Showcasing BC & Alberta’s architects and interior designers
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SUMMER 2009 Vol. 10 No. 1
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Patkau Architects
Mount Pleasant Civic Centre | Appliances | Multimedia
kitchen & bath :::::::
contents
SUMMER 2009 Vol. 10 No. 1 www.designquarterly.ca
PUBLISHER Dan Gnocato dang@mediaedge.ca Managing Editor Cheryl Mah Graphic Designers Shannon Swanson Cory Dawson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Hal Clark, Robert Ledingham Philippe Meyersohn, Mike Ohlman Allan Patridge, Steve Preiner Brad Romo. Marilyn Sanford B.C./ALBERTA SALES Dan Gnocato 604.739.2115 ext. 223
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06 Designer Profile
PRESIDENT Kevin Brown
Patkau Architects is one of the most distinguished firms in Canada. Principals John and Patricia Patkau have been creating architecture that matters for more than 30 years.
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402-1788 W. Broadway Vancouver, BC V6J 1Y1 Tel: 604.739.2115 Fax: 604.739.2117
12 project Profile
Toronto office
1000-5255 Yonge St. Toronto, ON M2N 6P4 Tel: 416.512.8186 Fax: 416.512.8344
Mount Pleasant Civic Centre is a mix use development that will be the City of Vancouver’s first major project to bring together multiple public services under one roof.
Features 14 Appliances
Smart Appliances Appliance Trends Induction Cooking Takes Over Canadian Kitchens
20 Multimedia
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departments 04 From the Editor Building a Community 26 Architects in Alberta BIM — Are We There Yet? 28 IDIBC Building the Future Profession 31 Design Headlines
April 21 & 22, 2010
March 23 & 24, 2010
November 3 & 4, 2009
ON THE COVER: Mount Pleasant Civic Centre, photo: Enrico Dagostini.
The purpose of Design Quarterly is to reflect and represent practitioners and professionals in the architectural, interior design and design resource communities throughout British Columbia and Alberta. Summer 2009 | DESIGN QUARTERLY 3
::::::: from the editor :::::::
building a community
F
inding activities to keep my two year old daughter busy is a daily challenge. Like many parents, I rely on community centres for programs to educate, entertain or care for my child. I take my daughter to programs at the Mount Pleasant Community Centre in Vancouver. It is a small and outdated building so I know firsthand how much an upgrade is needed. That upgrade will be the new Mount Pleasant Civic Centre, our feature project. It will open this fall and offer the neighbourhood a modern facility with essential amenities. With a community centre, daycare, library and rental housing, the facility will truly be a one stop shop. For our profile, I had the pleasure of speaking with Patricia Patkau of Patkau Architects for this issue. She and her husband John were this year’s RAIC Gold medal winners — the highest honour the profession of architecture in Canada can bestow. They are two of Canada’s most distinguished architects and their work as architects and teachers has inspired many architects here and around the world.
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Summer 2009
We hope you’re inspired by our features in this issue. Read about new technology and trends in our focus on appliances and multimedia. From energy saving appliances to advancements in speaker designs, the choices are endless for your next project. As always, we try to give your profession a voice. Architect Allan Patridge explains the benefits of IBM. The new IDIBC president and one of Canada’s most celebrated interior designers Robert Ledingham talks about the future of the profession.
Cheryl Mah Managing Editor
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::::::: designer profile ::::::: Central staircase and circulation space of the Grande Bibliotheque du Quebec, Montreal.
dynamic duo Creating Architecture that Matters | By Cheryl Mah
P
atkau Architects is an internationally renown design firm whose work has been described as uncompromising, distinctive and imaginative. The firm has received significant national and international design awards, including multiple Governor General’s medals, Canadian Architect Awards of Excellence, an RAIC Innovation in Architecture Award of Excellence and AIA Honor Awards. Patricia, 59 and John Patkau, 62 are the dynamic duo responsible for the design excellence that is now synonomonous with the firm’s work. Together they have collaborated on numerous innovative architectural projects over the last 30 years. As two of Canada’s most distinguished architects, their work has been widely published and exhibited. Both are fellows of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), honourary fellows of the American Institute of Architects and the Royal Institute of British Architects, members of the Royal Canadian Academy of Art and members of the Order of Canada. 6
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::::::: designer profile ::::::: Exterior shot of the Seabird Island School, Agassiz
Award-winning projects include the Nursing and Biomedical Sciences Facility for the University of Texas in Houston, the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery in Waterloo and the Bibliothèque nationale du Québec in Montreal. Most recently, Patricia was awarded the 2009 Tau Sigma Delta Gold medal for exemplary commitment to architectural education and to the practice of architecture. She and her husband John also received the 2009 RAIC Gold Medal — the highest honour the profession of architecture in Canada can bestow. According to the RAIC Gold Medal selection committee, “Their work as architects and teachers has inspired generations of aspiring architects across Canada. They create architecture that matters.” When asked about their recent accolades, the soft spoken Patricia states modestly, “It’s been kind of a nice year so far.” Out of their long list of accomplishments, she is most proud of receiving the Order of Canada awarded to her and John in 2004. She is only one of two B.C. women in the field of architecture to have this honour. “John and I are amazed and really proud to get the Order of Canada partly because it’s outside of the discipline,” says Patricia. “It was a unique experience and we met so many remarkable people.” 8
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Summer 2009
She cites circumstances and perseverance as keys to their success, explaining: “I don’t mean just working hard and long hours. I mean focusing on what you think architecture can be and then trying to really get there. You have to keep your ideals right in front of you.” And the Patkaus have done that since they met at the University of Manitoba where John received a Master of Architecture degree in 1972 and Patricia a Bachelor of Interior Design in 1974.
Originally studying physics and math at the university, Patricia discovered architecture and design serendipitously. “I used to walk through the architecture building because it was so cold to get to my car,” she recalls with a laugh. “And I thought they were having fun. But I didn’t have any exposure to design so I entered the interior design program to begin with.” After graduation, Patricia pursued her Master in Architecture degree at Yale University while John moved to Alberta to capitalize on the province’s oil boom. “John has mentored me through my whole career,” notes Patricia, who also credits a favourite teacher, Fred Koetter at Yale University, as another mentor. The two Winnipeg born architects founded Patkau Architects in Edmonton in 1978. The firm moved to Vancouver in 1984 where they ran their practice out of their West Vancouver home before moving to a basement office on Beatty Street. “We had a window at one end of the office and then 50 feet of depth with no light or air,” laughs Patricia. The firm is currently located onWest 6th where it has a staff of 17 today. Michael Cunningham became a principal in 1995 and there are three associates: David Shone, Peter Suter and Greg Boothroyd.
countertops • flooring • cladding
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::::::: designer profile :::::::
Gym of Gleneagles Community Center, West Vancouver.
