors, property managers, developers, owners and others. This year’s event will feature more than 50 seminars, 100 speakers and 600 exhibits. Keynote sessions include an architectural panel that will speak to “Radical Pragmatism: New Modes of Architectural Practice”. It will be moderated by AIBC President Pierre Gallant MAIBC AAA RAIBC, and features Kevin Hydes (President and CEO - Integral Engineering), Marion LaRue (LEED® AP, Principal and Operations Leader - Cannon Design Architecture Inc.), George Shaw (AIA LEED® AP, Partner - LMN Architects) and Donald Schmitt MAIBC (Principal - Diamond & Schmitt Architects). The conference takes place April 21-22 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. For a full list of seminars and to register, visit www.buildexvancouver.com.

Call for Papers; AHRA Conference

Submissions are now being accepted for presenters at the 7th Annual Architectural Humanities Research Association Conference, this November at the University of Kent (Canterbury Campus), England. Entitled “SCALE”, the conference will examine the concept of scale in relation to design practice, digital reproduction and technology, and in the context of the post-humanist age. Detailed information can be found online at www.kent.ac.uk/architecture/. Submission of abstracts should be made no later than Thursday, April 1 2010 to: scale@kent.ac.uk. Selection of papers by the reviewing committee will take place in April, and notification of selection in May. The Conference organisers also welcome poster submissions which explore questions of scale.

UBC SALA Public Lecture: Patricia Patkau MAIBC

The UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA) presents Patricia Patkau MAIBC, professor at UBC SALA and principal of Patkau Architects, in an upcoming lecture entitled Current Concerns. The lecture is free for the public, and will take place on March 25, 2010 at UBC Robson Square (800 Robson Street, Vancouver).

2010 SAA / RAIC Conference

AIBC members are encouraged to mark their calendars for the 2010 Saskatchewan Architectual Association / Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Conference and Festival of Architecture, June 22-26 in Saskatoon. “Sounds Like Architecture!” will feature a wide range of continuing education sessions, networking opportunities and other festival events. In keeping with the conference theme, this year’s event will coincide with the start of the annual Saskatchewan Jazz Festival – a 10 day celebration of music. Visit the conference web site at www.festival.raic.org.

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.

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:

For more information, 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/

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.

Call for Applications: Canadian Ecohealth Training and Awards Program

The 2010 edition of the Canadian Ecohealth Training and Awards Program is now open for applications. A maximum of 25 participants will be accepted into the 11-day short course entitled Ecosystem Approaches to Health, including as many as 20 graduate students (eligible for "Graduate Training Awards") and up to five career development positions for those actively working in a field in which ecosystem approaches can be applied (eligible for "Career Development Training"). Upon completion, those with a serious interest in integrating an ecosystem approach into their research in a developing country or in a development context in Canada will have the opportunity to complete a second and separate application for the Ecohealth Research Awards. Four awards of a maximum of $17,500 will be available. This educational program is an initiative of the Canadian Community of Practice in Ecosystem Approaches to Health (CoPEH-Can), financed by the International Development Research Center. The short course will be held at the Université du Québec à Montréal from June 2 - 13, 2010. It is delivered in a French-speaking environment, with some sessions given in French and others in English. Thus, it is essential that all participants understand and read both languages. The deadline for application is Friday, March 19, 2010. For more information regarding the short course and the call for applications, please visit www.copeh-canada.org. and refer to the 2010 competition section.

Power Smart Forum & Excellence Awards

BC Hydro’s annual Power Smart Forum happens October 25 – 27, 2010 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. It will bring together business decision makers who are seeking strategies for energy-efficiency and conservation. This year’s event has been expanded to three days, and will include the Power Smart Excellence Awards, BC Hydro’s annual celebration of energy-efficiency and conservation leadership. As planning for this event begins, participation is being inviting from members of the province’s building design and construction sector. A call for speakers at the Power Smart Forum has now been issued. In addition, nominations are now being accepted for the BC Hydro Workplace Conservation Leader award. Both calls close on Friday, April 30 at 4:00 p.m. For forum details and proposed speaking topics, visit bchydro.com/forum. For awards information, go to bchydro.com/awards.

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.

Rotgans Heads Housing Policy Branch

Congratulations to Trudy Rotgans MAIBC MCIP, who has been appointed Acting Executive Director of the province’s Housing Policy Branch, Ministry of Housing & Social Development. Previously, she served as Manager - Codes and Standards for the Building and Safety Standards Branch.

How Much Home for $500,000?

Katie Lister, BC Business
March 2, 2010

Here's what half a million bucks will buy you in seven B.C. real estate markets. More …

On The Defeat of Architect Robert Scarano Jr.

By Justin Davidson, New York Magazine
March 5, 2010

If you were to catalogue the quintessential New York architects of the boom years — those who did the most to turn ramshackle neighborhoods into gleaming enclaves of gentrification — you would have to start with Robert Scarano Jr.  More …

Gallery Should Stay Put, Advocates Say

By Frances Bula, Globe and Mail
March 5, 2010

Moving the Vancouver Art Gallery would empty out the heart of the city, make no economic sense, and do nothing to improve the situation for art, say a chorus of advocates from arts and urban-planning circles. “The Olympics have proven that the gallery has the best site in Canada. It's the perfect location,” said architect Bing Thom, who says there is a group, including former board members, coming together to advocate that the gallery stay where it is. More …

Robson Square Requires Revamp
It's leaky, but it's Vancouver's civic square

By Miro Cernetig, Vancouver Sun
March 8, 2010

Arthur Erickson died nearly a year before the Olympics took place. But during the Games, one of his architectural masterpieces came to life in Vancouver. I'm talking about Robson Square, the complex that includes the Vancouver Art Gallery, the revamped skating rink and the glass edifice of law courts that Erickson built in the heart of downtown Vancouver. More …

Abe's Wish: Don't Move The Art Gallery
A prominent Vancouver architect who died in 2009 believed proper use of the 'precious icon' was preferable to a new 'monumental building'

By Abraham Rogatnick, Vancouver Sun
March 11, 2010

For the benefit of the city and for the good of the Vancouver Art Galley, the institution should remain at its present site and should plan for a sensible, economic and feasible program of expansions to be carried out in a series of reasonable phases to take place over a number of decades. More …

Meditate on This: Architects Mediate
How and why a Robert Lemon window treatment illuminates a critical household-expert collaboration

By Michelle Hopkins, Vancouver Sun
March 12, 2010

To look at the windows Robert Lemon specified for a westside Vancouver renovation and addition is to start to see what an architect does. More …

 

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