Vancouver Task Force on Housing Affordability

Earlier this year, the City of Vancouver introduced an initiative to tackle the growing issue of housing costs, with the intent of increasing the supply of affordable housing with a broad range of dwelling types to meet the needs of the city’s increasingly diverse population. Various working groups were established and were in operation until the end of May 2012. Their efforts are supported by roundtables including one on Building Form and Design, chaired by Michael Geller B.Arch MAIBC FCIP and which received direct input from the architectural community at a recent open forum hosted by the AIBC. Discussion focused on such concerns as zoning, design guidelines, building code regulations, and barriers to innovative housing forms and designs. The resulting report from that roundtable, as well as additional information and resources related to this task force, can be found online at http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/civicagencies/housing/index.htm.

British Columbia Building Envelope Council (Victoria) – Concrete Structures – Evaluation and Renewal

In this presentation, Roger Steers M.Eng. P.Eng. LEED AP with Read Jones Christoffersen will address the evaluation, repair and renewal methods for mass-concrete buildings, including parkades and residential towers. The evaluation stage will focus on the visual review of the concrete structure and destructive and non-destructive testing methods used to evaluate the condition of the structure. The repair and renewal stage will focus on repair and protection options for the structure. It take place Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m. at Harbour Towers, 345 Quebec Street, Victoria. Register online at http://www.bcbec.com/seminars.php.

1 Core LU

University of British Columbia Centre for Sustainability – LEED in Practice: Project Management

In this course, Brenda Martens B.Sc. LEED AP BD+C will provide an overview of what to expect when you are planning for LEED certification. Through practical examples, you will gain a full understanding of the process including: project milestones and when they should occur; typical roles and responsibilities of the project team and owner; best practices in the management of a LEED project; and the Integrated Design Process (IDP). Review and learn tools and tips that should be employed to ensure the successful submission and certification of your LEED project, including front end specifications, tracking tools, setting project boundaries and scopes. Leave with clear knowledge of how to assemble a LEED submission, avoid common mistakes and navigate the review process. This two-session course takes place Thursday, May 10 and Thursday, May 17, 2012 at the University of British Columbia Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver. Register online at http://cstudies.ubc.ca/a/Course/LEED-in-Practice-Project-Management/LC902/.

6 Core LUs

University of British Columbia Centre for Sustainability – LEED in Practice: Architectural Design and Documentation

This course will focus on the requirements under LEED that are typically the responsibility of the architect. Brenda Martens B.Sc. LEED AP BD+C will discuss strategies for passive design, controlling solar gain to improve energy performance, and creating a more humane built environment. Explore how to identify sustainable materials and cut through the “greenwash” in product selection. Learn how to test your design against the requirements of LEED and how to document key credits. This two-session course takes place Tuesday, May 8 and Tuesday, May 15, 2012 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the University of British Columbia Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver. Register online at http://cstudies.ubc.ca/a/Course/LEED-in-Practice-Architectural-Design-and-Documentation/LC903/.

6 Core LUs

UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA) Director Returns to Council

Professor Leslie Van Duzer has returned to the position of UBC SALA representative on the AIBC Council. In recent months, Matthew Soules MAIBC had served in that capacity.

Cobalt Engineering LLP – Client Seminar Series: Healthcare and the CSA

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is a solutions-oriented organization that develops standards to enhance public safety and health. In this presentation, SK Lai P.Eng. LEED AP will provide an overview of the CSA and discuss some of its most relevant guidelines for healthcare projects. It takes place Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. at Suite 180 – 200 Granville Street, Vancouver. Seating is limited so be sure to confirm you plans to attend by registering at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e5se1p2j8ffe4ad6&oseq.

