7 Lessons From The 3rd International Architectural Education Summit

By Amelia Taylor-Hochberg, Archinect
October 7, 2013

Just over a year ago, the Architectural Review published “Alternative Routes for Architecture”, calling for a drastic reinterpretation of architectural education in the face of rigid institutions and extreme financial strains. Certainly this demand is older than a year — as we allow technology to knit information more thickly into our cultural fabric, we question the nature of education at large as having a physical place and hierarchy, through systems such as MOOCs or mobile workspaces. Add prohibitively high costs, followed by debt and depressing unemployment rates, and the architect is getting fit to reconstitute itself as newly relevant and multi-faceted professional. More …

Toronto’s Chief Planner, Jennifer Keesmaat, Challenges Mirvish/Gehry Scheme

By Christopher Hume, Toronto Star
October 7, 2013

Toronto’s chief planner, Jennifer Keesmaat, makes no secret she has “serious concerns” about David Mirvish’s plan for a massive Frank Gehry-designed mixed-use complex on King Street West. She worries that it’s too dense, too tall and architecturally “trite.” Keesmaat also fears that, like many Toronto developers, Mirvish will resort to “bait and switch,” that what we see is not what we’ll get. More …

Daniel Evan White Exhibition

The Museum of Vancouver is pleased to feature Play House, an exhibition of highly-regarded Vancouver architect Daniel Evan White who passed away last year. This retrospective will explore the creative process of White’s innovative talent. Included in the exhibition will be a models, photographs, drawings, and a full-scale mock-up for one of his houses. The exhibition is runs from October 16, 2013 to March 23, 2014. An opening reception will take place on Wednesday, October 16, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. at the MOV, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver.

BC Wood

Exploring the Use of Wood in West Coast Design Seminar & Workshop (Duncan)

BC Wood is pleased to partner with Live Edge Design to offer a unique interactive seminar and workshop that explores the process of working with live edge wood and the resulting unique wood products. Increased knowledge of wood — from how it is dried to maintaining its finish — provides a foundation for designers and architects who wish to incorporate wood into their projects. This session will give attendees the tools they need to assess ‘quality’ in wood design and production, along with an informed appreciation for the benefits of B.C. wood species and how to apply this knowledge in West Coast design. This event is being held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2013 at the Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre, 200 Cowichan Way, Duncan. The cost is $20. Please r.s.v.p. via e-mail to rmanion@bcwood.com or christine@liveedgedesign.com, or by calling Roy (604-882-7100) or Christine (250-748-0763).

4.5 Core LUs

Leading Through Collaboration – Beyond The Here And Now

How do we reach harmony with the environment on which we depend? Are our aspirations ecologically and quantitatively attainable? Are there disconnects between expectations and the accumulating effects of what we make and do? Plan to attend Leading Through Collaboration – Beyond The Here And Now, a “pan-professional” forum that calls upon professionals to undertake lead roles within our communities in order to bring about transformative, sustainable change. Join a diverse group of professionals to unify expertise and bring together complementary viewpoints in examining some of our greatest challenges . This all-day event, presented by Professionals-in-Society, is being held as part of part of Living the New Economy Week at Granville Island’s Performance Works. Keynote Speaker Helen Goodland, a United Kingdom architect and founder of The Light House, will examine whether or not a decade of green building and other efforts to respect environmental imperatives has moved us any closer to a solution. Other presenters include Michael Barkusky from One Planet Living; Jacquie Belzile of Energy-Water-Food Revolution; Jordan Bober from One Planet Living; Dr. Jeff Carmichael, senior economist and division manager – Metro Vancouver Utility Research and Innovation; Alberto Cayuela, Associate Director – University of British Columbia Sustainability; environmental consultant Melissa Chaun; Rosemary Cooper, principal of CreatingPLACES and coordinator for Simon Fraser University’s Sustainable Community Development program; Erica Crawford of Energy-Water-Food Revolution; Graham McGarva Architect AIBC of VIA Architecture; Dr. Jennie Moore, Director, Sustainable Development + Environmental Stewardship- British Columbia Institute of Technology; Dr. Jon O’Riordan, Senior Policy Adviser – Simon Fraser University Adaptation to Climate Change Team; and Stefan Storey from the University of British Columbia’s Bridge Program. Benefit from expert presentation with facilitated and informal dialogue. Engage with diverse professionals, and interact about challenges facing our common future, including needed solutions in facing ecological constraints. It takes place Friday, October 18. The cost: $85 (lunch included). Click here to register online.

Canada’s New Architecture School: Inspired by Nature to Fuel a Northern Spirit

By Alex Bozikovic, The Globe and Mail
October 4, 2013

The intersection of Elm and Elgin streets in Sudbury is a historic midpoint for Canada. For most of the 20th century, the Edwardian building on one corner was a telegraph station and ticket office for CP Rail. But until recently, this history was crumbling away, as the city – like so many in Canada – sent its energy and its money sprawling outward. For years, the telegraph building housed a Mexican restaurant. Now it has a more creative and dignified role: It is home to faculty and 70 students in Laurentian University’s new School of Architecture, a bilingual institution and the first new Canadian architecture school in 40 years. More …