In Passing – Bonnie Karen Maples Retired Architect AIBC FRAIC

It is with great sadness that the AIBC acknowledges the recent passing of Bonnie K. Maples Retired Architect AIBC FRAIC. Bonnie was a tireless supporter of, and advocate for, the architectural profession in Canada and internationally.

Among Bonnie’s many distinctions, she was the first female president of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia, a position she held from 1995-1997. She also held such influential institute roles as Examining Board Member, Oral Examination Chair and NCARB Examination Grader (1988-1994); AIBC Council Member (1992-1994); and AIBC Executive Committee / Treasurer (1993-1994). On the national scene, Bonnie served as President of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada from 2003-2004. She was also a member of Canada’s APEC Architect Project’s Monitoring Committee.

Bonnie graduated from McGill University (B. Arch) in 1976, and became registered with the Ordre des Architectes du Quebec in 1978. In 1982, she became a member of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia.

She held a particular interest and influence in the healthcare sector, both in private practice and in public service. Her professional career spanned work at Thompson Berwick Pratt & Partners (1981 – 1989); Howard Yano Architects (1989 – 1991); and Wensley Spotowski Architectural Group (1991-1994). Over the past several years, she worked at Providence Health.

She is survived by her husband, architect Alan Maples, their son Andrew, and mother, sister and brother in Montreal.

A service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 10:00 a.m. at First Memorial Boal Chapel in North Vancouver, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver, BC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation in Bonnie’s name.

Brazilian architecture: there’s more to Brazil than the World Cup

June 5, 2014
By Domic Bradbury

As the World Cup grips the planet all eyes are on Brazil. But it’s not all about football. A new book by Dominic Bradbury on Brazilian architecture shows them to be world leaders in this field too.

Brazil’s natural beauty – from the epic coastline to its tropical rainforests – has always been one of its greatest lures. When you factor in a largely benign climate and a wealth of natural materials, you also end up with the foundations for an inspirational architectural style that has forged a fresh way of living with nature.

It is their intimate connection with the land that makes many Brazilian homes stand out, from the way that inside spaces flow right into the landscape, and outdoor elements – such as terraces, verandas, courtyards and balconies – are interwoven with the whole fabric of the home. Sometimes it’s hard to know whether you are inside or outside…more