Design Quarterly Winter 2007

WINTER 2007 Vol. 7 No. 3

HILTON WHISTLER RESORT & SPA

PM 40063056

CALVIN SLINN HKG DESIGN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE FIREPLACES TILES

2007 DESIGN NORTHWEST CONFERENCE & EXPOSITION

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contents WINTER 2007 Vol. 7 No. 3

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www.designquarterly.ca PUBLISHER

Dan Gnocato dang@mediaedge.ca

MANAGING EDITOR

Cheryl Mah

ACTING EDITOR

Clare Tattersall

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michael Burton-Brown Blenard Cenolli Carol Craig Doug Dickinson Rachel Goldsworthy Robert Koby Theresa Paterson Tracy Penner Sholem Prasow Bryon Wilson Jerilyn Wright

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Dennis Chui

BRITISH COLUMBIA SALES

Tel: 604.739.2115 Dan Gnocato ext. 223 Lynn Donn ext. 230

ALBERTA SALES

Tel: 403.241.1088 Wolfgang Ortner

PUBLISHED BY PRESIDENT Kevin Brown

ON THE COVER: Hilton Whister Resort and Spa.

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Designer Profile

Calvin Slinn Calvin Slinn’s passion and design philosophy is behind his success. With more than 35 years of industry experience, the principal director of HKG is still going strong.

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Project Profile

Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa

VANCOUVER OFFICE

402-1788 W. Broadway Vancouver, BC V6J 1Y1 Tel: 604.739.2115 Fax: 604.739.2117

CALGARY OFFICE

410 6th St. S.W. Calgary, AB T2P 1X2 Tel: 403.290.1080 Fax: 403.290.1119

TORONTO OFFICE

5255 Yonge St. Toronto, ON M2N 6P4 Tel: 416.512.8186 Fax: 416.512.8344

SEATTLE OFFICE

Tel: 877.739.2112 Fax: 877.906.2124

© 2007 Canada Post Canadian publications mail sales product agreement no. 40063056 – ISSN 0834-3357

Situated near the snowy slopes of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the newly renovated property celebrated its first anniversary this past December.

Return all undeliverable Canadian addresses to 402-1788 West Broadway, Vancover, BC V6J 1Y1

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Trends

LEED-CI The new LEED rating system for Commercial Interiors addresses creating more environmentally responsible and energy efficient office, retail and institutional buildings.

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Colour The earth’s natural elements and environmental concerns play a pivotal role in this year’s colour palette.

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DEPARTMENTS 4

From the Editor

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Architects in BC The Mathematics of Retail Design

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67

IDA Moving Towards Environmentally Sound Design Design Headlines

The purpose of Design Quarterly is to reflect and represent practitioners and professionals in the architectural, interior design, design resource and facilities management communities throughout British Columbia.

WINTER 2007 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

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From the Editor

Bittersweet Life is full of surprises — some good and some not so good. This year has been a personal rollercoaster ride for me, ending on a bittersweet note.

By the time you read this, I will be on maternity leave. I’m filled with excitement and apprehension about the journey ahead into motherhood, but sad that I will have to miss all the wonderful things happening in the design community.

Clare Tattersall will be taking over as acting editor during my absence. I’m sure the transition will be a smooth one and I wish her and the publishing team here all the best.

In this issue, our project profile puts the spotlight on the Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa. It underwent a dramatic $53 million renovation that included extensive interior and exterior work. Read about the design ideas that have turned an outdated hotel into a luxurious all season high end resort that encapsulates the Whistler experience.

For our profile, I talk to Calvin Slinn of Hopping Kovach Grinnell. Since joining HKG at a young age, he has steered the firm into one of the largest independent design groups in Canada. Today, he is one of the firm’s three principal directors and oversees project designs.

LEED continues to be a major influence on design. We look at the latest version of LEED in

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

our trends section. LEED for Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) was introduced by the CaGBC earlier this year and will be an invaluable interior design tool for minimizing environmental impacts.

Rounding out this issue is our annual look at colour trends, landscape architecture, tiles and fireplaces. Advancements in fireplace technology are giving designers more choices and flexibility.

The latest trends from fireplaces with unique concepts to fireplace surrounds are featured starting on page 30. As for tiles, the consensus appears to be the bigger the better.

I hope you all have a prosperous new year.

Cheryl Mah Managing Editor

designer profile

TRADITIONAL EXPERTISE

BY CHERYL MAH

S

SEATED BEHIND THE conference table in his Vancouver office, Calvin Slinn points out the various photographs and renderings of projects on the walls.

“There’s an entire storyboard behind every one. They all have a story,” he says.

The 53-year-old principal director of Hopping Kovach Grinnell (HKG) speaks passionately about design and the importance of translating what clients want into the built environment.

“What I typically do is try to find their storyboard and what their life is about whether it be personal or corporate and try and blend that together to reflect who they are — what their dynamics are about,” says Slinn of his design approach.

Founded in 1951, HKG is one of the largest independent design groups in Canada. The three founders (Arthur S. Hopping, Rudy Kovach and John Grinnell) originally opened the firm as a graphic design house. Today, the firm offers interior and architectural design in a diverse range of areas including retail, hospitality, industrial and exhibition with corporate commercial as a specialty.

“I’m intrigued with design and the entire exploration of it,” says Slinn. “I love to be able to do (a rendering) from plans and show the people what they’re getting. That’s the beauty of sketching.”

The firm’s long list of projects includes YVR International Airport Terminal, the Vancouver Club, KPMG, TransCanada Tower and Museum of Anthropology.

“I’m very proud of the Vancouver International Airport Terminal because it led me to other places in the world…like the Shanghai Pudong International Airport that I’m working on right now which is 4.5 million square feet,” says Slinn.

Headquartered in Vancouver, HKG also has an office in Shanghai, China. The firm started working in China more than 17 years ago and has been working specifically in Shanghai for the last five years.

HKG renovated the law firm of Farris, Vaughan, Wills and Murphy LLP.

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

Calvin Slinn

“One of the greatest reviews I’ve ever had is a client opened the doors in our Shanghai office and walked in and they said ‘wow.’

That was sufficient,” says Slinn.

Growing up in Taber, Alta., Slinn never envisioned a career as a designer. But once he started in the design profession, he was ambitious and achieved success early.

After completing the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at the University of Alberta, Slinn began creating renderings for various architectural firms. He met the three founders of HKG while working at Arthur Erickson’s office. He joined HKG in 1972 and completed a share purchase of the firm in 1981.

Since taking over, Slinn has grown the firm steady. HKG is perennially ranked as one of the top 100 and 200 design firms in North America for the past 20 years.

“We’re more mature,” says Slinn about how the firm has evolved. “When we took over we were very young and energetic.

As the economy has turned off here a number of times — to be able to ride through those cycles is a part of that maturity and not chasing everything just to do some work.”

Slinn along with principals Katalina Woo and Bruce Thiedeke guide a team comprised of architects, designers, accountants and administration in the Vancouver office.

“We’re known in the industry for a specific design vernacular.

We’re design consultants as opposed to strictly interior design.

We are sought out for our expertise in more traditional work,” says Slinn.

He adds, “A number of architectural firms have used us over the years to deal with the interior mathematics and it’s a nice blend. I like the inside out as opposed to outside in.”

Not all of the firm’s projects have gone smoothly. Slinn believes part of achieving success is failure.

“We have failed and we know where the holes are,” he says.

“That’s why it’s important for young designers to spend time learning from their own mistakes or to have someone watch out where those holes are.”

Designing projects also has to make financial sense.

“It is a business and you have to pay attention to it,” advises Slinn. “All clients have budgets and we strictly adhere to them.”

Although a self-professed workaholic, the father of two does find time to golf and paint in his spare time.

“If architecture and design is an old man’s game, I’m getting there. I’m just coming into the best years,” he says with a smile. DQ

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project profile

LUXURIOUS UPGRADE

BY CHERYL MAH

T

THE HILTON WHISTLER Resort and Spa is celebrated its first anniversary this past December as a newly renovated property.

Originally opened in 1982 as the Delta Mountain Inn, it was one of the first hotels to be built in Whistler. It later became the Delta Whistler Resort and then in recent years operated as the Whistler Village Resort.

Located at the base of both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain gondolas in the heart of Whistler Village, the hotel is comprised of an eight-storey tower (north) and a five-storey tower (south) offering 289 rooms.

As part of an extensive renovation that began in 2004, the hotel was re-flagged under the Hilton brand officially re-opening in December 2005.

When Seeton Shinkewski Design Group (SSDG) was commissioned for the interior renovations, the vision was to create a cozy sanctuary that combined stylish and contemporary features with the rustic allure of a ski lodge.

“It was a hotel in an excellent location, but it was looking a bit tired,” says Julie Campbell of SSDG. “To be competitive with all of the new buildings and renovations going on in Whistler, the goal was to bring the hotel up to Hilton standards and also to make it an all season high end facility.”

With any renovation project, however, surprises are inevitable.

SSDG was originally asked to only upgrade 10 of the executive suites, explains Campbell, but the scope of the project quickly grew to a full interior renovation of all the rooms and the various public areas. Public areas included the main lobby, lounge, exercise area, spa, guest corridors, restaurants and meeting rooms.

It was also discovered that the hotel exterior needed more of an upgrade than anticipated with the extent of the damage from the old roof not fully known until work began.

“The original intent was that it would take about eight months and in breaking into the building, we discovered we had a lot more problems with the building than initially thought,” says Mark Paul, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing.

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

A $13 million interior renovation project turned into a dramatic top-to-bottom $53 million reconstruction that took 30 months to complete.

“One of the biggest issues was post-tension cabling which really holds the building together for earthquake preparedness.

That meant encompassing the building in plastic and tearing down the walls and going right down to the concrete and coring through and pulling out the old cables and putting in new ones,” says Paul. “I believe 2,200 cables had to be replaced.”

A total refurbishment was undertaken as a result — re-plumbing, re-wiring, re-roofing, new windows and doors. “We basically rebuilt the building in its original place,” recalls Paul.

Given the task of repairing the hotel’s outer shell (plus interior renovations) was Heatherbrae Construction. The $20 million 13month project was finished in January 2006 on time and on budget, according to Heatherbrae’s David Knight.

“The exterior renovation to the south tower included a complete envelope, brand new exterior walls and roof as well as a large landscape contract,” he says. “There were a lot of challenges…the tight schedule and we had to re-plumb the whole building which was a surprise.”

The main challenge on this project was scheduling because the hotel had to open for the Christmas ski season.

“The schedule initially was manageable and realistic. But as the renovation went on and the scope grew, it was a challenge. It was always critical to open for Christmas and the original schedule still had to be maintained,” says Campbell.

Interior upgrades included new wall coverings, flooring, furniture, fixtures and rewiring for wireless internet serves to be available throughout.

Drawing from existing interior architecture and features, SSDG selected new finishes, artwork and furniture for public area renovations that complement the surroundings through the use of colour, texture and play on scale.

“The hotel manager was really involved and had a lot of passion

and enthusiasm for this renovation. He really wanted there to be a story told,” says Campbell.

To tell that story, modern custom designed native art pieces by Corrine Hunt were incorporated into the lobby area. The art pieces are laser cut thick aluminum panels with native images etched into them. For example, cites Campbell, one piece has an image of a fish, wolf and eagle that symbolizes the Sea-to-Sky Highway.

“The main new feature in the lobby is the artwork. We also addressed lighting to help create the mood from when a guest first enters. The furniture was replaced with pieces that were more in scale with the lobby and also richer in colours and textures,” she says.

A richer colour palette was created with the use of reds and golds throughout the hotel. Regional materials such as wood and stone further enhance the sense of place for the guest.

In the guest suites, the change was dramatic: new case goods, soft seating, new bed program from Hilton, wall treatments and window coverings.

Added luxuries range from woodburning fireplaces, full service kitchenettes with granite countertops, bathrooms with deep soaker tubs to balconies, private in room saunas and internal laundry facilities. The last room was completed and opened in mid-March 2006.

“The mountain suite is the highlight,” notes Campbell. “It has a beautiful bathroom with a soaker tub and lots of wood millwork and wonderful lighting. Combined with the view, it’s just one of the best suites in Whistler.”

Studio One Architecture Inc. was involved in the exterior work as well as the architectural components for the interior. Principal Jim Wong says a big challenge was working with an existing building and upgrading components that did not comply with current building code such as fire stopping.

With any renovation project, integrating new design concepts within existing space and infrastructure can be challenging.

For SSDG, creative planning was required for the room layouts because of Hilton’s mandate to have all the electrical hidden in the guest suites.

“It was a consideration we had to be conscious of because there were a lot of suites and time was always a critical factor so ripping apart everything and putting in new electrical was not an option. We had to be creative,” says Campbell.

Existing elements were reused when possible. Old wood louvered shutters and headboards of the old beds were removed and reused elsewhere in the hotel.

The full renovation of the spa was a late decision by the ownership group that again added to the scope of the project.

“There was an existing spa and it was to be just brought back up to its original condition but then the ownership decided to go forward with a full renovation,” says Campbell, adding the Artesia Spa opened earlier last year.

SSDG continues to be involved with the hotel for some minor upgrading of different areas.

“What made this project so successful was we had such an incredible team. Everybody was really focused on being solution driven,” says Campbell. DQ

Project Team SSDG design team: Architect: General Contractor: Structural Consultant: Electrical Consultant: Mechanical Consultant:

Gerry Shinkewski, Julie Campbell and Jennifer Kurtz Studio One Architecture Inc., Jim Wong Heatherbrae Construction Ltd., David Knight Read Jones Christofferson Acumen Engineering Ltd. Yoneda & Associates

WINTER 2007 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

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trends

GREEN FROM THE INSIDE OUT LEED-CI encourages sustainable design for commercial interiors. BY SHOLEM PRASOW

The LEED Gold certified HOK office in Toronto was able to ensure that occupants have views of the outside using Altos glazed demountable walls from Teknion.

T

THE LEADERSHIP IN Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating System has become the green benchmark for constructing more efficient and environmentally responsible buildings in both the U.S. and Canada.

A new LEED rating system for Commercial Interiors (LEEDCI) now gives building tenants and designers the opportunity to design greener workspaces — even if they don’t have control over a building’s entire operations.

LEED-CI works in much the same way as the other LEED certification programs, with projects earning points in the categories of site selection, water efficiency, energy, materials and indoor air quality. However, LEED-CI gives fewer points for areas not under an interior designer’s control, like site selection, yet more points for areas that an interior designer can control, such as indoor air quality and selection of energy efficient lighting and appliances.

The nature of tenant improvement projects compared to new construction, like shorter timelines and limited budgets, means that LEED-CI can present some unique challenges over the traditional LEED-NC rating system.

LEED Rating System checklists can help a project team evaluate whether a project falls under the category of LEED-CI or LEED-NC. If both rating systems apply, it is up to the project team to decide which one to pursue.

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To achieve LEED-CI credits for daylight and views, the interior architecture and furniture layouts need to be determined at the same time the windows sizes and locations are designed.

It Pays To Be Good Using High Performance Building techniques will increase the market value of a building. By making energy efficiency a priority, you will lower your building’s operating and maintenance costs. And you’ll gain a real competitive market advantage.

Are you in the planning stages of a new commercial building? Make sure you take advantage of the financial incentives, recognition and resources offered by BC Hydro’s High Performance Building Program. The result will be a building with lower costs for your tenants, and higher profits for you. It’s also a good thing for our province, because conservation is the first and best choice for starting to meet B.C.’s growing need for electricity.

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From now on, being good and being profitable go very well together.

trends

Regardless of whether a project aims for LEED-NC or LEEDCI certification, sustainability goals are most successful when integrated into the design process early. When it comes to sustainable design, small details matter immensely.

At the outset of any interior project — whether renovation or relocation — there are many opportunities to take a sustainable design approach.

The classical waterfall design-development process — where a client hires a real estate professional to lease space and then hires an interior designer, then an engineer, then an architect, then a contractor and finally a furniture manufacturer before passing the space over to the facilities manager — no longer works in a LEED-CI project.

Here’s why. Because LEED-CI strategies can lead to energy and efficiency savings as well as add to upfront costs, everyone who can contribute to defining opportunities for sustainability — including the interior designer, the real estate professional, the mechanical engineer, architect and furniture manufacturer — all need to be engaged in the process at the beginning.

An early start enables you to identify the credits you want to achieve, evaluate their cost implications and incorporate strategies into the design process.

For example, to achieve LEED-CI credits for daylight and views, the interior architecture and furniture layouts need to be determined at the same time the window sizes and locations are designed. Both the interior designer and the manufacturer of furniture and demountable glazed walls should to be selected and on board to make the most of that decision.