“I personally resist getting much larger because both John and I want to be designers, not managers,” says Patricia. “Keeping the practice to a modest size has always been important. It also means that you only need to do the jobs that you want to do.” Current work includes the Beaty Biodiversity Centre at UBC, three custom homes, a student housing project at the University of Pennsylvania, and an art and design centre at the University of Manitoba. “We’re doing a family compound in Saudi Arabia and we’re 99 per cent sure we have our first little European project in Denmark — a modest community centre and arts facility,” adds Patricia. Two key projects early on that established the firm’s design reputation were: the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Waterloo and the Seabird Island School, Agassiz. Both projects earned the Patkaus Governor General’s medals. Success in a number of international design competitions in the 1990s also help grow the firm. Despite the firm’s accomplishments, Patricia acknowledges their practice is largely outside of Metro Vancouver. The handful of local projects they have created (Gleneagles Community Centre, South Wing of the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design and Newton Library) are outstanding examples of the care and sensitivity they bring to every project. “I don’t know whywe don’t have more local projects,” she laughs. In addition to professional practice, Patricia is a professor at the UBC School of Architecture. She has also taught and lectured at more than 30 universities in North America and Europe. When in the office, she provides design direction on projects. “I can’t travel a lot to meet clients because of teaching. John does most of the client contact and some of our associates are starting to do that more,” she says. Although the husband and wife team have created many successful projects, the relationship can also be challenging. “At times it’s difficult,” admits Patricia. “You’re living it 24 hours a day and John is both a perfectionist and relentless in doing what he loves. We argue violently just because it matters to both of us. That arguing keeps us both honest in certain ways.” When asked about a succession plan, Patricia jokes, “John will die at his board.” 10
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Summer 2009
The firm has been responsible for the design of a wide variety of building types for a diverse range of clients. Projects vary in scale from gallery installations to master planning, from modest houses to major urban libraries. Patricia enjoys designing institutional projects the most. “Public libraries are some of the best commissions especially the big ones because they’re conceived so positively. They’re meaningful. They’re rich and dense. It’s like designing apple pie,” she says. For any project to be successful, Patricia feels it must be many things but it should in particular respond to each site’s unique characteristics and the larger urban context. “The projects that are the most convincing are ones that maintain a kind of relationship to a human scale. I think a lot of projects don’t do that these days. Not necessarily Canadian but some of the really big international work seem very scale-less to me and not interesting,” she says. Patricia explains their design methodology engages the many different facets and relationships of each project whether it’s social, cultural or environmental. “I get a thrill out of things being built,” she says. “Architecture is such an incredibly broad and rich discipline. It engages philosophical issues, economic, political and aesthetic and environmental issues. It’s something you can spend your life on and never be bored.” Although many positive changes have occurred over the years in architecture such as widespread commitment to environmental responsibility, she’s critical of some of the urbanism happening today. She describes the architecture as a “strictly a stylistic endeavour.” “Super scale projects are all about themselves and don’t think beyond the site that they were given to how that site contributes to something larger than itself,” she says as an example. When the Patkaus are not immersed in work, they enjoy traveling. One of their last trips was to Northern Spain where they were rejuvenated and inspired by the beautiful and elegant buildings. “It makes you want to come back and try harder,” says Patricia. DQ
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::::::: project profile :::::::
serving a community By Cheryl Mah | photo enrico dagostini
V
ancouver’s second oldest neighbouhood is about to get a new exciting community facility. Set to complete this fall, the $50 million Mount Pleasant Civic Centre consists of a community centre, daycare, library, rental housing and retail space. Designed by Busby Perkins + Will, the model development will be the city’s first major project to bring together multiple public services under one roof. “The program is a first in Vancouver combining a community centre, library and rental housing,” says David Dove, project architect and principal at Busy Perkins + Will. “Mixing in the housing was quite a creative strategy on the part of the city.” The project features a 31,000 square-foot community centre, including a full size gymnasium and outdoor fitness circuit, a 12,000 square-foot library (to replace the current Kingsgate Mall library), a 7,000 square-foot, 49-space day care plus 99 rental units. Unlike the traditional community centres in the city which are located in the heart of quiet neighbourhoods, Mount Pleasant Civic Centre is centrally located on the southeast corner of Kingsway and 7th Avenue at Main Street. “The board of parks had been looking to relocate the existing Mount Pleasant community centre and identified this as the best site that would be more central to the overall catchment area. The permitted density was far more than needed so they started looking for partners,” says Dove. “It started with the community centre but became much more.” The existing centre, more than 35 years old, was long overdue for an upgrade. The new facility will provide essential amenities and serve as a catalyst for neighbourhood renewal in the Mount Pleasant area. 12
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Summer 2009
::::::: project profile ::::::: “It’s a legacy building,” says Melanie Marchand, project manager, City of Vancouver facilities design and management department. “It’s been a part of the city’s visioning and planning for a long time. It’s long overdue and provides vital amenities for the neighbourhood.” Comprehensive view studies and community input defined the building mass, height and streetscape. Other design considerations included sustainable principles and the neighbourhood heritage. A red brick veneer was chosen in keeping with some of the best buildings in the neighbourhood like the iconic Lee Building at Main and Broadway. “It’s situated in a really great community so we tried to take our queues from that,” says Dove about the design concept. “Having that many different users — it’s truly a mixed use building and that always proves to be a challenge. They’re complicated buildings to do but they’re really great buildings for the community.” In keeping with the city’s sustainability mandate, the project is targeting LEED Gold. Features include a geothermal system, in-slab radiant heating, a well insulated building envelope and a green roof. Rainwater collection, water efficient landscaping and low flow plumbing fixtures will create a substantial reduction in potable water usage. “There is a large water cistern to collect stormwater for irrigation and it’s sized to carry through the dry months,” notes Dove. The project also has several outdoor spaces including a play area for the daycare on the gym roof, outdoor fitness circuit and a rooftop deck connected to the community centre. “We’ve got a combination of green roofs and occupied roofs,” says Marchand. “We think it adds more value to make the roof accessible and usable.” The three storey high gymasium is the largest physical component of the program. It includes a climbing wall on the south end. It has glazing both to the interior and also to the exterior. “We’ve been very careful about where we use glazing — reducing it so we’re limiting our heat gain and heat loss while still providing sufficient glazing for daylighting spaces,” says Dove. “In the residential tower, for example, we have high percentage of solid wall.” A high albedo roof and solar shading on the south and west elevations of the building are used to reduce the amount of solar heat gain. All interior spaces are daylit. Light shelves are being used to help maximize daylighting. In addition to the ground source heat pump, Dove explains an underground earth tube (4.5 feet in diameter) draws in fresh air from outside, runs it underground and into the building. This process heats the air in the winter and cools it in the summer while providing clean, fresh air all year long. “We have both the geoexchange wells and this tubage that does quite a bit to contribute to reducing our energy loads,” he says. Stantec, who provided mechanical engineering services on this project, estimates an annual energy savings of more than $17,000. Overall, compared to the Canadian Model National Energy Code reference building, the centre is expected to consume 42 per cent less energy and reduce greenhouse gases by 59 per cent. “We’ve tried to drastically reduce our carbon footprint on this building,” notes Marchand. Vanbots Construction broke ground on the 140,000 square foot project in 2005. The structure is a mix of cast-in-place and precast concrete containing about 15 - 30 per cent flyash. A three-storey wing houses the community centre and daycare facility, linked by a 10 m glazed entrance bridge to a 10-storey mid-rise tower with the library at grade and residences above. There are two levels of underground parking. “Because of the myriad of design elements with the structure — it was a complicated structure to do and had some challenges,” says Warren Clark, Vanbots vice president and general manager. “It’s
