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AIBC registrants are invited to submit presentation proposals for the 2010 AIBC Annual Conference, which will take place May 6 - 8, 2010. The submissions deadline is November 15, 2009. More ...

The Architectural Institute of British Columbia invites proposals for presentations at its annual conference to be held May 6 to 8, 2010 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The theme of the 2010 conference is “Community Building: The Social Impact of Architecture”. Proposals related to this theme are encouraged, as well as other topic areas in architecture and architectural practice.
All AIBC registrants are invited to make submissions. National and international participation is also welcomed. Please complete the online PDF to submit your proposals. Please contact Director of Professional Services Maura Gatensby MAIBC if you have any questions.
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. Firm update information and instructions (including firm login identification and password information) was e-mailed to every firm on October 15, with an identified owner / administrator and e-mail address, and mailed to all other films for which we have no email address. To complete your update, you must log on to your on-line firm profile (http://aibc.memberpro.net).
An updated version of Bulletin 12 – Registering with Alternative is now available on the AIBC website at http://www.aibc.ca/bulletins/Bulletin_12_oct09.PDF. This bulletin sets out the basic rules, processes and procedures for application for registration in British Columbia as an architect through alternative qualifications assessment. Revisions made in this latest version included the recognition of Canadian work experience (not just British Columbia). Accepting such applicants remains at the discretion of Council on the advice and recommendation of staff, the Registration and Licensing Board, and its reporting committees.
Notarius, the authorized digital signature supplier of the AIBC, has released an updated version of ConsignO. The improved software responds to numerous user suggestions offered over the past few years. For existing Notarius users, ConsignO 3.0 will be included with your subscription to the digital signature service. For a limited time, new subscribers can also obtain it when paying only the $95 subscription fee (a saving of $80). Note: this offer ends December 15, 2009. For more information, refer to AIBC Bulletin 60, visit the Notarius web site, or contact Notarius directly at (514) 281-1577 or toll free at 1-888-588-0011.
Bulletin 60 - Signature, Seal and Delivery of Electronic Documents has been approved and formally adopted by resolution of the AIBC Council. It contains guidance and council rulings on the use of electronic certificate technology to sign/seal and deliver documents. The new bulletin is posted on the AIBC website, and can be downloaded here. Members are encouraged to provide feedback on this bulletin to Deputy Executive Director Jerome Marburg (jmarburg@aibc.ca).
An updated version of Bulletin 01 - Fees, Fines and Charges is now available online at http://www.aibc.ca/bulletins/Bulletin_01_2009.pdf. This new version incorporates changes to address the AIBC’s newly-established Alternative Qualifications Assessment process for Architectural Technologists, along with minor syntax adjustments and modified sequencing for improved clarity and transparency.
This Fall, the AIBC will once again be hosting Professor David Thaddeus, AIA, NCARB. Professor Thaddeus will be presenting his Structures seminar at the AIBC offices on November 6 - 8, 2009. This seminar offers three full days of workshops, mock exams, and questions and answers that focus on preparing Intern Architects for the Structural Systems division of the ARE 4.0 examination. These workshops present the technique, strategies and skills invaluable to all IAs preparing for their exams. The registration form is now available on the AIBC website. The registration deadline is October 28th. Please contact AIBC Registration Coordinator, Roisin O'Neill, at roneill@aibc.ca if you have any questions.
