AIBC eNews
March 16, 2016
Please be advised that current eNews content is now posted on the AIBC website. This website will no longer be updated.
For the latest information on AIBC activities, programs and events as well as related industry news, visit the AIBC website.
If you have any questions, please contact communications@aibc.ca.
February 24, 2016
The District of North Vancouver is seeking volunteers to join its Board of Variance. This board is a five-member appeal board appointed by council to consider granting minor variances to the zoning bylaw. The board holds monthly meetings to hear appeals from property owners and to make decisions.
Potential members must live in the district and share a desire to create a safe, liveable and sustainable community for all.
Application deadline is March 2, 2016, visit dnv.org/board-variance to apply.
February 24, 2016
The UBC Architecture Co-operative Education Program integrates a student’s academic studies with work experience. Students engage in an eight-month long (two continuous school sessions) work-term in a professional architectural firm or an office in related fields of design or construction. The program is offered to students who have completed their second year courses.
Architecture firms are encouraged to consider offering such a work opportunity to get to know a mature, motivated individual (and potential future architect) while making a valuable contribution to the profession. It is expected that the students will be engaged at a salary commensurate with their skill level.
Over the next couple of months students will be seeking placements from May through December 2016. Should your office be in a position to offer such work terms, please keep an eye open for student applications or better yet, contact the Co-op Coordinator noted below for additional information.
If you have any questions or require more information about the UBC Architecture Co-op Program, please contact Co-op Coordinator Greg Johnson at gjohnson@sala.ubc.ca.
February 3, 2016
An international survey is being conducted by Eva Alvarez to explore what has changed for women in architecture over the last 40 years. It has been 40 years since Architectural Design published the August 1975 issue on Women in Architecture. The editor, Monica Pidgeon, sent letters out to 100 women architects asking them: what can women contribute that men can’t (and vice versa) and what are the advantages or a disadvantages of being a woman in architecture. We want to know what has changed for women by asking a few simple questions. The survey should not take more than 10 minutes to answer. There are still not enough women in architecture and your help in responding to this survey will help gain a greater understanding of the issues. Your responses will be taken in total confidence and remain anonymous.
The survey is available in six languages and will provide an update on the 1975 special issue of AD on Women in Architecture.
You can take the survey on the Women and Architecture website. We encourage everyone to contribute.
December 9, 2015
The BC Building Code was amended by ministerial order on November 17, 2015, with changes effective December 11, 2015. View the revisions.
Parts 1, 3, 4, 5, and 9 are revised. Online versions of the code will display the changes as of the effective date, however holders of hard copies are advised to update their codes manually with the changes.
No replacement pages have been issued at this time.
Visit the BC Codes website for additional information.
SAVE THE DATE – MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON
Webinar: Windows, Doors and Skylights Code Changes
Wednesday, December 16, 2015 10am-12:30pm
Presented by:
Office of Housing and Construction Standards
Building and Safety Standards Branch
Honourable Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing, has approved changes to the 2012 BC Building Code requirements for the construction and performance criteria for windows, doors and skylights conforming to the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS). The package of changes also includes some minor revisions to energy and ventilation requirements for Part 9 housing, and requirements for stainless steel piping. The revised requirements come into effect on December 11, 2015.
The North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS) came into effect in December 2013 and the new energy and ventilation requirements for low-rise housing in December 2014. These code requirements introduced major changes and some complex implementation challenges. The revisions were developed through extensive consultation with the residential construction sector, including manufacturers of windows, doors and skylights, building officials, building specifiers and designers and building officials.
The goal of the changes to requirements for windows, doors and skylights was to clarify and streamline compliance for BC’s unique custom based industry while maintaining the trade advantages of the NAFS. These changes give manufacturers greater flexibility in providing cost effective and code compliant windows, doors and skylights, while still providing an appropriate level of health, safety and accessibility.
Key changes to the NAFS requirements include:
Please join us for a webinar explaining these code changes.