quite stylish in terms of the overall aesthetics and to achieve what the architects were hoping to achieve wasn’t always that simple.” He cites as an example the feature stairwell which was an exposed concrete structure. “Whenever you’re trying to expose structural concrete and make it look like precast concrete, it’s always a bit of a challenge. Technically I think that was the most challenging aspect through construction,” says Clark. Although the central location of the project is a bonus for the neighbourhood, the tight site was challenging during construction. *Working on a busy thoroughfare meant site access wasn’t as good as it could’ve been if it had been a block away from Kingsway as opposed to right on Kingsway,” notes Clark. The project, like many others, was impacted by the biggest building boom in the city with escalating materials costs and shortage of labour. “The duration of the construction has created its challenges,” says Marchand. “It’s a big project and a complex one and that has challenged everybody.” Discovery of unexpected soil conditions also put extra pressures on the project at the beginning. “There was far more contaminated soil than expected despite early drilling tests,” says Marchand, adding the site had one of the earliest gas stations in Vancouver. Originally estimated at $26.5 million in 2003, the project had to seek additional funding even before it went to tender. The final total price tag is almost double at $50 million. “During that period, construction costs were escalating at pace that nobody could predict,” notes Marchand. When the new centre opens, the existing Mount Pleasant community centre at 16th and Ontario will be torn down and converted to green space. “This is such a deserving community. They’ve been underserved for a very long time so it’s really nice for us to be a part of a project that addresses that issue,” says Dove. Marchand reports that feedback on the project from all stakeholders has been positive. “You can feel the rising excitement when I bring people on tours through it,” she says proudly. “We wanted to show leadership on this project and bring it to another level with a minimal footprint and I think we’ve done that.” DQ Summer 2009 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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::::::: appliances :::::::
smart appliances By Philippe Meyersohn
W
hen we think of maintaining a “green” kitchen, we would likely consider buying locally-grown organic lettuce, efficiently disposing of waste by recycling and composting, or using chemical-free cleaning solutions. Most homes now feature Energy Star appliances, which are largely recognized as essential to the modern kitchen. However, we must begin thinking one step beyond the standard energy-efficient appliance which has become a mainstay of the kitchen — and begin thinking about when energy is being used. Given the global environmental crises we are facing, it is imperative that we begin to shift energy consumption from peak hours to other parts of the day. It is believed this change will help to avoid the need to build new power plants to meet our energy The smart appliance pilot program being develconsumption demand. This is where the future design of appli- oped by GE Appliances is incorporating conances can make a difference. In fact, appli- sumer feedback on how to manage the issue of ances contribute to about 85 per cent of en- peak energy demand and supply, while avoiding ergy use in a home. Product manufacturers disruptions to consumers’ lifestyles and their prefare leading the charge in developing smart erences in kitchen design and interaction. appliances that can essentially “talk” to power grids to help manage the energy flow in the home. Smart meters work with the appliances, including washers, dryers, ranges, dishwashers and microwaves, to interact with the local grid and schedule them to run during non-peak hours, which is generally three o’clock in the afternoon to eight o’clock in the evening. Not only does this offset the energy used by a household, but it leads to significant cost-savings for the homeowner. Residential energy use continues to increase, as consumers have more electronic devices now than ever before. During peak times, a homeowner could be cooking dinner on the stove, running the washing machine and dryer, watching a program on television, and talking on their phone, while other family members are taking a shower, doing homework on the computer, listening to their iPod and heating up a cold basement. Multiply this by the many homes on your street block, and it’s astounding how much power is being used within just five kilometers of your front door! Examples of energy savings in the kitchen that can be achieved through smart appliances include a refrigerator that delays the defrost cycle from occurring during peak hours and goes into energy-saving mode, or microwave ovens that power down by reducing wattage used when operated during peak hours. Smart dishwashers, washers and dryers can automatically delay start times to operate only when it’s most efficient to do so. All of this happens with incredible ease and convenience. Product manufacturers are looking at how to change the fundamental design of the things we interact with every day, so that we learn to use the power we have more wisely. More importantly, these changes must be easy to use and adapt for consumers who can be resistant to even the smallest change. Together, we have to work towards solutions that satisfy consumers, designers, and most importantly, make significant changes to our impact on the environment. DQ Philippe Meyersohn is responsible for marketing the GE Appliance brand portfolio throughout Canada. As a brand marketing expert and an MBA graduate from the Kellogg School of Business of Northwestern University, Philippe is extremely knowledgeable about the lifestyle needs of all segments of the Canadian population. 14
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Summer 2009
manufacturers are leading the charge in developing smart appliances
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::::::: appliances :::::::
appliance trends: beauty and performance By Brad Romo
W
alk into the showroom of any major appliance wholesaler this season and it will become very apparent, guidance offered by the wholesalers’ appliance specialists to help navigate the numerous options available is greatly appreciated if not absolutely necessary. Working with an appliance specialist will enable designers to make an informed decision based on the features, technological advancements and energy efficiencies best suited for each project. Appliances in the home are being influenced by a myriad of factors. In a kitchen and living area, the theme is greatly influenced and often determined by the type and style of refrigeration specified. Often an afterthought but absolutely necessary, cooking ventilation systems are able to provide performance and aesthetics to complement the modern kitchen design. Advanced cleaning technologies are also improving dishwashers and laundry systems provide ultra clean results with a host of new features to add convenience to our lifestyles.
refrigeration The diversity of refrigeration available is almost limitless and most certainly affords great flexibility. The introduction of builtin refrigerated all-fridge and all-freezers, ranging in widths from 18” to 36” and storage capacities from 10 cu.ft. to 24 cu.ft., allows unlimited storage configurations be they contiguous or opposite one another. Those with predetermined refrigerator space will benefit from the built-in and counter-depth french door bottom mount refrigerators available in single and double freezer drawers models, now offering a through-the-fridge-door ice and water dispenser in widths of 33” and 36”. Although stainless steel remains the most popular finish, in households where the fridge is the main communication hub a whiteboard or chalkboard finish is available; in homes with young families where artwork is to be proudly displayed and fingerprints are to go unnoticed, the most recent innovative features can also be found in traditional magnetic and child friendly white and black finishes. This season the use and strategic placement of LED lighting within the refrigerator has allowed for superior interior illumination, virtually eliminating the hiding spots of all our favorite condiments. The blend of both innovative and traditional refrigerator features provides many options to select the model best suited within each specific home.
italian influence The influence of Italian design on many cooking appliances coupled with the advanced cooking technologies and features available ensures even the most novice gourmet success in the kitchen. Clean flush lines, use of smooth vitroceramic or induction cooking surfaces, linear burner grates and touch controls have resulted in cooking appliances that would not appear out of place had they been on display in an art gallery. The incorporation of preprogrammed cooking modes and the introduction of convection conversion to many ovens virtually guarantee an end to overcooking. Many range and wall oven models have also been redesigned to provide the greatest oven capacity available within their traditional 30” widths. The design and 16
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Summer 2009
Electrolux turquoise front load washer and dryer inject today’s laundry room with vibrant colour and style.