We know how to make an entrance Fendi

Glass Tunnel, Rome, Italy Peter Marino Architect, New York

Nathan Allan Glass Studios Inc. 12

DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

Barry Allan, Director 604.277.8533 ext 225 www.nathanallan.com

This integrated process demands a strong team, with each individual committed to the larger goal.

Because site selection is a core component of LEED-CI, the real estate professional must be educated and understand what type of site meets LEED requirements. The landlord, too, should also be educated to understand and cooperate with the project objectives and LEED criteria.

The mechanical engineer will have to review the major building systems with respect to LEED compliance if renovations are involved. Applicable ASHRAE standards must be met for both energy efficiency and indoor air quality within the tenant’s scope of work, among other items.

Being a LEED Accredited Professional gives interior designers involved in a LEED-CI project a distinct advantage. Not only does being a LEED Accredited Professional ensure you understand LEED requirements and processes, it also lends credibility with the team — especially when it comes to addressing misconceptions regarding sustainable design and LEED criteria.

Once the team is assembled, it is important that everyone collectively documents both the soft and hard costs associated with a LEED-CI project at the outset of the project for client approvals. Soft costs can include pre-design efforts, LEED certification fees, commissioning fees, energy, lighting and airflow simulations and LEED documentation. Hard costs can include CFC changeovers to complete building systems and higher efficiency equipment.

It’s equally important to document the savings and benefits, as a sustainable design building can offer significant operating cost reductions, including raw cost savings, and increased productivity that comes from healthier and happier occupants.

Finally, organizations shouldn’t underestimate the public relations and marketing advantages of having a sustainably designed office. A third-party endorsement lends credibility to an organization’s green efforts.

LEED-CI opens the door to a new wave of sustainable design opportunities for both the design community and their clients.

With an integrated design approach, a great team, LEED-CI is an investment in occupant health, well-being and productivity. DQ Sholem Prasow, LEED AP, is vice-president, business development, Teknion Furniture Systems in Toronto (www.teknion.com).

He is a member of the CaGBC LEED Technical Advisory Group and the USGBC LEED for Healthcare Core Committee. Sholem’s LEED Accreditation coaching courses have been delivered to more than 800 members of the architecture and design community across Canada.

trends

NATURE INSPIRES NATURAL PALETTE FOR 2007

BY CLARE TATTERSALL

I

IT’S TIME TO bring the outside in.

According to Kevin Skelly, retail marketing director of ICI Paints, colours found in nature — earthy browns, stone grey, sky blue, grass green and terracotta orange — are making their way onto walls in 2007.

“The contractor is really connected to the environment now, so these types of colours are becoming very popular,” he explains, adding the two key colours this year are blue and green.

Skelly says we’re starting to see colours typically found in the home — particularly warm neutrals — in commercial spaces as well.

“There’s a movement away from using a lot of grey, metals and steels in commercial spaces. The reason is to make people feel more comfortable in, and attracted to, the space. It’s about making it feel more homey.”

While the industrial look may be on its way out, Skelly says metallic finishes are in.

“A lot of colours are being influenced by the material they’re used on,” he explains. “Dimension has become very important, so it’s not so much about the colour itself. It’s about what happens with that colour when you add another dimension to it.”

Colour Futures Every year a group of ICI Paints international colour consultants get together to discuss the direction of colour. The result of their work is presented in Colour Futures.

2007 Colour Futures forecasts colours for eight hues: greens, blues, yellows, oranges, reds, violets, warm neutrals and cool neutrals.

Greens: Influenced by nature, this palette ranges from warm

Benjamin Moore’s Colours for Your Home — Natural Elements. Organic colours, patterns and textures provide a fresh new take on bringing the outdoors in.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

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The muted, monochromatic scheme in Natural Elements gains depth and interest through the introduction of natural textures and unexpected elements for a mood that is comfortable, refreshing and renewed.

yellow-greens like Spring Willow 70YY 66/265, to soothing blue-greens.

Blues: Inspired by the sky and sea, greenbased blues abound as well as cooler blues. The key colour is Forest Glen 90GG 40/115, which captures the shade of ancient celadon ceramics.

Yellows: More vibrant yellows give way to warm gold tones, such as champagne, ochre and Gold Sunset 27YY 68/470.

Oranges: A combination of brighter oranges used as accents and more earthy mid-tones, such as Allspice 60YR 13/371, used in larger areas.

Reds: Cool reds are still evident, however, orange-based reds are emerging. Richer, deeper reds, such as Red Earth 95RR 07/271, are comforting yet sophisticated. Brighter reds used as accents.

Violets: Deeper tones, such as aubergine and deep plum-purples like Mercury Shower 10RR 13/081, used as accents with neutrals.

Warm neutrals: Representative of what’s found in nature, warm neutrals include earthy soils, leather and hide. The key colour is Naturally Calm 10YY 44/215, a warm and comforting mid-toned caramel.

Cool neutrals: Associated with natural materials such as glass, stone and metal, this palette ranges from translucent to mid-tone to charcoal greys. Popular hues include Granite Gray 00NN 37/000 and Veil 00NN 53/000. Black used as an accent.

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Beauty is behind Benjamin Moore’s 2007 Colours for Your Home trend card, which takes its cue from Colour Pulse 2007 — a colour forecasting report released 18 months in advance to help professional designers stay ahead of trend curves.

“Colours for Your Home this year stems from last year’s Colour Pulse theme, which was Skin,” says Scarlett Ballantyne, manager of colour and design for Benjamin Moore.

There have been some changes since last year’s predictions were made, albeit few. A neutral, organic, greyed down palette continues to predominate, however, it’s a little softer than previously expected.

“Although we’re seeing the influences of global artisans, I wouldn’t say it is as bright as we forecasted,” she says. “And, while there’s still that influence of the industrial palette, it is not as cold and there aren’t as many metals.”

Since Colours for Your Home is fashioned for the consumer market, this metamorphosis is completely natural similar to the palette.

“We’re always looking at forecast but, as it’s happening sometimes, that changes and some things just don’t reach the consumer market,” Ballantyne explains.

Like Colour Pulse, Colours for Your Home is divided into four themes, with eight colours per category: Natural Elements, Vintage Romance, Industrial Age and Cultural Mosaic.

NATURAL ELEMENTS Inspired by the seasons of nature, this muted palette brings the outdoors in. Green, representing ecology, takes centre stage. Hues range from bright acid or apple greens like the sulphurous Split

trends Pea 2146-30 to the deep olive of Alligator Green 2143-20 to earthy Clarksville Gray HC-102.

VINTAGE ROMANCE This palette takes a retrospective look at glamour. Colours are expressed in smoky, sophisticated greys and skin-toned blushes.

A touch of cosmetic-based red is also evident. Colours include Rouge 2084-30, Chelsea Gray HC-168 and Calming Cream OC105.

INDUSTRIAL AGE The harsh lines of modernism reflected in this palette are softened by organic influences. Rich teals subdue high chroma colours like Lemon Grass CC-638. The orange of Maple Syrup CC-420 is taken down to an aged bronze tone, complimented by cool greys.

CULTURAL MOSAIC Indian, Latin and Asian influences inspire this palette. Cool and warm colours collide to create a refreshing twist. Deep browns ground the fresh vibrant Blue Lake 2053-40 and Potpourri Green 2029-50. Metallic hues set the stage for dusty coral accents, while artisan carvings, silk fabrics and intricate embroideries complete the look.

Benajamin Moore went to great lengths to choose the 32 colours featured in Colours for Your Home.

“We rent a house every year in order to make the palette come alive,” Ballantyne says. “We paint the entire house with the colours that are going to be in the card and then we photograph it, so the colours you’re seeing in the card are the actual colours on the walls.”

Colour Pulse Looking ahead at the hot hues for next year, the earth’s natural elements and environmental concerns will continue to influence design.

“In all parts of North America we’re seeing that echo chic is going to continue to be in the forefront,” Ballantyne says.

According to Ballantyne, Benjamin Moore’s team of designers and colour experts chose the theme of “Space” for Colour Pulse 2008 because “it describes and envelopes the whole green movement.”

Forty colours and eight specialty finishes round out “Space,” which is divided into four subcategories: • Elemental Space — explores the preservation of nature • Inner Space — explores the earth’s core and the depths of aquatic sea life • Gravitational Space — relates to personal space • Infinite Space — relates to outer space Ballantyne says the main purpose of Colour Pulse is to inspire designers, which is why the theme is so abstract.

“We’ve researched across the globe and we’ve come up with this (commercial colour) forecast, which is essentially the designer’s tool,” she says. “We’re really just the eyes and ears.

We’re the pulse of what’s happening in the industry.” DQ

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

Space, in the literal and figurative sense, is the overriding theme for colour in 2008 ELEMENTAL SPACE Environmental concerns and “green” issues continue to influence humanitarian design. We are obliged to ensure future generations will enjoy the earth.

This palette resonates with organic overtones. Born of nature, these colours are timeless and harmonious, easily partnered together in a variety of uses for interiors and exteriors. The Benjamin Moore colours suggested in this category are: Rustic Brick 2091-20; Saddle Soap 2110-30; Char Brown 2137-20; Tyler Taupe HC-43; Old Salem Gray HC-94; Great Barrington Green HC-122; Mudslide 2095-40; Savannah Green 2150-30; Stone 2112-40; Alexandria Beige HC-77.

Additionally, three stains are recommended from Benjamin Moore’s new Exterior Stains Collection: Silver Mist 1598; Olympus Green 679; Stonehedge 1601.

GRAVITATIONAL SPACE This palette is light, airy and luminous – reflective of space where gravity has no pull and objects freely float in an antigravity state. This trend is becoming increasingly apparent in the design world where cantilevered constructions are being built, and glass, Lucite and similar materials are favoured. The hues to use are creamy, pale, barely-theretints and include Benjamin Moore’s Capri Coast OC-87; Soft Satin 2164-60; First Light 2102-70; Wedding Veil 2125-70; Green Tint 2139-60; Gray Mirage 2142-50; Abalone 2108-60; Majestic Mauve 2115-60; Sidewalk Gray 2133-60; Cedar Key OC-1. Pearlescent White 1 from Benjamin Moore’s Studio Finishes series completes this category.

INNER SPACE The earth’s core yields a range of intensely vibrant colours representing the aquatic life beneath the sea as well as the rich gems and minerals found deep beneath the soil. These hues also capture the glow and sparkle associated with bright exotic fish and sea creatures, and the rich metals and shiny stones that emerge from the earth’s crust. The Benjamin Moore colours recommended are Seaport Blue 2060-30; Tequila Lime 2028-30; Pacific Ocean Blue 2055-20; Carrot Stick 2016-30; Chili Pepper 2004-20; Deep Space 2125-20; Scandinavian Blue 2068-30; Yellow Oxide 2154-10; Raisin Forte 2083-10; Rust 2175-30. There are also three Metallic Studio Finishes in this category: Copper Metallic 40; Gold Metallic 10; Liquid Mercury PT-350.

INFINITE SPACE “Black with colour” is the best way to describe this palette. In this category, the blackening influence of colour is contrasted with glimmers of light and these positive/negative effects. The Benjamin Moore colours recommended are Vintage Wine 2116-20; Night Shadow 2116-10; Dark Pewter 2122-10; Ebony Slate 2118-30; Baby Seal Black 2119-30; Deep Royal 2061-10; Dark Burgundy 2075-10; California Lilac 2068-40; Twilight Blue 2067-30; Winter Snow OC-63.

Buttercream Pearl PT-230, a Pearlescent from the Studio Finishes line, is also recommended.

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industry focus LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

USING PARTICIPATORY DESIGN TO BUILD MEANINGFUL PLACES

BY TRACY PENNER, MBCSLA

LEFT: The Outdoor Classroom, adapted from the Coast Salish longhouse by architect Bruce Carscadden, MAIBC; paving plan integrates studentresearched traditional weaving patterns. Public art includes totems carved and painted on site under the direction of First Nations elder Ramona Gus, and low relief fist cast in the concrete bases by Philip Robbins. MIDDLE: Mound, Pond and Willow — all were design features requested by end-users. The graded swales and dissipation pond control storm water on site; the willow a shady place to read. RIGHT: Dissipation pond created play opportunities beyond expectations.

“…towns and buildings will not be able to come alive unless they are made by all the people in a society…”

– Christopher Alexander, A Timeless Way of Building, 1979.

T

TO CREATE GREAT community spaces requires great community input at every stage of development, but particularly in the planning process. Inviting discussion and generating ideas during this process often illuminate needs or potential problems for the design team in time to make important changes. Some planners even argue that the only way to ensure sustainability is to include community members in the planning and design. This participatory process is the hallmark of Evergreen, a national non-profit environmental organization with a mandate to bring nature to cities through naturalization projects.

In my work as a landscape architect, I have had several opportunities to work with Evergreen on naturalization projects using a participatory design process. An early project at an inner city school in Vancouver provided experience and a method that has been adapted for use in many projects that followed. The Grandview Community Schoolyard project converted a muddy, under-used, one-acre school field into a 'living laboratory' and multi-generational outdoor recreational site. The transformation of this neglected urban landscape into a vital community asset project is reconnecting people to nature and nature to the city.

When then Masters of Education student Illene Pevec and I began the project, we aimed to include community members and end users at every stage of development. The process we employed followed closely architect Stanley King’s Seven-step CoDesign process. King describes how he had engaged school children in planning a successful downtown public space in Vancouver. Using his model, with references to the participatory planning work of landscape architects Robin Moore, Randolph Hester and Moura Quayle, we developed a series of public design workshops that involved students, teachers, parents and other interested community members. This comprehensive process

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produced valuable information that helped determine the program and shaped the final design of the site.

At a brainstorming workshop, we showed slides of case studies, then led participants through various group exercises to help them voice their ideas. Our motto followed King’s “We are seeking the ideal design”. We made it clear there were no bad ideas, only those that would work here and those that would be saved for another project. Every idea was recorded. At the end of each workshop, we summarized the ideas and prioritized them with the group as to popularity and feasibility. We also circulated surveys throughout the neighbourhood, asking what features would be desirable in the new space.

More creative, in-depth design workshops were conducted with the students who would be the primary end-users of the project. With our guidance, children mapped their current use of the school ground and used sand trays and natural objects to create models of their dream gardens.

Once the notes, photos and other data from the many workshops were compiled, we summarized the information into basic design principles to capture community member desires. These principles became the basic tenets for the draft plans: 1. Increase security and safety by designing so that no place is visually obscure.

2. Ensure pathways and circulation offer efficient connections to neighbourhood.

3. Include First Nations culture and tradition wherever possible.

4. Promote sustainability through use of local west coast materials.

5. Maintain tidiness and aesthetic quality year round through formal arrangement of gardens and public areas.

Along with these principles came programming ideas.

Participatory design can play a major role in developing programming ideas and design features for a site. At Grandview, almost every student asked for a water feature of some kind —

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industry focus LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE a stream, pond or waterfall. Though school board regulations forbid installation of any permanent water feature, we were able to compromise by carving swales to carry rain water to a sand-filled dissipation pond. When it rains enough, children spend their recess and lunch hour making dams and canals to channel water through the sand and build elaborate sand castles. Play here is interactive, non-competitive and inclusive. This has become the most creative play area of the school ground!

Students voiced a wish to attract butterflies with this project, so a butterfly garden was included alongside the wild bird habitat area and ethno-botanical gardens requested by other stakeholders. Top priorities for the community were gardening space and a place to walk dogs, so these were incorporated into the plan. Our brainstorming sessions added a mound and bridge to the wish list, which became prominent features in the final design.

Teachers requested a sheltered gathering place for outdoor learning and celebration and a desire to integrate First Nations cultural tradition. This inspired the outdoor classroom, where the traditional Musqueam longhouse architectural form was adapted by architect Bruce Carscadden, using cast-in-place concrete, rough cut Douglas fir and galvanized steel.

Eventually three plan options emerged from all of the information gathered. These were presented to school staff, the daycare parents and the school board grounds supervisor for feedback. The final master plan reflects the programming interests of all these stakeholders, while integrating the many school board regulations.

