Free Practice Consultation Service Making a Positive Impression

Response to the AIBC’s Practice Consultation Service (formerly Practice Standards Consultation Service) continues to be overwhelmingly positive. Participating firms have provided excellent feedback respecting benefits to their firms and the informative nature of the process itself. As a result, firms of various sizes have been able to better standardize their project organization of projects and improve their processes. Here’s what some have to say about their PCS experience:

“This experience has been a smooth and cooperative process. The precise statements and the clear understanding created a great communication tool. My interview was neither threatening nor worrisome, but rather a helpful wake-up call on methods of practice where I should be using more standard check sheets rather than relying [solely] on my 39 years of practice!”
- Ben Levinson MAIBC

“We have found the process valuable to our firm. The methodical, step-by-step preparation process … has been an excellent opportunity for us to step back and review what we are doing right and what we can improve upon.”
– Hugh Cochlin MAIBC

The PCS is not a design review. Rather, it is a positive, educational, interactive process that allows members to consider their practices through external feedback from volunteer practice consultants — fellow architects who have stepped up to share their wealth of experience, understanding and knowledge. Their advice may pertain to any area where support is needed or wanted, and the visit can provide a good opportunity to chat about a variety of topics relating to a member’s practice. The process affords a closer look at how one’s firm manages itself and its projects, including organizational structure, contract management procedures and office administration.

The process is simple and straightforward. Members begin by filling out a Practice Self-Assessment Rating Form (insert link) that serves as a starting point for self-evaluation and provides an introduction to the firm for the practice consultant. The next steps are to gather project documents and administrative records for three projects that are representative of the firm’s work, in preparation for the practice consultant’s visit and interview.

A very limited number of consultation spots remain for 2009, with additional spots available in 2010. For more information on how you can take advantage of this valuable resource, please contact Coordinator of Professional Practice Erica Holt  by phone (604-683-8588; ext. 314) or e-mail (eholt@aibc.ca).

2010 AIBC Annual Conference: Call for Presentations

Extended Deadline: November 25, 2009

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.

Firm Updates Overdue

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).

Update: Bulletin 12 – Registering with Alternative Qualifications

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.

Updated Digital Signature Software

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.

New Bulletin: Bulletin 60 – Signature, Seal and Delivery of Electronic Documents

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).

Update: Bulletin 01 – Fees, Fines and Charges

An updated version of Bulletin 01 - Fees, Fines and Charges is now available online at http://www.aibc.ca/bulletins/Bulletin_01_2009.pdf. This new version incorporates changes to address the AIBC’s newly-established Alternative Qualifications Assessment process for Architectural Technologists, along with minor syntax adjustments and modified sequencing for improved clarity and transparency.

Role Call: AIBC Awards Advisory Committee

The institute is seeking members interested in joining the AIBC Awards Advisory Committee. This committee will work with staff to formulate a jury for the 2010 AIBC Awards in Architecture, and review the institute’s awards program. This committee will meet approximately four times between October 2009 and February 2010, with meeting times to be determined. All classes of AIBC registrant, including both former committee members and those newly interested in becoming involved, are welcomed to apply. For more information or to indicate your interest in volunteering for this committee, please contact Director of Communications David Wiebe at dwiebe@aibc.ca.

H1N1 Information Campaign

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/).

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

Recollective

LEEDing To AP Seminar
There is limited time remaining to write the LEED® NC 1.0 Exam, which lets you maintain your LEED AP status (as currently allowed by CaGBC and USGBC) or opt into the new credentialing system. This seminar, which will help prepare you for your upcoming LEED® exam, covers:

• Exam Overview
• Understanding the Process
• What NOT to Study
• Study Tips and Tools
• Exam Writing Tips
• Sample Exam Questions
• Q&A with a practising green building professional LEED® AP

Note: This seminar is for individuals familiar with LEED®. It does not cover the same material as the CaGBC one-day LEED® NC Workshop. Technical requirements of prerequisites and credits is not covered. It takes place Thursday, November 19th, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Recollective offices, #109 - 5 West Pender Street, Vancouver. The cost is $75 + GST ($50 + GST for full-time students, Cascadia Emerging Green Builders and the unemployed.)

For more information, or to register, please vist http://recollective.ca/community.cfm?tab=5

3 Core LUs

Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada

2009 Tech Expo
Join TTMAC for its annual Tech Expo. This year’s offering of free technical seminars includes the following topics:

• Water Features - Pools & Decks
• Large Format Tile Installations
• Environmental Ceramic Tile - Gray or Green?
• LEED® with Tile & Stone
• Cleaning, Sealing & Maintaining Your Investment
• Terrazzo - A Journey Through Time
• Specifying for Success (Panel Discussion)

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

SFU City Program

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

IMAGINiT Technologies

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

Vancouver Heritage Foundation

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 LUs

Brown 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 LUs

Researching the History of a Building - Part I
November 25, 2009; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.; $12 + GST
City of Vancouver Archives
2 Core LUs

Researching 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

MMPI

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

Pacific Business and Law Institute

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:

• When and why do you use a construction manager;
• Situations where construction managers should be avoided;
• The legal intricacies of construction management;
• Understanding the method and impact of the various models of management in the industry;
• Practical insight on the “how tos” of construction management;
• How to deal with the most crucial issues that arise in the contract phase; and
• Lessons learned and advice for future projects.