1 Core LU

Valley Pool & Spa (Kelowna) – Beauty on the Edge

Whether the swimming pool or water feature is a companion to contemporary or traditional architecture, understanding the sections, along with the visual, structural and mechanical repercussions, will arm architects with an entirely new set of tools to facilitate their vision.  Join Skip Phillips from Questar Pools California, in partnership with Valley Pool & Spa, as he discusses the correct methods for creating the tremendous visual and functional applications of water in transit – such as vanishing edges, deck-level slot overflows and elevated perimeter overflows.  Understand flow rate requirements and different edge details for creating various effects, and their relationship to edge tolerances and special conditions, establishing line of site goals and project objectives. The presentation will also cover hydraulic system design criteria, proper sloping and air introduction of gravity flow systems to create efficient flow rates while minimizing noise, and catch basin sizing and surge tank sizing. It happens Thursday, May 10, 2012, 3:15  – 6:00 p.m. at Valley Pool & Spa, 1659 Cary Road, Kelowna. Confirm your attendance to this free event by contacting Gene Brown at genebrown@valleypoolandpsa.com. Refreshments and snacks will be available.

2 Core LUs

Sustainable Buildings and Structures Using Wood Composite Technologies

The University of British Columia’s Chair of Wood Building Design & Construction is pleased to present Professor Leander A. Bathon, Department of Architecture – Civil Engineering Institute of Building Materials and Structures at Hochschule RheinMain Universityin Wiesbaden, Germany. In this informative seminar, Dr. Bathon will describe European innovations in technologies for timber bridges and buildings and how these have been implemented in a variety of projects. Technologies discussed will include the HBV system for achieving wood/concrete shear connections using steel mesh connectors, and the HSK adhesive wood-steel connection system, both implemented in the new Earth Sciences Building at UBC. This presentation will be of interest to civil and structural engineers as well as architects currently working on timber-based, non-residential projects or interesting in doing so.

Professor Bathon has more than 20 years of experience in wood construction research and design, and his work has included managing material testing facilities, establishing the Timber Research Laboratory in Wiesbaden, and developing various innovative systems including CO2-neutral composite floor elements, intelligent building skins, and coupling systems for TimberTower.de. This free seminar takes place Monday, April 16, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. at the Centre for Advanced Wood Processing, 2424 Main Mall, UBC Point Grey Campus in Vancouver. For more information call  (604) 822-6448 or e-mail cawp@cawp.ubc.ca.

Six New Spots For Architecture Lovers

By Katia Hetter, Special to CNN

April 11, 2012

The Eiffel Tower. The Colosseum. The Taj Majal. The Pyramids. Massive architectural marvels from times past, they are often stopping points on a tourist’s journey. Although these grand sites aren’t always why globe-trotters say they’re going on vacation, some of history’s great works of architecture star in the returning traveler’s photos. Did you get that smiling shot in front of Buckingham Palace or the photo “pushing” the Leaning Tower of Pisa upright? More … 

 

Zaha Hadid wins Jane Drew Prize

By Richard Waite, The Architect’s Journal,

April 5, 2012

Zaha Hadid has been awarded the Jane Drew Prize for her outstanding contribution to the status of women in architecture The AJ Women in Architecture judging panel came to the unanimous decision on Friday. Hadid will be presented with the award at the AJ Women in Architecture luncheon  where winners of the Woman Architect of the Year and Emerging Woman Architect of the Year will also be announced. More … 

Perspectives: 3XN and Snohetta

As a prelude to the 2012 AIBC Annual Conference, the AIBC, in partnership with the British Columbia Institute of Technology – Architectural Science Program, is please to present A Special Evening of Architecture: 3XN and Snohetta. It will feature two of the world’s leading architectural speakers: Kim Herforth Nielsen Architect MAA/RIBA, founder and principal of Danish architecture firm 3XN; and Craig Dykers MNAL AIA FRSA, partner / director / architect of Snøhetta New York. Hear first-hand how these top international architects are tackling today’s design challenges through vision and innovation, reshaping the built environment while redefining the way we view and value architecture. These back-to-back presentations will also touch upon this year’s AIBC Annual Conference theme, Elevation: Reaching Higher Ground, illustrating the importance of setting new standards for architectural excellence. It takes place Monday, April 30, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. at the BCIT Downtown Campus, 555 Seymour Street, Vancouver. Admission is $20 ($10 for students; free to BCIT students and faculty), payable at the door.

Tickets will be on sale at noon on Wednesday April 18, 2012 at www.aibc.ca.

For more information, please contact the AIBC at info@aibc.ca.