ExAC to be Offered in Victoria and Vancouver

This year, Intern Architects have the option to write the ExAC in Victoria as well as in Vancouver.

Starting on June 1 until July 15, 2015, Intern Architects can apply to write the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC). Intern Architects are eligible to write the ExAC if they are in good standing with the institute and have a minimum 2,800 hours of experience logged, submitted and approved.

The deadline for submitting CERBs is June 30. The ExAC registration form will be available on June 1 from the ExAC website.

Three ways to attend June 11 Info Sessions: Vancouver location, Victoria location or online

To assist those who are interested in ExAC, the AIBC Intern Architect Committee will be hosting an ExAC introductory session and social event on Thursday, June 11, 2015, from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. The event will be held at the offices of AIBC in Vancouver with a connection to the Cascadia Architects office in Victoria and also online as a simultaneous webinar. Further information including details on how to RSVP for the event will be announced soon.

For more information, please contact Admissions Coordinator Belinda Chao at bchao@aibc.ca or visit the ExAC website.

2015 AIBC Architectural Awards: Key Program Dates

Each year, the Architectural Institute of British Columbia showcases the best in B.C. architecture through its highly-respected awards program.

An esteemed jury with representation from both within and outside the profession will consider candidates for The Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Awards in Architecture (both medal and merit); The AIBC Innovation Award; The AIBC Special Jury Award; and The AIBC Emerging Firm Award. While honours are given in these distinct award categories, there is one common element: Excellence.

Winners are celebrated at the Architectural Awards Reception, which will be held during the AIBC Annual Conference, and featured in architectureBC.

Key dates for this year’s program are as follows:

• Call for Awards Submissions:                               May 19, 2015
• Call for Awards Jurors:                                         May 19, 2015
• Deadline for Awards Jurors:                                 June 12, 2015
• Extended Deadline for Awards Submissions:      July 6, 2015 *
• Awards Jurors Announced:                                  July 9, 2015 **
• Awards Adjudication:                                            July 18, 2015
• Awards Winners Reception:                                 October 28, 2015

(* June 29, 2015 was the original deadline for awards submissions.)
(** July 2, 2015 was the original date for Awards Jurors to be announced.)

For detailed information including award criteria and submission requirements, and to make your submission, please visit the AIBC Architectural Awards website.

Heritage Vancouver Society

Our Main Streets
Our main streets are at the heart of our communities, and have often played a key role in the history and evolution of Vancouver’s neighborhoods. Main streets can be seen as cultural landscapes, which evolve and change over time. The panel discussion for this event will address questions such as:

• What features contribute to the character of main streets?
• How can this character be maintained, while allowing our main streets to evolve?
• How can we ensure our main streets are attractive spaces for shops, businesses and customers?

Date: June 12, 2015, 7pm-9pm
Location: Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre, Goldcorp Centre for the Arts. SFU Woodward’s, 149 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
Learning Units (LUs): 2 Non-Core LU
Cost: Free but registration recommended
To register: http://www.heritagevancouver.org/shapingvancouver.html#mainstreets

BC Wood

Understanding and Designing with Heavy and Engineered Timber Seminar and Factory Tour
Timber, both solid and engineered continues its dramatic growth as a popular building material due to its many superior attributes including environmental, strength and technical qualities. It is important for architects and engineers to continue learning about the developments and attributes of timber in its various forms. BC Wood is pleased to partner with Daizen Joinery at their new Timber Frame facility in Kamloops to invite interior members of the specifying community to join them for an afternoon of seminars and demonstrations on many key aspects of heavy timber as well as advancements in timber coatings and fasteners. This will be followed by a guided factory tour of a Timber Frame manufacturing facility.

Date: June 16, 2015, 11:30am-3:15pm
Location: Daizen Joinery, 2947 Shuswap Rd, Kamloops, BC
Learning Units: 3 Core LU
Cost: Free
To register: RSVP to Roy Manion at rmanion@bcwood.com

Industry Innovations Symposium

On June 9, 2015, delegates of the 2015 CSCE International Construction Specialty Conference will join members of the local construction industry for the Industry Innovations Symposium to hear industry leaders discuss some of the regions most innovative projects and global experts present emerging trends and technologies in sustainable buildings and infrastructure. Talks will be delivered in a TED-style format on a wide range of topics, including BIM/VDC, integrated practices, lean construction, modularization and prefabrication, computational design, and sensing and data capture technologies. The session will end with a panel discussion on the importance of collaboration between industry and academia to drive innovation in the construction industry. Join us for this unique event!

Date: June 9, 2015, 8am-1pm
Address: UBC CIRS, 2260 West Mall, Room 1250, Vancouver
Phone: 604-822-2027

For more information.

buildingSMART Canada BIM Forum 2015

buildingSMART Canada will be hosting their first ever BIM Forum on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm in the BC Hydro Decision Theatre (room 1151) at the Center for Interactive Research on Sustainability at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC.

