World’s Most Amazing Places to Pray

by Kieran Corcoran
Daily Mail, Sep 22, 2015

(Image: Pictured is the Ribbon Chapel in Hiroshima, Japan, which has twin spiral staircases design to represent the union of man and wife and a symbol of marriage. Courtesy of World Architecture Festival, Daily Mail)

These amazing places of worship are among the world’s most beautiful places to pray.

The religious buildings, located as far apart as the U.S., Asia and the Middle East, are all due to feature in the upcoming World Architecture Festival in Singapore.

All nine buildings form the shortlist for the religion category. The designs are huge departures from the traditional forms of each religion, in some cases resembling a helter-skelter slide or a Bond villain’s lair. Read more…

Acton Ostry Architects’ UBC Residence Will be Among World’s Tallest Wood Buildings

by Elsa Lam
Canadian Architect, Oct 8, 2015

(Image: Structural schematic – hybrid mass timber and concrete core structure. Courtesy of Acton Ostry Architects, Canadian Architect)

Acton Ostry Architects have released renderings of Brock Commons Phase 1, a 404-bed student residence at the University of British Columbia. When completed, the $51.5-million residence building will stand 53 metres tall, making it among the tallest mass timber buildings in the world.

The use of a hybrid mass wood and concrete structure was investigated to demonstrate the applicability of wood in BC’s development and construction industries. Rigorous analysis concluded that the cost of a mass timber structure was similar to that for a typical concrete or steel structure. “Advances in wood technology and manufacturing make tall wood buildings not only possible but also safe and cost effective, while providing a way to lessen the carbon footprint of the built environment,” explain the architects in a press release. Read more…

2015 AWMAC BC Awards of Excellence Winners Announced

by JOC staff
Journal of Commerce, Oct 9, 2015

Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada BC (AWMAC BC) celebrated its annual Awards of Excellence recently at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Some of the best architectural millwork projects of the year were awarded in both the residential and commercial sectors.

Some of the projects that won awards included the Kelowna Yacht Club and Lululemon Exterior in the small commercial category and UVic Food Services and Golder Associates in the large commercial category. Read more…

For a full list of winners, visit the 2015 AWMAC BC Awards of Excellence website.

2015 AIBC Annual Conference: Using Innovative Strategies to Strengthen Your Practice

Three Steps to Strengthen Your Practice 
October 30, 2015 – 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m.

Design professionals help their clients every day to establish innovative strategies and tactics and then implement these. Yet doing the same thing in their own practice is often regarded as the dark side of the profession… treated with indifference. If design professions are going to continue to have meaningful impact on the built environment, they first have to strengthen their own firm. This session will help evolving firms and emerging practitioners realize they need to focus more effort on designing their practice.

About the Presenter
Rick Linley is an architect in Manitoba and since 1985 has specialized in practice and project management. A principal with Smith Carter Architects and Engineers for 18 years, 14 of which he served as the firms’ Chief Operating Officer. He helped shape the operating model of the firm to accommodate a six fold increase in revenues. He retired from practice in 2013 but got restless. He recently launched Strong Practice Strategies, a management consultancy focused on helping emerging and evolving design firm leaders to strengthen their practices.

This session is sponsored by Tremco Roofing & Building Maintenance.

Register today to attend this session.

Visit the 2015 AIBC Annual Conference website for full details and to view conference pricing information.

2015 AIBC Annual Conference: Communicating the Value of Architecture

Communicating the Value of Architecture
October 30, 2015 – 1:30-3 p.m.

Communicating the value of architecture is extremely challenging. The Manitoba Association of Architects Public Affairs Committee (PAC) has spent a great deal of effort refining its value proposition – both the value of architecture and architects. This session will look at the work of Storefront Manitoba, Centre for Architecture Design & Urbanism, a non-profit group of multi-disciplinary professionals that work to “advance the awareness and appreciation of architecture, design and the built environment,” and discuss the roles of the architect as they relate to a perception of value between emerging and established architects.

About the Presenter
Jason Robbins is a founding board member and current Chair of Storefront Manitoba: Architecture/Design/Urbanism, a non-profit organization developed to advance the awareness and appreciation of architecture, design and the built environment in Manitoba. StorefrontMB is responsible for Cool Gardens: a public exhibition of contemporary garden and art, FRONTlines: a discussion series to create a dialogue between the city’s design professionals, developers, and the public, as well as The Winnipeg Design Festival: an annual event that promotes and celebrates design culture in Manitoba with engaging events.

With a background in theatre and film, Jason studied marketing and communications before going to architecture school. Jason Robbins is currently an architect with the Department of National Defence.

This session is sponsored by Tremco Roofing & Building Maintenance.

