Memorandum of Understanding

A Memorandum of Understanding between the RAIC Alberta Chapter and the Alberta Association of Architects is currently being finalized. The goal of this initative is to advance the mutually beneficial, cooperative working relationship that exists between the two organizations.

Specifically The MOU seeks to:

i. Effectively advance the profile of the architectural profession in the province to accurately reflect the contribution of the profession to society;
ii. Advocate and promote excellence in the practice of Architecture in the province of Alberta in a more coordinated and effective manner;
iii. Clarify roles and responsibilities of AAA and RAIC-AB to members of both organizations and the general public.

Architecture Alberta 1st Meeting

The inaugural meeting of the RAIC Alberta Chapter’s Advocacy Steering Group, Architecture Alberta, took place on the 31st of July 2007 at Duggan House in Edmonton. The meeting which was well attended by members of the group, discussed numerous advocacy frameworks for the advancement of Architecture in Alberta. For more information, refer to the minutes of the meeting which are available for download (pdf link).

Architecture Alberta

The RAIC Alberta Chapter is pleased to announce the formation of the chapter’s advocacy / legislative resource action group also known as the Architecture Alberta (A²) Steering Group. Being the advocacy think-tank arm of the RAIC Alberta chapter, Architecture Alberta (among others will spearhead, provide leadership in effectual architectural advocacy and create synergies that will fortify the concept of Good Architecture and strengthen the voice of the Architect among policy makers, politicians and the general public in Alberta and beyond.

The composition of Architecture Alberta (steering group) is as follows:

Malcolm Johnson, FRAIC - Chair
Samuel Oboh, MRAIC - Co-Chair (RAIC Alberta Chapter Executive)
Fred Valentine, FRAIC - Vice Chair
Laura Plosz, MRAIC - Co-Vice – Chair (RAIC Alberta Chapter Executive)
Jane Pendergast, FRAIC
Arthur Ferrari, FRAIC
Vivian Manasc, PP/FRAIC
Len Rodrigues, FRAIC
Brian Oakley, FRAIC
Barry Johns, FRAIC
Loraine Fowlow, MRAIC (Interim Dean, EVDS, University of Calgary)
Thomas Tittemore, MRAIC (AAA VP – Voice)
Naomi Minja, MRAIC
Donna Clare, MRAIC
Tony Luppino (Exec. Dir. Art Gallery of Alberta & Friend of Architecture / Design)
Todd Babiak (Edmonton Journalist & Friend of Architecture / Design)
Stephen Hunt (Calgary Journalist & Friend of Architecture / Design)
Two Non – Architect members interested in Good Architecture / environment

Architecture Alberta will advocate and promote the of importance good architecture, strengthen the voice of architects and encourage the appreciation of the role that architectural excellence play in shaping the quality of life in our province. The RAIC Alberta Chapter look forward to working together with you in making this noble objective of the RAIC, a success.

RAIC Alberta @ The Works

The Governor General’s Medals in Architecture will be on display as part of the Works Art & Design Festival 2007 from June 22 to July 4. The festival has more than 500 artists showcased in 33 venues housing more than 200 exhibitions and special events. All free of charge to the public throughout Downtown Edmonton. The Governor General’s Medals in Architecture recognize outstanding achievement in recently built projects by Canadian architects. This program, created by the RAIC, contributes to the development of the discipline and practice of architecture, and increases public awareness of architecture as a vital cultural force in Canadian society.

A reception for the Governor General’s Medals in Architecture, sponsored by the CISC (Canadian Institute of Steel Construction) Alberta Region, will be held on Wednesday, June 27 from 7 – 9pm at the MacEwan Room, Grant MacEwan College 10700-104 Avenue.

Meeting at the ‘Edge’

As a part of this week’s Design Edge 2007 Conference, newly appointed RAIC President Kiyoshi Matsuzaki and RAIC Executive Director Jon Hobbs will be in Edmonton to meet with the Executive Board of the RAIC Alberta Chapter where topics for discussion will include the inaugural 12 months of the Chapter and plans for ongoing efficacy as advocates for architecture in Alberta.

Other aspects of the Conference include Keynote speakers and breakout sessions, the Annual General Meeting of the Alberta Association of Architects, and the Capital Modern Symposium coinciding with the opening of the Capital Modern Exhibition at the Art Gallery of Alberta.

More information specific to Capital Modern can be found at the AGA website or the Capital Modern blog.

RAIC Alberta Sponsorships

The RAIC Alberta Chapter was a proud sponsor of the Structures Preparation Course organized by the Alberta Association of Architects and conducted by Prof. David Thaddeus in Calgary from May 25-27.

Over 52 Intern Architects signed up for the course, designed to assist in writing the NCARB exams covering General Structures and Lateral Forces.

The session also presented the opportunity to share information on the RAIC, its Alberta Chapter, the benefits of membership, and application procedures (PDF links).

Annual Report Presented

The RAIC’s Regional Director for Alberta/NWT, Len Rodrigues and Alberta Chapter Chairperson Samuel Oboh attended the OAA / RAIC 2007 Conference and Festival of Architecture in Toronto from May 9 -12.

The first Annual Report of the RAIC Alberta Chapter was presented to the RAIC Board of Directors by Len Rodrigues during the festival. The theme for the festival was The next 100 years: Healthy Buildings, Healthy Communities. Highlights of the festival included festivities to celebrate the centennial of the RAIC; Celebration of Excellence - OAA / RAIC Awards Ceremony; RAIC College of Fellows Convocation featuring Francine Houben and Arthur Ferrari (from RAIC Alberta) who was elected into the RAIC 2007 College of fellows.

A copy of the RAIC Alberta Chapter Annual Report is available as a PDF download from this site.

RAIC Alberta Member Watch

The RAIC Alberta Chapter would like to officially recognize and congratulate Vivian Manasc, FRAIC and Arthur Ferrari, FRAIC. Vivian Manasc, FRAIC has completed a successful tenure as National President of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada for 2006 – 2007. Congratulations are also extended to Arthur Ferrari, FRAIC for his investiture into the RAIC College of Fellows.

Speak Up on Land Use

The Alberta Government is holding a series of public consultation sessions over the next two weeks as part of the development of a Land-use Framework for the province. From the Press Release:

“A Land-use Framework will provide the context, overall direction and decision-making framework to govern and manage land use in the province. It will guide land-use decisions on all land, except federal such as national parks and Indian reserves. The framework is intended to meet Albertans’ long-term social and economic goals based on good environmental management.”

To obtain more info including dates and times for the public sessions please visit this link.

Stamps of Approval

Canada Post has marked the centennial of the RAIC through an issue of four special stamps celebrating architectural excellence in Canada. Two of the four buildings released on May 9 are from Alberta.

The RAIC Alberta Chapter congratulates Douglas Cardinal for St Mary’s Church in Red Deer and Arthur Erickson for the University of Lethbridge - both buildings are significant architectural icons, not only for the province of Alberta but for the entire country.

For more information see Canada Post’s Press Release.