Vancouver Architect And an Advocate of Wooden Skyscrapers, Michael Green Makes Bid to Speak at Global Conference

By Michael V’Inkin Lee, Vancouver Sun

May 30, 2012

A Vancouver architect with a passion for building wooden skyscrapers will make a bid to become one of the presenters at a major ideas conference in California next year. Michael Green is one of 23 people hoping to secure a place at the TED2013 conference in Long Beach as an official speaker. The TED series of conferences showcases ideas from the world’s most innovative and creative minds. Focused initially on technology, entertainment, and design — the source of the acronym TED — the annual event has since expanded to cover a broad spectrum of contemporary issues from the arts to theology. More … 

Prefabricated Green Home Designs Capture The Imagination

By Sheila Brady, Vancouver Sun

May 26, 2012

It’s a sad thing. Michelle Kaufmann, the princess of building green, über-contemporary, modular homes is in Fiji, struggling with a slow Internet connection and losing her Wi-Fi access because it’s starting to rain. Then she apologies before signing off with an “xo.” Kaufmann ends every email with xo. Is it some code? Or is the girl who was born in Iowa, excelled at Prince-ton, was once a colleague of architect Frank Gehry and then set the architectural world buzzing in 2003 with a simple, very smart home on a narrow lot in California an old-fashioned romantic? More … 

New Urbanists Debate Merits of Glass Towers

By Bob Ransford, Vancouver Sun

May 26, 2012

A significant feature of Vancouver’s urbanism was put on trial recently. One of the godfathers of the New Urbanism movement charged that highrises, especially Vancouver’s ubiquitous glass towers, are a fundamental mistake and an assault against human scale. It wasn’t the first time that neo-traditional architect and urban theorist Leon Krier attacked the form of high-density residential development that defines Vancouver’s inner city. This time, the spirited debate he sparked at the 20th annual meeting of the Congress for the New Urbanism in Florida two weeks ago still wages on in blogs and on Twitter. More … 

West Coast Modern Home Tour

The West Vancouver Museum invites you to take part in its seventh annual home tour on Saturday, July 14, 12:00 noon  to 4:00 p.m. This year’s tour will feature five significant West Coast Modern homes. Detailed information on all tour homes will be provided to participants upon check-in, which begins at 11:00 a.m. at the museum, 680 – 17^th Street, West Vancouver. In addition to the bus tour guided by an architect, there is a self-guided option for those who wish to drive their own vehicles. Immediately following the home tour, there will be a wine reception sponsored by the British Pacific Properties and with appetizers donated by 15 West Vancouver restaurants. Tour participants will also have an exclusive opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for Tangled Beach, a limited-edition print by renowned Canadian artist Gordon Smith. An iconic framed photograph, Graham Residence, by legendary architectural photographer John Fulker will also be given away. Note: space is limited so you are encouraged to register early. Go online to http://westvancouvermuseum.ca/events_programs/adult_programs/west_coast_modern_home_tour.

 

In Passing: Lloyd Plishka

Lloyd Leonard Plishka passed away on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at the age of 63. Born in Alberta, Lloyd attended the University of British Columbia from which he earned his B.Arch in 1976. He joined the AIBC in 1976, and worked with the firms Toby Russell Buckwell & Partners, Vern  H. Delgatty Architect, and The Solar Group Architects before establishing his own practice in 1990. In recent years he continued to work in close partnership with trb architecture.  Lloyd is survived by his children Christine, Sergei, Genevieve, Nicole and Miriam. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, June 1, 2:00 p.m. at Granville Chapel, 5901 Granville Street in Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Lloyd’s name are encouraged to do so to Granville Chapel’s Invest 2 program.

Is 3D Printing Taking The Artistry Out of Architecture?

By Tim Moore, DesignBuild Source

May 29, 2012

When we posed the question “is technology creating lazy architecture”, we had no idea it would spark such profound responses or such highly intelligent debate, leading us to come to the realisation that CAD and BIM are only one tool under architects’ and designers’ belts. One technological element that is truly hitting its stride in the architecture sector is that of 3D printing. While CAD and BIM allow architects and designers to draw and create using a computer, 3D printing takes these exact, computer-developed plans and prints them as is. More … 

Vancouver Island Construction Association – Chapter Luncheon: The Tender Process

In this presentation, Vancouver Island Construction Association CEO Greg Baynton will provide the VICA’s perspective on government’s design/build default procurement option, bundling of projects, and globalization of the construction industry. Steve Sulphur of Infinite Resource will discuss how to reduce the risks involved in a paper-based tender process. Learn how online bidding can improve the efficiency of your tender process while at the same time reducing the risk of non-compliant bids, late bids and other tendering problems inherent in a paper-based tender process. It takes place Tuesday, June 12, 2012, 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m. at Ambrosia Centre, 638 Fisgard Street, Victoria. Seating is limited; reserve your seat by contacting AIBC Vancouver Island Chapter Chair Don Lovell MAIBC at donwlovell@gmail.com.

