Call for Submissions: AIBC Gallery Exhibition

The Architectural Institute of British Columbia invites submissions for its upcoming Elevation: Reaching Higher Ground exhibition, being developed in conjunction with the 2012 AIBC Annual Conference. This is an open call; any AIBC member or other registrant may enter materials for display consideration. Given the nature of this exhibit – examining the evolving public relationship with architecture in the broadest sense – intern architects and students are encouraged to take part. Subject matter is not limited to actualized projects; both completed and purely ideas-based representations are welcomed. More…

British Columbia Building Envelope Council (Vancouver) – Luncheon Presentation: Architectural Aluminum Coatings and AAMA Standards

When it comes to deciding what type of coating is appropriate for a given location, each situation can be different. In this presentation, Andy Oei, Altech – Custom Coaters Ltd., will explain the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) specifications specific to architectural coatings. He will also address the process for AAMA testing including the three different levels: Pigmented Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels; High Performance Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels; and Superior Performing Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels. This presentation will also cover the durability of different products, the process of painting aluminum, and a the durability and benefits of site coating products. It takes place Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Italian Cultural Centre Society, 3-75 Slocan Street, Vancouver. Register online at http://bcbec.com/seminars.php.

1 Core LU

New LG Appointee to AIBC Council

The provincial government has appointed David G. Toole as a Lieutenant Governor’s Representative to AIBC Council effective January 23, 2012 . He assumes the vacancy created with the recent departure of James Belsheim. Toole earned his Bachelor of Science – Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manitoba, along with an MBA from City University in England. He has wide-ranging experience at both the executive leadership and board levels across multiple sectors with expertise in operations, financial management, planning and strategic development. During his long career he has held senior-level positions with companies such as Canadian Pacific, Avenor, Interfor, Alpine Club of Canada and, most recently, Allied Shipbuilders.

Simon Fraser University City Program – Real Estate Development from the Inside Out (CITY755)

This course provides insight into the industry for people who deal with real estate developers or want to learn how the development industry is structured, how it functions, who the players are, what motivates them, and how they interact. Participants will learn about the history of real estate development and key factors affecting the industry. Forms of development ownership, potential partners, and the development process will also be discussed. Learn how value is added to land, residual land calculations, development requirements, and form of control. The course will also cover funding sources while helping you to understand the market and types of projects.  It takes place over six sessions from February 13 to March 19, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at S.F.U. Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. Register online at http://www.sfu.ca/continuing-studies/courses/city/real-estate-development-from-the-inside-out.html.

18 Non-core LUs

A Message From the Metro Vancouver Chapter of Architecture Canada

The BC Chapter of Architecture Canada has seen a tremendous growth of activity in the advocacy of architecture in this province. The chapter has reached or surpassed its goals for 2011 through the numerous chapter-led initiatives and ideas from our members. As advocates of architects, our goal is to ensure that “Architecture Matters” to all British Columbians.

Architecture Canada invites you to help champion advocacy, both in  B.C. and nationally, by registering or renewing your membership with us. While we are the voice for approximately 4800 members in Canada and have seen steady growth in in membership, it is important to continue growing in order to properly represent the majority of Canadian architects. We would like to see more B.C. architects join Architecture Canada, increasing the number beyond the present 30% of current provincial membership. More…

Building Code Appeal Board Vacancy

The province’s Building Code Appeal Board is actively seeking a new appointment for a board member. The board is an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal established under the Local Government Act for the purpose of rendering final and binding decisions on matters regarding interpretation and application of the British Columbia Building Code when a dispute arises between a party and the local authority that enforces the code. It is made up of the chair, one vice chair and three board members. On average, the tribunal examines 35 applications yearly, with each varying considerably in terms of content and complexity. Working as a part of a small team with a narrowly-focussed, technical scope, the successful applicant for this position will ideally have broad, comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the British Columbia Building Code as well as operational or technical expertise relevant to the operation of the board. In addition, the applicant must be able to demonstrate the following relevant qualities:

• excellent written and oral communication skills;
• ability and willingness to engage in constructive and open discussions regarding potentially controversial issues;
• strong reasoning skills, in addition to flexibility and adaptability; and
• exceptional ethical conduct and integrity.

The intent is to fill this vacancy by April 1, 2012. Interested parties are invited to submit a resume to the Building and Safety Standards Branch (Building.Safety@gov.bc.ca) by February 15, 2012. After this date, any applications must be done as an expression of interest through the Board Resourcing & Development Office website (http://www.fin.gov.bc.ca/BRDO/). If you have any questions about the position or the operations of the Building Code Appeal Board, please contact Jun’ichi Jensen (Junichi.Jensen@gov.bc.ca) at the Building and Safety Standards Branch directly.