The space has become a respected neighbourhood green space, used by diverse community members. Results include:

• increased after hours use of the school grounds, improved safety and reduced vandalism • an increased level of care of the grounds and a decrease in dog droppings • increased pride in the neighbourhood • improved academic performance in math and literacy at the school After the Grandview project was implemented, Evergreen further refined its participatory design process for school greening projects. It is now part of an integrated program that includes expert help, grants to schools and how-to resources. The Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds Program has 13 associates, many of them landscape architects, working in eight cities across Canada to facilitate such projects. The program has supported more than 2,200 schools and distributed $1.4 million in grants over the past decade or so. Evergreen’s design process has proven to be an effective way of strengthening communities while simultaneously delivering an important environmental message. The organization has established that participatory design, conducted openly in a consultative manner, which can create truly meaningful and sustainable public spaces. DQ Tracy Penner is a landscape architect and LEED accredited professional. Her sustainable approach to landscape planning and design includes integrating social considerations like user needs and circulation with environmental and economic viability. Projects often involve a participatory planning process and environmental design details. For more information: www.evergreen.ca and http://cityfarmer.org/grandview.html

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

industry focus LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARCON ROCK & WATERSCAPES

LEFT: Sculpted rockwork is easier to manipulate to a specific use, or desired shape as shown in this display. RIGHT: Built in barbecue and warming drawer for outdoor kitchens.

LANDSCAPING WITH SCULPTED ROCKWORK

BY BRYON WILSON

L

LONG BEFORE THERE were bricks or concrete, there were rocks. They were free, plentiful and virtually indestructible.

Almost anyone could pick them up, pile them together and make a wall that would separate property, define courtyards, hold steep hillsides in place, or form planters in gardens. Of course the professional rock workers or stonemasons went on to grander things, such as castles and cathedrals.

In today’s world there’s not much call for monumental rockwork, but the timeless skills of the rock workers are resurfacing in the residential garden wall. In the hands of a skilled rock worker, a rock wall goes beyond its utilitarian role and becomes a thing of striking, permanent beauty.

When we look at how to incorporate rockwork into a given design we first analyze the function of the feature that we are considering. For instance, to distinguish elevation changes to define gardens or courtyards, a stack rock retaining wall can be both elegant and functional while not taking up valuable planting or pathway areas. Granite and basalt are popular choices for walls, but a competent mason can shape many of the other types of stone commonly found at rock yards. Stacked rock retaining walls start with a broad, partially buried base and then angle or “batter” back into the hill to resist the outward force of the earth behind.

The cost of rocks and transporting them, combined with the time and skill required to cut and fit them, makes natural rock walls more expensive than those made of wood or concrete.

Rock and stone are important components of any attractive landscape and they require no water. A wide variety of materials,

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colours, size and texture allow you to “paint” your project using earth materials and design beautiful groundcovers that contrast with the planted elements of your project in interesting ways.

Sculpture-like “character stones” can be placed in key locations as striking counterpoints to existing plant material.

It has only been in the last few years that designers and architects have considered using artificial rock sculptures to create outstanding exterior and interior living environments.

This is largely because the quality and realism in the sculpted or man-made rock has dramatically increased. Skilled artisans and tradesmen can recreate almost any style, shape and colouration of rock that a designer has specified. This artificial rock, or sculpted rock, is constructed by using steel rebar reinforcing that is bent and contoured to closely resemble the desired rock formation. A structural layer of concrete is applied via the shotcrete method, which means it is blown or forced onto the rebar using large volumes of compressed air combined with a high pressure concrete pump. A second layer, approximately two inches thick, of carving mix concrete, consisting of very small aggregate to allow for high definition sculpting and carving, is placed over top of the structural coat. The rock is then coloured using a specialized acid staining process and pigmented concrete sealers to the designer’s specifications.

The main advantage to sculpted rock is the style, shape and size of the desired feature can be made to look like a natural rock outcropping that has been there for hundreds of years as opposed to a man-made stacked rock or boulder look.

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industry focus LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE There’s been a huge shift in trends in the sculpted concrete business in the last 20 years. In the early days backyard ponds with small waterfalls and flatwork were the majority of the concrete work considered by homeowners, landscapers, and designers. Today, sculpted concrete is utilized in many commercial and residential applications. Since every project is a custom design/build, the possibilities are unlimited.

In recent years, sculpted concrete has been used to transform backyards into spectacular outdoor living environments — the perfect retreat from hectic lifestyles. Dining al fresco has become one of life’s exquisite pleasures and outdoor kitchens are the hottest of amenities. Studies have shown one-third of home remodeling dollars are being spent on outdoor living areas.

Designers and professional contractors provide their clients with natural swimming pools, outdoor fireplaces and firepits and outdoor kitchen areas complete with the highest quality stainless steel barbecues, beverage fridges and ovens all encased in either real rock or the sculpted rockwork. All of the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, lighting and speakers can be concealed in the rock design so that the outdoor experience is functional and luxurious while maintaining the natural integrity of the original design. As more clients move their lives outside, these outdoor living environments become extensions of their homes and a natural place to gather, entertain and relax.

One of the most exciting ways to use the sculpted rockwork is in the design and construction of exclusive rock grotto swimming pools. Think about lounging in clear soft blue water admiring your own waterfall cascading into the swimming pool. On a hot day just swim under the refreshing stream and cool your senses.

Imagine a naturally shaped sculpted rock pool set into a seaside location, or up on a steep bank with the waterline vanishing off into the horizon, seemingly pouring endlessly over the edge of the pool. These negative edge pools with strategically placed boulders are the latest in the ultra chic residential pool industry.

Similarly, a natural rock grotto hot tub can have all of the features of a large pool such as waterfalls, grotto caves, rock overhangs and rock outcroppings, and can be nestled into smaller spaces. When planted with complimentary trees and shrubs it will look like it has been there since the beginning of time.

Sculpted concrete is not only limited to exterior applications.

Interior uses include water walls, flooring, rock hot tubs and interior swimming pools, not to mention the popular rock climbing walls. Many resorts and spas have opted to utilize sculpted rockwork to create natural looking mineral pools and rock hot tubs.

This enables their clientele to relax in the comforts of a spa with the ambience of being out in nature.

In recent years, precast concrete has made an appearance in the landscape industry. This is a lighter weight concrete (GFRC – glass fibre reinforced concrete) that is precast and then shipped to site. Anything from landscape boulders, fountains, planters and fireplace surrounds are available.

We expect to see both sculpted concrete and precast concrete increase in popularity with architects, designers and residential homeowners as they become more aware of the multitude of uses these products create. DQ Bryon Wilson is principal of Arcon Rock & Waterscapes Inc. He can be reached at 604.882.2027 or www.arconwaterdesigns.com.

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industry focus LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

RAISING THE PROFILE OF THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

BY CAROL CRAIG

A

ALBERTA IS CURRENTLY the land of milk and honey (or is that oil and money) with a booming economy and a population growing to support it. More money and more people usually mean more projects developed to provide communities and associated infrastructure. Alberta fits into this model perfectly. But, how does landscape architecture fit into the picture? And where should the profession of landscape architecture be going with all of this growth? Are we leaders or followers in this economic boom?

What kinds of projects do landscape architects work on in Alberta? Like other places, we undertake many different types of work: conservation, rehabilitation, restoration, naturalization, erosion and sediment control, brownfield and greenfield developments, streetscapes, community planning, park and open space planning and design, historic and interpretive planning, sustainable design, universal design, LEED, transportation…the list goes on. We are generalists and specialists. We have phenomenal computer expertise and undertake amazing hand graphics to help inform the client, the public and the contractor about the project.

We have a superb understanding of the environment and how man fits into it. There have been many wonderful, successful landscape projects in Alberta, expertly executed, documented and working even better than imagined by the designers, the clients and the end users. We work in teams or as a separate entity, depending on the project and the client. However, we rarely lead a multi-disciplinary team. This position is usually held by an engineer or architect. Why? Because we typically do not sell, or portray, ourselves as leaders. In fact, as a profession, we do not sell ourselves or our capabilities well to other professions, our clients or to the many potential clients waiting to hear from us in this province.

It is not unusual to see an engineering or architectural firm submit a landscape plan to a client without the input of a landscape architect. In fact, many municipalities in Alberta do not require a landscape architect to be involved in projects of any type. It is also not unusual for a landscape architectural firm to be contacted about a project that is well on its way to completion to add some “green” because our profession was not given its due and included in the preliminary stages of planning and design.

Our profession is often not recognized as being integral to the success of a project. Please note, this is not a problem unique to Alberta; other provincial landscape architectural organizations indicate similar situations. Even if other professions believe they 1

www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/060328/d060328e.htm

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can do it too, the truth is the knowledge set of landscape architects is extensive and specialized. This fact must be disseminated to the public.

What is the problem — are we not confident of our own abilities? Do we, and/or the public, not see the added value our profession gives to a project and have the skills to promote this?

Does this develop into a lack of respect for our profession? Or, do we not easily attract to our profession, the bold, brash designer who sells his skills and services as a matter of course? Are we just too busy to promote when the time is ripe in this province? Or are our numbers too small to make a significant difference?

Perhaps it is a combination of all these.

Like other design professions, such as planning, engineering, architecture and interior design, landscape architecture is suffering from a lack of skilled, trained people to meet the needs of our clients. Alberta now has more than 3.3 million people living within its boundaries and is increasing in numbers five times faster than the national average.1 The Alberta Association of Landscape Architects (AALA) has a membership of approximately 200, including all membership categories. Every company is crying out for more staff and more time to do their work. Even the engineers are suffering although their association, APEGGA, has more than 41,000 members — over two hundred times more members than the AALA! With such a small number of landscape architects, how can we get our projects in the ground and promote our profession to the general populous even if other professions believe they can do it too?

The AALA is currently working towards protecting the name “landscape architect” and designations “LA”, and “L.A.” within the province. Legislation will ultimately be passed under POARA (Professional and Occupational Association Registrations Act) that will provide our profession with a protected name and a definition of the practice of landscape architecture. This may help in our battle for professional recognition and for acknowledgment and understanding of the capabilities of our profession.

Increasing our numbers will also help. The job market in Alberta is helping draw new talent to our province but it is not enough. Alberta is lucky to have the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), where a two year diploma course of Landscape Architectural Technology is thriving. This school provides many of the excellent technologists in our profession.

We need these people to help get the work done and be included in our numbers, thereby increasing our profile in the design world. However, Alberta does not have a school of landscape

architecture that issues a degree. In fact, our national association, the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, has identified that not enough new landscape architects are being trained in Canada to meet our country’s needs — so we are short of landscape architects everywhere. We need to educate the public about our profession to draw new students into our schools.

Another issue falling out from a lack of understanding of our profession, coupled with the advent of computer drafting, is the attitude of the public and other professionals towards our work.

There is a false sense about the speed and ease of undertaking a landscape project. Landscape architecture has fallen into a trap that supports an inaccurate depiction of the advantages of the computer. We also suffer from the chronic public attitude that everyone can plant a shrub (again showing a lack of understanding of what we do). Each landscape project needs a specific knowledge set. Each design needs a significant amount of time for research, consideration, programming and the development and testing of ideas. Solutions cannot be transplanted like a tree from one drawing to another, or from one site to another. As we know, some trees do not transplant well or don’t like their new conditions.

The same goes for ideas. The need for adequate time and specialized knowledge has been undervalued — believing that the computer will speed up the process or solve the problem. This is not true. The computer is a tool only. Denigrating the time needed for a project minimizes the importance of our skills and knowledge. It is not being suggested that we try to bring a false or elevated importance to the time required to develop a landscape architectural solution. What we need to do is convey the importance of having sufficient time and specialized skills to develop the best landscape design solution.

As you can see, landscape architects in Alberta have encountered numerous issues. Our issues are not specific to Alberta.

Nor are our solutions. To improve our place in the design world,

landscape architects need to show the importance of our profession by advancing successful projects, selling the services of landscape architecture and showing the general public our amazing skills and the need for our services. To improve our profession and increase our numbers, we need to educate the public about the exciting and interesting work we do and how it will help improve their world, and the world of the generations to come. To increase our influence and develop better projects overall, we need to promote the profession of landscape architecture and take the lead in developing a better environment and a better Alberta. DQ Carol Craig is a senior landscape architect with UMA Engineering Ltd. in Red Deer, Alta. She is proud to be a landscape architect. She has more than 20 years experience in this exciting field and hopes for many more. Carol is currently serving as president of the Alberta Association of Landscape Architects.

WINTER 2007 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

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industry focus FIREPLACES

GAS FIREPLACES – WHAT IS BEING REQUESTED AND WHY

BY ROBERT KOBY

LEFT: Vision – The EcoSmart™ Vision features a double opening with a “see-through” effect. The double sided design offers ultimate flexibility to suit the living environment or to create an impressive centerpiece. RIGHT: Vision, or Vision of the Future, combines the beauty of minimalist design with the warmth of a gas fire.

A

AS THE MARKET for gas fireplaces has matured, some architects, builders, designers, renovators and consumers have begun to look beyond the traditional view of what a fireplace should be.

The origin of the modern gas fireplace goes back to gas fires or burners, which were installed in masonry fireplaces over a hundred years ago when gas transmission became possible in urban areas. This original idea and technology remained virtually unchanged until about 30 years ago, when a few companies began to develop various forms of gas fireplaces to fit into and sit in front of existing wood burning fireplaces. The design was meant to replicate the wood or coal-style fireplaces of yesteryear — to make them look “authentic.” With the development of direct vent technology about 20 years ago, a gas fireplace can now be installed where previously there was no existing fireplace.

More recently, it was discovered that consumers could have the magnetic attraction and warmth of a fire in many different configurations, making it possible to break the mould of traditional arrangements. With the advancement of gas combustion technology, many different configurations are feasible, and in response to the demand for more contemporary designs, a number of alternate gas fires have appeared on the market.

Now that the mould has been broken, the different forms in which gas fires can be produced are only limited by the imagination. Fire can now be seen coming through sand, rocks, glass, different shapes; simple walls of fire, linear jets of fire, fireboxes up to 15 feet in length and more. In Europe, there exists a number of smaller companies producing an interesting array of products on

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

a production basis. Unfortunately, because of different standards and regulations, none of these products are readily available in North America. There are a few North American (and Australian) companies starting to produce products that differ from the traditional lines: European Homes (Vision, a stainless steel fireplace with a bed of rocks), Rasmussen (fire shapes), Town and Country (new diamond burner with the black ceramic firebox liner), ThermArt™ (wall of fire), and EcoSmart (anywhere anytime portable renewable fuel fireplace).

European home’s Vision is a minimalist gas fireplace showcasing rocks and fire as the primary attraction. It is simplistic yet beautiful. The stones can be moved into any configuration the consumer desires. Vision may be installed without a surround, with the wall finished to preferred requirements and using noncombustible material.

Rasmussen introduced FireBalls, the first non-log shapes for a gas fire. FireBalls had been primarily a novelty until the last few years, where they’ve seen increasing interest. FireShapes come in large and small geometric shapes such as cubes, cones, pyramids, cylinders, as well as spheres (balls). They are also available as FireStone which is moulded from real rocks. In fact, right now there are 19 different FireStone options plus six new large ones for large fireplaces and fire pits.

With a remarkably young two-year history, Town and Country (T&C) leads the way with innovation and design for high quality construction and cleanly finished fireplaces. When you look at a T& C fireplace, the protector glass appears invisible,

FL028

industry focus FIREPLACES that can be mixed and matched, allowing for a variety of design choices.

Imagine being able to move the fire from a traditional fireplace setting to an active picture on the wall. ThermArt™ achieves just this by combining the beauty of art, the simplicity of design, and the elegance of modern living.

ThermArt™ was created by Nick Barber. Barber came up with the concept once he realized that architects, designers and consumers were not purchasing fireplaces because of the following issues: • They didn’t want a typical log set • They didn’t want to take up additional space in the room • They wanted the right heat output • They didn’t want to have an existing vent opening or chimney • They wanted the fireplace to match their contemporary décor • They didn’t want to renovate the whole wall area to accommodate a chimney or hearth • They worried about small children getting injured by the hot Bathroom installation. front of a ground level fireplace ThermArt became the solution to any or all of these concerns and its real-to-life log set with a stunning flame has the appearand especially issues around space and venting. ance of a wood-burning fireplace. T&C ranges in size from 30 EcoSmart® is the latest brainchild of the hearth product assortinches all the way to 48 inches. ment. EcoSmart’s® remarkable design is based on the quality of its Of late, T&C has improved their fireplace operating system. construction and is incredibly easy to set up. Created downThe fireplace valve and control system is now located in the body under in Australia, EcoSmart® is the simplest yet most modern of the fireplace, unlike the “umbilical cord” system of older units. fireplace design on the market. EcoSmart® is an environmentally The new system is electronically controlled and has the option of friendly open fireplace, fuelled by a renewable green energy. It a standing pilot or full electronic ignition. The height of the flame burns clean and is virtually maintenance-free. can be modulated to suit and is set up for optional thermostatic EcoSmart® is the only fireplace that provides heat, requires control. T&C has a great selection of interior panels and burners minimal installation, and can be placed virtually anywhere in a condo, home, café or restaurant without a hard connection.

