New Home for eNews

Please be advised that current eNews content is now posted on the AIBC website. This website will no longer be updated.

For the latest information on AIBC activities, programs and events as well as related industry news, visit the AIBC website.

If you have any questions, please contact communications@aibc.ca.

Introducing the Newly Redesigned AIBC Website

Now showing on a screen near you… thanks to those who have stayed tuned for our reveal! We are pleased to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website at www.aibc.ca, your central source of information on the Architectural Institute of British Columbia.

The latest version of our website advances our efforts to better serve the AIBC community and the general public. By amalgamating into one website, and making it mobile and tablet responsive, we hope to enhance our visitors’ experience and provide easier access to valuable information and resources.

New features include:

  • New home for eNews – As one of our primary communication channels, eNews is an essential vehicle for connecting with our audience. The eNews blog was previously hosted on this site, but it is now integrated into the AIBC website, eliminating the need to go to a separate site. Past and future content from eNews is housed in one central location.
  • Website optimized for all devices – Websites today need to provide visitors with information quickly and easily. Our new website utilizes responsive design and a user-friendly interface that is optimized for functionality and consistency. The new site has a clean design that engages visitors, loads content quickly and is easy to navigate, which makes finding content a breeze.
  • Consolidation into one centralized hub – Segmentation of member versus public sides no longer exists on the AIBC website. We have consolidated the two sides into one interface for all visitors and designed an intuitive user experience that we hope will encourage repeat visits. Additionally, we have integrated eNews into the new website so that content is available in one convenient location.
  • Revitalized home page, featured news and calendar of events – Our new home page has dedicated sections featuring the latest news and events. These sections highlight timely and relevant content that visitors can quickly and easily find. Click on “See All Events” takes you to a comprehensive monthly calendar of AIBC activity including a comprehensive listing of Registered Educational Provider and AIBC-delivered sessions.
  • Enhanced functionality and accessibility – Visitors will discover a significant improvement in the AIBC website’s functionality and accessibility. New website features comprise drop down menus, clear site navigation and a clean design.

What are your thoughts on the new website? Your feedback is important as it will help us continue to improve content and services.

Please email comments to communications@aibc.ca.

North Vancouver Board of Variance Seeks Volunteers

The District of North Vancouver is seeking volunteers to join its Board of Variance. This board is a five-member appeal board appointed by council to consider granting minor variances to the zoning bylaw. The board holds monthly meetings to hear appeals from property owners and to make decisions.

Potential members must live in the district and share a desire to create a safe, liveable and sustainable community for all.

Application deadline is March 2, 2016, visit dnv.org/board-variance to apply.

UBC Architecture Co-op Program

The UBC Architecture Co-operative Education Program integrates a student’s academic studies with work experience. Students engage in an eight-month long (two continuous school sessions) work-term in a professional architectural firm or an office in related fields of design or construction. The program is offered to students who have completed their second year courses.

Architecture firms are encouraged to consider offering such a work opportunity to get to know a mature, motivated individual (and potential future architect) while making a valuable contribution to the profession. It is expected that the students will be engaged at a salary commensurate with their skill level.

Over the next couple of months students will be seeking placements from May through December 2016. Should your office be in a position to offer such work terms, please keep an eye open for student applications or better yet, contact the Co-op Coordinator noted below for additional information.

If you have any questions or require more information about the UBC Architecture Co-op Program, please contact Co-op Coordinator Greg Johnson at gjohnson@sala.ubc.ca.

Council Call for Nominations and Council Liaisons Expressions of Interest

Council Call for Nominations

Nominations are now being invited for the 2016/2017 AIBC Council. This is your opportunity to help shape the work of the body responsible for the self-regulating governance of the architectural profession in British Columbia in the public interest.

The Call for Nomination Forms will not be mailed but are available electronically on the AIBC website.

All signed Call for Nominations Forms, Nominee Declaration Forms, and Nominee Statement Forms must be received by the AIBC time stamped before 4 p.m. on March 4, 2016.

Forms may be submitted by mail to the attention of Mark Vernon, CEO, Architectural Institute of British Columbia, 100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N5 or by email to nominations@aibc.ca.

To enhance voting members’ ability to compare candidates, nominees must fully complete and submit the Nominee Statement Form.

Visit the AIBC website to download the Call for Nominations package and editable Nominee Statement form.

Council Liaisons Expressions of Interest

AIBC Council invites an Intern Architect AIBC and an Architectural Technologist AIBC to sit as liaisons and non-voting guest representatives at council meetings. Council selects these representatives from among those individuals who submit an expression of interest.

Intern Architects and Architectural Technologists must fully complete and submit the Expression of Interest and Declaration Forms for council’s consideration before 4 p.m. on March 4, 2016.

