Treasurer’s Verbal Report

This year’s AIBC Annual Meeting on June 1, 2013 included a financial report delivered by Treasurer Lynne Werker. To access a transcript of this report, click here.

Chicago Proud to Showcase its Architecture

By Michael Geller, Vancouver Sun
June 22, 2013

The Canadian government paid for my first trip to Chicago. It was summer 1970 and I was one of six students of architecture from across Canada awarded the CMHC Travelling Scholarship that year. We spent seven weeks in Montreal, Chicago, San Francisco and elsewhere in the U.S., exploring significant architectural buildings and neighbourhoods. I thought about those 1970 travels during a recent trip to Chicago. Like most visiting aficionados of architecture and design, I began my visit at the Chicago Architecture Foundation, a non-profit organization whose stated mission is to inspire people to appreciate why architecture and design matter. More …

Inside CIRS

Forestry Innovation Investment Limited has produced an educational video that explores the use of wood in the creation of the University of British Columbia’s Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability. The video, titled “Wood: An Integral Part of a Net-positive Building”, shares insight from many involved in the CIRS project, which is establishing a new baseline in sustainable building design. Click here to access the video through naturally:wood’s YouTube channel.

 

AIBC Summer Hours

Beginning Friday, June 28, the AIBC Architecture Centre, including the institute’s offices and the AIBC Gallery, will move to its summer hours of operation: Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and  Friday 8:30 – 1:00 p.m.

In Passing: Herwig Pimiskern

Herwig (Vic) Pimiskern Architect AIBC passed away on June 2, 2013 at the age of 71. Herwig was born in Zagreb, Croatia (formerly Yugoslavia). His family immigrated to British Columbia in 1957. He attended the University of Toronto and then the University of British Columbia where he graduated from the School of Architecture with honors in 1967. He first registered with the AIBC in 1970. His subsequent career included working for Bing G. Marr Architect in addition to his own practice. He is survived by his partner Farideh and sons Konrad, Frank and Mark. An interment will be held at the District of North Vancouver Cemetery on June 18, 2013 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make donations in Vic’s name may do so to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Revised Vancouver Rezoning & Development Application Review Process

Please be advised of a change in procedures for Rezoning and Development Application reviews in Vancouver. In an effort to better serve customers, staff in the city’s Processing Centre-Building (PC-B) Branch will provide preliminary building code compliance comments at the Rezoning and Development Application review stage for projects that involve retention, additions or alterations. These projects tend to be more complex and challenging from a building code perspective. This preliminary review will be provided at no additional cost to applicants. The city will no longer review Rezoning and Development Applications for building code compliance for projects that involve new construction. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the project meets the requirements of the Vancouver Building Bylaw. New construction projects offer designers more opportunities to comply with the Vancouver Building By-law, and often involve a certified professional as part of the project team. Applicants are strongly encouraged to retain the services of a qualified building code consultant early in their projects. In projects where a Certified Professional (CP) will be used, it is recommended that the CP be brought on at an early stage to provide this building code overview. Delaying inclusion of a qualified code consultant onto the project team can result in delays and additional expense should the  rezoning or development plans not meet Vancouver Building Bylaw requirements.

Cinema Vancouver

As part of infuse2013.ca, the Canadian Institute of Planners 2013 national conference, you are invited to attend “Cinema Vancouver” – a community film screening and dialogue. Using a series of short films and videos culled from local and national film archives and libraries, this screening will showcase some truly unique, including some seldom-seen, mid-20^th Century representations of Vancouver. Aimed at community planners, historians, cinephiles, and city-lovers of all stripes, “Cinema Vancouver” is intended as both a visual treat for the senses and a unique opportunity for dialogue around film, community planning, and historical representations of the city. then explore the city through its architectural patterns (City Patterns, CBC, 1962), re-visit notions of “blight” and “urban” renewal in the 1960s (To Build a Better City, NFB/CMHC/City of Vancouver, 1964), travel along Robson Street when it was the epicentre of German-Canadian culture (Robson Street Stories, CBC, 1964), and set out on a contemplative journey through the city set to the accompaniment of dynamic spoken word and folk music (City Song, CBC, 1961). The program will be followed by a Q&A with special guest speakers. It all happens Sunday, July 7, 2013,  7:15 p.m. at the Pacific Cinematheque, 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver. Admission is $15.

Special Meeting of AIBC Council: June 25, 2013

AIBC Council President Scott Kemp  Architect AIBC has called a special meeting of council for Tuesday, June 25, 2013, in conjunction with its annual planning session taking place at the Bowen Island Lodge. The meeting will address minor business matters as well as the need to determine council committee, task force and working group responsibilities prior to the next scheduled council meeting on Tuesday, July9 , 2013. Click here to view the agenda. Interested members of the institute and the public are welcome to attend.