technology available has resulted in cooking appliances finally earning the right worthy of being the centerpiece in every kitchen. Consistent with cooking appliances, cooking ventilation has an Italian influence. Cooking ventilation serves two purposes, because it is located above the centerpiece in every kitchen at eye level, it equals the performance of the cooking appliance beneath it, and also complements the kitchen and sight lines around it, all the while satisfying building envelope requirements. Available in direct venting and recirculating models with exhausts ranging from 180 CFM to greater than 1,200 CFM, an appliance specifier can expertly pair cooking appliances with the right ventilation.
steam power The workhorses in each home have both benefited from the increased use of steam cleaning and noise reduction. Preprogrammed cleaning modes, cleanliness sensors determining wash time and the use of steam to assist with the removal of food particles has dishwashers providing results never realized previously. Many models have had their control panel integrated into the top of the door or finished with a millwork panel and it is completely concealed among the cabinets. Laundry too has seen the use of steam coupled with the efficient washing of front load laundry provide results never realized previously. Clothes dryers have also benefited from the addition of steam with features like a wrinkle reducer and a clothes refreshing odour remover. With the addition of exotic car colours to laundry, you might consider removing the door to any laundry room or closet. Progressive brands capable of adopting the latest interior design trends and influences will continue to be well positioned within the showroom of every major appliance wholesaler this season. The versatility of refrigeration, the beauty of cooking and the capability of cleaning present unprecedented opportunity. DQ Brad Romo is the contract sales manager, B.C. region for Coast Wholesale Appliances. Contact him at 604.321.6644.
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induction cooking takes over canadian kitchens By Steve Preiner Lawson, showed consumers that they too could create easy and quick gourmet delights in their own kitchens. Time-strapped consumers began demanding more from their at-home appliances, seeking out cooking technology that delivered professional quality results in the fastest time possible. The answer? Induction technology. A favourite among Europeans for years, experts predict that by 2015 induction cooking will be the mainstay in the Canadian kitchen.
benefits beyond fantastic food
Thermador’s exclusive infrared technology called Sensor Dome™ utilizes an infrared beam to measure the temperature inside the pot, and automatically adjusts for optimal cooking.
I
nduction cooking is the most revolutionary advancement in surface-cooking technology in recent years and an emerging trend to watch in the luxury category. This technology utilizes the power of electromagnetism to turn the actual pot or pan into the heat source, leaving the surrounding cooking surface cooler to the touch. Featuring the flexibility and versatility of a gas cooktop, the responsiveness of induction makes it much quicker and more efficient than radiant or gas, particularly when bringing a pot of water to boil or simmering sauces and stews. Ultimately, this technology is the next best thing for at-home chefs and culinary enthusiasts.
cooktop technology: the past, present & future In the 1970’s, coil burners were predominant in the kitchen. Offering a new alternative to gas, many home owners abandoned their old appliances for the new electric option. During the 1990’s, consumers were looking for a sleeker cooktop to complement modern kitchen design. Radiant cooktops were introduced soon after. With their smooth flat top surface, radiant cooktops offered an updated look; however, many owners quickly became frustrated with the slow response time in adjusting the burner temperature and the cleaning issues that came with spills being burnt onto the face of the element. As the years passed, the concept of “culinary enthusiasm” reached new heights. The advent of the Food Network and a hot new crop of relatable chefs, like Jamie Oliver and Nigella
Induction technology offers the adaptable qualities of a gas cooktop, but with the benefits of advanced technology. Since the pan is the heat conduit, no additional heat is expelled into the environment, making the cooktop an energy saver. The precise control induction offers also allows food to be simmered for long periods of time at an ultra low heat. With induction, time consuming clean-ups are a problem of the past. Induction cooking requires a metal conduit to create heat, so spills can’t burn or crust as easily. Safety is another attractive benefit of cooking with induction as opposed to radiant, gas or coil. The surface of an induction cooktop doesn’t get hot unless there’s a metal pot on the element, so it stays cooler to the touch, making it safer than traditional cooktops. For added safety, some models are equipped with “small item detection” and “anti-overflow.” If small metal objects, utensils or liquid spills are detected on the cooktop surface it switches off and sounds an alarm.
fresh new features for induction cooking Power has increased. Leading models now offer up to 4.6 kilowatts of power per element which heats cooktops up to 50 per cent faster than the traditional gas version. Hosts who frequently entertain large parties will thoroughly enjoy the 13-inch triple elements offered by select brands which are designed for commercial style cooking. Colour and design have also been improved since induction cooking made its Canadian launch. Most commonly available in black ceramic surfaces, companies also offer edgier aesthetics such as the white-glass and silver-mirror finish, which is an attractive complement to a stainless steel kitchen. Models typically start in 15-inch single burners, offered in built-in and countertop designs, and move up to 36-inches with up to six individual burners. As the main feature of the kitchen or simply a complement to an existing range, the sleek design, innovative cooking technology and long-term energy and cost savings of an induction cooktop makes it a fantastic investment and a great addition to any home. DQ
…by 2015 induction cooking will be the mainstay in the Canadian kitchen.
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Steve Preiner is the director of marketing for Thermador and BSH Home Appliances Ltd. in Canada. Thermador continues to fuse state-of-the-art cooking functionality with classic style to create the ultimate in powerful luxury kitchen appliances. For more information or to request a catalogue, please visit www.thermador.ca.
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where music meets design By Mike Ohlman
years or so the basic look of these in-wall and in-ceiling speakers has not really changed and it is safe to say that everyone in the design industry is now familiar with the bubble protrusion and flange design inherent in these speakers. Yet, while this now traditional design is functional, the “flanged” speaker solution often detracts from the visual performance of a space and audio is still not integrated seamlessly into organic living environments.
speakers & design today
O
ver the past few years audio-video technology has experienced an explosion in design specific products such that today systems can be almost completely hidden and, where they are seen, can actually add to the decor of the room. Recently speakers have undergone a particularly radical transformation; from completely invisible to mimicking the look of rocks and much more.