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Robert Koby is the owner of Vancouver Gas Fireplaces.

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industry focus FIREPLACES

CAST STONE FIREPLACE SURROUNDS

BY BLENARD CENOLLI

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FIREPLACE SURROUNDS ARE sculptures built into a room, designed to be appropriate for both new and existing remodeled homes. Whether the look is ultra modern or traditional, there is a fireplace style to suit almost every particular taste. People have a choice of exactly what style or feel they would like.

Using new original designs, innovative techniques and new materials in a variety of colours and texture finishes, manufacturers can provide clients with a unique product that is not only functional but also a centerpiece of architectural design.

There are many popular types of cast materials used by manufacturers for fireplace surrounds to create the different finishes that look like real stone.

These pre-cast noncombustible materials eliminate the many restrictions imposed on wood mantels, while providing the timeless beauty, enduring strength of natural stone and affordability.

Apart from the selection of standard products, custom designed cast stone fireplace mantels can assist clients in the development of their ideas through the use of precision moulds and blended colours for a better consistency.

The material that is used mostly by sculptress and manufacturers when making their models is plaster.

Plaster The term plaster usually refers to Plaster of Paris (also called Gesso), a mixture of powdered and heat-treated gypsum.

The oldest traces of plaster renders are 9,000 years old, and were found in Anatolia and Syria. It was used by the ancient Egyptians to plaster the pyramid at Cheops. Egyptians used models of plaster taken directly from the human body. The Greek history shows the use of plaster in their culture to make moulds and models. The Romans cast in plaster many copies of Greek statues.

Plaster of Paris: It obtained its name from being largely manufactured in the neighborhood of Paris; large gypsum deposits near Paris have long been mined and manufactured. In the 1700s, Paris was the capital of plaster, since all the walls of wooden houses were covered with plaster as a protection against fire. The king of France had enforced this rule after the big London fire that literally destroyed this city in 1666. Among the many artists especially known for their use of this plaster was Auguste Roden (1840–1917).

Plaster can be painted when it’s dry or mixed with pigments while it is still wet. It should be sealed to keep dirt from building up in its pores.

The downside of plaster is it can chip fairly easily. In high traffic areas, hydro stone is a much better material, which can be painted and mixed with pigments the same as plaster.

Hydro Stone Hydro Stone is a gypsum cement material of fine powdered particles, with high-density properties that make it look and feel like

ceramic. Unlike other plaster and gypsum cements it’s one of the hardest, strongest and most dense products available in the gypsum cement line. It’s the material of choice for many uses, suitable where high strength and resistance to wear are necessary; including high quality art objects, moulds, density fills, lamp bases and die productions. It works very well in mould materials, especially flexible moulds, has an extremely fine detailed duplication guaranteeing the authenticity of the original art objects.

The only downside of Hydro Stone is that it can only be used for indoors.

Concrete Concrete is one of the most widely used construction material in the world and is a durable material that actually gains strength overtime. The most interesting thing about concrete and cement is people think they are one in the same, even though cement is only one of the multiple ingredients used in the making of concrete.

Apart from regular concrete, there are many different concrete based products and finishes available: Mix-in colours, Acid Stain, Cast Stone and cast Lime Stone.

Mix-in colours or body colour — It’s a colouring process, where the colour is added to the concrete mix before it is poured into the moulds.

Acid Stain — It’s a colouring process involving a chemical reaction on a cement material. A solution made with water, acid and inorganic salts that react with minerals already present in concrete.

Cast Stone — A pre-cast building material, one of the oldest types of concrete, a cement mix with fine aggregates like crushed natural stone, silica and regular sand combined with a variety of colours and finishes. This material not only has the enduring strength, timeless beauty and the feeling of natural stone but also has more value. It has a greater colour consistency, it can be reinforced, weathers better, and it’s cost effective.

Cast Stone has been used for at least 2,500 years, and in many cases the structures made of Cast Stone still standing today have outlasted those made of natural stone.

Since the early 20th century in both Europe and America, cast stone has been widely used and accepted as a replacement for natural stone.

Many manufacturers add lightweight aggregates to their mix to try to reduce weight. These additives are normally softer, brittle materials that tend to float to the top when poured. These light additives make the product easy to install but compromises the structural integrity of the material.

Cast Stone surrounds offer natural beauty and add dimension to a space. DQ Blenard Cenolli is general manager of Blenard’s Décor. Contact him at 604.780.6308.

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industry focus FIREPLACES

REKINDLE AN OLD FLAME

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FOR YEARS, THE hearth was the heart of the home, providing light, heat and cooked food. More recently, modern central heating systems have displaced traditional fireplaces. As furnaces and radiators became common, the firebox and chimney became a drafty nuisance for homeowners and many were filled in or covered over.

In the race for modern convenience, most of us forgot the aesthetic beauty of a hearth fire — the flickering flame and the warmth that permeates the house. In a bid to restore those sensations, today’s home restorers are bringing old fireplaces back to life.

A new working fireplace or stove can once again be the focal point of the room. Although it can be a work of art, as with any fireplace or appliance, functionality must be the first consideration.

Renovating a box designed to hold an open fire in the hearth of your house is fraught with inherent difficulties, with most of the problems stemming from the integrity of the firebox and chimney.

A crack or loose brick can be dangerous and is best left to WETT-certified professionals to inspect and fix. Efficiency is another limiting factor in any restoration. Old-fashioned fireplaces are notoriously inefficient — most will suck more heat out of the house than they produce.

One of the easiest, safest and most efficient ways of bringing an old fireplace back to life is by installing an insert or a stove. While upgrades such as dampers, flue vents and glass doors can improve the efficiency of an old fireplace, inserts or stoves are the only add-ons that make a significant difference. The glass or metal doors, external combustion air vents and heat-circulation blowers that come with inserts improve energy efficiency by directing heat from the fire into the room and controlling the amount of heat that goes up the chimney.

Inserts and stoves can be fuelled with natural gas or propane, pellets, wood or electricity, and they are available in varying sizes. To determine which models will best fit existing fireboxes, consult sizing guides, available through specialty retailers and on some manufacturer websites.

The main reason homeowners balk at installing an insert or a stove is because they often feel they are not as aesthetically pleasing as an open fireplace. However, with the fireplace choices available today, that isn’t necessarily true.

Style Hearth appliances are available in a wide variety of designs from ultra modern to contemporary to traditional. Hundreds of styles and finishes are now available through specialty retailers, including see-through models that can be installed on an outer wall, which allows the fire to be enjoyed both indoors and out. Mantels and surrounds can enhance the appliance and help make the hearth the focal point of any room. Fireplaces are now commonly installed in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms as well as the more traditional spaces like the living room and family room.

A Fireplace in Every Room It’s easy to save money on home heating bills by simply turning down the thermostat on a central furnace and using a hearth product as a supplemental heat source in the rooms that are most frequently used.

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industry focus FIREPLACES Fireplaces, freestanding stoves, fireplace inserts and masonry heaters are great options for zone heating. However, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing the right product for a space: • style desired • fuel availability and cost • level of desired heat • intended use patterns • convenience • layout of the home • size of the space to be heated Selecting a hearth product fuel depends on many factors: the cost and availability of the fuel, desired efficiency and heat output, maintenance requirements and the expected appearance of the fire. Local air quality regulations may also limit the types of hearth products that can be installed within a particular area. DQ Laura Litchfield is administrator of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC). HPBAC provides expertise with a focus on good industry standards, certified products, proper installation and trades training resulting in safe, quality products and services. Members include retail dealers, distributors, manufacturers, utilities and other related organizations. For more information on hearth products in your area visit a specialty hearth retailer or visit www.hpbacanada.org.

Fuel

Types

Renewable/ Appliances Non-Renewable

Benefits

Availability

Wood

Hardwood and Softwood

Renewable, non-fossil fuel

Low cost

Readily available throughout Canada

Fireplaces, freestanding stoves, fireplace inserts, masonry heaters Look for advanced technology, EPA-certified appliances for cleaner burning

Gas

Natural Gas

Non-renewable fossil fuel

Propane (LP)

Fireplaces, freestanding stoves, fireplace inserts, gas log sets Fireplace Efficiency Ratings are listed on product literature in stores and can be found on the Natural Resources Canada website www.nrcan.gc.ca

Pellets

Wood

Renewable, non-fossil fuel

Corn (in specially designed stoves)

Readily available Independence during power outages Traditional Convenient No visible emissions Instantaneous, thermostatically-controlled heat Realistic “wood-like” flame

Natural gas is available in most cities in Canada LP is used mainly in rural areas where natural gas is not available and is usually delivered by private suppliers

Great installation flexibility

Freestanding stoves

Low cost

Fireplace inserts

Ability to lock-in annual fuel costs early in season Ease of use

Availability varies across Canada Purchased in 40 pound bags from specialty retailers and home stores

Lowest level of wood-burning emissions Automated wood fire Electric

Electricity

Fireplaces

Wide variety of styles

Freestanding stoves

Ambiance

Readily available across Canada

Easy to install Flexible installation No emissions Heat optional Oil

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Oil

Non-renewable fossil fuel

DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

Freestanding stoves

Cost-effective

Available across Canada

Don’t Be Boxed In By A Fireplace Design Behind the Glass with One Luxury Fireplace Six Sizes & Styles Four Interchangeable Fires Four Firebox Liner Finishes

96 Ways TO EXPRESS YOUR DESIGN IDEAS

www.townandcountryfireplaces.net For additional information please call us at: 1 800 663 0462 www.northweststoves.ca

industry focus TILES

TERRAZZO, TILE AND STONE: AN EXTENSION OF OUR LIFESTYLE

BY DOUG DICKINSON

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CLIENTS MAY NOT consider terrazzo, tile and stone directly related to their day-to-day lives, however, they are directly related. Their lifestyles are in direct relation to what sorts of wall and floor finishes you select on a project. Consider for a moment why these materials are one of the primary finishes. The durability of hard surface products is certainly unparalleled. The average obsolescence of these products is set at 40 years however countless installations around the world have been in existence for hundreds of years. That is without a doubt a testament to its longevity. The functionality of these materials is again second to none. Granite lobbies, building exteriors to countertops provide not only a luxurious appearance but the practicality that is in the forefront of our decision making process. Ease of maintenance is an aspect of our lives that is of considerable importance. Once again hard surface products fit the bill.

Functionality and durability are certainly paramount factors when considering finishes but without any aesthetic qualities there would be no visual appeal. The palette of colours and patterns that were once considered the materials of kings and queens

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and the wealthy is very much affordable to all. Terrazzo, tile and natural stone have undergone a tremendous evolution through the ages. Arguably the greatest evolution has taken place over the past two decades. Technology has paved the way for more innovative and creative uses for these products. The patterns for ceramic tile that have evolved over the last decade are simply breathtaking. Wonderful wood grains and shades, tiles that take on virtually all characteristics of fabric, as well as natural stone.

All this with the ability to last for centuries.

Terrazzo, like ceramic tile and stone, has been used for centuries. Although it has been long associated with airports, bus terminals and hospitals this material also has great versatility.

Unlike tile or natural stone, terrazzo provides a virtually seamless appearance. Health care facilities look to terrazzo as a solution for hygienic issues as well as taking advantage of ease of maintenance and durability. Heavy traffic spaces prefer the use of terrazzo for its maintenance and durability features. But with the onset of epoxy terrazzo, the design aspect can also be incorporated into the equation. Epoxy not only provides all of the typical features

and benefits of conventional cementitious terrazzo but enable the designer to use vibrant colours and patterns. Once again from an environmental perspective a primary component of terrazzo is marble. Marble chips are a residual byproduct of the quarrying process. Recycled glass chips are also used in terrazzo further demonstrating that this type of product can be incorporated in post consumer materials.

Our society has become ever more environmentally conscious in recent years and the hard surface industry has been no exception. Although these products are derived through use of natural resources they should be considered to be environmentally

friendly. The percentage of materials that find their way to landfills is extremely small due to the longevity that hard surface products provide. Those that do are considered clean fill since the process and materials used are all natural. The high temperature kilns used to fire the tiles are much more energy efficient. In fact many factories use the residual energy to heat their adjacent offices and warehouses. Water which is an integral part of both the tile and stone manufacturing process is recycled and reused again in the factories. The indoor air quality where hard surface materials have been used is substantially better since there are little if any “off-gassing� or harboured contaminants.

So what about our real lifestyle? The role of our homes has dramatically changed over the years. Taking a look at where we historically use tile in our homes (bathrooms, entry ways, and kitchens) ease of maintenance and durability are a major consideration. But tile use within our homes has increased substantially over the past decade. Our busy lifestyles are not conducive to having items which require a lot of maintenance and care. We have become an instant society where timelines and deadlines are how we schedule our lives. Therefore, we gauge our purchases with this in mind. Immediate results and performance are at the forefront. When we do find the time to relax we look to our homes as a refuge. Our backyards have become an extension of our indoor living spaces and therefore are taking on many of the characteristics of our living rooms and kitchens. Outdoor kitchens that include enclosed patios and furniture that at one time may only be found within the home itself are in great demand.

As a result of this, the hard surface industry has taken note and produced materials that are conducive for interior and exterior applications. Tile that gives the warm and inviting appearance of a living room or den are now being used in exterior living spaces.

Stunning tile that takes on the appearance of hardwood and natural stone are commonplace in the market. Glass tile that not only provides exquisite colour but also depth are a growing trend. The design element of glass is a tremendous feature, sweeping colour blends and murals are an obvious draw to this material. Glass having non-absorption characteristics makes it the perfect choice when considering finishes for backsplashes and wet environments. To have a material that you simply wipe the surface clean lends itself certainly to our lifestyle and taking into consideration that it can provide a tremendous design element to a space only makes it even more beneficial.

Although terrazzo, tile and natural stone are often assimilated to the construction sector, it is truly a fashion driven industry.

Careful attention to colour trends and patterns are as important to the manufacturers as is their physical properties. Hard surface products strike that balance between durability and aesthetic appeal that make terrazzo, tile and natural stone an obvious choice for floors and walls. DQ Doug Dickinson has been involved in the hard surface industry as both a contractor and supplier for more than 25 years. He is currently the executive director of the Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC). The TTMAC is an association that is committed to providing standards for the installation of terrazzo, tile and natural stone and has been doing so for over 60 years. The TTMAC publishes installation manuals that detail most installation and also provides insight into the selection process of the materials.

WINTER 2007 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

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industry focus TILES

COURTESY OF OLYMPIA TILES

BIGGER AND LARGER TILES

BY RACHEL GOLDSWORTHY

L

LONGER LINES DRAW the eye onward…and on and on.

Designers are making use of this principle to enhance that most precious of 21st century urban resources: space.

Tile manufacturers are delivering on the trend toward larger tiles for floors and walls, bathrooms and kitchens. But while squares as large as 24" x 24" are popular, it’s the rectangle that’s taking over.

Five years ago, 12" x 24" tiles were a special order item, says Mike Iacutone of Olympia Tile. Now they’re standard. Kitchen backsplashes are 4" x 8", 4" x 12", and even 6" x 24".

The long rectangles are more difficult to install, according to Iacutone, but they give the linear, more modern look that designers are aiming for.

Debbie McMahon of Centura agrees. Designers are keeping a single cohesive look on floors throughout each unit in a multifamily building, she says, so that the homes retain the open-plan

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

visual effect that makes today’s smaller condominiums feel more spacious.

Today that flooring is usually wood laminate and the trend eliminates the tiled entry of even a few years ago. However, do-ityourself home renovators aren’t ready to give up on history.

Centura still supplies home reno retailers with square tiles — albeit larger ones than in years gone by — because DIYers are a little more conservative.

“They don’t want to be trendsetters,” says McMahon.

Typically they lag a couple of years behind residential designers, so the retail market is just now starting the move toward rectangles.

Kitchens and bathrooms are still strong contenders for tiles, and aesthetic trends and new technology give designers a slew of new options and advantages. Because of the improvement in glazes, the former advantages of porcelain over ceramic tiles are

COURTESY OF OLYMPIA TILES

disappearing, McMahon says. And that can mean cost savings.

With the quality of materials and changes in firing temperatures, glazes are harder than ever, so even in light commercial applications a product from a good manufacturer might never wear out, says McMahon. European manufacturers of higher-end porcelain tiles are using a higher feldspar content to fill surface pinholes, adds Iacutone. This improves maintenance by making the surfaces easier to clean.