Given the success of 20x20, last year’s Intern Architect Event, the Intern Architect Committee has decided to host a second 20x20 event this year. It will take place on Thursday, November 12, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. in the AIBC’s Architecture Gallery (#100 - 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver). Once again, it will have a Pecha Kucha format. Pecha Kucha originated in Japan in the late 1990s as a method devised by graphic artists to present their work. Each presenter speaks to 20 images, each displayed for 20 seconds. The format places high emphasis on creative and concise presentations. The fact that each presentation lasts no more than six minutes allows for a number of broad ranging topics to be presented at each event – further adding to the creative conversation. The Pecha Kucha formula has gained international recognion and popularity, and it is the intent of the Intern Architect Committee to host these Pecha Kucha-inspired events on a regular, ongoing basis. Refreshments will be provided, and door prizes will be drawn toward the end of the evening (remember to bring your business cards). Please mark your calendars, and send a quick r.s.v.p. to the Intern Architect Committee (interncommittee@yahoo.com) if you are planning to attend. We hope to see you at this exciting event. 3 Non-core LUs |
Call for Presenters We are looking for five to eight speakers for the 20x20 event on Thursday, November 12. Preference will be given to IAs and architecture students. Presenters will have the opportunity to showcase their work, ideas or other interests. All speakers will receive an honorarium. Those interested are asked to contact the Intern Architect Committee at interncommittee@yahoo.com and let us know the topic you would like to present. Once you have your presentation ready, please send it via e-mail to the IAC (interncommittee@yahoo.com) as a PowerPoint presentation. |
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The institute is seeking members interested in joining the AIBC Awards Advisory Committee. This committee will work with staff to formulate a jury for the 2010 AIBC Awards in Architecture, and review the institute’s awards program. This committee will meet approximately four times between October 2009 and February 2010, with meeting times to be determined. All classes of AIBC registrant, including both former committee members and those newly interested in becoming involved, are welcomed to apply. For more information or to indicate your interest in volunteering for this committee, please contact Director of Communications David Wiebe at dwiebe@aibc.ca.
The AIBC is seeking an additional member for its Investigations Committee, which investigates and makes recommendations to the institute as to how to proceed regarding unprofessional conduct complaints. The committee meets once per month (generally only one summer meeting) for an afternoon. Members interested in contributing to the institute’s professional conduct process are invited to submit their expressions of interest with a brief biography or c.v. The AIBC believes that the public interest and the profession are best served by a committee that includes members with diverse backgrounds and experience. Please contact the Director of Professional Conduct Thomas M. Lutes, Barrister & Solicitor at (604) 683-8588 ext. 321 or tlutes@aibc.ca.
Individuals and businesses are being encouraged to inform employees about the H1N1 flu virus, and to take steps to prevent its spread. Detailed information, as well as flyers and other resources, can be found online at www.gov.bc.ca/h1n1/. HealthLink BC is also providing a 24-hour information line (8-1-1). Additional resources include the HealthLink BC web site (http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile108.stm), Vancouver Coastal Health (http://www.vch.ca/about_us/news/h1n1_flu_virus__human_swine_flu__information) and the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/).

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
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2009 Tech Expo
Join TTMAC for its annual Tech Expo. This year’s offering of free technical seminars includes the following topics:
The expo takes place November 20, 2009 at Simon Fraser University Harbour Centre, 555 Hastings Street, Vancouver. All seminars are free of charge. Visit www.ttmac.com for a complete schedule. For a registration form, click here.
Each seminar qualifies for 1 Core LU
Sustainable Community Development Program
Sustainable Economics for the Real World
This course provides an overview of key concepts in sustainable economics and the range of practical tools and techniques for planning, evaluating, and communicating policy and projects that advance sustainable community development. Instructors: Chris Corps, Asset Strategics; Mark Pezarro, Earthvoice Strategies Inc; Basil Stromberg, Senior Economist, BC Hydro: Susan Todd, Solstice Sustainability Works; and others. November 13-14, 2009, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. $600 (GST included). For details or to register, please visit www.sfu.ca/city/course7popup.htm.
6.5 Core LUs
Shifting Gears II Free Public Lectures
This lecture series, sponsored by the Bombardier Foundation, the Active Transport Lab at the University of British Columbia and BC Recreation and Parks Association, focuses on the critical relationship between health and transportation. Admission is free but reservations are required. Call (778) 782-5100 or e-mail cstudies@sfu.ca.
Learning from Toronto
Elyse Parker, Public Realm Section, Toronto’s Transportation Services
November 26, 2009 at UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver.
