Arctic Adaptations: Inuit Architecture Showcased in Prestigious Venice Biennale

By Dominique Godreche
October 29, 2014, Indian Country

For the first time in the 14-year history of the International Venice Biennale of Architecture, the Nunavut flag flew at the entrance to the Canadian Pavilion, an Inukshuk floating at the entrance of “Arctic Adaptations: Nunavut at 15.”

The exhibit, curated by architects Lola Sheppard and Mason White, from Toronto-based design firm Lateral Office, coincides with the 15th anniversary of the territory’s creation. Arctic Adaptations documents architectural history in Nunavut, describing the realities of its communities, introducing the future role of architecture, and responding to the theme suggested by the director of the Biennale, Rem Koolhaas: Absorbing Modernity, 1914–2014.

“We hope that people will not settle for generic architecture,” said White, “but instead, celebrate contemporary traditional culture, through traditional contemporary buildings. This is what we wished to show, that it is possible to envision buildings that respond to the culture, geography and territory of Nunavut.” Read more…

Architect Develops the World’s First Hoverboard

By Evan Rawn
Oct 24, 2014, Arch Daily

Architects can do far more than design buildings. In fact, some of history’s most acclaimed innovators were not only architects, but also inventors. Leonardo da Vinci himself, the epitome of the Renaissance man, sketched buildings alongside ideas for flying machines. Buckminster Fuller was the ultimate futurist and invented the geodesic dome in addition to his Dymaxion Car, an automobile that was far ahead of its time. Now, an architect has developed “the world’s first hoverboard,” and the technology has far-reaching implications for not only transportation, but also buildings themselves. Read on after to break to learn more about what this technology could mean for the future. Read more…

2014 AIBC Conference Photos Now Available

The 2014 AIBC Annual Conference concluded on Friday, October 10 after three full days of professional development programming, networking and celebration.  View photos from the 2014 AIBC Annual Conference on FLICKR.  All photos by Jay Shaw Photography. 

 

 

 

AIBC Vancouver Island Chapter News

Don Lovell Architect AIBC is retiring after 30 years as an architect and five years as the chair of the AIBC Vancouver Island chapter. He will be joining the ranks of “retired architect” in January 2015.

Don has provided yeoman service, keeping the Vancouver Island chapter active and energized through a combination of affability, professionalism, organization, and a steady stream of LU opportunities. We thank Don for his commitment and dedication and wish him the very best in his retirement.

Eddie Williams Architect AIBC will take over as chair, effective November 1. Doran Musgrove Architect AIBC will continue to volunteer as chapter treasurer.

Eddie brings a wealth of professional and life experience to the chapter.  Starting his career as an Architectural Technologist, Eddie became a registered architect in 2008 and is principal of the firm Steller Architectural Consulting. He has extensive experience in the field of building sciences, materials, methods for different building types and contract delivery methods.  Eddie has been working with the chapter executive since last May, with several Lunch and Learns already scheduled in the chapter calendar. Eddie can be reached at vi@stellerconsulting.com

Worldwide search for architect to design $450 million Art Gallery of NSW expansion

Global search for the art gallery expansion project: Michael Brand outside the Art Gallery of NSW. Photo: Brett Hemmings

By Julie Power
October 22, 2014, The Sydney Morning Herald – New South Wales

Will we get an inside out building like the Pompidou Centre in Paris, an organic twirl like the Roche Tower in Basel, or something totally different?

Some of the world’s most innovative architects including Renzo Piano, who first came to fame with the Centre Georges Pompidou, will compete to develop the winning concept for a $450 million expansion of the Art Gallery of NSW.

The project, Sydney Modern, is expected to double the size of the gallery. It will also create a great cultural plaza that connects the gallery with the Domain and the Royal Botanic Gardens of NSW.

Japanese architects Sejima and Nishizawa are known for the New Museum of Contemporary art building in New York.

The gallery’s director Michael Brand said on Tuesday he was excited so many leading architects would be “so inspired by our site and vision as to want to have a go at it”.