Local Architect Pumped to Speak at Ideacity

By Dana Gee, The Province
June 18, 2013

For years, Ideacity has literally been a meeting of the minds. The Toronto-based conference, now in its 14th year, brings together 50 presenters from around the globe (see the list at ideacityonline.ca). And this year you don’t have to travel to Toronto to take in the dialogue as Vancouver’s Rio theatre will be streaming the conference on the big screen June 19-21. Started by media guru Moses Znaimer, the event this year has technology as its theme. One of the speakers on the slate is Vancouver architect Michael Green of Michael Green Architecture. A fellow of the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada, Green is an innovator who champions the Tall Woods concept of building high-rises out of wood. More …

Call For Entries: Sukkah Design/Build Competition

Hillel Vancouver, The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, invites local design professionals, students and others to take part in this competition for the creation of a sukkah – a pavilion constructed for Sukkot, the weeklong Jewish outdoor harvest festival. It originates from a type of temporary, fragile dwelling used by the children of Israel during their 40 years of travel in the desert after exodus from Egypt. The competition calls for a sukkah designed to fit within the western courtyard of The Hillel Building at the University of British Columbia, and suitable for providing shelter from wind, sun and rain while eating, sleeping, studying and celebrating. It must consist of at least three walls and a roof made of non-edible plant material, at least partially open to the sky. The entries period is August 1 – 23, 2013. All entries will be on display during the seven days of Sukkot, September 18-25, 2013. Interdisciplinary and cross-cultural teams encouraged. Details and updates can be found online at www.vancouverhillel.ca/sukkah. Questions and submissions can be sent to sara@vancouverhillel.ca.  Click here to view the Sukkah Competition details.

University of British Columbia Centre for Sustainability

Building Green with LEED®: LEED Canada for New Construction Rating System 2009

This course will provide an in-depth review of the LEED Canada for New Construction Rating System. It will benefit those professionals involved in the design and construction processes of “green buildings”. Participants will develop their technical proficiency in 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 enable 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.

This 10-session, 36-hour course takes place over eight Thursdays (6:30 – 9:30 p.m.) and two Saturdays (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) from October 17 to December 5, 2013 at UBC Robson Square, 800 Granville Street, Vancouver. LEED Green Building Strategies and Green Associate Exam Preparation or experience working in the building industry is recommended prior to taking this course. For more information and to register, click here.

36 Core LUs

University of British Columbia Centre for Sustainability

LEED® Green Building Strategies and Green Associate Exam Preparation

This course will provide comprehensive preparation for the LEED Green Associate examination, a first step towards becoming a “green building practitioner”. The LEED Green Associate credential distinguishes practitioners with a sound knowledge of green design, construction and operations. Designed by the Canada Green Building Council, this course provides an overview of the techniques, approaches, materials and technologies used in the LEED rating systems. Using a wide range of examples, case studies and site visits, it will enable participants to:

• understand the imperative for a green transformation of our built environment;
• explain the key components of the LEED rating system;
• apply core concepts and strategies to achieve success using the LEED rating system; and
• determine where different LEED rating systems can be applied.

No previous experience is required, and participants will be eligible and prepared to write the LEED Green Associate Exam upon successful completion of this course. This 10-session, 36-hour course takes place over four Tuesdays and Thursdays (6:30 – 9:30 p.m.) and two Saturdays (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) from October 8 to November 26, 2013, at UBC Robson Square, 800 Granville Street, Vancouver. For more information and to register, click here.

36 Core LUs

University of British Columbia Centre for Sustainability

Passive House Design and Construction

Based on the 2010 international Certified European Passive House (CEPH) training program, this interactive 36-hour course will address the practice and tools needed for Passive House construction. Architects, engineers, builders, sustainability consultants, building code professionals, and others with an interest in “green building” will gain the practical tools and resources needed to adapt this energy-efficient design standard to Canadian building codes. This course is a first step for those aiming to write the professional certification exam, which after passing will merit the Certified Passive House Designer designation. The exam is administered by the Canadian Passive House Institute (CanPHI). This six-session, 36-hour course takes place Monday to Wednesday, October 21-23 and November 4 – 6, 2013, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at UBC Robson Square, 800 Granville Street, Vancouver. Coffee and lunch will be provided. For more information and to register, click here.

36 core LUs

2012 – 2014 CES Reporting Period Deadline

Please be advised that the AIBC’s Mandatory Continuing Education System (CES) two-year reporting period began on July 1, 2012 and will end on June 30, 2014. Architects, architectural technologists, residential designers and building designers with a registration date prior to July 1, 2012, are required to report a minimum of 36 learning units (LUs), of which at least 16 must be core. Architects and architectural technologists registered between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013, are required to report a minimum of 18 LUs, of which at least eight must be core. Interim transcripts will be sent by e-mail in July 2013 and January 2014. For details regarding the new two-year reporting requirements, reference Bulletin 80: Mandatory Continuing Education System (CES) Rules and Guidelines. Should you have any questions or require assistance with the online reporting process, contact Professional Development coordinators Aleta Cho at acho@aibc.ca.

Vancouver Island Construction Association

CCDC Design/Build Contract Seminar: CCDC 14 & CCDC 15 (Victoria)

The Canadian Construction Documents Committee will release two new design/build contract forms in July 2013. In preparation of publishing CCDC 14 – Design-Build Stipulated Price Contract and CCDC 15 – Design Services Contract between Design-Builder and Consultant, you are invited to attend a half-day seminar coordinated by the Vancouver Island Construction Association. CCDC representatives will explain the philosophy behind these new contract forms as well as outline important changes to Document 14 – 2000 Design-Build Stipulated Price Contract (CCA, CSC, RAIC) and Document 15 – 2000 Design-Builder/Consultant Contract (CCA, CSC, RAIC). Participants will receive electronic copies of the new contract forms and the accompanying guides (to be released in December 2013). It takes place Monday, June 24, 2013, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Travelodge Hotel, 229 Gorge Road East, Victoria. For further information and to register, click here.

4 Core LUs