Fax: (604) 822-0070. For complete details, download the flyer at http://www.sfu.ca/city/PDFs/ShiftingGearsIIFall2009flyer.pdf
2 Non-core LUs
Climate Change: Using The New Local Government Powers
This course will examine new local government powers to deal with climate change (Bills 10 and 27 of 2008), and equip planning practitioners to put them to use in their communities. The principal focus will be on development permit area designations for water and energy conservation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The instructors will cover development permit area designations and justifications, and the preparation and application of development permit guidelines addressing these new planning objectives. It takes place November 20, 2009, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The cost is $240 (GST included). For details or to register, please visit http://www.sfu.ca/city/course11popup.htm.
6 Non-Core LUs
Revit Architecture Fundamentals
Revit Architecture is a powerful Building Information Modeling (BIM) program that works the way architects think. From preliminary design through design development and into construction documents, the program streamlines the design process with a central 3D model. Changes made in one view update across all views and on the printable sheets. The name “Revit” implies this ease of revision that is at the heart of the software. Prerequisite: an understanding of architectural terminology is an asset. This three-day course takes place November 23 - 25, 2009. For more information or to register, please contact Kam Seignarack by e-mail (kam.seignarack@rand.com) or phone (604-207-2114).
19.5 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
Old School Program
Whether you already work with existing buildings or would like to increase your knowledge about heritage conservation, this program offers certification, learning credits and invaluable content specific to older buildings. Old School is especially relevant for: architects, contractors, renovators, trades people, realtors, planners or city staff, appraisers, designers, engineers, building managers, inspectors, do-it-yourselfers, heritage commission members and homeowners. The following courses will be held in November:
Planning & Managing a Renovation or Rehabilitation Project
November 14, 2009; 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.; $100 + GST
Japanese Language School & Hall, 487 Alexander Street, Vancouver
7 Core LUsBrown Bag Lunch and Learn – Having Heritage Values Inform the UBC Campus Plans
November 25, 2009: 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.; $10 + GST
Presenter: James Burton, Birmingham & Wood Architects, author of the UBC Cultural Landscapes Plan
Room 850, BCIT Downtown Campus, 555 Seymour Street, Vancouver
1.5 Core LUsResearching the History of a Building - Part I
November 25, 2009; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.; $12 + GST
City of Vancouver Archives
2 Core LUsResearching the History of a Building - part II
November 26, 2009; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.; no cost
Vancouver Public Library
2 Core LUs
For complete details or to register for courses, please visit Heritage Vancouver’s website: http://www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org/oldschool.html
SustainaBUILD Conference: Balancing Energy and the Indoor Environment
There has been a rapid adoption of green building certification systems for new and existing buildings that claim to protect occupant health while achieving climate change objectives. But are all green buildings healthy buildings? This one-day conference will seek to provide answers to this pressing issue by addressing the myths and misconceptions surrounding sustainable green buildings and health in the context of the building envelope and ventilation. It happens November 24, 2009, at the Westin Bayshore, 1609 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver. The cost is $295 + GST. For program details or to register, please visit http://sustainabuild.com/vancouver/index.htm.
5 Core LUs
Construction Management: The Practical and Legal Issues
The increased use of construction managers has created a variety of pressing legal and practical issues. For construction management to be effective, everyone involved must understand how to minimize project liability and avoid incurring unnecessary expenses. At this one-day practical conference, leading experts will guide you through one of the trickiest and rapidly evolving areas of the construction business. You will gain valuable insights and practical tips to meet the challenges of today’s increasingly competitive market. Issues addressed will include:
It happens December 10, 2009, at the Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel. For more information, or to register, please visit http://www.pbli.com/819/
6 Core LUs
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
Digital Design & Fabrication for Wood Products and Structures Seminar
BC Wood and the University of British Columbia Centre for Advanced Wood Processing invite you to attend a half-day seminar on digital design and fabrication using CAD/CAM software and computer-numerical control (CNC) fabrication machinery. These digital technologies are opening up a world of new design possibilities, and offer the potential to design and fabricate structural and aesthetic wood components with ever-improving precision and speed. However, the various design and fabrication steps must be planned as a holistic process that maximizes the efficient flow of digital information in order to take full advantage. Designers must also have a solid understanding of the capabilities of the fabrication equipment used. This seminar will illustrate how the use of 3D CAD/CAM software and CNC machinery impacts the design and manufacturing process, including demonstrations of the most important capabilities of various software programs and CNC equipment. It will also discuss common issues and pitfalls that designers and manufacturers experience, and how these can be mitigated. It takes place Friday, November 27, 12:30 – 4:50 p.m. at the Centre for Advanced Wood Processing, Point Grey Campus, U.B.C. Forest Sciences Centre, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver. The cost is $50 per person (including lunch). To register, please contact Jason Chiu by e-mail (jason.chiu@ubc.ca) or phone (604-822-0082). For further details, please visit www.cawp.ubc.ca.