Forms may be submitted by mail to the attention of Mark Vernon, CEO, Architectural Institute of British Columbia, 100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N5 or by email to nominations@aibc.ca.

Visit the AIBC website to download the Council Liaison Expression of Interest Intern Architect AIBC and the Council Liaison Expression of Interest Architectural Technologist AIBC forms.

For further information on the 2016 Annual Meeting, please visit the AIBC website.

AIBC Architectural Awards and JurySubmission Deadline: Less Than One Week Left!

The Architectural Institute of British Columbia showcases the best in B.C. architecture through its highly-respected Architectural Awards program.

An esteemed jury with representation from both within and outside the profession will consider candidates for the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Awards in Architecture (both medal and merit); the AIBC Innovation Award; the AIBC Emerging Firm Award and the AIBC Special Jury Award.

While honours are given in these distinct award categories, there is one common element: Excellence.

Winners are celebrated at the Architectural Awards Reception on May 18, 2016 as part of the AIBC Annual Conference, and featured in architectureBC.

Submit An Architectural Awards Application:
For detailed information including award criteria and submission requirements, and to make your submission, please visit the AIBC Architectural Awards website.

Deadline for Awards Submissions: February 29, 2016 (5 p.m. PST)

Submit An Application To Sit On The Architectural Awards Jury:
For detailed information and to submit an application, please visit the AIBC Architectural Awards website.

Deadline for Jury Applications: February 29, 2016 (5 p.m. PST)

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the AIBC at communications@aibc.ca or 604-683-8588 x333.

UBC SALA Lecture Series: Frank Barkow

SALA Friends and Family Lecture by Frank Barkow, Barkow Leibinger, Berlin, Germany.

Frank Barkow studied architecture at Montana State University and the Harvard Graduate School of Design. In 1993, Frank Barkow and Regine Leibinger founded their practice in Berlin. Their discursive research-based approach to architecture and design allows the work to respond to advancing knowledge and technology, and places the practice at the forefront of digital and analogue fabrication techniques.

Important projects include the Biosphere in Potsdam, Germany, the Customer and Administration Building, the Gate House and the Campus Restaurant in Ditzingen, Germany, and the Trutec Building in Seoul. BL has received three National AIA Honor Awards for Architecture, the Marcus Prize for Architecture, recognizing emerging architects, and a Global Holcim Innovation Award for Sustainable Construction.

Date: February 29, 2016, 6:30-8pm
Location: Vancouver Playhouse – 600 Hamilton Street Vancouver
Cost: Free but ticketed
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sala-lecture-series-frank-barkow-tickets-20741716031

CES participants may self-report educational activities in accordance with the rules in AIBC Bulletin 80, Mandatory Continuing Education System (CES) Rules and Guidelines. Please refer to Bulletin 80 for further information.

Soon Showing on a Screen Near You

Stay tuned - all will be revealed soon!

Designers Putting Chile at the Forefront of Architecture

by Akil Wingate
Crave, Feb 11, 2016

Image: Smiljan Radić's Serpentine Pavilion, a temporary installation at Kensington Gardens in London. Courtesy of Crave(Image: Smiljan Radić’s Serpentine Pavilion, a temporary installation at Kensington Gardens in London. Courtesy of Crave)

The creations of Smiljan Radić, LAND Arquitectos, and Alejandro Aravena have made Chile the new hub of forward thinking architecture.

If you’ve ever needed an excuse to hop on a plane and jaunt to Chile for a wild, eye-popping excursion, now is the time. Chile is rich in tastes and sounds, flavors and colors, sensations that pop and a spicy sense of détente fit for anyone wanting to take the edge off a getaway vacation. But vacations aside, Chile is no mere tourist trap. The country is home to some of the most innovative and daring urban designs, and is being hailed as the new hub of forward thinking architecture. This year promises to only cement that public opinion with a new push in design projects from a host of veterans and rising Chilean stars. Read more…

Architecture Students Build Artificial Northern Lights

by Heidi Ulrichsen
Sudbury Northern Life, Feb 11, 2016

Image: A group of six second- and third-year Laurentian University School of Architecture students have been hard at work, preparing their entry for the Winter Stations Design Competition: a sculpture representing the northern lights. Courtesy of Sudbury Northern Life(Image: A group of six second- and third-year Laurentian University School of Architecture students have been hard at work, preparing their entry for the Winter Stations Design Competition: a sculpture representing the northern lights. Courtesy of Sudbury Northern Life)

For the last few months, a group of six second- and third-year Laurentian University School of Architecture students have been hard at work, preparing their entry for the Winter Stations Design Competition.

The international exhibition, which runs Feb. 15 to March 20, invites participants to transform lifeguard stations along Toronto’s waterfront into art installations. This year’s theme is “freeze-thaw.”

