Architectural Firm Award

Architecture Canada | RAIC has announced its 2011 Architectural Firm Award recipient: Toronto-based Montgomery Sisam Architects. Founded in 1978, this mid-sized practice provides a full range of services including master planning, architecture, interior design and urban design. Its wide range of project types and scales include healthcare, infrastructure, educational, recreational and residential projects. The practice is widely recognized for design excellence, exceptional service, responsible budget control and sound project management. The majority of its 40 staff members are LEED® Accredited Professionals, reflecting the practice’s commitment to “green” design. The firm has received more than 45 provincial, national and international design awards including a Governor General’s Award and eight Canadian Architect Awards of Excellence.

 

David Benjamin And The Future of Architecture

By Elizabeth Pagliacolo, Azure Magazine

March 11, 2011

The co-founder of The Living, David Benjamin is blazing a trail in bringing synthetic biology to architecture. Along with his partner at The Living, architect Soo-in Yang, Benjamin has already created paradigm-shifting projects, such as Living Light, an interactive canopy in Seoul that reacts to air quality; and Amphibious Architecture, which communicates the level of pollution in New York’s Hudson River. These projects entice people to participate in their environments in new ways, while making them aware of how they’re constantly changing. More …

President’s Message

With most anything in this province, there is a tendency to be Vancouver-centric. It’s understandable, as Vancouver is the major population base and perceived by many as the economic hub for B.C. While the city may not be the provincial capital, it is certainly a centre of activity… (continue reading)

Simon Fraser University City Program – Information Session: Urban Design and Sustainable Community Development Certificate Programs

Attend this free information session to learn about Simon Fraser University’s City Program’s two certificate programs that start September 2011. The SFU City Program is dedicated to understanding the city and how citizens can shape its future. Participants work through certificate program courses with a group of peers, sharing experiences, knowledge and ideas in a multidisciplinary context. Eight intensive courses (six mandatory core and two electives) are completed sequentially within two years. This information session takes place Monday, April 11, 2011, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. Space is limited; to reserve a seat, go to. www.sfu.ca/reserve .

 

Architecture Canada | RAIC – Recovering The Past to Create a Sustainable Future (Italy)

Architects, teachers, design professionals and allied built-environment professionals are invited to earn continuing education credits through an exciting summer training course in Ferrara, Italy, July 24-29, 2011. This six-day course, sponsored by Architecture Canada along with the Department of Architecture at the University of Ferrara, will examine historical applications, current issues and emerging technological advances, and provide technical information on restoration as well as renewable energy. It will run in two parts, the first focusing on architectural conservation of cultural environmental heritage, and the second addressing sustainable strategies and installations of renewable energy including technical and economical aspects relating to energy efficient design. The course utilizes interactive learning and active learning, through examination of demonstration sites and case studies, as well as design process. For detailed program information, go to http://www.raic.org/notices/miscellaneous/2011/ferrara_program.pdf. To register, visit http://www.raic.org/notices/miscellaneous/2011/ferrara_registration.pdf.

26 Core LUs

 

Construction Standards Canada – RCABC Guarantee Standard for Plaza Deck Waterproofing

This presentation is about the “new” (2010) Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia Guarantee Corp (RGC) guarantee standards for waterproofing systems on plaza decks, including hot fluid-applied rubberized asphalt, the first liquid-applied membrane system accepted in the RGC guarantee program. There will be a broader discussion on the various membrane systems, design requirements and waterproofing details that form part of the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia guarantee standard.  This will include waterproofing systems with overburdens that are difficult to remove (slit-slab, etc.) and require permanent electronic monitoring systems on top of the membrane. Presented by RCABC Technical Manager Jim Watson  PRC RRO. This breakfast  session will be held Thursday, April 21, 7:00 a.m. at the Sandman Hotel, 180 West Georgia Street, Vancouver (enter via Moxie’s Classis Grill). The cost is $48 ($32 for CSC members and association executive directors). Register online at http://vancouver.csc-dcc.ca.