4 Core LUs
B.C. Fall Wood Design Luncheon Conferences
You are invited to attend the following presentations on Durable Wood Exteriors, being offered at three B.C. locations this November:
Durability by Design - The Do’s and Don’ts of Exterior Wood Detailing
Speaker: Bill Billups, AScT, Technical Consultant. Wood Works! BCDurability by Nature and Durability by Treatment
Speaker: Paul Morris, PhD, Group Leader – Durability and Protection, FPInnovationsDurability a Factor in Sustainable Wood Design
Speaker: Witmar Abele MAIBC, MRAIC, LEED® AP Principle, KMBR Architects Planners Inc.
When and Where:
Kelowna:
Wednesday November 18, 2009, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Grand Okanagan Resort, 1310 Water Street
Kamloops:
Thursday November 19, 2009, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Coast Canadian Inn, 339 St. Paul StreetVictoria:
Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Delta Ocean Pointe, 45 Songhees Road
Sessions are free for those who pre-register with the Canadian Wood Council. To do so, please go to http://www.cwc.ca.
3 Core LUs
The Integration of Mechanical, Structural & Envelope Systems Towards Net Zero Buildings
This workshop will explore ideas, provide technical study data and help inform future direction for engineers of all disciplines to take an active role in the design of sustainable buildings. We will engage and inspire your business to integrate sustainable strategies into your designs. By the use of information, case studies and interactive group discussion you will be able to develop your road map to work collaboratively towards net zero energy, water, and optimization of materials in buildings. The cost is $282.45 per person.
Victoria: |
Monday, December 7, 2009 - for details and to register, click here. |
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4 Core LUs
15th Annual Housing Outlook Conference
CMHC is pleased to be hosting its annual Housing Outlook Conference on Monday, November 9, 2009 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver. In addition to providing housing industry professionals with access to timely forecasts and solid analysis on B.C.’s housing market, this event is an excellent networking opportunity. CMHC experts will share their insights on housing demand, market fundamentals, new home construction, and resale markets trends with a focus on the Vancouver market. Participants will also expand their knowledge of Canada's financial system and the importance of securitization for mortgage lending while learning what's new in sustainable housing. The conference rate of $265 + GST. There is also a group rate of $1200 + GST for tables of six. For more information or to register, please call 1 (800) 668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca.
3 Non-core LUs
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Monday, November 9, 2009 - Monday, January 5, 2010
AIBC Gallery: #100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver
This fall, the AIBC Gallery will feature select entries from the recently-held FUTURESOCIAL ideas competition. Jointly supported by the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and the B.C. Ministry of Housing and Social Development, this social housing design competition stimulated numerous innovative design ideas for supportive housing to combat homelessness.
AIBC registrants can enjoy savings on pre-season lift tickets for the 2009/2010 season at various ski resorts in B.C. when ordering before November 15, 2009. Save 25% on lift tickets and up to 30 - 50% on rentals at Whistler Blackcomb, as well as 15% on lift tickets at Sun Peaks Resort, Silver Star Resort, and Big White Ski Resort. As part of the "Be POWDER Smart" promotion, registrants are eligible to win a Whistler Prize Package valued at over $600 when ordering eight or more tickets. For more information, go to the Club AIBC website at www.aibc.intrd.com.
