Reminder: Annual Fee Payment Deadline – Friday February 1, 2013

This is a reminder to all members, associates and firms that your annual fee payments must be made on or before Friday, February 1, 2013.

Payments made online may be submitted until 12:00 a.m. (midnight) PST. Payments made in person or by mail must be received at the AIBC offices (#100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 2N5) by the end of business day, 5:00 p.m. PST. Note: if you are mailing your payment, you will need to allow for sufficient delivery time.

To pay your fees online, go to http://aibc.memberpro.net and log on. Payments can also be made by using PayPal™. Those registrants and members 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.

Call For Papers: 2013 Annual Conference

Call For Papers: 2013 Annual Conference
Vancouver Convention Centre West
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
October 23-26

The Architectural Institute of British Columbia, in partnership with the American Institute of Architects – Northwest & Pacific Region, invites submissions from those interested in speaking, participating in panel discussions or facilitating interactive workshops at their 2013 Annual Conference.

About The Conference
The Architectural Institute of British Columbia’s annual conference brings together architects, intern architects, builders, engineers, interior designers, faculty, students and other members of the design community to learn about new industry trends, technological advances and best practices. This annual gathering, the largest of its kind in British Columbia, is also a chance to network, socialize and celebrate the innovative, impactful work of practitioners and theorists. The conference runs over four days and includes keynote presentations, plenary sessions, seminars, workshops, panel discussions, off-site tours, and an industry exhibitor show.

In 2013, the AIBC will for the first time partner with the American Institute of Architects – Northwest & Pacific Region. With a shared architectural aesthetic common to the Pacific Rim as well as alignment in design directions, community needs and business practices, it is a logical partnership that will generate a conference rich in professional development, dialogue and network-building. Over recent years, the AIBC Annual Conference has experienced steady growth with attendance ranging from 425 to 700 delegates; this year’s joint effort with the AIA-NWPR is certain to attract high numbers.

2013 Conference Theme
This year’s conference’s theme – Sea Change: Architecture on the Crest – calls attention to the dynamic, critical times in which we live. Forces of change, both natural and man-made, are shaking the foundations of our communities and stirring questions about our shared future. Global issues such as livability, sustainability, affordability and environmental impact are felt by all, with a particularly strong resonance within the architectural profession. The goal of this conference is to inform, excite, challenge and inspire in order to bring about positive change. It will also serve to underscore the important role that architects can and should play in helping to continue charting the course for successful, sustainable communities.

Conference Program
Through a rich program of presentations and discussions with focused session streams that touch upon distinct areas such as design, business and technology, this gathering will attempt to raise both the level of discourse and the standard of practice for members of the design community at all stages of their careers. A variety of presentation formats is sought, including lectures, interactive workshops and panel discussions.

The organizers seek presenters who are experts in their fields and familiar with presenting their area of expertise to groups of 30 to 120 attendees. Most sessions will be 1.5 hours including time for a question-and-answer period.

The following criteria will be examined when reviewing submissions and selecting applications:

  • Inspired content that is clear, concise, and educational in nature;
  • Relationship to conference theme;
  • Relevance to the profession of architecture in the Pacific Rim;
  • Connection to the strategic and educational initiatives of both the AIBC and the AIA- NWPR, including such aspects as health, safety, welfare, design innovation, environment, diversity, technology, business and community;
  • Compliance with the necessary standards for both AIBC and AIA learning units *; and
  • Speaker qualifications and experience presenting at similar regional or national conferences.

*        For additional information regarding the AIBC’s Continuing Education System, visit http://www.aibc.ca/member_resources/professional_dev/index.html. For additional information on the AIA Continuing Education System, go to http://www.aia.org/education/providers/AIAB093368.

 

Submission Timeline

 

  • January 25, 2013:         Call for Papers issued
  • February 28, 2013:        Deadline for Expressions of Interest –  simply send an e-mail to professionaldevelopment@aibc.ca indicating your intention to submit a proposal along with proposed session title and presenter name(s).
  • March 14, 2013:             Deadline for Completed Proposals. Click here to access the Proposal Submission Form: 2013-conference-submission-form-FIN

It is anticipated that the conference’s Professional Development Advisory Committee will identify its recommended selections through March with formal notification in April.

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About the AIBC
The Architectural Institute of British Columbia is an independent, professional self-regulatory body established in 1920 by provincial statute – the Architects Act. It is the AIBC’s mandate to regulate the profession of architecture within the province of British Columbia in the public interest. This entails upholding excellence in the profession by establishing stringent education, experience and examination standards for entry to practice, as well as continuing competence and conduct standards through which architects maintain their exclusive rights to both practice and title in British Columbia.