The 12 firms, winnowed down from a list of about 30 firms suggested by experts, were chosen to represent diversity of size, location, culture and emerging talent. They include Herzog & de Meuron in Basel, who designed the Roche Tower and transformed the old Bankside power station in London into the Tate Modern, London’s David Chipperfield Architects, Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa SANAA Tokyo who designed the new museum of contemporary art in New York, Kerry Hill Architects in Singapore and RMA Architects in Mumbai. Read more…

Why China’s President Says “No More Weird Buildings”

By Rory Stott
October 21, 2014, Arch Daily

The President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, has reportedly called for a end to the “weird buildings” being built in China, and particularly in the nation’s capital, Beijing. In a two hour speech at a literary symposium in Beijing last week, Mr Xi expressed his views that art should serve the people and be morally inspiring, identifying architectural projects such as OMA’s CCTV Headquarters as the kind of building that should no longer be constructed in Beijing.

With China’s construction boom being one of the most talked about features of today’s architecture scene – and many a Western practice relying on their extravagant projects to prop up their studios – the Chinese leader’s comments have the potential to affect the landscape of architectural practice worldwide. But what is behind these sentiments? Read on after the break to find out.

Perhaps the most simple reading of Mr Xi’s pronouncement on architecture is that it is an extension of his mission to crack down on corruption and extravagance within the Chinese Government, having removed 51 officials from government as of August. Though high-profile and popular with the international press, CCTV Headquarters has been criticized for being a number of years late to complete (it was originally intended to be open for the 2008 Olympics), and has been nicknamed “Big Pants,” by locals thanks to its unusual shape.

In particular his statement that art should “inspire minds, warm hearts, cultivate taste and clean up undesirable work styles” seems to link art with moral purity, and it is this kind of attention-grabbing extravagance that Mr Xi perhaps wants to avoid, particularly in state-owned buildings such as CCTV. Read more…

BC Building Code Energy and Ventilation Changes coming December 19, 2014: Province-wide AIBC-BOABC Continuing Education Initiative

The province of BC will be adopting into the 2012 BC Building Code the 9.36 Energy Efficiency and 9.32 Ventilation requirements of the 2010 National Building Code. These will come into effect in BC on December 19, 2014. The Building Officials’ Association of BC (BOABC), in conjunction with the AIBC, will be delivering continuing education seminars across the province on these changes between October 22 and November 26, 2014.  The venues will be Richmond, Nanaimo, Victoria, Prince George, Nelson, Kamloops, Kelowna, Surrey, Abbotsford and Cranbrook. Instructors will be architects and building officials. Register now, space is limited.

The program has been developed by Richard Kadulski Architect AIBC. He has specialized in energy efficient housing for over 30 years, and as a member of the National Building Code Standing Committee on Housing and Small Buildings, has been instrumental in the development of these code changes.    The complexities of these new code provisions are such that it is strongly advised that AIBC members and associates working on Part 9 buildings in jurisdictions that are governed by the BC Building Code or the National Building Code attend. These changes do not apply to the Vancouver Building Bylaw, nor do they apply to buildings required to comply with Part 3. .

Code users can expect the Building and Safety Standards Branch to issue the final code replacement pages before the implementation date. Online code users will see the new provisions as of the implementation date. Those designing buildings now, for permit application after December 19, 2014, will need to design in accordance with these new requirements noted above.

Note: The first document is comprised of 42 pages of the new 9.36 ‘Energy Efficiency’ Section; it replaces the existing five page Section 9.25 ‘Heat Transfer, Air Leakage and Condensation Control’. This crude comparison begins to suggest the challenge to the industry that these new provisions will present. To comply with the new provisions, a deeper understanding of thermal properties and performance than had previously been required of Part 9 code users will be required. Specification of RSI values will no longer be sufficient, effective RSI rather than material RSI will have to be determined. Requirements will vary according to climate zone, energy calculations will be necessary. The prescriptive requirements in 9.36 are focused primarily on Group C occupancies (residential).  Group D, E and F3 occupancies greater than 300 square meters, and F2 occupancies if any size, will require compliance with the National Energy Code for Buildings.