An amendment to the B.C. Building Code concerning the Adaptable Dwelling Units comes into effect December 31, 2009. This revision establishes new standards for adaptable housing applicable to single-storey suites in new residential, multi-unit buildings, whether adaptable housing is built voluntarily or required by local governments. The updated document can be found online at http://www.bccodes.ca/errata_revisions.htm. Those customers with online versions of the BC Codes will have their material uploaded after December 31. CD customers are asked to ensure their computers are connected to the internet after December 31st in order to automatically receive the upload.
The City of Vancouver is now accepting applicants to fill vacancies on the Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committee. This committee advises on matters relating to the HA-1 and HA-1A Zones, helps preserve and protects the heritage and character of Vancouver’s Chinatown area, and works with all city departments to develop and implement area policies and programs. Committee members serve a two-year term. Please use the on-line application form (http://vancouver.ca/ccadvisoryboard_wa/) or contact Tina Hildebrandt (phone: 604-873-7269; e-mail tina.hildebrandt@vancouver.ca) for a hard copy version. Nominations are due by 5:00 p.m. on November 20, 2009.
The Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogues and Sustainability Community Breakfasts are outreach components of Metro Vancouver’s Sustainable Region Initiative (SRI). They involve a series of high-profile debates and discussions intended to help decision makers shape the future of the region by presenting a range of views and stimulating fresh thought on regional issues such as housing, industry, labour and immigration, drugs and crime, regional economy, transportation, energy and agriculture. For more information, visit: http://www.metrovancouver.org/ABOUT/SRI/Pages/default.aspx.
Sustainability Dialogues
Topic: Solid Waste – Options for the Region
November 18-20, 2009
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hollyburn Country Club, 950 Crosscreek Road, West Vancouver
About 3.5 million tons of garbage are produced each year in the Metro Vancouver region. A little over half is recycled. With our population continuing to increase, we have to face some difficult questions. What policy and regulatory changes are required to reduce the amount of garbage we produce and what are the financial impacts of doing that? What are the opportunities and the barriers to more sustainable product design, and to increases in recycling? If, despite all these recycling and reduction efforts, we still have over a million tons of garbage to dispose of, what should we do with it?
Presenters include:
- Paul Gilman, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Covanta Energy;
- Len Laycock, CEO, Upholstery Arts;
- Brock McDonald, Executive Director, Recycling Council of BC;
- Tony Sperling, President and Landfill Design Specialist, Sperling Hansen Associates; and
- Andrew Weaver, Canada Research Chair in Climate Modelling and Analysis - University of Victoria, and IPCC representative.
Wednesday, November 18: Coquitlam
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (registration and light refreshments at 6:30 p.m.)
Executive Plaza Hotel, 405 North Road
To register, go to http://apps2.metrovancouver.org/sustainability/Smailing_list/EventRegistration.asp?EventID=109Thursday, November 19: Langley
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (registration and light refreshments at 6:30 p.m.)
Coast Hotel & Convention Centre, 20393 Fraser Highway
To register, go to http://apps2.metrovancouver.org/sustainability/Smailing_list/EventRegistration.asp?EventID=110Friday, November 20: Vancouver
7:30 - 9:30 a.m. (registration and refreshments at 7:00 a.m.)
Wosk Centre for Dialogue, 580 West Hastings Street
To register, go to http://apps2.metrovancouver.org/sustainability/Smailing_list/EventRegistration.asp?EventID=111Friday, November 20: West Vancouver
12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. (registration and lunch at 11:30 a.m.)
Hollyburn Country Club, 950 Crosscreek Road
To register, go to http://apps2.metrovancouver.org/sustainability/Smailing_list/EventRegistration.asp?EventID=112
Working Greener for a Sustainable Okanagan is a one-day workshop geared toward those interested in learning how “going green” can help reduce operating costs, increase competitive advantage, and build a positive work culture. Coordinated by the Fresh Outlook Foundation, this interactive workshop will help participants develop green business plans that identify specific actions for saving energy, conserve water, decrease vehicle use, and reduce waste. It takes place Tuesday, November 10, 2009, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Delta Grand Resort, 1310 Water Street, Kelowna. Registration (including lunch) is $49($35 for students) plus GST. For more information, call (250) 766 1777 or e-mail jo@freshoutlookfoundatino.org.