Reminder: 2012 AIBC Operational Survey

Dear Architects, Honourary Members and Associates,

You are invited to take part in a comprehensive online survey concerning the operational programs, services and directions of the AIBC, as well your opinions on the state of the profession. The wide range of topics covered includes AIBC bylaws, conduct and discipline, jurisdictional reciprocity, work situations and compensation patterns, and the Internship in Architecture Program.

The goals are to identify areas that need attention and reinforce those which are effective, as well as to help determine future priorities for the institute. Note: while some personal information and views are invited, the results will be compiled in an anonymous way and personal privacy will be protected throughout.

To participate in the survey, simply go to http://svy.mk/zBAwvN.

Please complete the survey before Wednesday, February 1. Your prompt and thoughtful response is appreciated. Most participants should be able to complete the survey within 20 minutes. In appreciation of the time and effort involved, those who complete the survey are eligible to be entered in a random draw for one paid registration at the 2012 AIBC Annual Conference.

Thank you for your participation.

 

Michael A. Ernest  Architect MAIBC
Executive Director

Vancouver Heritage Foundation – Old School Courses: Heritage 101

Delivered by City of Vancouver Senior Heritage Planner Marco D’Agositni along with heritage consultants Judy Oberlander and Don Luxton, this one-day interactive course is designed to link the theory and practice of heritage conservation. Using the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada, it will cover three key areas: a values-based approach to heritage conservation; the regulatory environment; and the importance of planning prior to undertaking a project. The Mission to Seafarer’s Building (401 East Waterfront Road, Vancouver) will be used as a “lab” both for the purposes of visual observation and discussion of how to embark on a conservation plan. It takes place Saturday, March 3, 2012, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Register at http://www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org/oldschool.html.

7 Core LUs

Vancouver Heritage Foundation – Old School Courses: Paint Stripping & Prepping Interior Wood Surfaces

Master painter Colin Griffinson will cover the steps to safely removing paint and varnish from wood while preserving the original wood surface. His presentation will address water- and oil-based varnishes, paint and shellac, how to proceed with new products on the market, and how they differ from old products that are now non-compliant and no longer available. This hands-on evening of demonstrations will take place Monday, February 13, 2012, 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. at Colin’s workshop, located at 102 – 8280 St George Street, Vancouver. Register online at http://www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org/oldschool.html.

2.5 Core LUs

University of Victoria – Cultural Resource Management Program: Heritage Conservation Planning (HA 489L)

This course provides an overview of heritage planning, the field within heritage conservation that addresses and resolves proposed interventions to historic places in the context of community planning and development. The objective of heritage planning is to manage change wisely. This course will consider both individual and collective historic places (e.g., buildings, historic districts) in a variety of geographical and physical contexts.  Planning will be addressed within the frameworks of economics, sustainability and ethics. Harold D. Kalman, Ph.D., LL.D, a heritage planner, architectural historian and principal of the Vancouver office of Commonwealth Historic Resource Management Ltd., will draw illustrations from his practice as a professional heritage planner as well as from the broader experience of heritage planning in Canada and internationally. The six-day course is designed for professionals involved in the management of historic places, whether in the public or private sector, and at any level from beginning heritage planner to senior decision-maker. It takes place March 12 – 17, 2012 at the University of Victoria campus. The registration deadline is February 13, 2012. Late registration will be accepted if space permits. For more information about the Professional Specialization Certificate in Heritage Conservation Planning program and to register, go to http://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/aspnet/Program/Detail/?code=PSCHCP.

36 Non-core LUs

AIBC Vancouver Island Chapter – The Emergence of Architectural Modernism II

You are invited to attend the closing reception and presentation on Martin Segger’s exhibit, titled “The Emergence of Architectural Modernism II: UVic and the Victoria Regional Aesthetic in the late 1950s and 60s”. The second in a series of exhibitions and publications exploring the relationships, personalities and projects contributing to the development of a regional modernist aesthetic in post-war Victoria’s urban landscape. During this decade, a small number of innovative architectural firms changed Victoria’s built environment with forward-looking planning and bold new architectural forms. Showcasing plans, drawings, photographs, and architectural models from the period, this exhibition explores a number of planning initiatives, design projects, and building programs that defined this important phase in the development of the Capital Region. Exhibition highlights include: architectural photographs by Hubert Norbury and John Fulker; presentation drawings by Allan Edwards; architectural models of Centennial Square and the MacLaurin Building; and drawings, plans, and photos of architecture in Victoria including the University of Victoria campus. Featured names include John Armour, Theodore C. Bernardi, Studley Patrick Birley, Andrew Cochrane, Donald D. Dennis, John A. Di Castri, Roderick D. Clack, Donn Emmons, Lawrence Halprin, David Hambleton, Alan J. Hodgson, Clive Justice, John Lantzius, Desmond Muirhead, Robert W. Siddall, Charles D. Stockdill, Don Vaughan, John H. Wade, Don Wagg, David H. Warner, and William W. Wurster. It takes place at University of Victoria Legacy Art Gallery, 630 Yates Street, Victoria on Friday, February 24, 2012 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. While the event is free, space is limited.  Please pre-register by e-mailing AIBC Vancouver Island Chapter Chair Don Lovell MAIBC at donwlovell@gmail.com.

