Annual Fee Renewal

As the end of the year approaches, so too does the time for payment of 2010 fees for members, associates, firms and affiliates. Fee invoices are being prepared for delivery on or after the middle of December 2009.  This year, we will be using our new database systems to generate invoices and process online payments. An invoice will be e-mailed to every person and firm for whom we have an identified e-mail address. Those without an e-mail address on our system will receive theirs by regular mail. In preparation for the annual fee cycle, please log on to your member profile or log on to your firm profile and ensure your contact information is correct. Once invoices are issued, you will be able to log in through this same location to review and pay your invoice on-line. Note: In order to remain in good standing, payment must be received before February 1, 2010.

In Passing: Bob Hall

Robert (Bob) Henry “Tzaddi” Hall MAIBC passed away on October 17, 2009 at the age of 70.

Hall, a Washington State-registered architect with dual citizenship, joined the AIBC in 1987. He was the sole-proprietor of Seattle-based Pacific Rim Architecture Ltd. as well as a member of Pacific Rim Architecture Ltd. in Surrey, B.C., and a partner with Hall-Kienast Architects in Bellingham. He received his architectural training at Princeton University and at the University of Illinois, where he graduating in 1963. Following graduation he served in the military. He then spent two years in London, working as an architect and urban planner for the Greater London Council. Upon his return to Chicago, he worked for the City of Chicago as an urban planner with responsibility for the Near Northwest Neighbourhood Plan. Hall moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1974. His work over the last 30 years included numerous ecclesiastical, commercial and residential projects. In 1976, he received a citation from the Canadian Architect Awards Program for his work on a 66-unit condo project in Vancouver. He served on Design Review Panels in Surrey, Seattle and Redmond, Washington.

Hall is survived by his sons Owen, Matthew and Harbhajan. A service in his honor will be held at Seattle’s Kadampa Meditation Center on Friday, December 4, 7:00 pm. There will also be a celebration of his life at the Eastlake Zoo Tavern in Seattle at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5. For more information, go to www.tzaddi.info.

Ernest named Executive Director

AIBC Council is pleased to announce that Michael Ernest MAIBC has been named Executive Director on an ongoing basis. He had assumed the role in June 2009 in an interim capacity. In removing the interim status, Council is recognizing the positive results and new directions that have been evident under his leadership since that time. The decision also reflects his extensive history with the institute, which began as an oral examiner in 1976, as well as his reputation and regard within the profession and industry sector. Congratulations to Michael.

Save the Date: AIBC Holiday Open House

Celebrate the season by attending the AIBC Holiday Open House. Come by after work and share in music, food, and fun with colleagues and friends at the AIBC. The event places Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the AIBC offices, #440 - 100 Cambie Street, Vancouver. To confirm you attendance, please r.s.v.p. to communications@aibc.ca by December 2, 2009. We hope to see you there.

Save the Date: 2010 AIBC Annual Conference

May 6 - 8, 2010
Vancouver Convention Center
Theme: Community Building: The Social Impact of Architecture

Firm Updates Overdue
Outstanding Annual Updates Required Immediately

The Architects Act and AIBC bylaws require every firm to file an annual update with the AIBC. Firms that have not yet updated their profiles must do so immediately to ensure accurate publication in the 2010 AIBC Directory. Firm update information and instructions (including firm login identification and password information) 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).

Information Session for Foreign Registered Architects and Alternatively Qualified Individuals

The AIBC’s Registration and Licensing Department is hosting an information session for anyone registered as an architect outside Canada and the United States and interested in registering in British Columbia through alternative qualifications, as well as those candidates who may be eligible through Section 37 of the Architects Act. It takes place Thursday, December 3, 2009 from 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m. at the AIBC large boardroom. Note: lunch will not be provided so please feel free to bring your own. Those interested in attending are asked to r.s.v.p. to AIBC Manager of Registration and Licensing Róisín O’Neill at roneill@aibc.ca. Also, if you know of anyone who may be interested in attending, please encourage him/her to contact Róisín.