A reminder that the registration deadline for the upcoming “Public Design & Construction Procurement For Local Governments and Public Organizations - A Collaborative Dialogue” in Kelowna is November 12, 2009. This one-day event will examine the implications of different project delivery methods, issues and concerns regarding the selection and bidding processes, fairness, terms of engagement, accountability, and risk management. It will be of interest to all decision makers involved in public construction procurement, bidding, and management as owners, buyers or suppliers in the construction process. This collaborative forum presents a unique opportunity for improved understanding of the different perspectives of client, purchaser, and supplier. Participants will gain improved knowledge of key matters in putting out a biddable project including selecting the appropriate procurement strategy and increased awareness of the types of workable modifications and issues in today’s construction climate, as well as a list of contacts and resources for future reference.
Date: |
Thursday, November 19, 2009 |
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Register online at www.civicinfo.bc.ca/Conference/procure2009.asp by November 12. This forum is made possible though a collaborative alliance of members from the Local Government Management Association of British Columbia, the Architectural Institute of British Columbia, the British Columbia Construction Association, the British Columbia Institute of the Purchasing Management Association of Canada, the Consulting Engineers of British Columbia, and the Master Municipal Documents Association.
The Sixth Annual BC Real Estate Convention takes place April 8-9, 2010 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This tradeshow is aimed at those interested or engaged in investing in residential or commercial real estate, both professionals and the general public. With presentations, seminars and close to 100 exhibitors, it brings together developers, realtors, municipalities, financial institutions, insurance agencies, associations and others involved in the real estate industry. Admittance is free for those who preregister online at http://www.bcrealestateconvention.com/bcrec/main/frame.php?main=25&sub=89. For detailed information, visit, http://www.bcrealestateconvention.com/bcrec/main/frame.php.
The Canadian Society for Marketing Professional Services invites you to its upcoming morning workshop. Titled “YOU as the Product - a Personal Branding Workshop”, this half-day, in-depth workshop will look at how to market and promote yourself more effectively, differentiate yourself from your competition, and elevate your status in the eyes of your employer and clients. It takes place Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel, 791 West Georgia Street, Vancouver. The registration deadline is November 13. For details and to register, visit www.csmps.com or contact Wendy Thompson by phone (604-818-6614) or e-mail (infor@csmps.com).
The Arthur Erickson Conservancy presents an illustrated lecture by Professor Michelangelo Sabatino, who, in the summer of 2009, retraced Erickson’s first journey to Japan in 1961. Sabatino, a professor at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, University of Houston, revisited the sites Erickson mentioned in his seminal 1960s articles in Canadian Architect. For this lecture, he will discuss the effect Erickson’s journeys to Japan had on his work, including the Osaka Pavilion for Expo ’70. This illustrated presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer discussion and a reception. It takes place at on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 7:00 p.m. at the Vancity Theatre + Atrium, Vancouver International Film Centre, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver. For more information, please contact Cheryl Cooper at info@arthurericksonconservancy.com.
From October 15 until November 15, the Nanaimo Art Gallery will have on display submissions from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s awards programs. This exhibit features award-winning projects from three RAIC programs:
This exhibition takes place at the NAG’s downtown location, 150 Commercial Street.
The Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce is hosting a partnership event in Vancouver called Canada and Germany - Energy Efficiency in Buildings & Green Building. It includes a one-day conference that will examine the latest technologies in the green building sector with both Canadian and German expertise, such as Thomas Mueller, President – Canada Green Building Council. It also features a trade mission representation from eight German companies. The conference and luncheon will take place on November 18, 2009, 9.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver. The trade mission runs from November 16 - 20. Both are free of charge, For further information on the conference, click here. You can also contact Katharina Gerberding by phone at (514) 844-3051 or e-mail at consulting.montreal@germanchamber.ca.