The BIM forum is free and is being held in conjunction with the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering’s International Construction Specialty Conference 2015 and the Industry Innovations Symposium being held at UBC from June 7th to 10th, 2015 from 8am to 1pm at Center for Interactive Research on Sustainability at UBC.

The BIM forum is an opportunity for all industry and academic stakeholders to learn and discuss about buildingSMART Canada’s activities and involvement in the Canadian construction industry, notably the recently published Roadmap to Lifecycle Building Information Modeling in the Canadian AECOO Community and the development of open standards for BIM.

buildingSMART Canada hopes to engage with industry and academia and present its mission, its outlook and its activities over the next couple of years. More specifically, the following topics will be addressed:

• International efforts and initiatives for BIM, in particular UK initiatives and how Canada can learn from them
• Canadian initiatives
• OpenBIM and its implications for project delivery and building lifecycle processes in Canada
• The status of BIM education in Canada and around the world
• A presentation and discussion on the recently published Roadmap to Lifecycle BIM in Canada

The session will conclude with a panel discussion and Q&A session.

Speakers include:

• Dr. Sheryl Staub-French, Associate Professor in Civil Engineering at the University of British-Columbia
• Dr. Linda Newton, Defence Construction Canada, Chair, Project Development, bSC
• John Hale, Department of National Defence, Chair, Operations committee, bSC
• Susan Keenliside, S8 inc, Chair, Members community, bSC
• Erik Poirier, University of British-Columbia, Chair, Communications committee, bSC

Key Information:

Date: June 9, 2015, 1:30-4:30pm
Address: BC Hydro Decision Theatre (room 1151) Center for Interactive Research on Sustainability (see map)

For more information.

Equity by Design: The Missing 32% Project Releases Complete Findings on Women in Architecture

By Wanda Lau
Architect Magazine, May 18, 2015

Architecture is a not a profession for the weak-hearted, but a recent report sheds some new light on the different obstacles female and male designers face in their careers. AIA San Francisco’s Equity by Design (EQxD) committee, formerly known as The Missing 32% Project, has released a full report of its findings from its 2014 Equity in Architecture Survey following its Equity by Design Hackathon workshop at the annual AIA Convention last week in Atlanta. EQxD had released preliminary results from the 90-question survey at its symposium in San Francisco last fall.

(Image: AIA San Francisco’s Equity by Design committee released preliminary results from their survey at a symposium last fall. Courtesy of Architect Magazine, photo by Jen Tai.)

The 53-page Equity by Design: Knowledge, Discussion, Action! report, published by AIA San Francisco, begins by reviewing the gender makeup in architecture schools and the profession historically. Women make up 42 percent of graduates from programs accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board, but only 28 percent of architectural staff in AIA member–owned firms, 26 percent of licensed architects (who are not principals or partners), and 17 percent of principals and partners. Read more…

Montreal metro’s underground architecture

by Nina Azzarello
Designboom, May 17, 2015

With a network of 68 stations, transporting over one million passengers daily, it’s not often that racing commuters stop to admire the architecture of Montreal’s metro system — yet in fact, it has a history rooted in the arts. in the mid 1960’s, a competition was held among Canadian creatives to realize the design of each station, with every stop reimagined by a different architect, and art installations commissioned on a station-to-station basis.

(Image: Namur, courtesy of Chris Forsyth)

The site and surroundings are perceived in a new light — beams of illumination overhead become a mesmerizing graphic pattern, colorful walls create a prismatic contrast to concrete materials, and passing trains speedily slide into the scene. ‘The architectural portraits show that beautiful design, and art is all around us, even when we may not notice it,’ Forsyth describes. Read more…

Modern hydroponics meet contemporary architecture in this new office in Mexico

By Helen Berg
Wallpaper, May 15, 2015

Growing plants using hydroponics has been around for centuries, and this unique method of looking after crops using nutrient-enriched water, without any soil, is still very much in use in modern agriculture. An extensive new facility for such an enterprise has just been completed in rural Guanajuato, near León in central Mexico, and features at its heart a modern office designed by local firm C.C Arquitectos.

(Image: Office views are concentrated towards the surrounding greenhouses, where lettuces are cultured using a nutrient enriched solution. Photo: Rafael Gamo, courtesy of Wallpaper)

Arranged in a way that promotes interaction between different departments, the offices also provide direct sightlines from employees’ desks into the surrounding five hectares of greenhouses, which contain row upon row of leafy lettuces, produced for international export by Next Vegetales. Visual connections between the office workers and the production processes were highly important, says C.C Arquitectos’ Manuel Cervantes. This is a development that aims to create ‘a collective experience of working together with a shared purpose’. Read more…

Annual Meeting Summary

The 96th AIBC Annual Meeting was held on 02 May 2015, at Simon Fraser University (Segal Building), Vancouver. Once quorum (96) was met, AIBC Council president Scott Kemp Architect AIBC opened the meeting. More than 130 registrants and guests were in attendance.