Attendees are also advised to review the information on the Foreign Trained Architect registration process prior to the session by visiting www.aibc.ca/fta.

Richards Re-appointed CACB President

At its biannual meeting earlier this month, the Canadian Architectural Certification Board announced that Gordon Richards MAIBC MRAIC has been chosen for a second term as CACB president.

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 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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

Shapiro Hankinson & Knutson Law Corporation

Construction Law Seminar
SHK invites you to a complimentary breakfast and discussion about relevant industry issues.  It happens Wednesday, December 2, 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. at the Terminal City Club, 837 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. Please r.s.v.p. to Brenda at bor@shk.ca or by calling (604) 684-0727. For complete details, click here.

1.5 Core LUs

IMAGINiT Technologies

Sustainable Design: Ecotect Analysis Fundamentals (Web-based Workshop)

Ecotect Analysis software is a comprehensive concept-to-detail sustainable design analysis tool, providing a wide range of simulation and analysis functionality. Users can interact with powerful 3D feedback to explore factors such as solar energy, shadows and reflections, and day lighting. Using Autodesk Ecotect Analysis, architects and designers can gain better insight into building performance early in the process, helping to achieve more sustainable designs, faster time to market, and lower project costs. For more information or to register, please contact Kam Seignarack by e-mail (kam.seignarack@rand.com) or phone (604-207-2114).

16 Core LUs

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

Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC)

The Integration of Mechanical, Structural & Envelope Systems Towards Net Zero Buildings (Victoria)
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. Participants will be engaged and inspired to integrate sustainable strategies into designs. By the use of information, case studies and interactive group discussion, attendees will also 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. It takes place in Victoria on 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.

Zipcar

Give the gift of green this holiday season with Zipcar, a car sharing program that enhances personal and business travel while protecting the environment. As a recent addition to the Club AIBC program, Zipcar is offering exclusive discount rates for all AIBC registrants. Enjoy a discounted membership rate of $30 / year, or set up a Zipcar for Business account for free. For more information on this offer, or to sign up, please visit www.zipcar.com/aibc or email Dave Lewin at dlewin@zipcar.com.

Monograph on Evaluating Building Structures

The National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) has announced a new monograph that provides architects and design professionals with a much-needed methodology to evaluate existing buildings for new or continuing use. Building Evaluation for Preservation, which details each step of the evaluation process, looks at both interior and exterior building structures using an easy-to-implement approach that reduces the possibility of costs and setbacks encountered during the development of a project. In doing so , it gives a clear and comprehensive approach for making the critical decision of whether to adapt and reuse a building or to demolish and rebuild. It covers structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems, and offers techniques to better understand how to evaluate each system separately. The cost is $300 ($200 for current NCARB Record holders). To order, go to http://www.ncarb.org/publications/pdpmonographs.html.

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.

Architecture for Humanity – Vancouver Fundraiser

AIBC members are invited to take part in the second annual Gingerbread Competition and Charity Auction sponsored by Creative Room. Last year’s event challenged Vancouver’s best architects and designers to re-envision the traditional typology, doing away with ubiquitous veneer of jujubes and smarties in an effort to re-interpret the gingerbread house within a modern context. The results were outstanding … and delicious. The same challenge is going out this year. Entries will be judged by last year’s winner D’Arcy Jones, conceptual artist Ken Lum, designer Bill Pechet, and Contemporary Art Gallery Director Christina Ritchie. Entries will be auctioned off with proceeds going to Architecture for Humanity (Vancouver Chapter). The gala opening and auction takes place Thursday, December 10 at the Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street. For more information, registration and bidding, visit www.creativeroom.ca/gingerbread/houses.