a brief history of speakers & design In the old days, good sound required giant boxes that did nothing to help the look of a space. To incorporate these speakers into home design, a classic cheap veneer was often utilized — to be fair, it did kind of go with the faux wood paneling and orange carpeting. With the ‘80s came the “custom installer”. This person pulled wire inside walls and “custom fitted” speakers into living spaces. Speaker boxes got smaller and moved from the floor to the wall. This move to a wallmounted solution opened up significant living space and increased flow but to the detriment of design, electronics were often the focus of the room. However in 1982 something remarkable happened in the world of speakers that would change the relationship between sound and space design forever: the first in-wall speaker was built. This was a relatively simple design in which the speaker fit into a wall and used a wide flange to cover any irregularities or spacing between the drywall and speaker. This solution finally ousted speaker boxes from the design space. However, it was quickly discovered that in-wall speakers didn’t work in every house. Angular walls meant that sound dispersion was greatly restricted, and walls dominated by windows made an in-wall solution impossible. Therefore the in-wall speaker quickly adapted to the in-ceiling speaker. These adopted a circular shape to match the shape of lighting fixtures and sales vaulted to roughly 70 per cent of the custom installation speaker category. For the past 25 20
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Today design is playing more of a role in speaker technology than ever before. Solutions are beginning to surface that greatly diminish speaker presence or hide them completely. Three speaker design options that are particularly unique when compared to the traditional in-wall and in-ceiling models are: disguised speakers, flush-mounted speakers, and invisible speakers. Disguised speakers are a new option in which the speaker is designed with utility in mind to mimic the look of other things in the design scheme. For example, speakers can actually become planters, pictures, or other furnishings and are for all intensive purposes invisible to the casual observer. However, this type of solution is not suitable for every situation since disguised speakers can be quite placement specific, and the furnishings currently available may not blend with the design scheme. New models are coming out all the time though, and investigating this option for your project could be well worth the effort. Flush-mounted speakers are more like the traditional in-wall or in-ceiling speaker, but the flange has been removed and the speaker grille actually sits flush with the surface it is mounted into. These speakers leave a very sleek, clean, and modern finish. Moreover, you can now get flush-mounted speakers in circle, square or rectangle shapes, as well as a variety of sizes, giving more flexibility to match the speaker to other design elements. The grilles themselves can be painted and are offered in either a micro-perforated metal grille or cloth grille allowing even more design options. Finally, the “invisible speaker” recently redesigned for simpler installation and lower cost, offers the most comprehensive and flexible solution for hidden speaker integration to date. In this design the speaker actually becomes the wall or ceiling. After they are mounted into the ceiling or the wall, the surrounding area is sealed and the surface is finished like the surface they are mounted into. Whether that surface is wallpaper, texture, paint or plaster the sound is actually amazing. Moreover, placement is not as crucial as a conventional speaker would be since the “invisible speakers” have more of a flood-light or non-directional dispersion design as opposed to the conventional spotlight or directional dispersion method. Now both the designer and the electronics engineer have more options when considering locations, and sound can finally be heard without being seen. We would have included a picture but you wouldn’t have been able to tell there was a speaker in the space. DQ Mike Ohman is the CEO of Beyond Audio Inc., a custom electronics design and installation company in Kelowna B.C. He brings more than 25 years of audio-video engineering experience along with a Power Engineering degree to his company which is a proud member of the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA). Contact Mike at mike@beyondaudio.com.
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own the light By Marilyn Sanford
P
owerful. Advantageous. Illuminating. With today’s array of choices, lighting control is one of the most potent technologies available. The design professional works hard to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and impactful spaces for their clients. Without consideration for lighting, the work can literally be cast in the wrong light. Imagine a museum with dark lighting or a restaurant lit by spot lights. Everything we see is coloured by the light that illuminates it. Lighting is the most fundamental of considerations for any design. Today, with the integration of technologies, lighting is often at the core of control priorities. These important reasons include: energy efficiency, creation of scenes, practical considerations of task lighting, aesthetic considerations, convenience and safety. For a designer or architect, there is great power in owning the light and actually controlling the illumination in the spaces. Being in control of how a space represents every time the room is brought to life, seems an obvious element — yet many professionals do not give it proper attention. Often when lighting control is considered, budgets are strained, projects are in more stressful phases and there is fear of complexity and pushing limits. Furthermore, activating lighting and spending the time to really create the palette of scenes and interfaces that can transform a design, typically occurs at the end of the project. Another top driver for the value of lighting control is sustainability. Most supply chains are searching for opportunities to claim turf on the new ‘green’ landscape. Lighting control is a natural next step. Studies in the U.S. have consistently reported the energy draw for lighting and electrical excluding HVAC, refrigeration and water (heating and control) are in the range of 25 – 40 per cent depending upon the size of the facility. In commercial concerns it is at the higher extreme, as is it in the more affluent larger homes. One study shows homes in the U.S, with gross earnings higher than $100k, incur average costs of 35 per cent in this category. Understanding the power of lighting, as well as new developments in this industry can lead to cost savings. Even more compelling, it can make a difference.
Knowing the tools and the latest technologies available can help sell your client. For instance the eye has difficulty discerning actual light levels. A light dimmed down to 85 or 90 per cent will appear full-on while a light dimmed down as low at 10 per cent can appear to be at 30 per cent. This is called the ‘square law of dimming”. The implications of this are significant. A 90 per cent dimmed light realizes a 10 per cent energy savings and the bulb life increases by a factor of two; at 75 per cent the savings increase to 20 per cent and the bulb life increases by a factor of four times. Creating scenes and controlling lamp brightness is an easy and effective way of making a difference. Light harvesting is also a growing and effective way of controlling energy demand. This involves the use of natural light in addition to electric light, combining the two for maximum comfort and impact and is an exceptional way to enhance a working or living environment. With the power of integration and newly available software the results can be stunning. Using light metres and integrating automatic blind control into an existing or new lighting system makes a lot of sense. Combining daylight sensing with shade control can increase energy savings by an additional 20 per cent. Studies have also proven that using natural light as much as possible is less stressful and more harmonious for the occupant. New software tracks the position of the sun enabling the shade to drop before the sun hits the window, preempting the sun’s glare, UV or radiant impact. Through the seasons, as the sun changes position in the sky, the software corrects for this, creating a subtle yet powerful force of technology for comfort, savings and sustainability. As professionals we owe it to our clients to inform and provide answers that enhance the end solutions we offer. Lighting control is a hidden jewel of technology. Using keypads or alternative control systems, you can eliminate wall clutter, reduce the plastics used in the space, reduce wire runs and create a lasting and energy efficient tool that also shows your amazing designs off in their true light. Now that’s powerful! DQ Marilyn Sanford, owns and operates La Scala in Vancouver. She is past president of CEDIA Canadian (Custom Electronic and Installation Association) and is currently chair of the Green Task Force. She also teaches in her Industry and is chair of the IDIBC Sponsor’s Council.
