The AIBC is delighted to announce that we will be hosting a Summer Professional Development Series! Taking place every Wednesday in June, the sessions will focus around the development of a national architecture policy and the future of the profession in Canada.
This monthly PD Series is presented in a convenient lunch and learn format, offering participants an informative and engaging way to earn Core Learning Units.
The presenters for the Series are Darryl Condon Architect AIBC, Managing Principal, HCMA Architecture + Design, and Scott Kemp Architect AIBC, Principal, Scott Kemp Architect.
Series Overview
A national architecture policy is aspirational. Whereas a building code sets minimum standards, an architecture policy for Canada puts forward ambitious goals and calls to action. It describes how the built environment contributes to ecological, social, cultural and economic well-being, and provides guidance to politicians, professionals, and the public on how to achieve more sustainable, just and inspiring communities.
Architecture is more than just buildings; it affects all of us all the time. In its broadest sense, architecture includes the entire built environment. But even though architecture is everywhere, people rarely consider the important role it plays in everyday life.
This series will delve into four broad themes which help define architectural value when developing an architecture policy for Canada. These themes will provide a framework for understanding the cultural significance of the built environment. It is a basis for elevating the understanding of architectural excellence by valuing people, place, prosperity and potential, as well as for challenging and expanding conventional design practices.
The 2019 Summer Professional Development Series schedule is as follows:
Architecture + Place
Architecture is always built in a geographic and cultural place. As such, design must respond sympathetically and creatively to many interdependent conditions. Traditional teachings of Indigenous Peoples promote ways of living and building in symbiotic relation with nature by encouraging respect for the environment, at a technical and spiritual level, and planning in view of Seven Generations – such as learning from ancestors and considering long-term consequences of present decisions for future generations. Incorporating the wisdom of Indigenous placemaking into design education and practice is not only necessary for ongoing reconciliation, but urgent in the wake of global crises related to climate change and natural resource depletion.
This session will discuss architecture’s impact on collective identity and cultural vitality. Designing buildings with a respect for community, regional context and scale, land and resources, and cultural heritage and vitality are all paramount to achieve a symbiosis between place, people and architecture.
- Date: June 5, 2019
- Time: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. (lunch provided)
- Location: AIBC, Suite 100, 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver, B.C.
- Learning Units: 1.5 Core
- Register by May 29
Architecture + People
Architecture is for people. While buildings are admired for technical and aesthetic qualities, their primary purpose is to accommodate and celebrate human life. Architecture provides safe and suitable settings for people to live, work and play, while shaping daily life in ways that foster social cohesion and cultural vitality, inspire personal and collective imagination, and stimulate wonder and respect for the complex world we must share and sustain. People are not passive users and consumers of the built environment; they are living, breathing, striving and thinking individuals whose diverse backgrounds and capabilities actively make Canada what it is. Architecture has the potential to enhance human life on many levels, enabling Canadians to live more socially enjoyable, inspiring and meaningful lives.
This session will discuss architecture’s impact on individual and collective well-being. Health, happiness, memory, meaning, dignity, social justice, engagement, empowerment and reconciliation are all aspects of our everyday lives that intersect with the built environment.
- Date: June 12, 2019
- Time: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. (lunch provided)
- Location: AIBC, Suite 100, 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver, B.C.
- Learning Units: 1.5 Core
- Register by June 5
Architecture + Prosperity
Society is facing an increasing number of challenges in the 21st century. Human-induced climate change is causing extreme weather events with more frequency, threatening natural ecosystems and human settlements. Conventional fossil fuels are being depleted and irresponsible resource extraction is causing catastrophic damage. Rapid urbanization is introducing new social and health challenges for people, while deteriorating urban infrastructure is in need urgent renewal. Architecture and related design professions must rise to these challenges through resilient and sustainable design. Yet, design solutions are not enough. The design professions must also work with partners to cultivate collaborative research. Buy-in from local governments and the public will be necessary to implement strategies that enable collective prosperity.
This session will discuss architecture’s impact on cities and society as well as sustainability and resiliency. Environmental stewardship, sustainable urbanism, economic development and adaptation are all essential components to ensure a sustainable built environment.
- Date: June 19, 2019
- Time: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. (lunch provided)
- Location: AIBC, Suite 100, 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver, B.C.
- Learning Units: 1.5 Core
- Register by June 12
Architecture + Potential
Canadian architecture is internationally respected and known around the world for its innovation and empathy for people and the land. With an abundance of endangered natural resources, a strong educational system, healthy democracy, and commitments to multiculturalism and reconciliation, Canada is becoming a world leader in the areas of wood building technologies; environmental stewardship; sustainable urbanism; architectures in support of human rights; place-making and community-building. An Architecture Policy for Canada will help ensure Canada achieves global architectural excellence, attracts international researchers, and inspires future generations.
This session will discuss architecture’s impact on the world and the future. Topics covered will include: architecture as a creative industry; creative collaboration; research and innovation; and education and the future of architecture.
- Date: June 26, 2019
- Time: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. (lunch provided)
- Location: AIBC, Suite 100, 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver, B.C.
- Learning Units: 1.5 Core
- Register by June 19
Learn more about additional AIBC professional development opportunities.