This fall, the Homeowner Protection Office will be piloting web seminars based on previous Building Smart live presentation seminars. These webinars will be accessible from one’s computer, making them available province-wide to an audience that includes licensed architects, builders, suppliers, manufacturers, building designers, building officials and many other building professionals who have attended the Building Smart series of seminars presented throughout B.C. over the past six years. Available this winter, the first webinar entitled Avoiding Moisture Problems in Houses will provide practical information that will help you avoid moisture problems in the construction of single detached houses and townhouses. Additional information will be posted on the “What’s New” section of the HPO website (www.hpo.bc.ca) during November.
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and the Canada Council for the Arts are pleased to invite architects to participate in the competition for the 2010 Governor General's Medals in Architecture. The objective of this awards program is to recognize and celebrate outstanding design in recently completed built projects by Canadian architects. It continues a tradition initiated by the Massey Medals in 1950, providing an important source of understanding of the nature of Canadian architecture and the regional, cultural and historic forces expressed in the built environment. As many as 12 medals will be awarded this year. Eligibility is limited to projects built in and outside of Canada, completed between January 1, 2003 and September 1, 2009 and for which licensed/registered architects who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada were the lead design architects. Projects having received a Governor General’s Award in Architecture in a previous competition, or with involvement of a member of the RAIC staff, RAIC board or Canada Council for the Arts staff are not eligible. Winners will be selected by a peer assessment committee. The primary criterion will be the architectural artistic merit of the design, including such elements as conceptual clarity, site compatibility, detailing, innovation and uniqueness, and sustainable design. The deadline for submissions is November 19, 2009. Submission details are available online at http://www.raic.org/honours_and_awards/awards_gg_medals/2010call/gg-submission_e.htm. You can also visit the RAIC website at www.raic.org.
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. An early bird rate is in place until November 30.
The deadline for nominations and submissions for the RAIC’s annual Gold Medal and Architectural Firm awards is Friday, December 11, 2009. The RAIC Gold Medal recognizes a significant body of work deemed to be a major contribution to Canadian architecture with having lasting influence on the theory and/or the practice of architecture. Any individual, living or dead, may be nominated. The Architectural Firm award, formerly offered as part of the RAIC Awards of Excellence, is now a stand-alone award. It recognizes an architectural firm or practice that has consistently produced distinguished architecture. Those eligible include architectural firms or architectural practices that are resident in Canada or have their principal office located in Canada, possess the appropriate Certificate of Practice or authorization to practice as required by the provincial licensing authorities, and have been together as an organization or as successor firm for at least 10 years. Both of these honours will be selected by a single jury. For more information, please visit http://www.raic.org/. You can also e-mail awards-prix@raic.org, or call (613) 241-3600, x 214.
The City of Montréal is sponsoring a nationwide ideas competition for the redesign of the Champ-de-Mars métro station area of the city. The station, which features glassworks by renowned artist Marcelle Ferron, is one of the few Montreal landmarks remaining from prior to the construction of the Ville-Marie expressway. The immediate perimeter of the station forms a link between downtown Montréal and Old Montréal, and is one of the main pedestrian access routes to the historic district. Entrants are invited to submit development proposals that integrate smoothly with the existing public spaces and take into account the current and future built environment, including the impending development of the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal and the planned covering of the Ville-Marie expressway. Proposals must promote citizen appropriation of the urban environment and provide a development framework that facilitates movement through the city. The competition, which is being conducted on an anonymous-entry basis, is open to all design professionals, students or consortiums whose main place of business is in Canada. It is a single-stage competition, with two submission categories, one for professionals and the other for students. The language of the competition is French. However, the conceptual approach may include a text in English. The competition jury will use criteria such as enhancement of the architecture and glassworks of Champ-de-Mars métro station; reinforcement of pedestrian links and access routes; and innovative and esthetic qualities. Jury members include:
Registration is required by January 15, 2010. Proposals must be submitted no later than February 10, 2010. For more information and to register, visit http://www.realisonsmontreal.com/fr/projet/Amenagement-des-abords-de-la-station-de-metro-Champ-de-Mars. Entrants who have questions about the competition must submit them by e-mail to the Design Montréal office at info@realisonsmontreal.com no later than January 15, 2010.