 

About the AIA-NWPR
The American Institute of Architects – Northwest & Pacific Region, an extension of the American Institute of Architects in concert with the components, individual AIA members, schools and AIAS chapters therein, serves to promote the artistic, scientific, and practical profession of its members; to facilitate their intercourse and good fellowship; to elevate the standing of the profession; and to combine the efforts of those engaged in the practice of architecture, for the general advancement of the art. AIA members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct intended to assure clients, the public, and colleagues of an architect’s dedication to the highest standards in professional practice. The AIA-NWPR includes membership from Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington as well as Guam and Micronesia.

4 Ways North American Homes Are Looking More Like Northern Europe

By Hadani Ditmars, Globe and Mail
January 23, 2013

Modular houses have had a bad rap in North America – a hangover, perhaps, from the mail-order homes once sold through catalogue or the tracts of identical postwar prefabs. Now, a growing number of architects are looking to Northern Europe, where modular is anything but mediocre. More … http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/architecture/prefabulous-modular-homes-get-a-makeover/article7713100/?utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_source=Globe%20Life&utm_type=text&utm_content=GlobeLife&utm_campaign=100750217.

Vancouver Deemed ‘Most Walkable’

By Yvonne Zacharias, Vancouver Sun
January 24, 2013

A Seattle-based company has determined that Vancouver is the most walkable city in Canada, followed by Toronto and Montreal. The company also ranked Vancouver’s neighbourhoods, naming downtown, the West End and Strathcona as the most pedestrian friendly neighbourhoods in the city. More … http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Vancouver+deemed+most+walkable/7864509/story.html.

Whitelaw Twining Law Corporation

Construction & Personal Liabilities Seminar

The Construction and Professional Liability Groups of Whitelaw Twining will be hosting a seminar, with a cocktail reception to follow, on Thursday, February 21, 2013. Topics include:

  • Risk Allocation in a Construction Contract – David Pluckett LL.B. will review standard and emerging contract clauses that impact the allocation of risk on construction projects.
  • Surety Claims – John Moshonas LL.B. will discuss evolving trends and review common issues that arise throughout the construction surety claim process.
  • REDMA and Pre-Sale Agreements – John Fiddick LL.B. will address the impact of disclosure and rescission provisions of the Real Estate Development Marketing Act (REDMA) on developers.
  • The Role of a Consultant on a Construction Project – Alexandre Maltas LL.B. will speak to the function of a consultant who reviews a contactor’s work or shop drawings and how responsibility for the work is shared between the contractor and consultant.

The seminar takes place at 2400 – 200 Granville Street, Vancouver. The seminar will go from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. with the reception starting at 4:45 p.m. Those wishing to attend this complimentary event should contact the firm at invite@wt.ca by January 31, 2013.

0.75 Core LUs; 0.25 Non-core LUs

In Passing: Frank Tofin

Retired Architect Frank Peter Tofin passed away on December 27, 2012 at the age of 92.  Born in the North Bend, British Columba in 1920, Frank inherited a passion for design and construction from his father, a builder for the railroad. With the approach of World War II, he enlisted in the armed service where his natural skills as a mechanical draftsman were put to use as a project engineer and, eventually, architectural draftsman. He also served as an instructor for the School of Military Engineering.  Upon leaving the service in 1946, Frank found work with architectural firms in Winnipeg and, later, Kamloops. In 1952, he joined Vancouver’s McCarter Nairne and Partners as an architectural draftsman and specifications writer. In 1958, he moved to W.R. Ussner Architect before being hired by Thompson Berwick & Pratt Architects in 1959. It was with this background that Frank sought professional membership with the AIBC through alternative qualifications. He was made a member of the institute in 1960. In the years that followed, he contributed to the architectural fabric of Vancouver and, especially, Richmond. He received his RAIC Certification in 1978, and took on Retired Architect status in 1994. In addition to his career, Frank was also passionate about golf, bridge, and the restoration of violins. Predeceased by his wife Rose, he is survived by his daughters Arlene, Carole, Janet and Debbie. A Celebration of his life for family and friends will take place on July 20.