As a core competency for architects, many practitioners will be well-grounded in the building science theory necessary for understanding these new provisions, but understanding and application of the specific new requirements will require focused professional development. An easy way to get a clear overview of these code changes and what is being required of those designing Part 9 buildings is through taking this one day continuing education program.

Topics covered in the seminars will include:

• Overview of Current Regulations
• Scope of Changes – Changes to Div A, B, and C
• Structure of 9.36 – Building Envelope – HVAC – Service water heating
• Compliance options – Prescriptive – Performance – Trade-offs
• Building Envelope
  • Determination R-values
  • Calculation wall, ceiling, foundations
  • Calculating effective R-value
  • Continuity insulation
  • Thermal characteristics of above grade assemblies
  • Thermal characteristics of glazing
  • Thermal characteristics of below grade assemblies
  • Airtightness requirements
  • Trade-offs
• HVAC Requirements
  • Scope
  • Equipment & ducts
  • Heat recovery ventilation (with 9.32)
• Service Water Heating
  • Equipment efficiency
  • Piping & controls
• Performance Compliance
  • Calculation methods
  • Modelling criteria
• Administrative Issues
  • Resource materials
  • Consultants & para-professionals
  • Energy labelling programs

The schedule and registration form can be found on the BOABC website at www.boabc.org under ‘What’s New’ on the home page, or by clicking on the following link: http://www.boabc.org/EN/main/270.html.

Please send completed registration forms to Jennifer at the BOABC office along with payment.  You can also fax (604-270-9488) or scan and email (jennifer@boabc.org) completed registration forms with payment to follow.

New Provincial Energy Advisor Available to Assist Architects

As part of the province’s building regulatory system modernization strategy, the Building and Safety Standards Branch has launched a new, temporary project to provide advice and leadership on achieving compliance with energy requirements within the BC Building Code. For the next eighteen months, Zachary May, Senior Codes Administrator, will be your Compliance Advisor for energy requirements. He will be available to help you understand the new Part 3 and Part 9 energy code changes and technical requirements.

Zac has been involved in the adoption of these requirements and is great at helping code users understand technical matters in a matter-of-fact way. Zac will be a “coaching” resource for code users by:

• Proactively providing technical advice and assistance to industry and local governments specifically on ASHRAE 90.1 2010, NECB 2011 and requirements for Part 9 buildings by means of bulletins, presentations and support for their education delivery efforts;
  
• Developing program and policy recommendations on how to improve compliance with energy efficiency requirements of the BC Building Code; and
  
• Working with the Homeowner Protection Office on coordinated training and education for residential building energy efficiency requirements.

This project was created in response to stakeholder feedback and in partnership with BC Hydro.  The Building and Safety Standards Branch is committed to working with code users and finding ways to support their efforts to comply with the energy requirements in the BC Building Code.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact:

Zachary May
Senior Codes Administrator
Compliance Advisor – Energy
Phone: 778-679-9641
Email: Zachary.May@gov.bc.ca

REMINDER:  The new Part 9 energy efficiency requirements take effect December 19, 2014. To find out more about the pending changes, check the Building and Safety Standards Branch technical bulletins.

The Building Officials’ Association of BC (BOABC), in conjunction with AIBC, will be delivering education seminars in ten locations throughout the province on these Part 9 energy efficiency requirements.  These seminars will deal with the new energy provisions of the code.

This is an AIBC Registered Educational Provider (REP) event. Attendees will earn seven core LUs. Architects working on Part 9 buildings are strongly advised to attend. Learn more and register.

 

 

Affinity Institute

Construction Contracts and Risk Management: Advanced Issues and Practical Insight

Led by top Canadian construction lawyers, you will gain the practical tools and strategies necessary to maximize opportunities and manage risk in construction contracts and projects.  Going beyond the basic topics, you will examine in detail some of the key issues and actual classes that are often misunderstood or overlooked, potentially causing significant loss.