Laurentian Architecture was one of four post-secondary institutions invited to participate in the competition. Read more…

Canada’s Grand Railway Hotels are Second to None

by Bob Taylor
Communities Digital News, Feb 13, 2016

Image: The Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC. Courtesy of Communities Digital News, Wikipedia(Image: The Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC. Courtesy of Communities Digital News, Wikipedia)

When Canada completed its first transcontinental railway in 1885, connecting Eastern Canada with British Columbia, the country did something else that has become an elegant reminder of the past for travelers from around the world. It constructed a series of grand hotels across the country, each with its own personality and character.

Every one of Canada’s railway hotels is a national landmark that has become a symbol of the country’s history and architecture.

At one time or another, we have all seen pictures of these magnificent “château style” structures but probably are unaware of the story behind them. Read more…

Energy Efficiency Compliance for Wood Window & Door Manufacturers

A one-day seminar will be held for wood window and door manufacturers, as well as architects to review updates to energy efficiency and other requirements in the NAFS, BC Building Code and Vancouver’s Building Bylaw. A panel comprised of; wood window & door manufacturer, energy efficient windows and doors expert, building bylaws/codes expert, and product testing expert will present. Ample time will be allowed for manufacturers & architects to have specific questions answered at a Q+A panel.

Date: March 3, 2016, 10am-4pm
Location: Sheraton Guilford Hotel, 15269 – 104th Avenue, Surrey
Cost: $135
Register: http://cawp.ubc.ca/event/energy-efficiency-compliance-for-wood-window-manufacturers/

CES participants may self-report educational activities in accordance with the rules in AIBC Bulletin 80, Mandatory Continuing Education System (CES) Rules and Guidelines. Please refer to Bulletin 80 for further information.

CSC Vancouver Chapter

Demystifying Acoustics by AcousticTECH/Soprema Soundproofing
This presentation outlines basic acoustic principles and definitions, specifically the transfer of impact and airborne sounds in multi-story buildings. Efficient means of acoustic insulation will be discussed using multiple case studies of recent floor-ceiling assemblies.

This presentation benefits industry professionals such as architects, designers, acoustic engineers, builders, and general contractors interested and/or concerned with acoustic insulation of multi-story buildings.

Participants will learn the following:

  1. Basic Acoustic Principles and Definitions
  2. Impact and Airborne sounds in multi-story buildings
  3. Means of soundproofing buildings
  4. The do’s and don’ts of acoustic design

Date: March 10, 2016, 12:30-1:30pm
Location: Sandman Hotel, 180 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Cost: $39.90 for CSC members, $50.40 Non-Members
AIBC Learning Units (LUs): 1 core LU
Register: http://vancouver.csc-dcc.ca

Peter Wall Dinner Forum on Soft Architecture

Peter Wall Institute Dinner Forum Feb 24This special dinner forum features a talk and discussion led by designers Joe Dahmen and Amber Frid-Jimenez who will present recent architectural installations exploring softness.

Soft systems attempt to account for non-linear processes whose complexity derives from the shifting interrelationships between elements whose stability is rooted in dynamism. The move toward soft methodologies across disciplines represents a significant shift with important implications for the way we approach architectural environments and materials. Contemporary architectural explorations of softness build in new and technically sophisticated ways on earlier efforts to reduce architectural space to its primary elements. This talk will look at the effects of physical and operational softness on the experience of architectural space through the lens of recent public space installations using mycelium biocomposites and recycled materials. The designers use creative material exploration to provoke fundamental questions about our relationship to architecture.

Date: February 24, 2016, 6-9pm
Location: UBC Peter Wall Institute, E Conference Room, University Centre, 6331 Crescent Road, Vancouver
Cost: $25
Register: http://events.pwias.ubc.ca/associate-events

CES participants may self-report educational activities in accordance with the rules in AIBC Bulletin 80, Mandatory Continuing Education System (CES) Rules and Guidelines. Please refer to Bulletin 80 for further information.

2016 AIBC Recognition Program

The AIBC believes in recognizing our volunteers and other individuals who have made positive impacts in the profession of architecture and its public appreciation.

Take this opportunity to recognize committed volunteers and other individuals for their outstanding contributions to the profession, the community or the Institute.

Nomination forms for the following AIBC Recognition Awards are now available on our website:

  • AIBC Lifetime Achievement Award
  • AIBC Special Certificate of Recognition
  • The Barbara Dalrymple Memorial Award for Community Service

The deadline for nominations is August 29, 2016 (4:30 p.m. PST).

For more information about the AIBC Recognition Awards program, please contact Shawna Chilton at 604-683-8588, extension 305; or by email at schilton@aibc.ca.