Surfaces tend to be smoother than in previous years as well.

Rectified edges with no beveling allow installers to butt the tiles closer together; grout joints are smaller and the overall look is cleaner and more contemporary. Iacutone points out that tile surfaces are flat, with no modeling.

An exception is new technology for double-pressed porcelain.

To the body of the tile, the manufacturing process adds a top layer of porcelain in different tones and then presses again. The end result wears as well as through-body porcelain, McMahon says, and adds possibilities to texture, colour, and surface powdering.

Often though, texture variations aren’t so necessary anymore, McMahon explains, because factories use more screens in order to improve the visual effect. For slate-look flooring, for example, only one in 10 tiles might look like another.

Looks that emulate other materials are very popular — and the trend is growing. As well as faux slate and limestone, there are products that mimic leather, copper, linen and even carpet, Iacutone says.

Natural materials are in big demand too, says Emily Gee of Dal Tile. Take limestone and granite slabs for countertops, for example. McMahon adds metal to the list: ceramic tiles with a very thin stainless steel surface make a nice complement to appliances and hardware. Gee’s clients are using more metal and glass on walls in kitchens and bathrooms.

Glass products are the party girls of the tile realm. They get the fun colours and add the zing to the neutral workaday world.

Glass is also a prime candidate for recycling, which more manufacturers are considering as part of a general movement toward environmentally friendly construction. Iacutone figures that glass, while still popular, probably peaked in 2005 although it has not declined much yet.

Glass tends to come in smaller tiles — 1" x 1", 2" x 2", or even 1" x 2" — for accent uses. Colours can be earthy, but are often vibrant. Small glass tiles appeal to the retro aesthetic, McMahon says, in both residential and commercial applications. They might be used as accents or as a complete backsplash. However, tiles printed with flowers or other pictures don’t appear in any but traditional homes now.

The visual emphasis of borders is a thing of the past. Most new construction will either use no border at all, or will simply insert a narrow band of identical tiles across the grain of the rectangular floor or wall tiles. At the same time, surfaces have gone from shiny to matte, and glass often has a frosted finish.

Although glass tiles might flaunt bright hues, most floors and walls are monochromatic and earthy. Creams and whites are still popular for walls in kitchens and bathrooms. Floors are often darker, in milk and dark chocolates, grey or brown charcoals.

It’s part of the move toward subtlety that lets consumers personalize their homes or businesses against a backdrop of neutrality, and at the same time creates cerebral images of larger, more luxuriant spaces. DQ

ECI

Manufacturing Inc. SPECIALIZING IN ELEVATOR CAB MODS

ECI Manufacturing Inc. specializes in renovations to elevator cab interiors, door skins, transoms and door jams. We have the ability to assist you with designing your elevator interiors.

• affiliated with the INTERNATIONAL UNION OF ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTORS, Local 82.

• licensed with the ELEVATING SAFETY DEVICES BRANCH of British Columbia.

• Fully versed on current Fire and Safety Codes.

• available for general contracting.

Please visit our web site to view the many elevator cab interiors we have completed.

www.ecimfg.com Administration address: 102-9946 151 Street, Surrey, BC V3R 0V5 phone: 604-760-5592 email: bud@ecimfg.com

WINTER 2007 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

41

industry focus TILES

VERSATILE TILE

BY THERESA PATERSON

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WHEN SHOPPING FOR new tile, designers should take into consideration the new styles and trends available before reaching the selection process. Although tile itself has been around for thousands of years the new generation of tile has grown in size, shape, colour and texture. With groundbreaking technologies in recent years and the introduction of porcelain tile to the marketplace, designers now have more choices than ever before.

Why so many choices, why not? Today’s consumer is looking for a theme, creativity and youthful exuberance.

Colour sophistication in tile has increased in the last few years.

There is a trend towards glamour and elegance, with pleasing new hues. Builder’s beige is boring. As the lighter palette is declining in popularity designers are now leaning toward more colour. The newest neutrals are found in the brown family, from chocolate brown to walnut hues. Brown is a must in most multifamily schemes. Colour is an affordable luxury which years ago was only available in paint. Now the availability of affordable hard surfaces in multi-colours makes it possible to create drama using ceramic or porcelain on full wall applications.

The current trend of glass and transparency has brought frosted aquas and icy blues to centre stage. Glass tile has made a strong come back in the tile industry and is stocked in an array of sizes and finishes by most tile distributors. From frosted to iridescent finishes glass brings a fresh look to any new project.

Metallic hues have added a splash of excitement to the colour palette especially when incorporated in modern monolithic interiors along with stainless steel appliances and metal finishes.

Although metallics are used more commonly as accent pieces, the new larger format metallic glazed porcelains in sizes up to 24"x24" have recently been introduced to the marketplace. These new glazes allow for floor application in commercial and multifamily projects.

Matte finishes have also gained popularity in recent years.

This minimalist approach to design worked its way throughout the design industry. The look is clean and simple and the price fits within the budget constraints of most developers. As it is budget for beauty for most builders, designers have managed to keep the integrity of the project in tack by using inexpensive matte finished wall tiles.

Texture has been added as a design element. Linen and sackcloth finishes have given a more luxurious look to today’s tile.

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

Leather textures that are so realistic it’s hard to believe they are actually porcelain tiles. Softening up the look of tile has made them appealing to the most discerning customer.

With the recent inspiration of Versailles, fabric motifs of damask and wallpaper prints have appeared at design shows in both Italy and Spain. The luxury fabrics of the 18th and 19th century have made their way into the hard surface world. This old look, reinvented, has made it possible to make any wall in a home more interesting.

This year’s newest introduction to the tile industry has been animal print. Who would of thought years ago that zebra, crocodile and snakeskin textures would make their way as backdrops to feature walls in living rooms, dining areas and master ensuites.

This safari inspired look has been tastefully put together to give some fantasy to any home.

The biggest change in hard surfaces in recent years has been the lean towards larger format tiles or stone. The bigger the better.

Look forward to seeing tiles as large as 24"x24" installed in any project from multi-family to commercial. As our consumers are becoming more sophisticated in their design taste, it is apparent that a square tile is no longer interesting enough. They are looking for products that are available in multi-sizes such as 16"x24", 16"x16", 8"x16" and 8"x8", which gives them the possibility to create an interesting pattern on their floor. Even with all the technical advancement replicating the look of natural stone in a porcelain tile, natural stone is still in high demand. Often a consumer is looking for a timeless and ageless look that they feel only natural stone can satisfy. Not only is natural stone used on a floor application, but it is not uncommon to see a bathroom adorned entirely in stone. With the technology of the new stone sealers, where once stone had its limitation in the North American market, you are now seeing natural stone products used anywhere such as spas and steam rooms. The beauty and colour selection of natural stone gives the perception of added value. DQ Theresa Paterson is vice-president of sales for Creative Surface Inc. located in Burnaby, B.C. Considered a young company in the tile industry, Creative Surface has been in business for only 11 years and has successfully expanded well into the B.C. and Alberta market place. For more information, contact Theresa at 604.435.2216.

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Š Cambria 2006

S p e c i a l

A d v e r t i s i n g

F e a t u r e

Commercial Electronics Ltd. has been introducing leading edge audio, video and control technology in Vancouver for 50 years

I

t takes determination, time and, yes, some luck to build a company like Commercial Electronics Ltd. From its roots as a one man service outlet, founded by Henry von Tiesenhausen in 1957, Commercial Electronics has evolved into a diverse multi-faceted organization, employing dozens of highly specialized technicians and engineers with many different skills in audio video and control systems.

Commercial Electronics boasts an enviable resume, including the design, installation and maintenance of many small home systems to large-scale audiovisual projects worldwide.

The company’s status as a leader in the audiovisual sector was highlighted during Expo ’86 in an article in Equity Magazine. “Can you believe it?” exclaimed the spokesman for a firm bidding to produce the show in the Futures Theatre in Expo ’86 Preview Centre. “We spent hundreds of dollars on long distance calls … to Hollywood, New York and Europe, trying to find the experts in audiovisual automation systems to work with us.” Do you know what we were told?

They said, “Why are you calling us?

You’ve got the world leader Commercial Electronics right there in Vancouver!”

Commercial Electronics is still going strong. It is now an organization of 70 people that prides itself on being the most diversified company in the field of audio, video and control devices. Commercial Electronics’ seven divisions are as varied as the scope of the projects it undertakes, and the divisions work together on projects when fields of expertise overlap.

Today’s tech-savvy customers have vast product knowledge and expect many interesting combinations and uses of new technology in the office

and in the home.

It is the synergy and expertise of Commercial Electronics’ staff that makes it possible for the company to take on and successfully complete challenging projects. To cite some recent examples this year: When Orca Bay, together with Bose Corp., decided to upgrade the sound system at GM Place, they looked to Commercial Electronics to complete this challenging $500,000 project.

When SkyTrain and Itek planned SkyTour using Sennheiser wireless technology, they turned to Commercial Electronics to solve what initially appeared as an unsolvable problem. Commercial Electronics successfully found and implemented a solution that came to $100,000 — a large amount, yes, but a relatively small price to pay to prevent what could have become an even much more costly embarrassment.

When a very demanding customer was searching for a company to equip his dream home with the latest audio video and control systems, he engaged Commercial Electronics for this $800,000 project.

In 2007, Commercial Electronics will be celebrating 50 years of bringing together imagination and technology — from the smallest clock radio for your bedside table to the interactive audio visual control systems, such as the ones installed by Commercial Electronics in the Vancouver City council chambers or the H. R. MacMillan Space Centre.

Commercial Electronics was successful in building up its reputation as a place to go to because of its commitment to its customers, its suppliers and its staff.

“It’s this commitment that makes our customers feel secure in having their needs and dreams fulfilled,” says

Commercial Electronics’ president Henry von Tiesenhausen.

Be it a plasma or LCD video panel for the home or office, a surround sound system, a home theatre, a sophisticated boardroom, a paging system, the demanding audio visual and control requirements at the Greater Vancouver Emergency Control Centre (E-Comm), Commercial Electronics has the products and staff to fulfill every ones needs.

Commercial Electronics has always seen audio, video and control products as a fundamental part for the home or for the corporate client. So, it makes sense that it has partnered with the most respected brand name manufacturers in the audio, video and control industries — one of them being Bang & Olufsen, a recognized leader in design, form and function in the field of home entertainment.

Today’s need for high speed communication and information sharing requires advanced video conferencing systems. Commercial Electronics’ reputation as a solutions provider means it can serve these customers with the best technology available.

Commercial Electronics has approached the highly regarded Tandberg video conferencing systems’ manufacturer in this regard. Because of Commercial Electronics’ reputation as a systems integrator, the Norwegian firm did not hesitate to welcome Commercial Electronics to their team.

Commercial Electronics is looking forward to serving their customers for years to come. ■

SPECIAL FEATURE | Design Northwest 2007 Show Preview

R E G I S T E R O N L I N E AT W W W. D E S I G N N O R T H W E S T. C A

FEBRUARY 14 & 15, 2007 VANCOUVER CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE

Western Canada’s Largest Conference & Exposition for Architecture and Interior Design Seminar Highlights INTERNATIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN ROUNDTABLE: EXCITING GLOBAL PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES — FINDING SPONSORED BY THEM AND MAKING THEM HAPPEN Some of the most exciting projects in the world are happening in Southeast Asia, the Baltic States, the Middle East and other countries with emerging economies. And, free of the constraints of North Americans’ penchant for standardization, some of the most exciting design solutions are resulting. Despite the distance and language and cultural barriers, foreign clients are seeking the expertise and creative talents of North American design firms, both large and small. And professional interiors designers, known for their hands-on client collaboration, response to tight schedules and meticulous attention to detail, are rising to the challenge of providing their services in far-away places.

• • • • • •

What are the benefits and pitfalls of working on foreign projects?

What project types lend themselves to a long-distance design process?

How do you market your services to potential global clients?

Where are the opportunities today?

How do you staff offshore projects?

Do you benefit from better fees on foreign projects?

These and many other questions will be answered by our panel of illustrious design firm leaders.

Roslyn Brandt

Joe Pettipas

Rysia Suchecka

them. The problems we will discuss will include procurement issues, understanding construction contracts, making contract changes, handling changes to the site, tackling performance delays, construction deficiencies, builders liens and effectively resolving disputes. This seminar is for public and private owners, developers, project managers, architects, engineers, consultants, construction managers, contractors, subcontractors and material suppliers who need to address legal issues throughout the construction process. Be sure to bring your questions for this panel of professionals!

Presenters: Glen Boswall, Partner, Clark Wilson LLP Samantha Ip, Partner, Clark Wilson LLP Amy Mortimore, Associate, Clark Wilson LLP Hannelie Stockenstrom, Partner, Clark Wilson LLP

INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL ROUNDTABLE: CIVIC DESIGN IN THE URBAN REALM

SPONSORED BY

Contemporary cities exhibit a wide range of scales, from the tightly grained environment of independent entrepreneurs to the large grained and often generic environment of corporate America. It is essential that the city envision and shepherd the evolution of the public realm, so that developers will understand their role in contributing to that vision. The result will be a cohesive and clear analysis of the design intent for all parts of the city, which will yield economic and civic rewards for all participants.

Jon Sunderland

Moderator: Roslyn Brandt, Principal, Brandt Resources, New York David Wilkinson

Panel: Joe Pettipas, HOK, Principal, HOK Toronto Rysia Suchecka, Principal, NBBJ Seattle Jon Sunderland, Principal, Smart Design Group, Vancouver

RESOLVING PROBLEMS AND DISPUTES ON CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

Arun Jain

Moderator: David Wilkinson, Cannon Design Panel: Brent Toderian, Director of Planning, City of Vancouver Arun Jain, AICP, Chief Urban Designer, City of Portland SPONSORED BY

When getting involved in a construction project, all the players should hope for the best and plan for the worst. Unfortunately, that does not always happen. In this seminar, various members of Clark Wilson LLP’s Construction Law Group will address some of the most common problems that arise during construction projects, how to plan for them and how to resolve

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Brent Toderian

WHAT’S NEW IN LIGHTING AND INCENTIVES FOR LIGHTING DESIGN

SPONSORED BY

Discover the latest in energy-efficient lighting products and controls that can save energy, help you operate more efficiently, enhance safety and comfort and improve your bottom line. This fast-paced presentation will cover high-efficiency ballasts, luminaries and lighting controls — complete

Water experts recommend Grohe:

“There is nothing I like more than a great shower.”

Daeng Malee, Elephant rider, Thailand

new

The new Grohe Rainshower with Grohe DreamSpray® It’s excitement all-over with the new Grohe Rainshower® featuring Grohe DreamSpray®. Hundreds of perfectly aligned jets combined with sophisticated engineering guarantee an incomparable shower experience with this oversized shower head. A new dimension in showering.

www.grohe.com 1.888.644.7643

2198 Yukon Street, Vancouver, BC Tel: 604-873-0004

3265 McCallum Road, Abbotsford, BC Tel: 604-864-2671

840 Cloverdale, Victoria, BC Tel: 250-475-1120

982 Camosun Crescent, Kamloops, BC Tel: 250-374-8721

2220 Willgress Road, Nanaimo, BC Tel: 250-751-7584

#B-4995 Polkey Road, Duncan, BC Tel: 250-715-0823

2288 Hunter Road Kelowna, BC Tel: 250-860-4366

Suite 100 - 19630 Langley By Pass Langley, BC Tel: 604-539-2167

SPECIAL FEATURE | Design Northwest 2007 Show Preview

Seminar Highlights con’t with product samples, demonstrations and application opportunities. Plus you’ll hear how can access incentives and resources to design more effective and energy-efficient lighting in new commercial developments. Register early, this popular seminar fills up quickly!

Presenters: Roy Hughes, PEng, LC, Senior Energy Management Engineer, BC Hydro Cristian Suvagau, Ph.D., PEng, LC, Energy Management Engineer, BC Hydro Nancy Yap, High Performance Buildings, BC Hydro

INCORPORATING SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES INTO OFFICE AND RETAIL DESIGN

THE HOTEL EXPERIENCE: FROM PURE HOTEL TO RESORT RESIDENTIAL SPONSORED BY

Based on the author’s 15 years of experience in facility management at Canada’s largest credit union, a rationale and business case for sustainable design for office and retail becoming the norm will be provided.