Date: January 22, 2015
Location: SFU Segal Graduate School of Business, 500 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC
Cost: Early Bird Cost $650 + GST (expires Nov 21).  Regular course price $695 + GST
Learning Units (LUs): 6.5 Core LUs
To register: www.affinityinstitute.ca

 

 

Affinity Institute

Hottest Issues and Trends in Construction

The latest developments in construction law have left uncertainty for all stakeholders in the industry. This information packed, one-day event will offer insight on the recent developments in the field of construction law, allowing you to proactively plan to ensure you are poised to thrive in 2015 and beyond.

Date: November 25, 2014
Location: SFU Segal Graduate School of Business, 500 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC
Cost: Early Bird Cost $650 + GST (expires Oct. 24). Regular course price $695 + GST
Learning Units (LUs): 6.5 Core LUs
To register: www.affinityinstitute.ca

 

Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia

Architectural Sheet Metal Hands on Workshop

Become an Architectural Sheet Metal worker for a day! Roll up your sleeves and join the Roofing Contractors Association to learn about architectural sheet metal in the roofing industry. Workshop takes place on  November 4, 2014 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Roofing Contractors Association headquarters, 9734 – 201 St, Langley, BC. Space is limited. To register contact Peggy Millar at 604-882-9734, ext.210.  

5 Core LUs

Wood Works! BC

BC Wood Solutions Fair

You are invited to take part in the next Wood Solutions Fair, a one-day educational event on wood products and construction being held in Vancouver, Thursday, October 30, 2014 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Hosted by the Canadian Wood Council and Wood WORKS! BC , this event showcases wood uses in commercial, institutional, industrial and multi-unit residential construction through a trade show and seminars. Take advantage of; informative seminars solely dedicated to wood products; technical information from suppliers, manufacturers, wood engineering consultants and industry associations; the full range of structural wood products and finishing wood products; exhibits totally devoted to wood products; and, consultation with wood industry experts. If you are an architect, civil or structural engineer, building designer or contractor, construction technologist, student or professor, this is the one event you should not miss. Pre-registration and admission is free of charge for industry professionals. Register at http://wood-works.ca/bc/wsf/, or contact Zena Caul, Event Coordinator at 877 929 9663 ext 4, or by email at  zcaul@wood-works.ca

Core and Non-core LUs available.

Role Call: District of West Vancouver Advisory Design Panel

The AIBC invites applications from architects interested in serving on the District of West Vancouver Advisory Design Panel. The role of an advisory design panel member is to give impartial, professional advice directly on any proposal or policy affecting the community’s physical environment in the public interest.  

To learn more about the procedures for serving on a panel, please refer to the following documents: 

• AIBC Bulletin 65: Advisory Design Panels – Standards for Procedures and Conduct (here)
• ADP Frequently Asked Questions (here) 

To fill out an interactive application form on the AIBC website, click here. 

Please forward all submissions to the attention of Professional Services Coordinator Alexandra Kokol by email (akokol@aibc.ca).

 

Role Call: City of Port Moody Advisory Design Panel

The AIBC invites applications from architects interested in serving on the City of Port Moody Advisory Design Panel. The role of an advisory design panel member is to give impartial, professional advice directly on any proposal or policy affecting the community’s physical environment in the public interest.  

To learn more about the procedures for serving on a panel, please refer to the following documents: 

• AIBC Bulletin 65: Advisory Design Panels – Standards for Procedures and Conduct (here)
• ADP Frequently Asked Questions (here) 

To fill out an interactive application form on the AIBC website, click here.

Please forward all submissions to the attention of Professional Services Coordinator Alexandra Kokol by email (akokol@aibc.ca).

 

Role Call: City of White Rock Advisory Design Panel

The AIBC invites applications from architects interested in serving on the City of White Rock Advisory Design Panel. The role of an advisory design panel member is to give impartial, professional advice directly on any proposal or policy affecting the community’s physical environment in the public interest.  

To learn more about the procedures for serving on a panel, please refer to the following documents: 

• AIBC Bulletin 65: Advisory Design Panels – Standards for Procedures and Conduct (here)
• ADP Frequently Asked Questions (here) 

To fill out an interactive application form on the AIBC website, click here. 

Please forward all submissions to the attention of Professional Services Coordinator Alexandra Kokol by email (akokol@aibc.ca).