Summer 2009 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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one button — design & magic tech By Hal Clark
M
y colleague and I paid a visit to a well-known Vancouver design firm to present an hour’s educational forum the other day when one of the residential designers made the comment: “but we thought you were coming over to show us your products.” What surprised them was that we were not there to talk about gismos and gadgets but about the design process with which electronics was a helper to solve lifestyle issues in the overall design of a residence. After our talk, when I explained that our business was not really about retailing products first but about discovering and solving issues which required electronic solutions through processes of qualifying the stakeholders, she was surprised. “You mean you do design/build?” she asked. Yes, I admonished, we are a “design” company where we must research and develop for our clients to find the right solutions to their applications. So often architects and interior designers mistakenly believe that technology providers are only complex webs of product clutter from which someone has to navigate in order to please their client’s need for, say, audio and video entertainment. Today, this is far from the facts. Technology has gone far beyond A/V, with automated systems helping our client’s busy lives rely less on the need for human memory as their schedules are pressed by more information-intensive busy-ness. “But why can’t you just simplify the technology and give them one button.” another chimed in. Because we help design the civilizing of a home, giving it a soul, through controlled illumination, giving it an expression, through instantaneous music and image access, and also providing comfort and safety, through integrated climate and security systems. And one button may converge all of these elements for creating a single environmental ambiance. Civility requires thought and preparation. Someone has to bother to care about all of these things happening behind the scenes. Maybe a single button is the gateway, but it all depends on what our customer expects the press of that one button to actually do at the right time. If someone does not bother to care enough, things don’t work out, that button never does the right thing at the right time. Electronic architecture is the organizational phase of setting up the content to properly function. More of our lives are becoming dependent on small processes with the programming of electronics to match how we humans inhabit and use our ‘gizmos and gadgets’. When we apply this intelligence to a more integrated lifestyle within a home, our clients are no longer focused on an ‘object’ purchase but rather a designed purpose in which design process and execution are paramount.When you add the request for LEED certification and try to calm down the amount of energy being wasted, even more radical behind-the-scenes processes are needed to augment or supplant human memory and tasks built in layers onto that single button. Technology design is rapidly learning from interior design the art of form following function while drawing from the discipline of architecture, the patience of bothering to do the set-up properly at the inception of the project. Perhaps 21st-Century humankind is growing weary of trying. Everyone is seemingly expecting a simpler, less cluttered, more economical lifestyle. Few are willing to put forth the effort needed to understand how to make a more balanced work-life environment. Technology can help if designed technology connects the form of style with the functions of living and individual human goals. One size does not fit all in this new world of buttons, touch screens, remote wands and iPhones. Variety is essential. Why does Apple iPhone have thousands of applications for its multiplicity of uses as a communications tool? To fit needs tailored to individuals. It has been said that humanity is relinquishing its ability to strive for meaning in its greatest creations by throwing off tradition for mere ‘trend’. Great masterworks of our civilization are disappearing from our perceptions as we are bombarded by a chaotic information blitz. Consider that an architect and interior design working with the new ‘technology designer’ will offer solutions which compliment one another in reaching the goals of restoring balance and the use of human memory in more beneficial ways. Utility will blend into the magic created behind the push of a button. Environments will be shaped and sustained through planned, small processes, intelligently applied. DQ Hal Clark, a certified CEDIA designer, is director of design & engineering with the RSI Group at Commercial Electronics Ltd., Vancouver. Hal also sits on the education committee of IDIBC and is a member of the Industry Outreach Education Action Team as course developer for CEDIA international. 22
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Technology design is rapidly learning from interior design the art of form following function.
::::::: special supplement 2009 AIBC awards of excellence :::::::
2009 AIBC awards of excellence
Eight awards were handed out to B.C.’s architectural leaders, including two LieutenantGovernor Award in Architecture medals, three Lieutenant-Governor Award in Architecture merit awards, an AIBC Innovation Award, and an AIBC Special Jury Award. In addition, the AIBC introduced a new award category for emerging architectural firms.
Lieutenant-Governor of B.C. Medal Award
Lieutenant-Governor of B.C. Medal Award
The Arts & Social Sciences 1 and Blusson Hall complex at the Simon Fraser University Burnaby Campus Architectural Firm: Busby Perkins+Will Architects Co. Lead Architect: Peter Busby The Arts & Social Sciences 1 and Blusson Hall at Simon Fraser University is a new multi-faculty development embodying two distinct components. The first incorporates five existing social science programs (archaeology, clinical psychology, criminology, First Nations studies, and the Centre for Forensics Research). The second, a new Faculty of Health Sciences. With this complex, architect Peter Busby and his team solved the design challenge of creating a truly interconnected environment, both physically and philosophically, for several distinct academic departments. The resulting structure is both fresh and innovative while paying homage to the pre-existing iconic architecture of Erickson Massey.
Kensington Park, Robert Burnaby Park and Swalwell Park Washrooms Architectural Firm: Bruce Carscadden Architect Inc. Design Team: Bruce Carscadden, Ian McDonald, Glen Stokes This project consists of three B.C. public park washrooms. The design of each embraces a “small buildings matter” philosophy, proving that architectural excellence can flourish in any setting. While acknowledging the utilitarian purpose of public washrooms, these buildings also reflect a refreshing exploration of detail and site, proposing a suite of solutions that address durability, maintenance, ventilation and aesthetics. Each washroom responds to site in a unique way. The Swalwell Park washroom, located in the heart of the Okanagan, represents the first step in a long-term strategy to rejuvenate an underappreciated park.
Innovation Award ‘22’ Series Designer: Omer Arbel The ‘22’ Series is a suite of electrical accessories that does away with the traditional, ubiquitous and tired plate covers that come with power receptacles, switches, thermostats and phone lines. Using a unique “snap fit” mounting system, components can be installed flush with surrounding surfaces. It presents new potential for architects — professionals who spend significant time and energy ensuring that lines, proportions, accents, movements and relationships are both purposeful and artistic. 24
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Emerging Firm Award JWT Architecture and Planning Principal: James W. Tuer In 2006, James Tuer established JWT Architecture and Planning, a two-person firm based on Bowen Island. In keeping with his upbringing, Tuer’s firm is founded on the principles of diversity, adaptability and conservation. The business strategy is built upon collaboration, community service, educational outreach and design excellence. JWT has quickly established a sound reputation in British Columbia and south of the border.
::::::: special supplement 2009 AIBC awards of excellence :::::::
Special Jury Award Dockside Green — Synergy Architectural Firm: Busby Perkins+Will Architects Co. Lead Architect: Peter Busby Synergy is the first stage of Victoria’s Dockside Green, a mold-breaking development that changes the standard for sustainable design. Its 10,000 square meters of mixed used property includes nine-storey and six-story residential buildings with ground floor commercial space, a four-story residential building, and a two story townhouse. The project, which sets new standards for civil and mechanical work, earned a LEED® Platinum rating, making it the most sustainable community in the country.
Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Merit Award Whistler Public Library Architectural Firm: Hughes Condon Marler : Architects Lead Design Architect: Darryl Condon This new public library designed for the Whistler resort community reinterprets local area architecture. The building’s northern exposure allows for optimal visual connection to Whistler’s dramatic natural surroundings, while the opposite side ties in to the meandering character of the Whistler village. Green features include a laminated hemlock green roof system. The end result is a 21st century library with a traditional feel.
Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Merit Award North Vancouver City Library Architectural Firms: Diamond and Schmitt Architects Incorporated and CEI Architecture Planning Interiors Lead Design Architects: A.J. Diamond, Paul Szaskiewicz, John Scott, Sid Johnson Situated as an adjunct to North Vancouver City Hall, the new North Vancouver Public Library features an open, accessible design, with an intuitive flow that leads one through a natural segregation of increasingly quieter environments. Books aside, it is more than a library. It offers a full range of mixed use space, including a wired business and career centre, market promenade, wireless café, rooftop and outdoor reading rooms, and an amphitheatre.
Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Merit Award The Chimo Aquatic and Fitness Centre Architectural Firm: Hughes Condon Marler : Architects Lead Design Architect: Roger Hughes The Chimo Aquatic and Fitness Centre in South Coquitlam reflects a tangible commitment to sustainability, accessibility and community health. Designed to LEED@ Silver standard, it features pool water that is pre-heated by roof-mounted solar panels, and rainwater used for irrigation. Pool water is also re-used for flushing toilets. Summer 2009 | DESIGN QUARTERLY
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BIM — are we there yet? By Allan Partridge
B
uilding Information Modeling (BIM) offers a better way to produce information that can be intelligently shared to create increasingly complex buildings. In this regard, the AEC community should currently be thinking of when they will deploy, not if they should deploy. The cold reality of BIM adoption will involve the refabrication of the way we work and deliver services to owners/clients in a more cohesive and innovative process. While this will be difficult for some, it will not be impossible. Speculating on the profound effect BIM and other related technologies will have should stimulate us to jointly climb out of the deepening ditch of industry fragmentation, unproductiveness and unwillingness to embrace change. Thom Mayne stated that we should “prepare ourselves for a profession that we are not going to recognize in a decade from now.” Summing up, he mentioned that our practice of architecture will be in response to “something much more active and engaged.” This is tantalizing for the new breed of predictivists that embrace this shift and at the same time frightening for traditionalists. According to Ali Rahim, “works of architecture must become more responsive to their users and environments and do this by not relying solely on conventional analytical or internal processes from design to construction.” Clients who engage BIM-savvy firms can (with increasing confidence) share in the exploration of new areas, not only in design but also importantly, in modern construction methods. The GSA in the US is already seeing tangible benefits of early BIM projects coupled with an integrated project delivery (IPD) process. IPD brings into play new technologies, especially those bridging across building design, construction, and operations boundaries. The use of IPD and BIM has (even at this early stage) allowed greater predictability of project outcomes, including cost. Nonetheless, many in the industry remain skeptical, and at times, downright cynical. Perhaps this should not come as a surprise, for with the advent of the automobile in the late 1800s, many contemporaneous to the period could not get past referring to these as “horseless carriages”. Resultantly (and surprisingly), firms one would have expected to be industry leaders in BIM remain ambivalent, merely sitting on the proverbial fence. Recently the Economist magazine stated that for the most part, building design is still carried out with old-fashioned, two-dimensional elevation and plan drawings, created by hand or using computer-aided design (CAD) software. As such, the problem becomes one of simply trying to adapt what we have already done for centuries, namely, convince a client, produce drawings, hand them to a builder under traditional design-bid-build and then sit back and hold our breath. This creates the following two challenges — challenges that must be overcome in order to foster practice change enabled by BIM.
data centric instead of paper centric For centuries paper has been used for conveying our designs to builders. Herein lies a major hurdle — we have to stop thinking about paper as the prime deliverable and along with it font styles, line weights and colours. Rather, more prescient is that the data contained in the model embodies the prime deliverable. Contractors currently using BIM do not want drawings but zero-tolerance construction models with which to schedule, cost and build. BIMs must become rich metadata-laden repositories to be mined by various participants — paper centricity cannot foster such an outcome. 26
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Composite BIM and Parametric Solids Model (PSM) — design and production modeling eliminated the traditional linear “shop drawing” process.
data interchange instead of data exchange Our industry remains fractured, lacks trust and in truth, we would rather isolate than collaborate. We share only what is necessary — under the placebo of electronic indemnification forms. If we are to foster change and leverage BIM, we must explore ways to avoid unilateral exchange and instead encourage multilateral data interchange. This begins with establishing “no blame” contracts where collaboration can flourish without petulant arguments of singular intellectual property rights. A building project is the combination of major and minor actions — be it the singular flash of design brilliance by the architect or a teenager delivering a box of screws to the site. In reality, these entities are not mutually exclusive (albeit the architect is more dependent on the teenager than he would care to think). Hence, the solution is a shared collaborative BIM — a tangible means of improving the quality of our product where a higher degree of predictiveness across many levels can be found.
we all want to change the world Against this dichotomy in our profession the issues for/against BIM and practice change continue to surface. Unfortunately, our community is not entirely onboard. And yet, we should be given these very critical times for our industry, not to mention the realities of the new global economy. Echoing the lyrics of the Beatles “Revolution” many may say “count me out.” This kind of response does not work in our favour because avoiding transitional opportunities will result in a marginalized (if not potentially obsolete) profession and at best, our selection as architects will be done on the basis of exterior stylist, or the fact that we recently appeared in the latest issue of Chatelaine trapped between the bonus gift offer and the summer grilling guide. DQ Allan Partridge is a partner at HIP Architects with more than 25 years in private practice. He oversees the firm’s integrated practice R & D Lab that explores intelligent sustainability in architectural practice, design and construction through the use of emergent technologies. He is also a member of the Canadian BIM Council Executive.
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::::::: idibc :::::::
building the future profession By Robert Ledingham
I
t is amazing the power of the media network and how if affects the public perception of the interior design profession. For the size of the field and the number of people it attracts there is still a large proportion of the general public that does not understand the focus of the profession. The Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia has a very active and supportive sponsor category that is made up of people in the trade industries i.e. carpet, fabrics, furniture, audio/visual etc. A committee has been formed that is examining ways to inform the public of the complex profession of interior design. The public needs to be informed of the definition of interior designer and understand the difference of education and experience between a registered and a non-registered designer. We are examining the focus of the IDI web page from a self centred description to a client focused presentation describing the services and benefits of hiring professional interior designers. Hopefully we want to make the public aware of the benefits of engaging registered interior designers. It is also time for our industry to become more focused on the many social networking avenues that are available to the public. Sites such as Facebook and Twitter open the door or should I say screen to dialogue with a growing population. This social communication will only become more vital in the coming years and hold great promise for reaching out to the general public. Having been a member of IDIBC for more than 42 years it is interesting to be back on the board observing the aspirations and problems facing the organization. The organization still faces many of the same challenges that it did 40 years ago. Today the IDI has an enviable reputation of having a large percentage of their membership as registered members having passed their NCIDQ exam. I have great faith in the new proposal being considered that will make IDC (Interior Designers of Canada) a national organization with provincial chapters. The National Advocacy Association would advance the profession of interior design across Canada and internationally. The provincial associations or chapters would regulate the profession and service and protect the public. IDC would focus advocacy and service to designers while provincial bodies would focus on regulatory. Of the many benefits to provincial associations the stronger national organization would respond to the new globalized profession. This new organization would protect the existing provincial organizations while strengthening our existing goals. Together we would build the profession of the future while benefiting the member, the profession and the association. DQ Robert Ledingham, BID, RID, is principal of Ledingham Design Consultants. He has been in practice more than 30 years and is one of Canada’s most distinguished interior designers. He was past president of the Interior Designers of Canada. He is currently serving as the president of the Interior Designers Institute of B.C. 28
DESIGN QUARTERLY | Summer 2009
Special Advertising Feature
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n the world of wood – from millwork to lumber, and flooring to siding – using products from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) program is one way to source wisely and know you are making a positive difference. This is especially important because just 10 per cent of the world’s forests are certified. Promoting certification increases global demand, which promotes sustainable forest management worldwide. SFI Inc. is an internationally-recognized, North America based, independent non-profit representing a growing community of foresters, manufacturers, distributors , conservation organizations, government agencies and researchers committed to improving forest practices globally. More than 800 organizations are involved in the program to ensure the marketplace – including architects and designers - has access to products from well-managed forests and that we have healthy forests for future generations.