The key principles used to provision physical premises include: • Maximizing member/customer experience • Maximizing employee experience • Minimizing impact on the environment From a premises point of view, these principles enable us to provide customers with outstanding service, create a great place to work and demonstrate a “lead by example” approach by using our resources and expertise to effect positive change in our communities.

Key environmentally responsible practices will be presented as they relate to: • Maximizing energy efficiency • Recycling of waste materials • Maximizing the recycled content in/recyclability of, building materials/ furnishings • Ensuring excellent indoor environmental quality • Maximizing water efficiency • Maximizing the use of alternative transportation • Minimizing the environmental footprint In addition, as a wrap up a reality check on what has worked and has not worked to date will be discussed.

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

Presenters: Tom Annandale, Architect, Toby Russell Buckwell Partners Brian O’Donnell, Engineer, Prism Engineering Ltd. Diane Shrub, Design Consultant, Shrub Design Partnership Jeremy Trigg, Director Facility Management, Vancity Savings Credit Union

SPONSORED BY

Current hotel developments fit on the spectrum from pure hotel to resort residential. This presentation will investigate the parameters that lead to a successful hotel and provide examples of the range of approaches on current properties. These parameters include: boutique vs. flag properties; the entry experience; the duality of success — sales and hotel occupancy; purchaser options/strata sales and purchaser profiles and, hotel amenities such as restaurants, bars and spas.

Presenter: Ron Lea, Partner, Folio Hotel and Resort Architecture

VANCOUVER REAL ESTATE MARKET: TODAY, TOMORROW & SPONSORED BY WHAT’S IN THE FUTURE A panel of leading real estate senior research executives will offer their insights on the strategic issues facing the real estate market in Vancouver and BC as a whole. Specific references will be made to the office, industrial, retail and multi-unit residential markets. The panelists will discuss where they see the real estate cycle leading over the next four quarters, and how long this continued growth will continue.

Employment, population growth and economic growth for the Vancouver market will be presented.

Presenters: Russ Bougie, Broker-Industrial Sales, Colliers International Jennifer Podmore, Managing Partner, MPC Intelligence Inc. Curtis Redel, Retail Advisory Services, Avison Young Commercial Real Estate Andrea Welburn, Research Director, Cushman Wakefield LePage

Fueling Your Passion for Cooking

A Wolf product is more than just a tool for cooking. It’s an invitation to cook. Make your meals, even the ambitious ones, come out just right. The power, finesse and ease of Wolf cooking instruments leave no room for doubt. If cooking is your passion, this is your instrument!

RADLEEKitchen DISTRIBUTORS INC. at The BLiving Showroom

www.bradlee.net BRADLEE DISTRIBUTORS INC. www.bradlee.net

TradeShowroom showroom available available by by appointment. appointment only.

RICHMOND

CALGARY

13780 Bridgeport Road, Richmond BC V6V 1V3 604.244.1744

6311 Centre Street SW, Calgary AB T2H 0C7 403.297.1000

SPECIAL FEATURE | Design Northwest 2007 Show Preview

Seminar Highlights con’t THE LANGUAGE OF TRUE VALUE BASED DESIGN

THE MYTHS AND THE FACTS OF GREEN ROOFS

SPONSORED BY Decisions regarding real estate have historically been made primarily based on price. This has generated a focus on low bidding that has commoditized the entire supply chain from rent through professional architectural, design and engineering fees on to the cost of construction, cost of furnishings and all that is required to deliver a finished working environment. This obsession with first cost has eclipsed the language of value to the point where it is rarely considered in the decision. As a result short term initial cost avoidance decisions are made that pass on long term burdens of cost, social and environmental impact to future generations. Learn how companies are beginning to realize that rising energy and operating costs, measurable costs of ownership, the growing war for talent and the rising need for agility in the physical real estate that can match that required by business are all combining to generate an appetite for value and not just price.

SPONSORED BY Why do some people still think that green roofs cause leaks? And why can’t we give green roofs an “R” value? Find out how green roofs will actually extend the life of your roofing membrane and that the real value of a green roof is not in its “R” value. This session will focus on the results from the recently released research at the Centre for the Advancement of Green Roofs, School of Construction and Environment, BCIT, to answer these and other questions by the building industry.

“These days man knows the price of everything, but the value of nothing.”

– Oscar Wilde Through use of current trends and statistics, actual project experience and valid concepts learn new ways in which the language of value can be reintroduced to change the perspective and decisions made around corporate real estate with notable results for all stakeholders.

Presenter: Bill Black, National Director – Strategic Business Solutions, Haworth

THE MAHARAM APPROACH This presentation introduces Maharam’s inter-disciplinary approach to design and highlights the product, graphic, and interior design efforts of this 104-year old family-owned textile business.

SPONSORED BY

Moderator: Anita Green, Education Coordinator, Centre for the Advancement of Green Roof Technology, BCIT Panel: Karen K.Y. Liu, Acting Program Head, Centre for the Advancement of Green Roof Technology, School of Construction and the Environment, BCIT Jamie Mackay, Project Engineer, Morrison Hershfield Randall Sharp, Principal, Sharp and Diamond Landscape Architects and Planning

LEED STANDARDS FOR IEQ AND BUILDING DURABILITY There is increasing interest in public and private sector organizations regarding the advantages of constructing, operating, working or residing in buildings meeting LEED standards. These standards are more demanding that existing environmental and energy-performance requirements. Improved indoor air quality and comfort in addition to mold and moisture control and increased building durability are consistently cited as key advantages of living and working in sustainable buildings. The panel will present and overview of the LEED, Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), and durability requirements and practices referencing case studies based on current experience to provide insight.

Panel: Elia Sterling, President, Theodor Sterling Associates Jason Teetaert, General Manager, Detec Systems

Presenter: Shannon Hollman-Merz, Maharam

FO X CR A F T S T ONE W OR K S I NC.

Old World to New Age cast stone fireplace surrounds, custom built to suit your home.

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

Foxcraft Stoneworks Inc. Maple Ridge BC (604) 462-1125 website: foxcraftstoneworks.com

SPECIAL FEATURE | Design Northwest 2007 Show Preview

Seminar Highlights con’t PROJECT MANAGEMENT: INTRODUCTORY PROJECT MANAGEMENT MINI-COURSE: 12 STEPS TO ENSURE SUCCESS AND AVOID CONSTRUCTION DISPUTES SPONSORED BY More than ever before, companies need to be able to respond quickly, focus resources and deliver projects on time and within budget. If you are a building owner or manager, you need to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies to help you be an effective project manager/team leader.

From this mini-course you will learn: • How to properly initiate a project, define and validate project goals, requirements, and objectives; people, process, and product management; quality planning and control; contract and procurement management; managing performance, relationships and expectations.

• The key responsibilities in project plan development; project plan execution; integrated change control.

• The key elements of cost and schedule management.

• How to apply practical risk management techniques in the planning and control of your project • How to keep your team committed throughout the project

7.

8.

9.

10.

Find out how to overcome impasses with creative options.

Learn to enter negotiations from a position of strength.

Discover secrets to lasting agreements that lead to stronger relationships.

Obtain a set of custom countermeasures to your top negotiating challenges.

Presenter: Randy Hnatko, President, Trainwest Management and Consulting Inc.

FORM, FUNCTION & FINANCE: WHAT ARCHITECTS, INTERIOR DESIGNERS, AND PURCHASING AGENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOTEL VALUES Finally, understand the perspective of owners and operators as they evaluate design elements based on cost, function, and operational efficiency. Learn how real estate issues, return on investment and operating costs play into design deciios. Then move from “good to great” in meeting owner needs and expectations.

Presenter: TBA

Course Instructor: Roy Cook, Principal Instructor, Atocrates Inc. Each class participant will receive handouts as well as copies of all slides in a seminar booklet.

NEGOTIATING WITH THE SAVVY BUYER

SPONSORED BY

If this sounds like you, join us for our negotiating workshop: • Long, uncomfortable price negotiations.

• Finding your self up against professional buyers who study negotiating and play to win.

• Walking away wondering if you really worked the best deal possible.

Is this seminar right for you? Let the games begin! Buyers will always try to get as much as they can for the dollar — but you can’t deliver quality products and services if you give up too much in the negotiating game. It is in both your best interest and your buyer’s that you master the art of negotiating.

Negotiating is something that many people dread. We’ll establish why people find negotiating difficult and why your natural responses often work against you. Learn to avoid the biggest negotiating mistakes. If you were successful negotiating just 2 more contracts what would that be worth?

Your Top Ten Take-Aways from this Workshop: 1. Discover your negotiating strengths and weaknesses and create a plan to sharpen your skills.

2. Learn to turn unresolved differences into greater mutual gains.

3. Discover how to negotiate comfortably with win/win and win/lose counterparts.

4 Practice countermeasures to overcome buyers’ gambits.

5. Gain fluency to be effective and unflappable under pressure.

6. See how you can prepare quickly and thoroughly for negotiation with our preparation worksheet.

INSIDE THE KITCHEN: CUSTOMIZING MADE EASY SPONSORED BY Design of the modern kitchen has been elevated to an art form. There are infinite options for the exterior look of a kitchen but many designers are not aware of the interior options available to customize this space. Many consumers that employ a professional to help them with the design of their kitchen have already experienced a beautiful kitchen and want to take their project to the next level. This session will look at a variety of consumers and their accessory “hot buttons”. The latest specialized kitchen centers will also be presented along with inspiration on how to outfit them. This session is a must for professionals looking to rise above the crowd by looking at kitchen design from the inside out.

Presenter: Jan Rutgers BSc., CKD, CBD, Jan Rutgers Design Inc.

TRENDS FOR THE GREATER UNIVERSE OF COLOUR

Leatrice Eiseman

SPONSORED BY Fashion, art, technology, entertainment and even social consciousness can affect trends.

Expanding your thinking to include this “greater universe” of colour can provide new insights. Join Leatrice Eiseman, author of seven books on color and Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute as she explains the significance, background and importance of the newest colour and design trends.

Presenter: Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute

2007 Schedule of Events PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

REAL ESTATE

CONSTRUCTION

DESIGN

Buildex Vancouver February 14 and 15 Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre www.buildexvancouver.com

Vancouver Real Estate Forum April 25 Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre www.realestateforums.com

B.C. Construction Show / Homebuilder Expo February 14 and 15 Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre www.bcconstruct.com

Design Northwest February 14 and 15 Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre www.designnorthwest.ca

Buildex Edmonton May 8 and 9 Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton www.buildexedmonton.com

Edmonton Real Estate Forum May 2 Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton www.realestateforums.com

Construct Edmonton / Homebuilder Expo May 8 and 9 Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton www.constructedmonton.com

DesignTrends Edmonton May 8 and 9 Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton www.designtrendsedmonton.com

Buildex Calgary November 6 and 7 Roundup Centre, Calgary www.buildexcalgary.com

Calgary Real Estate Forum October 24 Calgary TELUS Convention Centre www.realestateforums.com

Construct Calgary / Homebuilder Expo November 6 and 7 Roundup Centre, Calgary www.constructcalgary.com

DesignTrends Calgary November 6 and 7 Roundup Centre, Calgary www.designtrendscalgary.com

Buildex Seattle November 6 and 7 Washington State Convention & Trade Centre www.buildexseattle.com

Calgary Real Estate Leasing Conference October 25 Calgary TELUS Convention Centre www.realestateforums.com

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

For more information For complete conference and exposition information go to our website at www.designnorthwest.ca.

IT IS NO LONGER AV

SPONSORED BY

Throughout the 90’s the installation of consumer electronics in upscale homes arrived and entered the main stream. It would have been hard to miss. Now, an entirely new version has defined itself.

While it has yet to earn a formal name the “infrastructural centralized system” has arrived under the cloak of the “integrated system” or “home automation”. It is responding to the growing awareness and desire of an increasingly wealthy clientele to have access to centralized audio collections, video collections, dimming control, data, internet access and temperature control. They represent both an opportunity and a challenge to the design community. Unlike the simple installation of a surround system and a flat screen, these more comprehensive systems require design and process and require specially designed products that you cannot find in a retail store. In a humor packed hands-on session, Rob Gerhardt provides examples and explanations in a non-technical, easily absorbed format. Nothing will stop this trend, those who prepare will prosper.

Presenter: Rob Gerhardt, Custom Integration Designer, Group Gerhardt LLC

THE SOCIALIZATION OF THE KITCHEN

SPONSORED BY

The kitchen is not only a place to cook anymore but a place to converse and gather. Kitchen design continues to adapt to changing perceptions of the kitchen as the “new living room”. The kitchen is now a meeting place, a place for interaction and entertainment. This important room must now meet consumers’ new social and lifestyle expectations while maintaining functionality. This session will offer insight into how the kitchen has moved beyond the cooking area to a place of socialization and the subsequent impact it has had on design.

Presenters: Kitchen design industry consultants to be confirmed

ASP HOME STAGING — A PARADIGM SHIFT The Creator of Home Staging, Barb Schwarz, will explain what staging is and how to become an Accredited Staging Professional, including details about accreditation for commercial properties, coming in 2008. Staging is changing the way real estate is sold with some markets calling an ASP Staging Professional before the

real estate agent. Another new market trend is seeing the builder or developer hire a stager to assist their potential buyers with selling their current homes faster and for more money so they can turn around and purchase the builder’s property. Staging is beginning to make inroads with commercial real estate as well. The definition of staging versus decorating will be explained — how staging markets a house while decorating creates a home.

Presenter: Barb Schwarz, CEO & Founder, StagedHomes.com

HIGH IMPACT PROPOSALS Because of increased competition, firms must write an increasing number of proposals each year. Discover innovative concepts, unconventional proposal writing techniques, and useful tools to increase your proposal hit rate, improve their effectiveness, and reduce costs. Unlike in the past, more and more clients today are picking firms straight from proposals vs. presentations. This session will help you increase your hit rate by employing ideas and techniques used and proven by hundreds of other design professionals. Analyze actual proposals, evaluate their acceptance potential, and identify common pitfalls and mistakes .Target responses to each request for proposals by using the tools provided. Analyze and receive feedback on proposals written during the session.

Presenter: TBA

PROJECT MANAGEMENT 201: TROUBLE SHOOTING & SPONSORED BY MANAGING PROJECT RISKS Please note that this session builds on concepts presented in the February 14 session on project management (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm). Participants are strongly encouraged to attend the earlier session in order to gain the maximum benefit from this follow-up workshop.

Effective project management includes the ability to anticipate and forestall problems that could derail your project. The project manager’s success is often linked to his or her ability and skill in managing risk and minimizing the impact of changes to both the project scope and product scope. Usually this ability is developed and the skills honed only through prolonged exposure to the project

NEWPRODUCTSHOWCASE New Faucet Integrates Water Filtration Canadian kitchens are getting a face lift, thanks to Moen Canada’s innovative new integrated filtration system — ChoiceFlo™.

Consumers can now have filtered and ordinary tap water directly from their kitchen faucets without unsightly attachments. New filtering technology has been integrated into Moen’s popular — and affordable — Chateau® kitchen faucet, which at first glance looks and operates like a traditional faucet.

“Research into the problems consumers experience in and around their kitchen sink revealed that one of the areas of greatest opportunities was improving the quality of water from the kitchen faucet,” said Tim McDonough, vice president of Wholesale Marketing and Brand Development for Moen Canada. “ChoiceFlo makes it easy for consumers to have filtered water at their finger tips at all times, without sacrificing the style of their faucet.”

The Chateau faucet with ChoiceFlo is one faucet spout providing two water supply options — filtered and non-filtered. To switch from tap to filtered water, consumers simply turn the filtration handle. Certified by NSF, the under-the-sink carbon filter removes a wide range of contaminants found in your tap water. Users can fill glasses or pitchers of water in no time, thanks to a generous flow rate of 3.8 litres per minute. An integrated filter-life indicator signals when it needs to be replaced.

Extremely easy to install and priced to become a part of consumer’s daily lives, homeowners will be left wondering how they ever lived without it.

For more information on Moen’s new ChoiceFlo water filtration technology, visit www.moen.com or call 1-800-465-6130.

WINTER 2007 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

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SPECIAL FEATURE | Design Northwest 2007 Show Preview

Seminar Highlights con’t management environment. This course will give you a head start at developing the necessary trouble-shooting skills you need and give effective tips on how to get a distressed project back on track.

You will learn: • The key elements of the Project Management Body of Knowledge, and how to use them as a tool for tracking and monitoring the health of a project • How to identify key indicators and predictors that trouble is brewing with your project • How to identify potential problems in project scope, quality, communications, human resources, risk management, procurement management, and integration management • The most effective strategies and techniques to use to avoid problems and mitigate risk • The most effective approaches to project problem solving; what change management is and how to use it effectively during a project • What to look for and what questions to ask to get a true picture of the status of your projects(s) Course Instructor: Roy Cook, Principal Instructor, Atocrates Inc. Each class participant will receive handouts as well as copies of all slides in a seminar booklet.