1 Non-core LU

IMAGINiT Technologies – BIM Spectrum Virtual Event: Building A New Perspective

BIM Spectrum looks at how models are used across all the disciplines involved in creating and managing buildings—from that first survey to maintenance and retrofitting. Participants will have the chance to hear from IMAGINiT experts as well as industry leaders in Building Information Modeling who will share their success stories and ideas. With sessions for both managers and software users, this online event  will explore how the adoption of BIM and the resulting data, models and representations can be used to bridge information gaps, improve visibility, and drive collaboration between various stakeholders, positively impacting all facets of the business. The manager sessions will include case studies and process overviews of how actual firms have realized success using BIM, technology options to better manage projects, and how to increase profits by eliminating time-wasting practices. The software user sessions will include multi-discipline case studies and examples of how real firms have leveraged the new model-based design, documentation, and virtual construction environment to their benefit. There are also that offer a more detailed overview of the technology available to get more out of your models. This event is free but registration is required. It takes place Thursday, February 16, 2012, 10:30 am – 5:00 pm EST. For session details and to register, go to http://imaginit.com/lp/bim_spectrum/index.html#Agenda.

Core LUs available

Call for Nominations: AIBC Honorary Membership

AIBC Council invites members and associates to bring forward nominations for AIBC Honorary Membership. This prestigious award recognizes non-architects who have made an exceptional contribution to the profession of architecture, or demonstrated a remarkable commitment and service to the institute. Areas of consideration include innovation, education, publication and public service. Do you know a worthy candidate for this significant award? The deadline for nominations is February 27, 2012. For additional information and a nomination form, click here.

Final Notice of Annual Fee Payment Deadline

This is a reminder to all members, associates and firms that your annual fees must be paid by Wednesday, February 1, 2012. To pay your fees online, go to http://aibc.memberpro.net and log on. Those registrants who have both a personal registration and a firm licence (certificate of practice) are reminded that you will need to log on to two different accounts. If you encounter any difficulties, please contact Registration & Licensing Administration Assistant Emily Tyler or Licensing Coordinator Kim Underwood at accounts@aibc.ca immediately.

CCA Grant Deadlines

AIBC members and other registrants should note the March 1, 2012 postmark deadline for the following Canada Council for the Arts grant programs:

• Assistance to Practitioners, Critics and Curators of Architecture ($20,000 max) – available to individuals and firms for the public presentation of contemporary Canadian works of architecture. For the application guidelines and form, go to http://www.canadacouncil.ca/grants/visualarts/yf127227074072812500.htm.

• Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture ($50,000) – awarded to a young architectural practitioner or firm that has shown exceptional promise in their first buildings, it allows laureates to travel around the world to hone their skills. For the application guidelines and form, go to http://www.canadacouncil.ca/prizes/prix_de_rome/mj127712888940611569.htm.

• Ronald J. Thom Award for Early Design Achievement ($10,000) – to candidates who demonstrate sensitivity to architecture’s allied arts, crafts and professions within the context of an integrated built environment, such as landscape architecture, interior design, furniture design, graphic design and decorative arts. For the application guidelines and form, go to http://www.canadacouncil.ca/prizes/ronald_j_thom/et127223821566718750.htm.

• J.B.C. Watkins Award ($5 000) – available to Canadian architectural graduates pursuing further studies at a foreign institution. For the application guidelines and form, go to http://www.canadacouncil.ca/prizes/jbc_watkins/fq127223810522968750.htm.

Please also be aware of February 1and April 1postmark deadlines for the CCA’s travel grants program, which awards as much as $2500 to architects, independent critics and curators to research an exhibition or publication project, or present their work to the public. Deadlines are throughout the year. For more information, visit http://www.canadacouncil.ca/grants/visualarts/yo127216997029843750.htm.