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 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

BC Wood

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

Canadian Wood Council / Wood WORKS!

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! BC

Durability by Nature and Durability by Treatment  
Speaker: Paul Morris, PhD, Group Leader – Durability and Protection, FPInnovations

Durability 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 Street
Victoria:	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

Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC)

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.

4 Core LUs

Current Exhibit: FUTURESOCIAL

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.

Ski Resorts Savings

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.

CHOP II

The CD-ROM version of the new Canadian Handbook of Practice, Second Edition can now be purchased online through the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. The handbook has been completely updated and features extensive additions, and has been completely updated. The CD-ROM version includes the same PDF version of the document currently available for purchase as a download. Note: As with the First Edition, CCDC contract documents are not included, and must be purchased separately. The CHOP is available at specially discounted prices for Canadian architects, intern architects, and students in a Master's program at an accredited Canadian school of architecture. For access to discounted prices, users must first register with the CHOP Order Centre. To register, order, of for information including prices, visit https://www.raic.org/chop/registration/index.cfm?CFID=12688804&CFTOKEN=38218247.

New Standards for Adaptable Housing

An amendment to the B.C. Building Code concerning the Adaptable Dwelling Units comes into effect December 31, 2009. This revision establishes new standards for adaptable housing applicable to single-storey suites in new residential, multi-unit buildings, whether adaptable housing is built voluntarily or required by local governments. The updated document can be found online at http://www.bccodes.ca/errata_revisions.htm. Those customers with online versions of the BC Codes will have their material uploaded after December 31. CD customers are asked to ensure their computers are connected to the internet after December 31st in order to automatically receive the upload.

Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committee Members

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.

 

Construct Canada 2009

The 21st annual Construct Canada Conference takes place December 2-4, 2009 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Now in its 21st year, the conference will feature a program of information, education and networking specifically targeted at the needs and interests of architects support teams. The event is being held jointly with Design Trends, HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo, Concrete Canada and PM Expo, with a combined attendance of over 23,500, more than 1,050 exhibits, some 450 speakers and 200 seminars, making it Canada's largest exposition and educational forum on the building design and construction for architects, builders, contractors, designers, developers, engineers, and specifiers. Featured events include the 8th Annual International Architectural Roundtable which will examine “Radical Pragmatism: New Modes of Architectural Practice”. A discounted early bird rate is available until Friday, November 20. To review the overall program, please visit our Show website at www.constructcanada.com.

The Year in Vancouver Civic Politics

You are invited to attend a community forum on Saturday November 14. In recognition of the one-year anniversary of the last municipal election, this forum will examine event of the past year for the City of Vancouver. Expert panelists will share their observations on what’s been happening at city hall, particularly in the areas of housing, city planning and development, city finances, local economic development and civic political leadership. Attendees will have an opportunity to engage panelists in a question-and-answer session following each presentation. This non-partisan event is being organized by past city council candidate Michael Geller MAIBC, former city councillor Gordon Price, and Vancouver Sun urban development columnist Bob Ransford. It goes from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Simon Fraser University’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, 580 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. The doors open at 8:00 a.m. with admission by donation. For further information, contact Michael Geller (778-997-9980) or Bob Ransford (1-866-824-8337).

Sustainable Region Initiative

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=109

Thursday, 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=110

Friday, 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=111

Friday, 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

2010 BC Real Estate Convention

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.

Personal Branding Workshop

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).

Journeys to the East: Arthur Erickson and Japan

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.

RAIC Awards Exhibition (Nanaimo)

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:

• 2009 RAIC Awards of Excellence - bestowed every two years in recognition of the greatest achievement in the categories of Allied Arts, Innovation in Architecture, Advocate for Architecture, Architectural Firm, and Green Building;
• 2008 Governor General's Medal's in Architecture - which recognizes outstanding achievement in recently-built projects by Canadian architects; and
• 2008 National Urban Design Awards - part of a two-tier program held in cooperation with major metropolitan centers across Canada.

This exhibition takes place at the NAG’s downtown location, 150 Commercial Street.

Canada and Germany Conference and Trade Mission

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.

HPO Building Smart Webinars

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.

Governor General's Medals

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.

IHC2010

Registrations and abstracts are now being accepted for the International Housing Conference 2010, taking place in Singapore from January 26-20. 2010. This event, organized by Singapore’s Housing and Development Board with a theme of “Sustainable Housing: Charting New Frontiers”, will bring together eminent experts, leaders and professionals to share their experience, perspectives and vision on the subject of sustainable development with a focus on housing. For more information on the conference program and topics, visit the website at http://www.internationalhousingconference.com/. To register, go to http://www.internationalhousingconference.com/online.html. An early bird rate is in place until November 30.

