Current Exhibition & Opening Reception: Model Behaviour

Architectural models, scaled-down representations of big ideas, have long been essential tools of the architectural profession. This exhibition, curated by the AIBC Gallery Committee, highlights the important historic role that architectural models have played in bringing abstract ideas to life while conveying visions of the future. It demonstrates some of the creative ways that architectural models can help architects and designers connect with the public. In so doing, this exhibition also affords a unique, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process. Featured projects were designed by AIBC-registered members, AIBC Intern Architects, or students enrolled in post-secondary architectural programs. Projects include:

• 3 x 3 – Minnie Hiu Yan Chan M.Arch Candidate
• Brentwood Station – Perkins+Will Canada
• Cabins – D’Arcy Jones Design
• Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre – Hughes Condon Marler Architects
• Inlet Residence – FWC Architecture & Urban Design Inc.
• Knoll Residence – FWC Architecture & Urban Design Inc.
• Lynch House – D’Arcy Jones Design
• Nut Farm Residence (unbuilt) – Mark Ritchie Architects Ltd. (Now Architecture Building Culture Inc.)
• Orko Mine – James R Simpson Architect Inc
• Paul – Minnie Hiu Yan Chan M.Arch Candidate, UBC SALA
• Renovation and Addition to a House in Vancouver’s First Shaughnessy Residential District – DB Simpson Architect
• Still House Prototype / Shaw Island House – Level Design
• Studio 34, Townhouse, Desert House, Context, Stair  (Arch Studies) – James R Simpson Architect Inc
• Study 01: Itinerant Body – Operative Agency
• UBC Bookstore Expansion and Renovation – Office of McFarlane Biggar Architects + Designers
• UBC District Energy Centre – DIALOG
• VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Center – Perkins+Will Canada
• Villa Donisa – JWT Architecture and Planning
• Waterfall Building – Nick Milkovich Architects Inc.
• White Rock House – Thomas Grimwood Design Inc
• Zacatitos 02 – Campos Leckie Studio

The exhibition takes place at the AIBC Gallery, 100 – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver. Gallery hours are Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A reception will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Advance reservations are required; please r.s.v.p. by July 22, 2013 to communications@aibc.ca.

City Council Adds New Mixed-use Developments to Broaden The Low-income Housing Market

By Megan Gill, BC Business
July 9, 2013

Building housing above convenient stores, community centres and libraries has been done, but that mixed-use housing category is adding another unit to the list. In an effort to provide more affordable housing units, the City of Vancouver is targeting spaces over fire halls. City council has proposed a project to incorporate apartment suites above select fire stations. The project will begin by redeveloping Fire Hall No. 5, located on East 54th Avenue. The 60-year-old fire hall will not only be completely reconstructed, but the plan is to also build a housing facility above it, to help fill the constant need for more affordable residential spaces. More …

Lulu Awards

Submissions are invited for the City of Richmond’s 2013 Lulu Awards. This awards program is intended to recognize, celebrate and inspire excellence in the city’s urban design. Every two years, awards are given for exceptional projects that represent visionary thinking and “raise the bar” for design excellence in Richmond. Both private and public sector projects completed within the past three years are eligible. The submission requirements are minimal and allow for considerable creativity. The deadline for submissions is September 6, 2013. Click here for details including eligibility, submission requirements, judging process and award categories.

Council Resignation

Joe Thompson has resigned from AIBC Council. Thompson, Acting Assistant Deputy Minister of Student Services and Sector Resource Management and the Executive Financial Officer of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology, was one of the four Lieutenant Governor Appointees to council, non-architect public representatives appointed by the provincial government. Thompson joined council in December 2012. His resignation took effect July 9, 2013. The process for determining a replacement appointee is now underway.