LEED CI (COMMERCIAL INTERIORS) “ON A SHOESTRING” Find out how to apply Canada’s newest LEED rating System to our largest construction market — Commercial Interiors. The LEED® for Commercial Interiors Rating System is an integrated design tool used to minimize environmental impact and maximize occupant comfort and performance of tenant spaces. As more and more owners are asking for healthy, energy efficient environments, LEED CI can be employed to help designers and contractors deliver this environment, and to measure the results. Cost has been a perceived barrier to achieving these results, examples of how creativity and innovation can cost LESS than ‘business as usual’ will be examined in two case studies of LEED CI projects.

Presenters: Brenda Martens, Recollective Consulting Eesmyal Santos-Brault, Principal, Recollective Consulting

GREEN BUILDING RATING SYSTEMS; THE WHAT, WHEN AND HOW

SPONSORED BY

LEED? BuiltGreen? UBC REAP? Which is applicable to your project? How are they similar? What are the differences? How do your products fit? To what extent does learning one give you a jumpstart on the others? This dynamic panel-format presentation brings together industry experts to from different building sectors with the express purpose of helping contractors and suppliers quickly get to grips with the various requirements of each system. They will share practical tips and tricks to successfully bidding and building green in BC along with tales from the trenches, pitfalls and short cuts.

Presenters: Helen Goodland, Executive Director, Light House Sustainable Building Centre Murray MacKinnon, Senior Project Manager, Ledcor Construction Ltd. Jorge Marques Acting Director, UBC Sustainability Office Craig Shishido, Green Building Program Coordinator, Greater Vancouver Regional District

EQUITY IN THE DETAILS — ACCESSIBILITY & UNIVERSAL DESIGN SPONSORED BY Explore the “how” and “why” details Aquassure relating to barrierfree access, Universal Design and Human Rights accommodations. This session will increase the participant’s awareness of accessibility, usability and equity requirements. As designers of the built-environment, you will come to have a new understanding of the broad range of user-inputs required for a successful design, which incorporates usability for all.

Bath Products Inc.

Have you developed a taste for the iner things?

F

HanStone gives you the sweetest options on the market.

What does it take to satisfy a discriminating taste? Superior quality. Elegant styling. Unmatched beauty. Which is exactly what you’ll find with HanStone.

HanStone is designed to please even your most demanding customers. It’s incredibly resistant to chipping, cracking or staining. It’s non-porous, which makes it resistant to bacteria and easy to clean. In addition, it never needs sealing, polishing or refinishing. And it comes in a broad array of colors and patterns.

Plus it’s backed by unmatched service and support that includes a 10-year transferable warranty. For more information, visit our website at www.hanstoneusa.com and find out how you can give your customers a taste of true premium quality.

Available in Vancouver at: Suite C, Cypress, CA 90630 HANWHA SURFACES 11165 Knott Ave. TEL: 1-888-Hanwha1 (1-888-426-9421) EMAIL: info@hanwhasurfaces.com

Pacific Granite Manufacturing Ltd. Tel: 604-291-2888 Fax: 604-291-0488 Email: pacificgranite@shawbiz.ca

Come see us at Booth 772 at Design Northwest – February 14 & 15

Colors above above are are a sample of the 21 28 colors and patterns HanStone offers.

Colors

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

Speaker: Brian R. M. Everton, Design For All Inc.

For complete a listing and description of the educational seminars available this year at Design Northwest, go to our website at www.designnorthwest.ca.

Sometimes, what you see depends on how you look at it.

Marmoleum mineral, prisma and graphic are unique flooring designs.

Unique because when you zoom in the patterns of these natural linoleum floor coverings, they reveal themselves to be powerful, rich and refined. Yet zoom out and see them in context, and they blend together, creating an effect that no other floor covering can match.

Made from renewable natural ingredients, Marmoleum features naturally inherent anti-microbial and anti-static properties for healthier indoor environments. Marmoleum’s Topshield finish provides an occupancy-ready floor covering with improved appearance retention and a low cost of ownership.

specify

performance

MARMOLEUM® mineral, prisma, graphic

creating better environments 1-800-842-7839 • info@fL-NA.com • www.forboflooringNA.com • www.floorcostcomparison.com

SPECIAL FEATURE | Design Northwest 2007 Show Preview

Design Northwest 2007 Seminar Program At-A-Glance Wednesday, February 14

Thursday, February 15

8:00 am – 9:30 am

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

INTERNATIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN ROUNDTABLE: EXC ITING GLOBAL PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES — FINDING THEM AND MAKING THEM HAPPEN

ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SKILLS

8:30 am – 10:00 am

SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIES FOR DEALING WITH THE DEFINITELY DIFFICULT

RESOLVING PROBLEMS AND DISPUTES ON CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

8:00 am – 9:30 am

8:30 am – 10:00 am

INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL ROUNDTABLE: CIVIC DESIGN IN THE URBAN REALM

WHAT’S NEW IN LIGHTING AND INCENTIVES FOR LIGHTING DESIGN

8:30 am – 10:00 am

8:30 am – 10:00 am

TRENDS FOR THE GREATER UNIVERSE OF COLOUR

INCORPORATING SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES INTO OFFICE AND RETAIL DESIGN

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

BUILDING VALUE SYMPOSIUM

THE HOTEL EXPERIENCE: FROM PURE HOTEL TO RESORT RESIDENTIAL

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE OFFICE DEVELOPER: DOES IT ADD TO THE BOTTOM LINE?

VANCOUVER REAL ESTATE MARKET: TODAY, TOMORROW & WHAT’S IN THE FUTURE

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

LEED CI (COMMERCIAL INTERIORS) “ON A SHOESTRING”

THE LANGUAGE OF TRUE VALUE BASED DESIGN

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

THE SOCIALIZATION OF THE KITCHEN

THE MAHARAM APPROACH

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

ASP HOME STAGING — A PARADIGM SHIFT

THE MYTHS AND THE FACTS OF GREEN ROOFS

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

HIGH IMPACT PROPOSALS

LEED STANDARDS FOR IEQ AND BUILDING DURABILITY

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

PROJECT MANAGEMENT 201: TROUBLE SHOOTING & MANAGING PROJECT RISKS

STRATEGY ALIGNED WORKPLACE: TOWARDS SYNCHRONIZING PEOPLE PROCESS AND TECHNOLOGY

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

THE LAW OF TENDERING IN 2007

PROJECT MANAGEMENT: INTRODUCTORY PROJECT MANAGEMENT MINI-COURSE: 12 STEPS TO ENSURE SUCCESS AND AVOID CONSTRUCTION DISPUTES

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

NEGOTIATING WITH THE SAVVY BUYER FORM, FUNCTION & FINANCE: WHAT ARCHITECTS, INTERIOR DESIGNERS AND PURCHASING AGENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOTEL VALUES INSIDE THE KITCHEN: CUSTOMIZING MADE EASY 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

IT IS NO LONGER AV EQUITY IN THE DETAILS — ACCESSIBILITY & UNIVERSAL DESIGN

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

GREEN BUILDING RATING SYSTEMS; THE WHAT, WHEN AND HOW * NOTE: Seminar program current as of January 12, 2007. Times and topics subject to change. For the latest up-to-date information, go to www.designnorthwest.ca.

INDUSTRY COCKTAIL RECEPTION

NEWPRODUCTSHOWCASE Wallcoverings take on sustainable characteristics Odyssey Wallcoverings, Canada’s Obvious choice for commercial wallcoverings, introduces Surface iQ from Len-Tex. How do you protect the wall when the client doesn’t want to use vinyl? For more than 40 years vinyl has been the choice finish when seeking an attractive highly durable finish for commercial walls. Now, when clients decide that they’d like a cleaner alternative, there is a truly viable option.

Thanks to completely new technology from LenTex, surface-iQ offers a ground-breaking product that reflects a sincere regard for the environment. By utilizing an engineered polyethylene film, PVC and plasticizers have been eliminated from Surface iQ. This new film allows all of the ease of cleaning and durability of vinyl with no elemental chlorine, heavy metals, cadmium, mercury, formaldehyde, or any ozone depleting chemicals. Furthermore, it includes good things like a halogen-free fire retardant and non-arsenate based anti-microbial additives which inhibit the growth of mould and bacteria. This superior film is then decorated using AquaClear water based inks and protective coatings to provide a longlasting finish.

The result of all this engineering is a product that

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DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

meets or exceeds all physical performance characteristics required for Type II Classification, passes the California Section 01350 protocol for indoor air quality, and is a BuildingGreen Approved Product in Greenspec 2006.

Using a product this clean means you have greater end-of-life options. It is recommended that Surface iQ be converted to clean energy through waste-to-energy incineration, however if a facility is not available in your area, Len-Tex will accept the material in a “return-to-mill” program. And because it is non-leaching it can also be safely landfilled.

Ideal for LEED projects, Surface iQ helps maintain the environmental integrity of the project without compromising style or performance.

Surface iQ is a new beginning for an industry needing an innovation and offers the design community a wallcovering product meeting design, function and environmental challenges.

Surface iQ is distributed exclusively in Canada by Odyssey Wallcoverings. For more information contact your local sales rep or visit Odyssey online at www.odysseywallcoverings.com and discover for yourself why Odyssey is the OBVIOUS CHOICE for commercial wallcoverings.

Exhibitor List 24 Hour Glass Ltd.

Blanco Canada

Burritt Bros. Carpets

Canlyte

www.24hourglass.ca

www.blancocanada.com

www.beattyfloors.com

www.canlyte.com

A.K. Draft Seal Ltd.

Blenard's Decor

C.R. Laurence Co., Inc.

www.draftseal.com

www.blenardsdecor.ca

Cannon Hygiene

www.crlaurence.com

www.cannonhygiene.ca

Access Group ACO Systems

Bloom's Ventures

CAHPI(BC)

Cansel Survey Equipment

www.acocan.ca

Acryline Air Baths

Blueridge Sales BOMA BC

www.acrylineusa.com

www.boma.bc.ca

Aeroflo Inc.

Bordignon Distribution Ltd. Bordignon Monuments Ltd. Bradlee Distributors

www.cambriausa.com

www.bradlee.net

Canada Revenue Agency

Brady Canada

www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca

www.bradycanada.com

Canadian Pest Control

Brite-Lite Wholesale Lighting

www.canadianpest.com

www.aeroflo.com

Aggressive Distributing Inc. www.stonecraft.ca

All Weather Windows Ltd. www.allweatherwindows.com

Allied Windows www.alliedwindows.com

American Technical Publishers www.go2atp.com

www.bloomsfloorswithflair.com

www.cahpi.bc.ca

www.cansel.ca

Calibri Design Inc.

Canstar Restorations Ltd.

www.calibridesign.com

www.canstarrestorations.com

Cambria Quartz Surfacing

www.brite-lite.com

Cascade Plumbing Products www.cascadefaucets.com

Can-Cell Industries Inc.

CertainTeed Corporation

www.can-cell.com

www.certainteed.com

CGC Inc. www.cgcinc.com

CGC Inc.

Buckwold Western

Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute

www.buckwold.com

www.cpci.ca

www.cgcinc.com

Checkmate Geosynthetics www.checkmategeogrid.com

Ames Bros. Distributors Ltd. (BC) www.ames-bros.bc.ca

Apex Granite & Tile Inc. www.apexgranite.com

Aquassure Bath Products Inc. www.aquassure.com

Art Works www.artworksbc.com

Artisan Laser Works Inc. www.artisanlaserworks.com

ASSA Abloy Canada www.assaabloycanadadss.ca

ASTRAVAN Distributors Ltd. www.astravan.com

Atlas Anchor Systems www.atlas-anchor.com

For all your Ceramic Tile and Natural Stone requirements call your nearest Daltile location.

Award Magazine www.awardmagazine.com

B.A. Robinson Lighting & Bath Centre www.rlrbc.com

Baer Woodworking Ltd./Wide Plank Hardwood www.wideplankhardwood.com

Please visit us at Booth 515 at the Design Northwest Show.

Basalite Concrete Products www.basalite.com

BASF Canada Inc. www.basf-canada.ca

BC Apartment Owners and Managers Association www.bcapartmentowners.com

BC Association, Appraisal Institute of Canada www.appraisal.bc.ca

BC Construction Association www.bccassn.com

BC Safety Authority www.safetyauthority.ca

BCIT – School of Construction & The Environment www.bcit.ca/construction

BCIT Centre for the Advancement of Green Roof Technology, BCIT www.greenroof.bcit.ca

Bedrock Granite www.bedrockgranitesales.com

Belfor Restoration Services www.BelforCanada.ca

Bernard & Associates www.bernardassociates.ca

Bigfoot Systems Inc. www.bigfootsystems.com

BL Innovative Lighting www.bllighting.com

Vancouver

Calgary

Edmonton

Toronto

Showroom/Office 2770 Bentall Street Vancouver, BC V5M 4H4 Tel: 604.251.8995 Fax: 604.251.3987

Showroom/Office 3-5622 Burleigh Cres. S.E. Calgary, Alberta T2H 1Z8 Tel: 800.661.7759 Fax: 403.255.3143

Showroom/Office 11117 184th Street Edmonton, Alberta T5S 2L6 Tel: 1.780.489.9490 Fax: 1.780.489.9492

Showroom/Office Unit 1-40 Graniteridge Road Concord, ON L4K M4B Tel: 800.668.0988 Fax: 1.905.738.2147

Black & Decker www.bdhhi.com

WINTER 2007 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

57

SPECIAL FEATURE | Design Northwest 2007 Show Preview

Exhibitor List con’t Cheviot Products, Inc.

Creative Surfaces

Dupont Tyvek

GE Security Canada

www.cheviotproducts.com

www.csitile.com

www.gbpd.com

www.ge.com

Chief Architect/Delta Design Technologies

Crown Roofing & Drainage Limited

Edenvale Restoration Specialist

General Paint

www.crownroofingltd.com

www.edenvale.com

www.generalpaint.com

Crystal Tiles

ExchangEnergy

Gentek Building Products Limited

www.crystaltiles.com

www.exchangeenergy.com

www.gentek.ca

CuraFlo of BC Ltd.

Fake It

Georgia Pacific Gypsum

www.bc.curaflodealer.com

www.fakeit.ca

Custom Building Products of Canada

Fein Canadian Power Tool

Coast Wholesale Appliances Ltd. www.coastappliances.com

www.custombuildingproducts.com

Commercial Electronics Ltd.

D.J. Skinner & Associates

www.commercialelectronics.ca

www.dj-skinner.com

Concrete Magic

Daltile Canada

www.concretemagic.ca

www.daltile.com

Condominium Home Owners Association of BC

Danamac Concrete Systems

www.chiefcanada.com

Classic Teak www.teakcanada.com

CMP Software Ltd. www.cmplumbing.com

www.choa.bc.ca

www.danamac.ca

Construction Safety Network

DecTec / Skyline Building Systems Inc.

www.safetynetwork.bc.ca

www.dec-tec.com

Construction Specifications Canada www.csc-vancouver.ca

Degussa CYRO www.deglasamericas.com

Designer Glass Signs

Constructive Solutions for Business www.constructivesolutions.com

www.designerglasssigns.com

Designweave/ Patcraft www.designweave.com

Contrast Lighting Inc. www.contrastlighting.com

Detec Systems Ltd.

Cosella-Dorken Products Inc. www.cosella-doerken.com

www.detecsystems.com

www.fein.ca

Fineworks Building Supplies Ltd. www.fineworksbs.com

Firestone Building Products www.firestonebpco.ca

www.gp.com/gypsum

Global DEC-K-ING Systems www.globaldecking.com

Goodbye Graffiti www.goodbyegraffiti.com

Goodway Technologies Corporation www.goodway.com

Flextherm

Graham, a div. of Stabilit

www.flextherm.com

www.grahamfrp.com

Flextile

Greenscape Silk Design

www.flextile.net

www.greenscapesilk.com

Flir Systems

Grohe Canada Inc.

www.flir.ca

www.grohecanada.com

Fontile Corporation

Hafele Canada Inc.

www.fontile.com

www.hafele.com

Forbo Flooring Inc.

HAMBRO

www.forbolinoleumna.com

www.hambro.ws

ForeverLawn BC www.foreverlawn.ca

Hays Specialist Recruitment Canada

Foxcraft Stoneworks Inc.