Register today to attend this session.

Visit the 2015 AIBC Annual Conference website for full details and to view conference pricing information.

2015 AIBC Annual Conference: Featured Sessional Speakers

The 2015 Annual Conference – What’s Now – Insights and Directions will be held from October 28 – 30, 2015 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The conference features plenary sessions, seminars, workshops, panel discussions and an industry exhibitor show. Meet some of our featured speakers below!

Josh Zabel

Architectural Composites – New Session!
Session F5 – (1.5 Core LUs)

Josh is the Vice President of Business Development at Kreysler & Associates, a world-class composites fabrication facility. Since 1981, they have specialized in architectural composites, large scale artwork, and digital fabrication. Some of their work includes, sets for Star Wars, fish tanks for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, acoustic panels and building facades. As building codes are starting to catch up, and digital design tools become more widespread, the doors are rapidly opening to building with fiberglass and other composites.
Join Josh at Session F5 – Architectural Composites.

Newsha Ghaeli

Sensing and Actuating
Session F12 – (1.5 Core LUs)

Newsha, a Fellow at the The MIT Senseable City Lab, will present projects exemplary of how digital technologies are changing our understanding of the urban realm. The MIT Senseable City Lab was founded in 2005 as a joint venture between The MIT Media Lab and The MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning. The Lab investigates the possibility for new technologies to transform the analysis, design, and ultimately the inhabitation of urban space, while working with industry partners, governments, citizens & disadvantaged communities.
Join Newsha at Session F12 – Sensing and Actuating.

Andrew Bay BA (Econ.), CFP

The Affluent Architect
Session F15 – (1.5 Core LUs)

Andrew is President and founder of Bay Wealth Management of The Investors Group. BWM was created to work exclusively with Engineering, Architectural and Development Associations, along with the firms and professionals they represent. For over 20 years, Andrew has worked advising Industry leaders and young professionals on business management, ownership and all associated financial planning needs. BWM provides one-on-one consultation, accredited education opportunities and Financial Literacy Workshops.
Join Andrew at Session F15 – The Affluent Architect.

Lara Kaufman Architect CA, LEEP AP

The Social Life of Digital Design
Session F10 – (1.5 Core LUs)

Lara is a Senior Architect and Project Manager for Snøhetta. She is currently working on the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Expansion. Learn how design that encourages social engagement and interaction benefits from both the larger scale planning moves as well as the smaller scale details. This presentation includes stories of recent Snøhetta and Kreysler & Associates projects, considering architecture through the lens of innovative fabrication techniques & collaboration with cross-disciplinary partners.
Join Lara at Session F1 – The Social Life of Digital Design.

Visit the 2015 AIBC Annual Conference website to view all of our amazing speakers.

Register Now!

View conference pricing and register. Online registration will close end of day October 21. Late registrants are instructed to email conference@aibc.ca after October 21. To learn more about the 2015 AIBC Annual Conference, please visit the 2015 AIBC Annual Conference website.

Waterfronts and Livable Cities

This seminar, organized by APEGBC Victoria Branch in partnership with Planning Institute of BC, Urban Development Institute Capital Region and the Institute of Transportation Engineers, will use proven principles and international best practices to examine how cities around the world are strengthening their cities and waterfronts with better urban design and place-making.

About the Speaker
Brent Toderian established TODERIAN UrbanWORKS (TUW) in early 2012 followed by 6 years of significant achievement as Vancouver BC’s Chief Planner (2006-2012), with accomplishments that include: 2010 Winter Olympics-related planning & design; the EcoDensity and Greenest City Initiatives; new waterfront and skyline-shaping strategies; new visions for the city’s viaducts, multi-modal mobility and active transportation (walk, bike and transit); place-making, public place design and street activation strategies; next generation transit-oriented development (TOD) initiatives; the Laneway Housing program and other affordability/housing strategies; and inventive strategies at the downtown, city and regional levels emphasizing a “complete city”, not just a livable one.

Mr.Toderian also oversaw all development, design and architecture in Vancouver, known internationally as a “city by design”. Toderian is the founding President of the Council for Canadian Urbanism; Canada’s only regular radio columnist on “city-making” on CBC Radio; and a writer for the Huffington Post & other publications.

Date: November 5, 2015, 9-11am
Location: CFB Esquimalt Wardroom Lower Lounge, 1586 Esquimalt Road, Victoria
Cost: $35 per person
To register: https://www.apeg.bc.ca/Events/Events/2015/VC1NOV15

2015 WorkSafeBC Construction Safety Conference

The 10th annual Bridging the gap conference and tradeshow takes place November 13 and 14.