Registration and More Information
December 2, 2015
The Corporation of Delta recently issued a Request for Qualifications for the Boundary Bay Fire Hall that stated a second stage would include a competition, without reference to it being an AIBC-approved competition.
The AIBC has worked with Delta to assist in crafting an RFQ/RFP process that is in accordance with AIBC requirements. Delta is committed to selecting and engaging an architect per AIBC requirements and has issued an addendum (addendum #2) to this RFQ clarifying the issue. Note the addendum also revises the project schedule.
Architects are encouraged to respond to this opportunity. The deadline is December 7, 2015.
December 1, 2015
The City of Kelowna launched an Infill Challenge to attract new models of infill housing in select areas of Kelowna’s Urban Core Area. The AIBC is supportive of what Kelowna is seeking to achieve with the Infill Challenge and recently worked with them to remove restrictions from architects participating or acting as team leaders. The updated Infill Challenge now falls entirely within the ‘Exceptions’ to the Architects Act and as such is not required to be an AIBC-sanctioned competition per AIBC Bylaws.
Architects are highly encouraged to participate. The institute hopes that the participation of architects will enhance the submissions and lead to higher quality of housing stock diversity and stronger neighbourhoods.
November 3, 2015
You are invited to complete a questionnaire and attend a Focus Group on the evaluation of compliance with BC energy codes.
This is part of an independent evaluation of compliance with the energy efficiency standards for buildings, except low-rise residential buildings, referenced by the BC Building Code since December 2013 and the Vancouver Building Bylaw in January 2014. The evaluation is being conducted on behalf of a working group comprising of building inspectors, government officials, professional associations and energy utility representatives who are interested in the state of code compliance with energy requirements and its impact on local and provincial goals such as energy conservation and GHG reduction.
An online survey was conducted earlier in 2015. A subsequent focus group discussion will take place in fall 2015.
Please complete the fillable PDF questionnaire and return it by November 6, 2015 to khaines@rdh.com.
The contractor, RDH Building Engineering Ltd. will summarize the results of the questionnaires and will not attribute comments to particular names.
We will notify respondents on the date of the face-to-face meeting. An $20 gift card aligned with “Power Smart” month will be provided to the first 30 people that complete the questionnaire and also attend the Focus Group.
October 21, 2015
The BC Building Code Appeal Board is seeking a new member.
About the Building Code Appeal Board
The Building Code Appeal Board tribunal, a quasi-judicial board, is enabled under the Building Act. The tribunal makes decisions and hears appeals from persons who have a dispute with a local authority having jurisdiction as to whether a matter conforms to the BC Building Code. The tribunal has a complement of the chair, one vice chair, three members, and receives administrative support from the Office of Housing and Construction Standards. The term of membership is typically three years, with possible reappointment for an additional two years. The tribunal hears approximately 20-30 applications each year, with considerable variation in content and complexity.
Time Commitment
The Board typically meets one day each month, and some time for preparation prior to meetings should be accounted for.
About the Position
Applicants for this position should possess the following attributes:
To minimize travel costs, preference will be given to candidates in the Lower Mainland area.
How To Apply
More information can be found here: https://www.brainhunter.com/frontoffice/seekerViewJobDetailAction.do?sitecode=pl526&jobId=2063552&page=search&external=
Any questions related to this posting can be directed to Junichi.Jensen@gov.bc.ca.
September 29, 2015
Following an intensive selection process, the board of directors of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is proud to announce the appointment of Jody Ciufo, of Ottawa, as the new Executive Director of the RAIC.
Ms. Ciufo brings extensive experience in management of national non-profit associations. She is currently the Executive Director of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association (CHRA), the national voice for affordable housing issues.
During a 30-year-career, she has also worked with the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (Engineers Canada), the Canadian Automobile Association and the Canadian Red Cross Society.
