Q&A: Graeme Bristol

By Sherin Wing, Metropolis Magazine
October 30, 2012

When people think architecture, they think of building spaces or developing sites for human use. Over the years, this concept has expanded to include social activism. In the U.S., for example, there is Architecture for Humanity, Project Row Houses, and Make It Right. These groups address issues of poverty, displacement, and housing. Human Rights, however, extends beyond creating spaces for the economically disadvantaged or the impoverished. In fact, as Graeme Bristol of the Centre for Architecture & Human Rights (CAHR) argues, development projects are responsible for displacing 105 million people around the world, more than disaster-, conflict-, and persecution-based displacements combined. More … http://www.metropolismag.com/pov/20121030/qa-graeme-bristol.

International Living Future Institute / Cascadia Green Building Council – Vancouver Chapter

LEED in Practice: LEED Project Management (Parts 1 and 2)

Learn how to manage your LEED projects effectively, minimizing costs and keeping tasks on schedule as well as ensuring successful LEED certification. These two project management courses from the LEED in Practiceseries will be offered as a full-day workshop. Part 1 provides an introduction to LEED project management while Part 2 offers an in-depth look at how to make best use of tools and resources available for managing the certification of a LEED project. It takes place Thursday, November 22, 2012, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the HiVE, 210 – 128 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. For details and to register, go to http://www.cagbc.org/source/Events/Event.cfm?EVENT=PM12VA1122.\ Lunch will be provided.

6 Core LUs

 

Introduction to Passive House Design and Construction

This intensive day of learning will include expert instruction from Dr. Guido Wimmers of the Canadian Passive House Institute. Attendees will learn design and construction fundamentals of the Passive House approach, including super-insulated envelopes, extreme air tightness, and leading edge ventilation design with a special focus on multi-family buildings up to six storeys. It takes place Wednesday, November 28, 2012, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the B.C. Hydro office, 9th Floor, 4555 Kingsway, Burnaby. For details and to register, visit http://www.cagbc.org/source/Events/Event.cfm?EVENT=PH12VA1128&section=Education.

7 Core LUs

Role Call: Regulatory Coordination Committee

The AIBC Regulatory Coordination Committee is seeking a new architect member. The committee acts as a resource to the AIBC’s Professional Services Board and the Director of Professional Services in matters related to provision of architectural expertise and opinion into the formulation of building industry regulations, as well as providing input for professional development courses.  Specific areas of involvement include: the coordination of uniform interpretation and application of building and zoning regulations; provision of a forum for the expression of mutual concerns between regulatory authorities and design professionals; monitoring letters of assurance; the Certified Professional Program; and municipal regulation changes. This committee typically meets at the AIBC offices from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. (lunch provided) on the last Wednesday of every month excluding July, August and December. If you are interested in volunteering for this committee, please contact Professional Services Coordinator Linda Nielsen at lnielsen@aibc.ca or Practice Advisor Maura Gatensby Architect AIBC at mgatensby@aibc.ca.

Annual Intern Architect Event – Mission: Possible

Each year, the AIBC’s Intern Architect Committee organizes an event that allows IAs to connect socially and explore relevant topics surrounding internship. This year’s event, titled Mission: Possible, will examine the different paths that IAs can take to registration as well as the creative process during the “transition” phase of internship. The evening will include a moderated panel discussion followed by a social gathering. The four invited panelists will share, explore and explain their own experience. Discover which route to registration is best suited to your own situation. IAs, architecture students and recent graduates are invited to attend. Mission: Possible takes place Thursday, November 15, 2012 at the HiVE, 128 West Hastings, Vancouver beginning at 6:00 p.m. Please r.s.v.p. to Admissions & Administration Coordinator Vicki Charman (vcharman@aibc.ca) by Monday, November 12.

The Art of Architecture

On Tuesday, November 20, The Dr. Peter Centre is holding a fundraiser featuring the architectural art of Bill Casson. Casson, an architect from England who now calls Vancouver home, has spent years capturing his passion for architecture in watercolours that depict his travels. All proceed from the show and sale will go to the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation. It takes place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Dr. Peter Centre, 1110 Comox Street, Vancouver. Those planning to attend are asked to r.s.v.p. by e-mail (events@drpeter.org) or phone (604-331-5086).

British Columbia Building Envelope Council

Victoria Luncheon: Integral Waterproofing

Use of integral crystalline waterproofing systems for below-grade concrete is one of the available waterproofing options, especially when blind-side application is necessary. However, there are many considerations to be taken into account during the design and construction of these systems. In this case study presentation, Joel Schwartz P.Eng. FEC BEP from JRS Engineering will discuss integral concrete waterproofing used for a large multi-tower development on Vancouver’s False Creek. Content includes:

• systems research and options;
• warranty considerations;
• roles of the project team members;
• design and construction; and
• post-construction and results.

It takes place Wednesday, November 14, 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

Vancouver Heritage Foundation

Brown Bag Talks: Exploring Vancouver

Join heritage specialist and architectural historian Hal Kalman in a discussion about the making of Exploring Vancouver: The Architectural Guide (4th edition), an account of new and old buildings and landscapes that tells the stories of Vancouver and its inner suburbs through the built environment. Learn about the selection of buildings and the place of heritage conservation, as well as ways in which guidebooks and other media can help people appreciate the many aspects of a city. It takes place Wednesday, November 21, 2012, 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m. at B.C.I.T. Downtown Campus, 555 Seymour Street, Vancouver. To register, visit http://www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org/workshops.html.

1.5 Core LUs

 

 

Old School Courses: Researching the History of a Building – Vancouver Archives

Searching for information on a building or site can reveal important details about its original design and architectural evolution, along with stories about the inhabitants over the years. This vital information can then be used to guide future conservation decisions. Learn about the steps involved in undertaking archival research on a building and its site, as well as the research resources available at the City of Vancouver Archives. It takes place Wednesday, November 14, 2012, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at City of Vancouver Archives, 1150 Chestnut Street, Vancouver. To register, visit http://www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org/oldschool.html.

 2 Core LUs