New Registered Educational Provider: Whitelaw Twining Law Corporation

This Vancouver-based firm, founded in 1979, provides legal services for local, national and international businesses; domestic and international insurance companies; and individuals from all walks of life. All types of litigation and advocacy services are offered – with a strong emphasis on dispute resolution. Learn more about this and all AIBC Registered Educational Providers at http://www.aibc.ca/member_resources/professional_dev/CurrentREP.html.

Special Double Bill: Sustainability Initiatives by the Province of B.C.

This Monday, January 28, The Hive presents a special double bill focused on this province’s sustainability initiatives. Presenter Trudy Rotgans, Executive Director of the Building and Safety Standards Branch, will highlight recent and upcoming sustainability initiatives at the provincial level. These include six-storey wood buildings, the recently released 2012 BC Building Codes, and the recent public review of code changes to improve energy efficiency in all buildings. Co-presenter Rob Abbott, Executive Director of Carbon Neutral Government & Outreach with the Climate Action Secretariat, will focus on cross-government initiatives to further sustainability in the built environment. These initiatives include the BC’s LEED policy, energy efficiency, and the provincial government’s commitment to carbon neutrality. The event takes place from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. on Monday, January 28 at The Hive, 210 – 128 West Hastings, Vancouver. Registration is $10 per person. Those who have a meetup.com account may register online at http://www.meetup.com/HiVE-Vancouver/events/98323852/. Alternatively, you may pay at the door. Coffee, tea and snacks will be served.

The Modern Office is Smaller, Edgier, Brighter And a Lot More Fun

High-tech innovations, Vancouver’s rising commercial rental costs drive trend
By Zoe McKnight, Vancouver Sun
January 19. 2013

When it comes to workplace goals in the new office of Integral Group, the writing’s on the wall. “Collaborate — challenge — energy — create” are among the mantras painted in the revamped lobby of the engineering firm’s Granville Street workspace. Gone are the grey colour scheme, suspended ceiling tiles and fluorescent lighting of the previous tenant. Now white space, citrus green and glass dominate the airy space overlooking Vancouver Harbour. This office for Integral Group, formerly known as Cobalt Engineering, is just one of many recent redesigns taking over Vancouver office towers as long-term leases are renewed at higher prices. More … http://www.vancouversun.com/business/modern+ofice+smaller+edgier+brighter+more/7844366/story.html.

To Save, or Not to Save?

The Waldorf is just the latest Vancouver cultural venue to come to judgment
By Jeff Lee, Vancouver Sun
January 19, 2013

Born within two years of each other in the same postwar boom that spawned a sleeker, stripped-down style of architecture, the Ridge Theatre and the Waldorf Hotel have had little else in common over their seven decades of life. One was a west-side movie house that, with the adjacent Varsity Ridge Bowling Lanes, catered to middle-class, white-collar workers and urban professionals. The other was an east-side hotel and bar that at first captured the travelling public entering the city on one of its eastern approaches and later became a watering hole for the gritty and booming port industry. More … http://www.vancouversun.com/news/save+save/7843996/story.html.

Architecture And Design: Matters of The Economy

Phil Bernstein, The Architect’s Newspaper
January 21, 2013

While the worlds of economic policy and design are often at odds, last year’s “Archtober” in New York and “Beijing Design Week” on the opposite side of the globe are encouraging signs that the distance between these ideas is rightly closing. Design and economics are, in fact, wholly intertwined. More … http://archpaper.com/news/articles.asp?id=6460.

AIA Honours for MCM, DA

The American Institute of Architects has announced the recipients of its 2013 AIA Institute Honor Awards, which includes a British Columbia project that garnered accolades in two categories. The Vancouver Convention Centre West, a project of Vancouver’s Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership and DA Architects & Planners, in collaboration with Seattle-based LCM, was selected in the category of Architecture. It was cited for its blend of architecture, interior architecture and urban design to create a spectacular, integrated urban ecosystem. The trio of firms was also singled out in the category of Regional & Urban Design for the Coal Harbour Convention District, its complex and successful approach to connecting the expanded convention centre to the public realm. This awards program, the AIA’s highest form or recognition, honours excellence in architecture, interiors and urban design. This year, 28 award-winners were chosen from close to 700 submission from around the world. For a detailed list of this year’s selections, go to http://www.aia.org/press/releases/AIAB097294.