The International Union of Architects has launched an international competition that will invites participants to share their own expression of 20th Century architecture using today’s design tools. Architecture students from around the world are invited to create image models of significant architectural creativity realised during the last century. All phases of the competition will be conducted on-line, and all image models must be based on digital photographs created using Autodesk® ImageModeler™ and Autodesk® Stitcher™ Unlimited software (the software will be made available to competitors free of charge for the duration of the competition. Working as teams or individuals, students are free to choose the structure they wish to represent, from a major landmark to an unknown building, with the condition that it was built between 1901 and 2000. Registration is open until April 26, 2010. For full information, visit www.archi.fr/3D_20th.
Do you have a passion for architectural photography? The 2010 Sony World Photography Awards, one of the world’s largest photography competitions, invites you to give it your best shot. The competition includes an Architecture category for both professional and amateur photographers. In 2009, more than over 60,000 entrants from 139 different countries took part. The overall winner receives the L’Iris D’Or title as well as a $25,000 cash prize. The selection for Amateur Photographer of the Year earns a $5,000 cash prize. The 36 category finalists will have their photos included as part of the Sony World Photography Awards Global Tour throughout 2010 and 2011. The judging panel for the competition will be comprised of members of the World Photographic Academy. The competition is free to enters, and the closing date for submissions is December 4, 2009. For further information please visit www.worldphotographyawards.org.
The Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize is a biennial international award to recognise individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the creation of vibrant, liveable, and sustainable urban communities. Nominations are applicable for any individual or organization who have demonstrated a key leadership role in areas such as urban planning, policy and programming, and applied technology for urban solutions. The inaugural prize will be awarded in June 2010, as part of the World Cities Summit 2010 in Singapore. For more information, please visit www.leekuanyewworldcityprize.com.sg.
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The Rise, a Vancouver mixed-use high rise designed by Nigel Baldwin Architects, is one of five international projects chosen by the Urban Land Institute for a 2009 Global Award for Excellence. The ULI awards, which recognize excellence in land use practice, are considered to be the land use industry’s most prestigious recognition program. It considers the full development process of a project, including architecture, design, leadership, contribution to the community, innovations, public/private partnership, environmental protection and enhancement, response to societal needs, and financial success. The 2009 winners were selected from 21 worldwide finalists. The Rise, developed by Grosvenor Americas, impressed the jury with its successful integration of large-format retail, local boutique shops, and rental housing into a single, sophisticated mid-rise form.
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By Trevor Boddy, Arcade
October 2009
Architects from the Pacific Northwest have been at the heart of the good Green Revolution. We were there at the start for Smart Growth initiatives; we constantly lecture our clients, our staff and ourselves about sustainability; we have devoted enormous amounts of time and money to LEED certification and training. Despite this widespread support of the cause, many of us lag at times—doubts arise about the earnestness of all this policy and prohibition. Our intentions are focused, our craft is sound, but must going Green remain a civic duty for architects rather than a passionate embrace, a ritual obligation rather than profound inspiration? Come the return of good times for builders, will the progress of the past few years be lost if architects do not become excited about the design virtues of sustainability, not just its environmental benefits? More …
By Andrea Klettner, The Architects’ Journal
October 30, 2009
There has never been a better time for young practices, because suddenly the playing field is level,’ says Stuart Lipton, CABE founding chairman, current deputy chairman of Chelsfield Partners and probably the most important developer of his generation. His portfolio includes Broadgate, the City of London’s single largest development, and the Foster + Partners-designed HM Treasury (2002). ‘The current recession coincides with the end of one period of architecture and the beginning of another,’ says Lipton, for whom the quantity-over-quality approach of the last ten years is over. It is no longer economically viable; as property values have fallen by 45 per cent, there is little bank finance available and uncertainty remains about future values. Therefore architects need to rethink what developers and the public want. More …