1 Core LU

 

Canada Green Building Council – 2011 National Existing Buildings Symposium (Toronto)

The focus of the symposium will be existing buildings and communities, with interactive sessions discussing low carbon communities, building envelope design, community regeneration models, energy benchmarking and more. Delegates will learn state-of-the-industry information, participate in collaborative education sessions, network with likeminded individuals, and pose questions to some of the leaders in the green building industry. It all happens April 13 -14 at the Allstream Centre in Toronto, Ontario. To view a detailed event agenda, click here. Register at http://www.cagbc.org/Content/NavigationMenu/TheCaGBC/NationalEvents/2011Symposium/Registration/default.htm

7 Core LUs

 

Pacific Business & Law Institute – Green Infrastructure Conference

Are you up to date on the current state of green infrastructure and how anticipated developments will impact your municipality or company? Green infrastructure is essential to both accommodate population growth and achieve a community vision for sustainability and livability. Creating greener communities requires changes to existing land use regulations, design guidelines, construction standards, and more. This conference will provide expert advice on the current state of green infrastructure as well as the anticipated impact of future developments. Topics include:

• The changing role and responsibility of the architectural profession;
• Impact of new energy retrofit upgrade requirements;
• Recommissioning, retrofitting and reuse of existing structures;
• Impact of BC Building Code amendments;
• Potential impact of recent U.S. litigation on green infrastructure;
• Current impact of green infrastructure on the construction industry; and
• Essential issues in land use planning and zoning.

This event is ideally suited for lawyers, local government officials, municipal planners, architects, engineers and other design professionals, insurance professionals and risk managers. Discuss the strengths, challenges and outcomes of municipalities making a carbon neutral commitment, as well as the pros and cons of LEED®, BOMA® and other building standard codes. This two-day conference will be held June 15-16 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Register today at www.pbli.com/901.

 

Simon Fraser University City Program – Building Low-Carbon Cities: A Response to Climate Change

Climate change presents an unprecedented challenge for the planet, one that must be addressed by humankind as a whole. The building of model low-carbon cities is a critical step in responding to this challenge. This presentation will summarize the outcomes of the Sixth Global Forum on Human Settlements and its theme of “Building Low-Carbon Cities”, being held in New York this April. Presenter Dr. Noel Brown is president of Friends of the United Nations, a non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing the U.N. cause by building public awareness of, and mobilizing support for, its initiatives. Dr. Brown also serves on the Board of Directors of several organizations including the Climate Institute, the Earth Communications Office, the Rainforest Alliance, Roots for Peace, and International Sea-keepers Society. Gordon Price, Program Director – SFU City Program, will act as moderator. It happens Monday, April 18, 2011, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. While this is a free event, reservations recommended as seating is limited. Visit www.sfu.ca/reserve.

2 Non-core LUs

 

Simon Fraser University City Program – What’s Up with the Viaducts? A Forum of Possibilities

What are the options for the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts in Vancouver? What would be the impacts if they were taken down? What are some of the opportunities that would result? Participants at this forum will hear the results of a study on the transportation issues initiated by Vancouver City Council, along with a Vancouver Board of Trade survey indicating how Vancouver travel patterns have changed since the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. This is you opportunity to have your thoughts considered by the city before next steps are taken. The forum will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2011, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. This is a free public event. However, space is limited. To reserve a seat, visit www.sfu.ca/reserve.

2 Non-core LUs

 

RIBA Orders Members to Pay Students Minimum Wage

By David Rogers, BD Online

March 24, 2011

The RIBA has told its members they will have to pay students the minimum wage from July 1. The news was announced following recommendations from the RIBA’s Pay and Conditions working group, which RIBA president Ruth Reed set up last November. More …

 

Collaborative Project Sailing Toward Fruition

By Jessica Linzey, Globe and Mail

March 16, 2011

It’s not everyone who relishes inheriting 14,500 kilograms of 20-year-old, Teflon-coated fibreglass. But when Canada Place offered to give Linus Lam the used material from its iconic white sails, the designer saw nothing but possibility – including that of a temporary new home for a not-for-profit bottle depot that long ago outgrew its current digs in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. More …

 

Timber Line Reaches New Height With Wood Condos

By Gordon Hamilton, Vancouver Sun

March 24, 2011

A new three-building condominium project in Richmond is taking wood to the max — maximum height, that is. Taking advantage of building code changes introduced in 2009, the Remy project on Cambie west of No. 4 Road is one of the first developments in B.C. to go more than four storeys high using wood, rather than concrete. More …

 

Building Envelope Education Program (BEEP) Course Registration

For those wishing to complete the AIBC’s Building Envelope Education Program (BEEP), now is your chance. Follow the link to our Professional Development web page and check out the scheduled dates and course descriptions. These courses are only offered once a year, so don’t miss out. Send in your completed registration form for each course as early as possible. The next offering is BEEP Module II Building Science: Theory, Design, and Practice, scheduled for April 7-8, 2011.

12 Core LUs