1 Core LU

Vancouver Island Construction Association (Nanaimo) – How to Avoid Tendering Process Pitfalls Workshop

Learn how BidCentral, an online source of construction industry products and services, facilitates a “one-stop shop” approach to delivering projects to market and strategically leveraging on-line bidding to enhance compliance and value. Sessions include: Project Delivery and Market Update (Greg Baynton, VICA); How to Stay Out of the Construction Procurement Spotlight! (Maureen Sullivan, National Education Consulting Inc.); How Should I Handle These Bidding Situations? (Tyler Galbraith, Jenkins Marzban Logan LLP); and How to Reduce Your Risk with Online Bidding! (Steve Sulpher, Infinite Source). It takes place Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Vancouver Island Construction Association office, #5 – 1850 Northfield Road, Nanaimo. Register online for this complimentary workshop at https://www.vicabc.ca/page/calendar/ezlist_event_73a60d4b-7262-4a78-afa3-3dd28cf07e17_f=7EBA6555-F714-43CB-A1C4-F17D21791467.aspx?_s=https%3a%2f%2fwww.vicabc.ca%2fpage%2fcalendar%2fezlist_events_f%3d7EBA6555-F714-43CB-A1C4-F17D21791467.aspx.

3.25 Core LUs

University of British Columbia Centre for Sustainability – Building Green with LEED: LEED Canada for New Construction 2009

This 36-hour course will provide an in-depth review of the LEED Canada for New Construction rating system. This course will benefit professionals involved in the design and construction processes of green buildings. Building professionals will develop their technical proficiency with this latest standard, supporting those planning to write the LEED Professional Accreditation Exam with the Building Design + Construction specialty. In addition, current LEED APs will receive all of the continuing education requirements needed to update to the LEED AP BD+C credential. Using a wide range of examples, case studies and resource materials, this course will prepare participants to:

• demonstrate technical proficiency with the specific requirements of the LEED Canada NC Rating System 2009;
• recognize the synergies between specific green building strategies;
• work collaboratively within an integrated design process to implement these strategies;
• perform cost-benefit analyses of green building strategies to calculate simple paybacks;
• grasp the limitations of design and the practical application of the rating system; and
• utilize the LEED letter templates and other tools to develop certification documentation.

It takes place Monday through Friday, July 16 – July 20, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at UBC Robson Square, 800 Granville Street, Vancouver. Register online at http://cstudies.ubc.ca/a/Course/Building-Green-with-LEEDsupregsup-LEED-Canada-for-New-Construction-2009/LC901/.

36 Core LUs

Tour Leaders Wanted: Vancouver Urban Forum

On Wednesday June 6, 2012, the Global Civic Policy Society will host the Vancouver Urban Forum. The forum, produced by the Global Civic Policy Society and its Center for Fourth Wave Urban Reform, will examine opportunities for urban reform. The theme of the conference is “achieving urban densification”, and includes a local tour for visiting delegates to highlight the different types of density at different times and under different circumstances in the city’s history.  Delegates are likely to include visitors from as far away as Albania, Bangladesh, Australia and Colombia, as well as from other Canadian cities like Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Red Deer, etc.  The tour is scheduled to take place from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5, the day before the Urban Forum formally begin. The tentative schedule would start from the Waterfront Station with stops in the West End, Olympic Village, Concorde Pacific, Coal Harbour, False Creek South, etc. The  organizers are open to suggestions, adjustments and creativity. It is anticipated that about 20 people will take part in the tour, and a trolley bus has been rented. The society  is looking for volunteer tour leaders with representation from different disciplines. Please contact the British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects (604 -682-5610) by noon on Wednesday, May 30  if you would like to take part. For more information on the Vancouver Urban Forum, go to http://globalcivic.org/vancouver-urban-forum/.

