The largest event of its kind in B.C., the Architectural Institute of British Columbia’s (AIBC) conference returns next month, offers stimulating plenary sessions, intimate seminars, panel discussions and evening gatherings, all hosted at British Columbia’s flagship convention centre —Vancouver Convention Centre West. This year’s conference theme is Spaces Between, and will run from May 7–9 2018.
Attending the 2018 AIBC Annual Conference? Not sure which sessions to attend? With more than 22 options available, there is something for everyone!
If you’re interested in business and starting your own practice, check out these sessions:
- T5: Am I the Boss Yet?
Many architects are interested in starting their own firms, but don’t know how to begin. Listen to two senior practitioners describe the opportunities and pitfalls associated with firm ownership. Learn whether ownership is for you, and about the different routes to firm ownership – including everything from a partnership in an existing firm to starting your own firm. Find out how to position yourself and develop your skills and resources to fast-track your career path to ownership.
- T8: Strong Practice Roadmap
The space between where your firm is now and its true potential can be difficult to bridge. Firm owners are consumed by the day-to-day whirlwind of acquiring and executing projects. Navigating the space between actual and aspirational practice strength can be challenging. This session will provide a framework for participants to evaluate the strength of their current practice and offer strategies to achieve a stronger firm.
- W1: Practice Tool Box
This session will connect the spaces between practice, business and risk management. A panel of recognized legal and risk management experts will share important information on client expectations, Standard of Care, Warranties and Guarantees, and other key items that practitioners should avoid at all costs. They will also discuss the importance of having a proper contract and provide examples of claims that architects regularly face and the implications for practice.
Want to learn more about the technical side of the profession? Consider the following:
- T7: Fire and Spaces Between
On June 14, 2017 a fire occurred at the 24 storey, Grenfell Tower apartment building in London, England. More than 70 people died or succumbed to their injuries. Could this happen in British Columbia? This session will review exposure issues between buildings, limiting distance, combustible cladding issues and the use of foam plastic in exterior walls. It will include a historical look at the National Building Code of Canada and recent developments in exterior wall requirements.
- T10: Energy Modelling and the BC Energy Step Code
This session will focus on the role of energy modelling in design and code compliance, particularly under the new BC Energy Step Code. Along with a basic overview of simulation options and targets, the Energy Modelling Guidelines that govern BC Energy Step Code simulations and requirements will be reviewed. A sample project will be used to demonstrate real world experiences, before concluding with a summary of key take-aways, tips and resources.
- W9: Archaeology and Development in B.C.: Regulations and Best Practices
This session introduces archaeology in the context of development projects. An overview of the legal framework that regulates archaeology and protects archaeological sites, as well as the best practices for managing archaeological risk, will be discussed. Participants will leave the session better equipped to work with archaeological professionals on their project teams and to manage archaeology as a potential source of risk.
Looking to be inspired, or hear the stories behind great design? These sessions are for you:
- T4: Beyond Spaces for Women and Men: The Growing Need for and Benefits of Universal Facilities
Using a gender diversity lens, this session shares best practices from case studies of community centres with universal washrooms and change rooms. Presenters explain guiding principles and provide examples of features, functions and considerations to support safety, community and privacy. Informed design strategies for universal facilities demonstrate how design can be used as a tool for social equity and inclusivity. - W5: A Canvas for Collaborative Creation: Emily Carr University of Art + Design
This panel discussion will explore how the architectural design and delivery of the recently completed Emily Carr University of Art + Design reflects the university’s objectives in the context of the P3 procurement process. From the decision to uproot from Granville Island to the city-building potential of relocating to the False Creek Flats, the university’s role as both institution and urban catalyst will be explored.
- W7: Urbanarium’s Missing Middle Competition
The Missing Middle Competition is an open design competition to develop exciting options for addressing Metro Vancouver’s housing affordability crisis. Entrants selected one or two single-family lots to design and provide contextual assessment based on their study area and municipal plans and by-laws. This presentation showcases the competition’s winning submissions, and addresses the successes and challenges that entrants encountered when designing their submissions.
Don’t miss out – registration for the 2018 AIBC Annual Conference is now open!