Whether you work in construction or promote health and safety in the industry, join us for a jam-packed two-day conference to network with others and increase your knowledge about a wide range of health and safety issues in construction.

Network with peers while learning about and discussing a variety of health and safety issues, including falls from elevation, exposure to asbestos, and other issues identified in WorkSafeBC’s Construction High-Risk Strategy. Search out, expand, and capitalize on learning opportunities that will ultimately enhance your career in health and safety.

Date: November 13-14, 2015
Location: Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, 7551 Westminster Highway, Richmond
Cost: $175 for both days or $250 for conference and one, full-day pre-conference course
To register: www.bridgingthegapsafely.com

I-XL Masonry Supplies Ltd.

An Afternoon with Masonry
Three AIBC Core accredited programs are offered: Adhered Masonry Veneers, Designing with Concrete Masonry, and Designing with Clay Brick.

Presented by I-XL Masonry Supplies Ltd. and Shouldice Designer Stone. Lunch will be provided at noon with the first presentation starting promptly at 12:30pm. Each presentation is 1 hour in length with a short break following each.

Date: November 26, 2015, 12-4pm
Location: Sheraton Guildford Hotel, Tynehead room, 15269 – 104th Avenue, Surrey
Learning Units (LUs): 3 Core LUs
Cost: Free
To register: e-mail to bproctor@ixlmasonry.com

Heritage Vancouver Society

A Conversation with Brian Jackson about Heritage in Vancouver
Heritage Vancouver is having its annual event with the city’s head planner – A Conversation with Brian Jackson about Heritage in Vancouver. This year’s event will be particularly timely and salient as Vancouver’s first Heritage Conservation Area has just been approved by council and work proceeds onto the rezoning and character home component of the city’s Heritage Action Plan. The vote on the Georgia Viaducts will also be going to council on October 21.

Heritage issues over the past year have included the Heritage Action Plan, Heritage Schools, Sinclair Centre, the Main Post Office, First Shaughnessy, the Heritage Register update, St. Paul’s Hospital, and Waterfront Tower. This is a great opportunity to hear about what to expect for the future of heritage planning for our city as Mr. Jackson retires and a new head planner will take over.

Date: October 15, 2015, 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Committee Room 1, 3rd Floor, Vancouver City Hall, 453 West 12th Avenue
Learning Units: 2 Non-Core
Cost: General $10, Heritage Vancouver members $8.50
To register: www.heritagevancouver.org

2015 Wood Design & Building Awards

The Wood Design Awards invites entries to the 2015 program, the only North American program honouring excellence in wood architecture.

Entries should consist of building projects that show a wide range of wood product applications and demonstrate an understanding of the special qualities of wood, such as strength, durability, beauty and cost-effectiveness.

All projects completed in the period between January 1, 2010 and September 15, 2015 are eligible for entry (except previous winning projects of the Wood Design & Building Awards).

A jury of prominent architects from Canada and the U.S. will review all entries based on various considerations such as creativity, distinctive and appropriate uses of wood materials, ability to satisfy clients’ building and site requirements, and overall aesthetic appeal for the use and application of wood.

Submission deadline: December 4, 2015

For more information, contact Ioana Lazea or Natalie Tarini at 613-747-5544 ext. 227 or 225.

Visit the Canadian Wood Council website for details and to submit your entry.

2015 Vancouver Wood Solutions Fair

The Wood Solutions Fair is the premier event in Canada dedicated to design and construction with wood products and systems. This one-day educational event, hosted by the Canadian Wood Council and Wood WORKS! BC showcases wood uses in commercial, institutional, industrial and multi-unit residential construction through a trade show and seminars. It is the only industry event in Canada where participants can earn up to six continuing education credits while learning about the latest industry trends and innovations for designing and building with wood.

For more information please contact Zena at zcaul@wood-works.ca or 1-877-929-9663 ext 4.

Date: October 27, 2015, 7am registration, 8am–4:45pm seminars in session
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre – West, 1055 Canada Place, Level 1
Cost: Pre-registration and admission is free of charge for industry professionals
To register: http://ams.cwc.ca/Live/AMS/Pages/ams-event-details/8282?isPreview=False

Role Call: Municipal Advisory Design Panels

The AIBC invites applications from architects interested in serving on the following design panels:

• District of Chilliwack
• City of North Vancouver
• District of North Vancouver
• District of Oak Bay
• City of Richmond
• District of Saanich
• City of Victoria
• City of Surrey
• District of Pitt Meadows
• City of Vancouver – Chinatown
• Municipality of Whistler
• University Endowment Lands

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
• ADP Frequently Asked Questions

Please fill out an interactive application form and forward your submissions to the attention of Professional Services Coordinator Alexandra Kokol by email (akokol@aibc.ca).