The 2015 Annual Meeting Booklet and PowerPoint slide deck are posted on the AIBC website. For ease of reference, where applicable, page and slide numbers corresponding to the Booklet and slide deck will be included in the highlights below.

– Pierre Gallant Architect AIBC, said a few words on behalf of the RAIC Vancouver chapter
– Newly registered members and associates were welcomed to the meeting and the AIBC. A list of names scrolled across the screen as those in attendance were asked to stand. Names are listed in the PowerPoint slide deck, slides 5-12.
– A new audience response system was utilized this year. The hand-held devices were used by eligible members to cast votes on the various motions put forth during the meeting.
– Following the meeting call to order, the close of elections was announced. Five candidates were elected by acclamation to council. The 2015/2016 AIBC Council including officers and invited guests to council.
– The 95th AIBC Annual Meeting Minutes, held May 3 2014, were adopted.
– A moment of silence was held in recognition of the AIBC members and other registrants who passed away in the previous year. A list can be found in the PowerPoint slide deck, slide 35.
– Honorary membership for Mr. Bogue Babicki was approved by the required 4/5ths majority. Nomination information is found in the 2015 Annual Meeting Booklet, pages 17-26.
– AIBC Council president Scott Kemp Architect AIBC presented his report entitled “Getting It Done”. The President’s Report, included in the 2015 Annual Meeting Booklet, can be found on pages 27-29.
– Filing of the annual audited financial statements and appointment of the auditor Wolrige Mahon LLP were followed by the Treasurer’s Report, presented by AIBC councilor and finance committee member Catherine Nickerson Architect AIBC, in lieu of AIBC treasurer Danica Djurkovic Architect AIBC. The financial statements and Treasurer’s Report are located on pages 31-49 and 51-58, respectively, in the 2015 Annual Meeting Booklet.
– Councilor Gordon Richards Architect AIBC, on behalf of AIBC registrar Karl Gustavson Architect AIBC, delivered the Registrar’s Report, pages 59-62. The two tables charting 2010-2014 Register Tally and Means of Registration were presented.
– There were three presentations on council initiatives. Please refer to the Annual Meeting PowerPoint slide deck, pages 63-110.
o AIBC Council president Scott Kemp Architect AIBC gave an update on the organization’s strategic plan and presented the institute’s updated mandate, vision, values and goals.
o AIBC Council vice president Darryl Condon Architect AIBC summarized the Strategic Engagement Committee’s activities.
o The Diverse Membership Working Group presentation was given by AIBC councilor Mona Jahedi Architect AIBC.

– As at past annual meetings, the floor was opened to the Members’ Forum. The sole motion brought forward requested council to consider mandatory professional liability insurance for all members. The motion passed.

– Thank you to those who attended and participated, to AIBC staff and to registered professional parliamentarian, Mr. Eli Mina.

For more information about the AIBC annual meetings.

AIBC Council Meeting Summary – 02 May 2015

Prior to the 02 May 2015 council meeting, the 96th AIBC annual meeting was held. During the annual meeting, the 2015/2016 AIBC Council was announced.

Following the annual meeting, the 2015/2016 AIBC Council met and dealt with the following items:

AIBC Officers and Invited Guests to Council

One of the first orders of council business was to fill the officer positions and invited guests to council.

AIBC Officers

• President: Darryl J. Condon Architect AIBC
• Vice President: Danica Djurkovic Architect AIBC
• Treasurer: Karl W. Gustavson Architect AIBC
• Registrar*: Joan Hendriks Architect AIBC

*The registrar, a non-voting officer position on council, can be held by a council member or an AIBC staff member provided they are an Architect AIBC. This year, AIBC Director of Registration and Licensing, Joan Hendriks Architect AIBC, was appointed to the position.

Invited Guests to Council

• Immediate past president: Scott Kemp Architect AIBC. Council policy 3.12 details the role of the immediate past president.
• Intern Architect Liaison. The sole intern architect candidate withdrew their nomination prior to the annual meeting; therefore, the intern architect liaison to council position remains vacant. A recommendation from staff will be put forward to council for consideration.
• Architectural Technologist Liaison: Michael Currie Architectural Technologist AIBC returns to complete the second year of his two year term.
• IDIBC Liaison. This position is vacant.