Intimate Immensity Exhibition

The work of Toronto artist and architect Dimitri Papatheodorou OAA MRAIC is currently on view at the Elliott Louis Gallery, 258 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver. In his solo exhibition titled “Intimate Immensity”, Papatheodorou uses rich, light-emanating panels built up with multiple layers of oil glazes in the manner of Mark Rothko while incorporating quotes from modern architects such as Tadao Ando, Daniel Libeskind, and Le Courbusier. Papatheodorou’s mastery of chiaroscuro techniques is evident in these subtle but powerful statements on space, light and form. The exhibition runs through December 5, 2009 . For more information, go to http://www.elliottlouis.com/

Wood Design Awards Book

Each year, the Canadian Wood Council publishes the winning projects from its annual Wood Design Awards program, the only North America-wide program recognizing achievements in wood architecture. In addition to highlighting the winners of the 2008 Wood Design & Building Awards, this year’s book also features the frontrunners from the Canadian Wood WORKS! Awards (including representation from British Columbia and Ontario) as well as the U.S. WoodWorks Wood Design Awards. This hardcover edition showcases stunning architectural design and building craft, and is a lasting reference for those seeking inspiration in wood design. To order your copy, go online to http://www.cwc.ca/Publications/Wood%20Design%20Awards%20Book/?Language=EN

Art Institute Grad Show

The Art Institute of Vancouver invites you to attend its Fall Graduate Portfolio Review, Friday, December 18  from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (closing ceremonies to follow). Network with industry professionals and colleagues, mingle with students, and gain a firsthand look at what these graduates can do - for you and your company - as they present their design, fashion, and media concepts all in one place. Featured graduates will represent the following programs: Animation Art & Design; Digital Film & Video; Fashion Design & Merchandising; Fashion Marketing & Management; Game Art & Design; Interior Design; Graphic Design; Professional Recording Arts; 3D Modeling for Animation & Games; Visual & Game Programming; and VFX for Film & Television. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and refreshments provided by the institute’s International Culinary School. It takes place at the Renfrew Campus, 2665 Renfrew Street, Vancouver. Industry attendees are asked to r.s.v.p. To do so, or for more information, please contact Marcos Armstrong (778-373-8959; marmstrong@aii.edu) or Stephen Hummel (778-373-.8970; sthummel@aii.edu)

2010 Festival of Architecture

Reserve your calendars for the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada / Saskatchewan Association of Architects 2010 Festival of Architecture, taking place June 22 - 26, 2010 in Saskatoon. In addition to being  rife with professional development opportunities and social networking events, the event, themed “Sounds Like Architecture”, will coincide with the city’s annual jazz festival. Watch www.raic.org for more information.

Construct Canada 2009

The 21st annual Construct Canada Conference will be held 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”. To review the overall program, please visit our Show website at www.constructcanada.com.

2010 BC Real Estate Convention

The Sixth Annual BC Real Estate Convention takes place April 8-9, 2010 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This trade show 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.

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.

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.

Deadline Extension: 2009 Wood Design Awards

The deadline for submission to the 2009 Wood Design Awards has been extended to Monday, December 7, 2009. This awards program, produced by the Canadian Wood Council, is the only annual North America-wide recognition program specifically for achievements in wood architecture. Entries should consist of building projects that show a broad range of wood building and finishing materials, though they need not be constructed entirely out of wood. Award categories include: Non-residential (new and remodeled), Residential (new and remodeled), Architectural Interior Design and International Projects. Entries will be judged on the success with which the project satisfies the building and site requirements of the client using appropriate wood product applications. This year’s Wood Design Awards jurors are Silvio Baldassarra, Vice President of NORR Ltd. Architects and Engineers; Keith Boswell AIA, Technical Director of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP; and Wendy Evens Joseph FAIA LEEP AP, of Wendy Evens Joseph Architecture. Additional information can be found at http://www.cwc.ca/Events/BuildingAwards.

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, 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 consortium 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.

B.C. Steel Structure Awards

The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC), British Columbia celebrated its 2009 B.C. Steel Structure Awards of Excellence on November 19, 2009 at Vancouver’s Fairmont Waterfront Hotel. The annual event recognizes exceptional design in architecture, engineering and sustainability. This year’s honourees included:

Award of Excellence -  Architectural
Robson Square Domes (Hughes Condon Marler Architects)

Award of Merit - Architectural
Central Valley Greenway Bridge (Patkau Architects Inc.)