“I am delighted to welcome Jody to the RAIC,” says RAIC President Sam Oboh, FRAIC. “Her expertise in the broader built environment sector in Canada, combined with a proven track record of success in many aspects of management will help take the RAIC to the next level. She brings substantial relationships with leaders of allied organizations, and therefore, the possibility of new collaborations and advocacy opportunities.”
Ms. Ciufo holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Arts, Honours (English Literature) from Carleton University. She is bilingual.
“Having served non-profit, membership and advocacy organizations throughout my career, I have a keen appreciation for the RAIC’s mission of service to its members and, on their behalf, to the broader public good,” she says.
Ms. Ciufo has been at the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association since 2009. Under her leadership, the association increased membership by 65 percent, restored financial viability and launched an aboriginal caucus. She also created an advocacy program, “Housing for All,” for the 2015 federal election, aimed at influencing the next federal government to reinvest in social and affordable housing.
From 2002 to 2009, Ms. Ciufo worked at the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, including three years as Executive Director. The Federation is a national organization representing 75 universities and 69 scholarly associations.
The organization raised its profile with 32 “Breakfast on the Hill” events that drew a total audience of 2,611, including MPs, senators, and media representatives. As Chair of the Canadian Consortium for Research, representing 18 national organizations, she led advocacy efforts and acted as spokesperson with MPs and government officials.
Ms. Ciufo assumes her duties at the RAIC in December. The board of directors warmly thanks Interim Executive Director Bruce Lorimer for his invaluable contribution.
Ms. Ciufo can be reached at jciufo@raic.org.
September 22, 2015
bSC has revised its membership structure and is now offering free membership to individuals wanting to get actively involved in and contribute to the movement towards a better built environment for Canada as laid out in the Roadmap to Lifecycle BIM in the Canadian Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Owners and Operations (AECOO) Community published by bSC in January 2015. The call to action, issued through the IBC/bSC Roadmap to lifecycle BIM, involves a movement that must be undertaken with the full engagement, active involvement and continual support from the Canadian AECOO community. This will be done through the creation of a national community of excellence for the built environment which builds on the beliefs and capabilities of bSC’s members and includes bSC’s new Affiliates initiative.
By joining buildingSMART Canada, individuals become part of a growing community that is implementing collaborative working best practices in Canada and around the world. Members can link up to a worldwide community of practitioners, owners and software developers that are shaping the future with BIM and participate in the development of standards, protocols and programmes through working groups centered on activities described in the Roadmap to Lifecycle BIM. They can also stay abreast of innovative practices and improved project delivery processes through the creation of a national community of excellence. Members will have access to this growing pan-Canadian support network, whose agenda is transparent and aimed at an ambitious yet achievable goal: promoting and enabling the movement towards a better built environment for Canada through the development and use of open standards for BIM.
To sustain the movement, buildingSMART Canada is relying on financial support from Sponsors and Supporters. Sponsors are integral to the operation and activities of buildingSMART Canada. These companies and firms are leaders in the Canadian BIM community, and showcase their commitment to open BIM standard development in Canada. Supporters help facilitate the operations and activities of buildingSMART Canada and are committed to the buildingSMART mandate to see BIM adopted alongside well established open BIM standards. If you are interested in becoming a supporter or a sponsor, please visit our website.
September 22, 2015
bSC has launched its Affiliates initiative, which is aimed at building and strengthening the Canadian community of excellence for a better built environment based on open standards for BIM. This will be achieved in part by connecting local and regional BIM interest groups across Canada and opening up membership to individuals at no cost.
bSC understands that regional differences in the Canadian construction industry make it difficult to create a solution that is “one-size fits all”. The building industry being of provincial jurisdiction, all the while being strongly influenced at the national and municipal levels, bSC’s Affiliates initiative aims to create a dynamic community of excellence to develop and promote the use of open standards for BIM in Canada that are appropriate and fulfill these regional needs.
bSC Affiliates will remain independent and have no financial obligations towards – or any expectations from bSC. The intent is to grow the group of members who share the same goals organically while mutually expanding opportunities for sponsorship and support. The Affiliates initiative will provide a shared channel of communications for grassroots stakeholders to remain current with Canadian and international activity and enhance consistent messaging. bSC Affiliates will have first access to the most current news and information on international and national BIM standards and better project delivery practices in Canada as well as have input into the development of Canadian and international standards. bSC Affiliates will also get support from experts engaged with the national body to grow and develop their local or regional community.