AIBC Council President Opening Remarks

The 2015/2016 AIBC Council president Darryl J. Condon Architect AIBC thanked immediate past-president Scott Kemp Architect AIBC for his leadership and he looked forward to Scott’s continued involvement and mentorship.

Darryl was honoured to be elected to council and as president. He emphasized his goal for significant headway on the three areas of Act Review, Public Outreach and creating a diverse membership. He also noted that the annual meeting was an important opportunity to hear from members, particularly about the topic of insurance.

Acknowledging that a substantial amount of work accomplished this year was, in part, a result of the collaborative nature between council, staff and members, Darryl reaffirmed that this approach will continue to serve as a guide for the slate of projects before council.

Registration Board and Council Committees

AIBC Councilor Mona Jahedi Architect AIBC was reappointed to the Registration Board. In addition, current Registration Board members were reappointed for the coming year.

In keeping with best practices for not-for-profit and corporate governance models the following amendments were adopted:

• A Human Resources Committee was introduced to deal with issues related to staff and the CEO.
• The monitoring of the strategic plan was determined to better sit with the Governance Committee.
• And as a result of these two changes, the Operational Constraints Committee was disestablished.

Council participation was mapped out for the numerous council committees.

Read the council committee Terms of Reference which includes a list of participants.

***

Motions were passed for committee changes, examination results and register amendments as well as terms of reference.

Read adopted 10 March 2015 council meeting minutes.

The next official meeting of AIBC Council is scheduled for 14 July 2015. It will be held at the AIBC offices between 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Members, associates and the public are welcome to attend. Please confirm your attendance in advance by contacting Executive Coordinator Tracy Tough by e-mail (ttough@aibc.ca).

Call for Entries: 2015 AIBC Architectural Awards & Awards Jury

The Architectural Institute of British Columbia showcases the best in B.C. architecture through its highly-respected Architectural Awards program.

An esteemed jury with representation from both within and outside the profession will consider candidates for the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Awards in Architecture (both medal and merit); the AIBC Innovation Award; the AIBC Emerging Firm Award and the AIBC Special Jury Award.

While honours are given in these distinct award categories, there is one common element: Excellence.

Winners are celebrated at the Architectural Awards Reception on October 28, 2015 as part of the AIBC Annual Conference, and featured in architectureBC.

Submit An Architectural Awards Application:

For detailed information including award criteria and submission requirements, and to make your submission, please visit the AIBC Architectural Awards website.

Extended Deadline for Awards Submissions: July 6, 2015 (4:30 p.m. PST) *

(* June 29, 2015 was the original deadline for awards submissions.)

Submit An Application To Sit On The Architectural Awards Jury:

The AIBC invites applications to sit on the AIBC Architectural Awards Jury. The role of an awards juror is to consider candidates for all awards categories. Individuals who have submitted projects for consideration in the Architectural Awards will not be considered as jury members due to a conflict of interest. For detailed information and to make your submission, please visit the AIBC Architectural Awards website.

Deadline for Jury Applications: June 12, 2015 (4:30 p.m. PST)

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact communications@aibc.ca.

New Registered Educational Provider: GUD Architects Inc.

GUD Architects Inc. is a Vancouver based architectural firm which collaborates with GUD Group based in Shanghai, China. Established in 1983, GUD Group is a member of the China National Real Estate Development Group Corporation. Today, GUD employs more than 600 professionals and support staff located in five offices in Shanghai, Zhengzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan and Vancouver.

To learn more about all AIBC Registered Educational Providers, please visit the AIBC website.

WoodWorks BC

Symposium 2015: Knowledge Transfer to Support Wood Building and Design
The latest research into design and construction of mid-rise and taller wood buildings will be the topic of this educational one-day event, providing you with an opportunity to be among the first to learn from thought-leaders and academics who lead our industry.

Date: May 28, 2015, 8:30am-5pm
Location: Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport, 8181 Cambie Rd, Richmond, BC
Learning Units: 5.5 Core LUs
Cost: $25 plus GST (lunch and coffee included)
Register: www.wood-works.ca/bc

The lost art of water architecture

By Hemang Desai
The Tribune, May 15 2015

Stepwells were built to collect rain water during seasonal monsoons. Primarily these structures were utilitarian. Over the period, they evolved a significant architectural style that was composite, with embellishment and exquisite carvings.

The step-wells constructed all over northern India in the middle ages and right till the modern period are a repository of knowledge about water collection, storage and distribution in water starved areas. In Gujarat, this tradition of constructing a stepwell was raised to a stunning architectural art that stands today on the world stage of architectural heritage. Read more…

(Image: The Adalaj stepwell is at once a celebration and a tribute to water as well as a record of the society in which it was built. Photo: Cyrus Mobedjee, courtesty of The Tribune)