Award of Excellence - Engineering
Richmond Speed Skating (Cannon Design)

Also presented was the Krentz Award, bestowed as a special recognition of an extraordinary design solution in the field of steel construction that demonstrates unique application, successful collaboration and sustainable principles for the benefit of society, the industry and associated professions. The honoured project was the Vancouver Convention Center, whose development team includes LMN Architects, Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership and DA Architects + Planners.

This year’s awards jury consisted of Michael Heeney MAIBC MRAIC LEED®AP of Bing Thom Architects; Cameron Kemp of Omicron Architecture Engineering Construction Ltd.; Dale Rickard MAIBC of VIA Architecture; Keith Sashaw of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association; and John Sherstobitoff of Sandwell Engineering.

Awards for Bunting Coady

Bunting Coady Architects came away with a handful of honours at the 2009 Real Estate Excellence Awards sponsored by the Vancouver chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties. The Vancouver firm won in the categories of Green Design/Stewardship (for the Discovery Green Building, Burnaby), Office Development (for the Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Building, Burnaby) and Office Lease (for the re-zoning of the HSBC Bank Canada, Vancouver). The awards program honours leadership and excellence in commercial real estate within Greater Vancouver. Recognition is given for quality, performance, innovation, creativity, teamwork, collaboration, community and environmental awareness.

Bunting Coady’s interior design division also collected top honours for Best Intergenerational Workplace Interior Design at the recent 2009 Workplace Matters Design Awards for its work on the Richie Bros. Auctioneers Building. The awards, presented by T.O.R. The Office Resource, are given for innovative, environmentally sustainable and intuitive design of workspace ecology.

HBBH Merges with Cohos Evamy

Effective January 28, 2010, Vancouver-based Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden Architects will merge with Cohos Evamy integratedesign™, a multi-disciplinary design firm. The newly-formed entity will have studios in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto.

Homebuilders Seek More Concessions
Bump up to $525,000 HST threshold on new homes not enough, association says

By Ian Austin and Suzanne Fournier, The Province
November 20, 2009

The B.C. government added a new wrinkle to its HST sales pitch Thursday, hoping to bring the construction industry onside by promising to raise the threshold for the new-home-added tax from $400,000 to $525,000. The 12-per-cent harmonized sales tax is set to kick in July 1, 2010, and B.C.'s recession-hit construction industry wanted homebuyers paying up to $600,000 not to have to pay more tax as homebuilders strive to stay afloat during a nasty business cycle. More …

RIBA Teams up to Produce Climate Change 'Call For Action'

By Elizabeth HopkirK, Building Design
November 20, 2009

The RIBA has joined forces with architecture institutes around the world to deliver a 15 point “call for action” on climate change in Copenhagen next month. It challenges governments and the architecture profession to work together to achieve lasting action to combat global warming. More …

When it's Wrong to Walk

By Amanda Baillieu, Building Design
November 20, 2009

In his speech to architecture’s great and good on Monday night, Cabe’s outgoing chairman, John Sorrell, urged them to resign from a job rather than produce a bad building. Was he perhaps thinking of the stand taken by Richard MacCormac, who quit working for the BBC when it became apparent his design was going to be reined in? If so, one could only wonder where Cabe was when this dramatic exit took place. Despite some behind-the-scenes lobbying by a few of the Cabe faithful, the design watchdog did not think it was worth compromising its relationship with government for MacCormac’s artistic vision. More …

Redevelopment Project Doubles as Social Experiment

By Linda Baker, New York Times
November 24, 2009

This city of elegant luxury condominium towers and grand public spaces won the right to hold the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in part because of a promise to create “the inclusive Olympics.” But critics have long complained about a blotch on the city’s self-image as an urban utopia: the Downtown Eastside, a notorious high-poverty neighborhood known for its concentration of homeless people and drug and crime problems. More …

 

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