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.