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a sustainable forest management standard – specifically citing SFI. And Canada’s TerraChoice Environmental Marketing included the SFI label as a credible eco-label in its Greenwashing Report 2009. SFI’s label is one of 14 labels the group recognizes as “legitimate.” In the US, President Obama’s federal stimulus bill says a percentage of recovery funds must be used for work performed in accordance with green building standards - including Green Globes, which recognizes all three programs used in Canada. The current LEED rating tool, however, recognizes FSC only. New draft language, released earlier this year, opens up the forest certification to systems that conform to the USGBC’s benchmarks.
source wisely Sourcing wisely with SFI improves the immediate project you’re working on, and it sends a message to forest managers and landowners about the need for a steady supply of quality products from reliable, responsible sources. For more information about SFI or to find SFI products, please talk to your supplier and visit www.sfiprogram.org. Download our green building resources at www.sfiprogram.org/greenbuilding
sfi and green building The supply of SFI products is abundant so it’s no wonder that SFI products are used on job sites across the country whether they are labelled “green buildings” or not. That said, the growth of green building rating systems is undeniable and SFI has a role to play. SFI is recognized in commercial and residential building rating systems around the world including Green Globes and Built Green in Canada, among others in the US and Europe. Globally, there is a clear trend towards procurement policies and rating systems that recognize multiple forest certification systems. A great example of this is the recently launched National Green Building Standard ™. This is the first rating system approved by the American National Standards Institute and it recognizes all credible third-party certification systems, including SFI. Governments on both sides of the border are promoting and recognizing inclusive policies for green building and “eco-labelling” as well. Public Works and Government Services Canada state that wood used in its projects must be certified to one of the three programs operating in Canada, including SFI, noting that they all “are effective in improving the sustainable management of Canada’s forestry resources.” Though not specifically for the world of construction, Canada’s Competition Bureau specifically encourages readers of their “Environmental Claims” report to look for forest products certified to
Build with confidence. Build with respect. Build with SFI . ®
These days, people are looking for homes designed and built with respect for our environment, like those built with wood certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® Standard. SFI-labeled building materials meet rigorous environmental standards and are recognized by green building rating programs around the world. To find out more about building with SFI-labeled wood products, visit www.sfiprogram.org.
Good for you. Good for our forests.
SM
::::::: design headlines ::::::: Design Showcase
Penner Launches Store
The Interior Design Show West is set to take place September 17 — 20 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. IDSwest is Western Canada’s annual premiere residential design show featuring 200 exhibitors showcasing quality products and services to industry professionals, architects, designers and consumers. The best in international and local design will be showcased during the four day conference along with a host of premium speakers. This year’s highlights are two competitions which will be exhibited during the show – design collaborations and Off the Hook. Off the Hook will challenge designers to take a typical used telephone booth and transform it into something different. The participants in the challenge will be Metal to Measure, Contexture Design, Becki Chan, Synthesis Studio, Lorraine Kwan and Kathryn Macdonald, 3G1B Design Group, and Imperium Design.
Penner & Associates officially launched it’s p+a furniture store in May — Canada’s first designer-owned one-stop shop for sustainable interior design, furniture and furnishings. It delivers an innovative retail experience with a fresh approach to encourage informed choices for sustainable home+work+play environments. Located in the Flack Block at Hastings and Cambie, the store embodies the design firm’s commitment to sustainability. The inspiration for p+a stems from the principles of simple and clean lines, functionality and the idea of buying for a lifetime. Descriptive cards accompany all products, providing details such as the materials and finishes, a sustainability scorecard and care instructions.
OMICRON EXPANDS Omicron has acquired BCMP Architects, a prominent Calgary architecture, interior design, planning and real estate development services firm. The acquisition brings together 200 designers and builders, making the firm Western Canada’s largest integrated design and construction firm. An extended transition program will see the two firms eventually blend into one company under the Omicron brand. The acquisition responds to high market demand for integrated design and construction services. This integrated delivery method is known to reduce cost of delivery, speed schedules and increase quality. Both firms believe the ability to offer turn-key services across Western Canada will enhance client value tremendously.
Gallery Opens January The new Art Gallery of Alberta, which has garnered the local and international attention, will open January 2010. The gallery will be an 85,000 square foot iconic building showcasing regional, national and international exhibitions. The gallery itself will be a work of art that will complement and complete the cultural precinct surrounding Sir Churchill Square. Designed by Los Angeles based Randall Stout Architects, features include increased exhibition spaces, dedicated gallery space for the AGA permanent collection of more than 6,000 works of art, an expanded Education Centre, restaurant, gallery shop, and a 150 seat theatre. His design for the new AGA is inspired by duality of Edmonton’s urban grid against the curvilinear shapes of the North Saskatchewan River and the prairie sky’s aurora borealis.
ADVERTISING INDEX 2nd Century Rugs IBC Bartle & Gibson
4
Buildex Calgary
15
Coast Wholesale Appliances
17
Commercial Electronics
23
Edmonds
7
Hari Stones
9
IDS West Kohler
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Odyssey Wall Coverings OBC Robinson Lighting and Bath Centre IFC Sound-Rite Acoustics
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Wide Plank Hardwood/Baer
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Erickson passes, 84 Arthur Erickson passed away at the age of 84 in May. The world renown architect was born and raised in Vancouver. His work has been recognized locally and internationally. Erickson’s portfolio includes a number of groundbreaking work, not only in Canada but around the world. He created landmark buildings in London and Los Angeles. He was responsible for the Canadian Embassy in Washington and Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto. Locally, he was responsible for such iconic spaces as Vancouver’s Robson Square and the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia. He has also been an inspiration to many architectural leaders today.
Buildex Calgary Honoured
8 West by Ken Richmond
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DESIGN QUARTERLY | Summer 2009
Buildex Calgary, Alberta’s largest annual tradeshow and conference for the building industry, was recently recognized as one of the Fastest 50 Growing Tradeshows by Tradeshow Week, the weekly news magazine serving the exhibition industry. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Buildex is takes place this November at the BMO Centre (formerly Roundup Centre) in Calgary. The conference will be presented under the united brand name of Buildex for 2009 which amalgamates the three previous separate trade shows into one. The two day trade event will feature more than 250 exhibitors and 40 seminars with leading industry professional speakers discussing trends and key issues facing the industry. Keynote speaker this year is Jeremy Gutsche, an innovation and trend spotting expert and host of Trend Hunter TV. The architectural panel session will focus on “From Wild West to World Class.” Delegates can learn about the role architecture and design has in re-branding Calgary as a world-class city. New to the show this year is an architecture photography competition where students, amateur and recently professional photographers have been invited to submit works of innovative and high profile architectural or interior design projects. Winning submissions will be showcased during the conference. The annual Calgary Construction Association breakfast will kick off the event on November 3. For more information and a complete list of speakers and sessions, visit www.buildexcalgary.com.
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