In Passing: Clyde Rowett

Retired architect Clyde Rowett passed away on January 1, 2013 at the age of 82. Clyde was born in Regina, raised in Winnipeg, went to school in Red Deer, and pursued his interest in architecture through post-secondary studies at the University of British Columbia. After graduating with his architecture degree in 1955, he was hired by R. William Wilding Architects. Later employers include Watkins & Massey, Thompson Berwick & Pratt, and Reno C. Negrin Architects where he spent most of his career. Clyde joined the AIBC 1960, opting for  Associate Member status in 1999 before retiring in 2006. His other artistic pursuits included live theatre; he regularly performed in Theatre Under The Stars as well as other local productions. Clyde is survived by his partner Sid Jenner. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 8, 2013 at Brock House, 3875 Point Grey Road, Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Clyde’s name are encouraged to do so to the BC Cancer Foundation of charity of one’s choice.

CCA Grant Deadlines

The Canada Council for the Arts reminds you of approaching deadlines for the following architecture-related grant programs:

  • February 1, April 1, June 1, September 1 and November 1: Travel Grants to Professionals in the Visual Arts – financial assistance to professional visual and fine craft artists, independent critics and curators, and architecture professionals. The grants are for travel to attend or participate in activities related to their practice, whether in Canada or abroad. Independent critics and curators, architects and related practitioners (landscape architect, or architectural or urban designer) may apply for either travel for presentation or travel for research.

 

  • March 1, 2013: Assistance to Practitioners, Critics and Curators of Architecture – This program provides grants (maximum $20,000) to architecture professionals and architectural firms to help support special projects that promote contemporary Canadian works of architecture to a broad and diverse public. Funding is available to practitioners, critics and curators of architecture, as well as to architectural firms, to produce content for a public presentation of architecture, including built and (or) critical works or design research of architecture, landscape architecture or the urban environment. Projects must lead to the production of a book, exhibition, film or video, television program, radio program, multimedia program, series of articles or lectures, or other public event. This program also provides funding to professional competition advisors to enable them to develop material that is related to an architectural competition.

 

  • March 1, 2013: Professional Prix de Rome in Architecture – awarded annually to either a young practitioner of architecture or an architectural firm that has completed its first built works and has demonstrated exceptional artistic potential. The prize, valued at $50,000, encourages the development of artistic excellence in contemporary architectural practice by supporting the prize recipients to travel around the
    world to develop their skills, and their creative practice, and to strengthen their position in the international architecture world.

 

  • March 1, 2013 and October 1, 2013: J.B.C. Watkins Award: Architecture – providing fellowships of $5,000 to professional Canadian artists in theatre, visual arts (architecture only) and music who are pursuing graduate studies in any country other than Canada. Applicants must be an architecture graduate of a Canadian university, postsecondary art institution or training school. Postgraduate schools include postsecondary institutions or training schools, whether or not these are degree-granting institutions.

 

For detailed information including eligibility and other criteria and, visit the CCA Visual Arts web page at http://www.canadacouncil.ca/visualarts/. For further information, contact Program Officer Brigitte Desrochers at Brigitte.Desrochers@canadacouncil.ca.

Cascadia Green Building Council l International Living Future Institute

Quantifying the Environmental Value of Building Reuse

While there is increasing discussion in various green building forums about the benefits of reusing buildings, few studies have sought to quantify the differences between the environmental impacts of building reuse versus new construction. This two-part workshop begins with the release of a recent study, “The Green Building: Quantifying the Environmental Value of Building Reuse”, the most comprehensive analysis to date comparing the environmental impacts of demolition and new construction to building reuse and retrofits. The second part of this workshop examines “Historic Places – Leaders of Built Environment Stewardship: Responsible Rehabilitation.” Participants will gain understanding of how, by studying heritage conservation approaches to heritage buildings, we can become better stewards of existing buildings. This two-part workshop takes place around the province this spring at the following locations:

  • The Green Building: Quantifying the Environmental Value of Building Reuse

    • Victoria – Monday, February 18, 2013, 6:45 – 8:00 p.m.
    • Kelowna – Tuesday, February 26, 2013, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
    • Nelson – Tuesday, March 12, 2013, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
    • Vancouver – Wednesday, March 20, 2013, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

To register, visit http://living-future.org/events/upcoming/cascadia.

1 Core LU

 

  •           Historic Places – Leaders of the Built Environment Stewardship: Responsible Rehabilitation
    • Victoria – Tuesday, February 19, 2013, 6:45 – 8:00 p.m.
    • Kelowna –  Monday, February 25, 2013, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
    • Nelson –  Tuesday, March 12, 2013, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
    • Vancouver – Thursday, March 21, 2013, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

To register, visit  http://living-future.org/events/upcoming/cascadia.

1 Core LU