Any local or regional organization supporting better practices and better outcomes for the building industry can join buildingSMART Canada as a bSC Affiliate. The initiative not only aims to build on existing local communities but can assist in setting up and developing communities in locations where none are currently in place. bSC Affiliates in turn will share the vision and goals of inter-operability and open standards for BIM while remaining vendor neutral (i.e. representing technological and process solutions from multiple vendors) and promoting the use of open standards for BIM.
September 16, 2015
The AIBC would like to inform members and associates that there has been a change in WorkSafeBC requirements regarding investigation or renovation work in existing buildings. WorkSafeBC had previously required identification of hazardous materials (such as lead or asbestos) in pre-1990 buildings, prior to any requiring cutting or disturbing of materials (such as drywall). With recent revisions to their regulations, they now require this to be done in buildings of any age. They are observing that, as a result of free trade agreements, materials are being installed in new construction, from off-shore sources, that contain hazardous materials above local acceptable levels. Below are links to the regulation and guidelines, updated February 1, 2015.
http://www2.worksafebc.com/publications/OHSRegulation/Part20.asp#SectionNumber:20.112
http://www2.worksafebc.com/publications/OHSRegulation/GuidelinePart20.asp#SectionNumber:G20.112
What this means for architectural firms (or engineers) doing investigation or renovation work, is that they must obtain, from the owner of the building, a report identifying any hazardous materials before proceeding. This WorkSafeBC change may require professionals to educate their clients, as building owners may not yet be aware of this change in WorkSafeBC regulations.
The AIBC would like to thank the Building Envelope Committee for bringing this issue forward.
September 8, 2015
The print and digital versions of the 2014 Vancouver Building and Plumbing Systems By-laws are now available for order through Queen’s Printer.
To order a copy, visit http://www.bccodes.ca/vancouver-bylaws.aspx for a complete product listing.
To learn more about the Offline Electronic product versus the Online product, please see the Product Comparison tool.
If you have any questions, please email bccodes@gov.bc.ca or visit www.bccodes.ca.
August 25, 2015
Do you love architecture, design, and sustainability? Do you take pride in Vancouver? If so, volunteer with Doors Open Vancouver (DOV)!
Vancouver’s second DOV event takes place on October 2 from 12pm – 7pm and October 3 from 10 am – 5 pm.
What happens at DOV? We throw open the doors of popular Vancouver buildings to the public! People enjoy free, behind the scenes access to Vancouver venues and can learn about civic services while experiencing Vancouver’s architectural, design, engineering, and cultural heritage.
Last year we had over 8,600 visits to 20 buildings — and the event was a success because of the nearly 200 volunteers who made the visitor experience so special. (Here’s a look at the volunteer experience during DOV 2014.)
So, once again, the City is seeking committed volunteers to assist the day of with set-up, greeting visitors, leading tours, social media, and encouraging public participation. We are particularly interested in volunteers who can speak a second language who can provide translation services for our visitors.
As a DOV volunteer, you will meet likeminded individuals, get an invitation to our exclusive wrap party, receive a collectable DOV t-shirt, and more!
If this sounds like you, register to volunteer at doorsopenvan.ca. Short training sessions will take place in mid-September.
Doors Open was a quick start action identified by the Mayor’s Engaged City Task Force. Doors Open Vancouver is brought to you by the City of Vancouver in partnership with Vancouver Public Space Network, the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, Tourism Vancouver, and Cascadia Green Building Council.
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