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/.