Experts Wanted: ULI Technical Assistance Panel

The Urban Land Institute British Columbia is pleased to announce that the District of Maple Ridge has been selected to host the first Technical Assistance Panel ever to be held in British Columbia. Expert panelists are now being sought to participate in the two-day TAP. This volunteer opportunity is open to all (though non-members will be required to obtain a ULI membership prior to serving). Expressions of Interest are invited from senior-level individuals with LEED multi-family and mixed-use building development experience in a suburban town centre context, and within the following disciplines:

• Land Use Planner
• Architect
• Developer
• Economist
• Financier
• Real Estate/Marketer
• Transportation Planner

The time commitment involves reviewing the Project Briefing Book, attending a site tour led by the host organization, and addressing critical questions related to the project site. A summary of the resulting panel recommendations will be presented to the District of Maple Ridge at the conclusion of the charrette followed by the completion of a detailed ULI BC TAP report. The panel meeting dates are:

• Thursday, June 21, 2012               2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
• Friday, June 22, 2012                     8:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm

If interested, please submit your CV and biography (PDF format) to the attention of TAP Director Leanne Buck (leanne.buck@uli.org) by Friday, June 4, confirming your availability on the panel meeting dates noted. Whether you would like to participate on this or a future technical assistance panel, you are also invited to take 10 minutes to complete this Panelist Expression of Interest Survey which will enable us to better understand your professional background and maintain a record of interest for future opportunities. For more information about the ULI BC TAP program, visit www.ulibc.org/TAP/.

In Passing: Jim Tettamanti

Past member James Tettamanti passed away peacefully in Kelowna at the age of 89. Born in Winnipeg, he attended the University of Manitoba where he graduated with a B.Arch in 1948.  He moved to Vancouver in 1955 to pursue his career as an architect, and was registered with the AIBC in 1957. Jim worked in the offices of Thompson Berwick & Pratt before opening his own practice. and was a member for 23 year before retiring in 1980. James was also an accomplished athlete, a national champion cyclist and long-standing member of the Bicycling Association of British Columbia who continued to participate in the sport well into his 70s. He was  inducted to the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 1990. He is survived by his wife Josie, son Jim and daughter Lisa, and stepdaughters Lori and Tanja. As per the family’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Jim’s name are encouraged to do so to the charity of one’s choice.

In Passing: Ken Terriss

Kenneth Gordon Terriss MAIBC MRAIC passed away on May 1, 2012 at the age of 82. Born in North Vancouver, Ken attended the University of British Columbia, earning his BArch (Hon) in 1952. He then attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he obtained his MArch. He then spent time working in Italy and Sweden before returning to Vancouver. He was registered with the AIBC in 1954. During his career, he worked with Davidson and Porter Architects and was a partner with Eng Terriss Wright Architects before opening his own firm in 1967. In 2008 he was given the honorary title of “Life Member of the AIBC” in recognition of 30 years continuous membership. Ken contributed as a volunteer for the AIBC’s Examinations Board, and was very involved in the local community, including serving on various urban design panels and six terms on the City of North Vancouver Heritage Commission. Ken is survived by his wife Anne and sons Peter and Matthew. At his request, a gathering to celebrate his life will take place Saturday, June 9, 2012, 2:00 p.m. at 1970 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Ken’s honour are encouraged to do so to the charity of one’s choice.

10 Great Arthur Erickson Designs

By John MacKie, Vancouver Sun

May 19, 2012

Arthur Erickson (1924-2009) was a prolific fellow. Nick Milkovich Architects has compiled a list of 425 projects he designed around the world, from Lethbridge to Kuwait City, Los Angeles to Kuala Lumpur. Some were completed, some were proposals that never got off the ground. In 1982, believe it or not, he submitted a design for a hotel/condo development in New York for Donald Trump. Many of his most acclaimed designs are in Vancouver or elsewhere in British Columbia. Here are 10 of his notable local buildings. More … 

Arthur Erickson’s Gold-medal Building

By John MacKie, Vancouver Sun

May 19, 2012

Arthur Erickson died on May 20, 2009 at the age of 84. His health declined precipitously in his later years, but Vancouver’s most renowned architect continued to be involved in the design of new buildings, virtually to the end. Canada House – what may be his final finished design – recently went for sale on the Olympic Village site. It’s easy to spot; it’s the building that looks totally different from every-thing else. More …