TownShift: Suburb into City

Entries are now being accepted for “TownShift: Suburb into City”, an open international ideas competition seeking innovative ideas for five of Surrey's established town centres. The aim of this juried competition is to shift the thinking towards more intense, public-minded and productive urban futures for each of these town hubs within the province’s second most populous city. The hope is to open debate and generate innovative new thinking about suburbs transforming towards sustainability in an era of increasingly expensive energy, and to help transition Surrey from a postmodern suburb to a vital contemporary city. The task is to create livable, walkable, sustainable, residential density around shopping malls, retail strips, recreation centres and residential bungalows in the designated areas. The competition has been approved by the AIBC. Jury members include: Jane Durante FCSLA, Durante-Kreuk Landscape Architects, Vancouver; David Miller FAIA, Miller-Hull Partnership, Architecture Chair – University of  Washington; Mary Beth Rondeau MAIBC, Acting City Architect - City of Surrey; Stephen Teeple OAA FRAIC RCA,  Teeple Architects, Toronto; and Peter Webb B.Arch, Senior Vice President - Concord Pacific Development, Vancouver. Registration closes January 4, 2010. Entries will be showcased at an exhibit beginning February 4, 2010, with winners announced and awards presented on February 24. Some $75,000 in prize money is up for grabs. For more details, visit www.townshift.com.

RAIC Gold Medal and Architectural Firm Award Deadline

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.

Shuko Montréal l Design Competition

The City of Montréal is sponsoring a nationwide ideas competition for the redesign of the Champ-de-Mars métro station area of the city. The station, which features glassworks by renowned artist Marcelle Ferron, is one of the few Montreal landmarks remaining from prior to the construction of the Ville-Marie expressway. The immediate perimeter of the station forms a link between downtown Montréal and Old Montréal, and is one of the main pedestrian access routes to the historic district. Entrants are invited to submit development proposals that integrate smoothly with the existing public spaces and take into account the current and future built environment, including the impending development of the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal and the planned covering of the Ville-Marie expressway. Proposals must promote citizen appropriation of the urban environment and provide a development framework that facilitates movement through the city. The competition, which is being conducted on an anonymous-entry basis, is open to all design professionals, students or 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:

• Melvin Charney, architect;
• Odile Decq, architect and Director of the École Spéciale d’Architecture, Paris;
• Jacques Des Rochers, Curator of Canadian Art, Montréal Museum of Fine Arts;
• Michel Dionne, architect, Cooper, Robertson & Partners, New York;
• Raphaël Fischler, urban planner and professor at the School of Urban Planning, McGill University;
• Mario Masson, landscape architect and Division Manager, Service du développement culturel, de la qualité du milieu de vie et de la diversité ethnoculturelle, Ville de Montréal;
• Alessandra Ponte, associate professor, School of Architecture, Université de Montréal;
• Philippe Poullaouec-Gonidec, landscape architect and holder of the UNESCO Chair in Landscape and Environmental Design at Université de Montréal.

Registration is required by January 15, 2010. Proposals must be submitted no later than February 10, 2010. For more information and to register, visit http://www.realisonsmontreal.com/fr/projet/Amenagement-des-abords-de-la-station-de-metro-Champ-de-Mars. Entrants who have questions about the competition must submit them by e-mail to the Design Montréal office at info@realisonsmontreal.com no later than January 15, 2010.

A Fresh Look at 20th Century Architectural Heritage

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

Sony World Photography Awards

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.

Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize

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.

Heritage Award for Bakker

The Vancouver Heritage Foundation has bestowed its special recognition award upon Vancouver architect Joost Bakker MAIBC, OAA, FRAIC, RCA. The distinction recognizes Bakker’s enduring commitment and contributions to not only the VHF but also the broader built environment. Bakker is a partner at Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden, the firm responsible for the recent renovation and addition to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation offices in downtown Vancouver. He also contributed to the redeveloping of the former industrial area of Granville Island, envisioning the transition of existing buildings into functional spaces instead of sending them to the landfill.

Design Competitions: a Great Debate

By Nathalie Weinstein, Daily Journal of Commerce – Oregon
November 11, 2009

Design competitions don’t always work out; case in point: the Portland Building. Michael Graves’ postmodern design won an international competition in the early 1980s. But the 15-story structure was ridiculed by the design community and recently was named “one of the most hated buildings in America” by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Yet many architects love design competitions, which allow them to flex their creative muscle more than in a request-for-proposals process. However, these days there are few local competitions, such as a current one under way for the design of a new firefighters memorial. More …

Unveiling of a Prettier Queen E Caps Proscenium's Big Week

By Malcolm Parry, Vancouver Sun
November 12, 2009

NEXT STAGE: Friday's a big day for Proscenium Architecture + Interiors Inc. That'll be when folk first see what the city-based firm has accomplished with its makeover of the 50-year-old Queen Elizabeth Theatre's lobby and now-2,700-seat auditorium. More …

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