Heritage Hospitality

www.foxcraftstoneworks.com

www.hays.ca www.heritagehospitalityfurniture.com

CPFilms Inc.

Dick's Lumber and Building Supplies Ltd.

www.vista-films.com

www.dickslumber.com

www.sigmacanada.com

Crane Composites, Inc.

Dominion Blue Repro Graphics

Garland Canada

www.cranecomposites.com

www.domblue.com

www.garlandco.com

Creative Door Services (Vancouver)

Duochem

Gate F/X Cedamatic Canada

Home Depot – Commercial

www.creativedoor.com

www.duochem.com

www.faiolamanufacturing.com

www.hdsupply.ca

Gaco Western/Sigma Products

Hesterman Technical Services Inc. www.hts-urethanes.com

Hilti Corporation www.hilti.ca

Greenscape 1/2 Page Horizontal AD

58

DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

Homeowner Protection Office

James Hardie Building Products

Leisure Baths

Maxxon Corporation

www.hpo.bc.ca

www.jameshardie.com

www.relax-a-mist.com

www.maxxon.ca

i Door Solutions Ltd. I-XL Masonry Supplies

Jeld-Wen

Levelset Technologies Inc.

www.jeld-wen.ca

www.levelset-technologies.com

McGregor & Thompson Hardware Ltd.

www.ixlgroup.com

Jobsite Resources

Leviton Manufacturing

www.mcgregor-thompson.com

IBC Technologies Inc.

www.jobsiteresources.com

www.leviton.com

Meadows Landscape Supply

www.ibcboiler.com

Johnsonite

LockDown Systems

www.meadowslandscapesupply.com

Icynene Inc.

www.johnsonite.com

www.lockdownsystems.com

Measure Masters

www.icynene.com

Julian Ceramic Tile

Logix Insulated Concrete Forms

www.measuremasters.ca

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies

www.juliantile.com

www.logixicf.com

MediaEDGE Communications Inc.

K2 Stone Quarries Inc.

LP Building Products

www.mediaedge.ca

www.irco.com

www.k2stonequarries.com

www.lpcorp.com

Metro Compactor West

Initial Tropical Plants

Kaba Access Control

LSC Precast

www.metrogroupcan.com

www.plants-in-buildings.com

www.kaa.kaba.com

www.lscprecast.com

Metro Wallcoverings Ltd.

INSTALL BC Floorcovering Professionals

Kaba Lodging Systems

LSI North America

www.metrowallcoverings.com

www.installbc.com

Integrated Pest Supplies, Inc. Interactive Living Inc.

www.kabalodging.com

Kamada Birdseye www.kamadabirdseye.com

www.interactiveliving.ca

Kate Holland Landscape Accessories Ltd.

Intercon Security

www.khla.com

www.interconsecurity.com

Kitchen & Bath Classics (a Wolseley Company)

Interior Designers Institute of BC

www.lsitile.com

Midland Appliance www.midlandappliance.com

Lynden Door Inc. www.lyndendoor.com

Madawaska Doors Inc. www.madawaska-doors.com

Maestro Technologies Inc. www.maestro.biz

www.wolseleyinc.ca

www.magnus.ca

International Facility Management Association, BC Chapter

KJA Consultants Inc. Kone Inc.

Mainland Exterior Stucco Restorations Inc.

www.kone.com

International Paper Industries

www.mainlandexteriors.ca

www.ipi.ca

International Play Company Inc.

www.kmew.co.jp

Mapei Inc.

www.iplayco.com

Laurentian Sales Leeza Distribution

Masco Canada Ltd.

IREM – Institute of Real Estate Management www.irembc.ca

J. Witwicki Glassworks Ltd.

www.leezadistribution.com

Moen Inc. www.moen.com

MSA Mine Safety Appliances Co. Munters Corp.

www.makita.ca

www.muntersmcs.com

Nana Wall Systems, Inc.

www.mapei.com

www.nanawall.com

National Air Technologies

www.mascocanada.com

Legnotech

Masonite International / Moulding & Millwork

www.legnotech.com

www.masonite.com

elegant, functional, timeless

www.mmpicanada.com

www.msanet.com

Makita Canada

Kubota Matsushitadenko Exterior Works, Ltd.

www.milgard.com

MMPI Canada Inc.

Magnus Chemicals Ltd.

www.idibc.org

www.ifmabc.org

Milestone Company Portfolios & Client Books Milgard Windows

www.natech.ca

National Research Council – IRC www.nrc.gc.ca

WIDE PLANK HARDWOOD

LTD.

Manufacturer of Designer Hardwood Flooring

Also available, environmentally friendly pre-finished flooring with German Hardwax Oil.

TEAK DIRECT.COM Wholesale to Designers & Architects Traditional & Custom Designs Quality Craftsmanship Guaranteed Warehouse: 220 Donaghy Ave North Vancouver (nr Cap Mall) Ph: 778 846 8325 Toll Free: 1 877 666 TEAK (8325) E: teakdirect@shaw.ca www.TeakDirect.com

CALL US FOR THE DEALER NEAREST YOU

SALES TEAM Hans Baer Karin Baer

1-877-795-2236

8444-A Aitken Rd. Chilliwack, BC V2R 3W8

www.wideplankhardwood.com WINTER 2007 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

59

SPECIAL FEATURE | Design Northwest 2007 Show Preview

Floorplan +

VANCOUVER CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE

Exhibitor List con’t Natural Resources Canada – Energy Star www.nrcan.gc.ca

NEDCO www.nedco.ca

Neogard www.conprosystems.com

Nordic Engineered Wood www.nordicewp.com

Norseman Inc. www.norseman.ca

Norstad Products www.meshwall.com

North West Landscape Northcoast Building Products Ltd. www.northcoastlumber.com

Northwest Stoves Ltd. www.northweststoves.ca

Octaform Systems Inc. www.octaform.com

Odyssey Wallcoverings www.odysseywallcoverings.com

BARRIER FREE SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Old Iron Studio Ltd. www.stairsinternational.com

Olympia Tile Int'l. Inc. www.olympiatile.com

Omega Custom Furniture & Design Inc.

from

HAFELE ARCHITECTURAL DEPARTMENT 888 437 7477

www.omegacustomfurniture.com

Omnifine Retractable Screens www.omnifine.com

Ontario Wallcoverings Orion Hardware Corp. www.orionhardware.com

60

DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

PRODUCED BY

Otis Canada Inc. www.otis.com

Pacific Newspaper Group (Vanc. Sun & Province) www.png.canwest.com

Paisley Products of Canada Inc. www.paisleypro.com

Paladin Security www.paladinsecurity.com

PAMA www.pama.ca

Panasonic Canada Inc. www.panasonic.ca

Pattar Cedar Products Ltd. www.pattargroup.com

Patterson Whittaker Architectural Profiles www.pwprofiles.com

Pella Windows and Doors www.pella.com

Penticton Economic Development www.penticton.ca

Precise Parklink www.preciseparklink.com

Preferred Consulting and Roof Management www.stoproofleaks.com

PremierGarage of GVRD www.premiergarage.com

Primco (PWL) Ltd. www.primco.ca

Primex Wireless Inc. www.primexwireless.ca

Pro-Bel Enterprises Limited www.pro-bel.ca

WINTER 2007 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

61

SPECIAL FEATURE | Design Northwest 2007 Show Preview

Exhibitor List con’t Proactive Personnel

Siplast Canada Inc.

www.proactivepersonnel.ca

www.siplast.com

United Scaffold Supply Company Inc.

PWSGC/NMSS

Six Star Trading Ltd.

www.unitedscaffold.ca

www.pwgsc.gc.ca/nms

www.sixstar100.com

Quad-Lock Building Systems Ltd.

Skyjar Designs Inc.

www.quadlock.com

Smith Energy Inc./Patterson Kelley

Van Gogh Designs Furniture Ltd.

www.qccsystems.com

www.smithenergy.com

www.vangoghdesigns.com

Quantum Lighting, Inc.

Solus Decor

Vanguard Painting

Quality Climate Control

R & B Colormaster Flooring Ltd.

Soprema Inc. www.soprema.ca

Vertafile Systems

www.randbcolormaster.com

Sound-Rite Acoustics Inc.

Radec Air and Water Solutions

www.sound-rite.com

Viessmann Manufacturing Company Inc.

www.redecgroup.com

SounDivide

www.viessmann.ca

ReadyStep

www.soundivide.com

www.readystep.ca

Staged Homes

Reed Construction Data

www.stagedhomes.com

www.reedconstructiondata.ca

Standard Products Inc.

Viscount

REIC – Real Estate Institute of Canada

www.standardproductsinc.com

www.viscount.com

www.reic.com

Standard Products Inc. (DNW) www.standardproductsinc.com

VSA Enterprises

Renaissance Surface Designs www.fauxpainting.ca

www.wa2.ca

Rheinzink Canada Ltd.

Surfwood Supply Ltd.

www.rheinzink.com

www.surfwoodsupply.com

Richelieu Hardware

T&T Windows North America Ltd.

Bird's-eye Maple is one of the rarest

www.rcabc.org

kinds of wood in the world, known for

Rooflifters Inc www.rooflifters.com

its distinctive pattern and prized by

Royal Building Systems

artisans for centuries. Now KAMADA

www.rbsdirect.com

RSC Equipment Rental www.rscrental.com

Satin Finish Hardwood Flooring www.satinfinish.com

interior products for your custom

Saturn Enterprise Corporation

design projects.

www.contools4u.com

SBM Window Fashion www.sbmwoodblind.com

Nature's work of art at your feet www.kamadabirdseye.com

62

DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

www.wrmeadows.com

Stoncor Group

www.jordans.ca

Roofing Contractors Association of BC

B.C. Construction Show Vancouver Convention Centre February 14 - 15, 2007 Booth# 1700

W.R. Meadows

www.rentcheckcorp.com

www.rockymountainstoneworks.ca

Bird's-eye Maple flooring at the

www.vsaent.com

Wa-2! Water Company Ltd.

Rocky Mountain Stoneworks

or come see our beautiful

www.vinyltek.com

Style Solutions

www.rslnz.com

contact (416) 795-2185

www.stanleysecuritysolutions.com

Vinyltek Windows

www.stoncor.com

Robinson Seismic Ltd

For more information,

Stanley Security Systems

www.wepainthouses.com

Rent Check Credit Bureau

www.richelieu.com

mouldings, panels, doors and other

www.silestone.ca

www.solusdecor.com

www.reikostone.com

wood in an exclusive line of flooring,

Valley Countertops

www.quantumlighting.com

Reiko Enterprises Ltd.

BIRDSEYE offers this exotic, durable

www.skyjardesigns.com

Schluter Systems Inc. www.schluter.com

Securitas Canada Ltd. www.securitas.ca

Select First Aid www.bcfirstaidcourses.com

Walsh Plastics Ltd.

www.tntwindows.com

Taiga Forest Products Ltd. www.taigabuilding.com

Talius – A Top Rollshutter Company www.talius.com

www.walsh-plastics.com

Warranty Resource www.warrantyresource.com

Waste Management www.wm.com

Weavercraft Distributors Inc. www.weavercraft.com

Weavercraft Distributors Inc.

Tarkett Commercial www.tarkett.com

Taymor Industries Ltd.

www.weavercraft.com

West Coast Designed Windows

www.taymor.com

www.wcdw.com

Teak Direct

West Wind Hardwood Inc.

www.teakdirect.com

www.westwindhardwood.com

Technical Consumer Products Inc.

Western Elevator Ltd.

www.tcpi.com

www.westernelevator.com

Technolux Import Export Co

Whittaker Designs

www.projectandhome.com

www.whittakerdesigns.com

Tempro Tec

Winmar Property Restoration Specialists

www.temprotec.com

Tendu Stretch Ceiling Group www.tendu.ca

www.winmar.ca

Woodtone Building Products

Terasen Gas www.terasengas.com

www.woodtone.com

The Tapco Group

Worksafe BC

www.inspireroofing.com

www.worksafebc.com

Trail Appliances Ltd. www.trailappliances.com

World Mosaic (B.C.) Ltd.

www.saniflo.com

TrashBusters.com

www.canadianbuilders.com/bc/world mosaic

Shepherd Anchor Systems Inc. Sillsaver Industries Ltd.

Tuscan Stoneworx Canada Ltd.

Xypex Chemical Corporation

www.tuscanstoneworxcanada.com

www.xypex.com

SimplexGrinnell

TVS Tenant Verification Service Inc.

Yardi Systems Inc.

www.simplexgrinnell.com

www.tenantverification.com

Simpson Strong-Tie

United Rentals, Inc.

Zurn Industries

www.strongtie.com

www.ur.com

www.zurncanada.com

SFA Saniflo

www.sillsaver.com

NEW FOR

2007

www.trashbusters.com

www.yardi.com

On-Site Job Board Visit the Job Board and seek employment opportunities. For more information on posting or seeking a job, visit www.designnorthwest.ca.

Sponsored by Hays Specialist Recruitment Canada

Architects in BC

Hillcrest Village shopping centre.

The Mathematics of Retail Design

BY MICHAEL BURTON-BROWN, MAIBC SHOPPING centres, more than most building forms, are a mathematical exercise. They are a financial model based on site area, parking ratio, site coverage and rent structure — the biggest stores paying less rent per square foot than the small “in-line” or pad building tenants.

The critical ratio — parking to retail space — has changed over the years as retailers have found they can still operate successfully with fewer parking spaces than in the past.

Thirty years ago the market and municipal requirements were 5.5 spaces for every 1000 square feet of retail space, but today the market is comfortable with ratios between 3.75 and 4.25, while the pressure from municipal planners is for 3.5 or less.

Given that the width of aisles and parking spaces is a constant, being determined by practicality and regulation, each parking space and the actual space needed for it to be accessed (aisles, cross aisles, entrance driveways, etc.), then each parking space needs not just its 9' x 19' say 171 square feet, but more like 325 square feet of parking area. Added to this, there needs to be factored in allowance for the loading bays and truck routes for the trucks serving the stores, and for sidewalks, landscaping, plazas and patios.

The essence of retail is still the exchange of goods. The merchandise has to be brought to the market efficiently and safely, the customers have to arrive easily and safely, so they can see

the merchandise, make their choices, transact the purchase and take the purchased goods home, in a sheltered, comfortable environment.

So every 1,000 square feet of retail space needs say 400 square feet of parking area and another 300 square feet of sidewalks, landscape and amenity spaces, as set-backs and the parking elements.

The optimum ratio for site coverage is therefore almost 30 per cent and I find that making an assumption of 28 per cent usually is more realistic and produces a centre with more customer appeal.

My clients therefore assume that when looking at a potential shopping centre site, they can base their revenue projection in the “pro-forma” on 28 per cent of the site as rent generating area and their construction costs on about 32 per cent for buildings, allowing for the service spaces — electrical, mechanical, corridors that do not generate rent, the balance of the 100 per cent land area being landscape, site elements and the blacktop to which costs can be assigned.

The geometry of the buildings is not random but based on the specific functional needs of the tenants and as such is very sensitive.

The anchor tenants, whose presence is essential for the success of the centre need big footprints of 30,000 square feet or more with minimum dimensions of say 150' x 200', whereas the small in-line tenants want as wide

WINTER 2007 | DESIGN QUARTERLY

63

Architects in BC a storefront as they can get and a store depth of no greater than 50 feet. Many may not want a store bigger than 1,000 square feet.

Everyone wants optimum visibility and to be located so that customers of the “anchors” have to pass or at least have strong awareness of the smaller stores, where tenants are paying the highest rents on a square foot basis. All these areas are in square feet because that is the basis on which land is purchased and rents calculated.

Drive-through restaurants and financial institutions complicate the geometric model as they take up bigger areas of site proportionately but also pay higher rent and demand the most visible locations.

The factor which exercises the most challenge to this modelling is the geometry of the site itself. Ideally it is rectangular with the dimensions sufficient to accommodate the store depths, loading, travel and parking aisles and a reasonable spine of parking in front. Every group of stores and parking must be consistent with the parking ratio or else some stores will find themselves “under-parked” and therefore be less desirable to lease, resulting in lower rents.

The more a site geometry departs from the rectangular, due to adjacent topography, road and entry corridors, the sharper the drop off experienced in the site coverage ratio, and sometimes this drops to as low as 20 per cent. This should reflect in the purchase price of the land, but often because of high visibility, this may not be the case and the challenge is then to increase the site coverage while achieving as much of the other math-driven requirements as possible.

One of the advantages of “big-box” sites is that because the tenants of these centres are mostly looking for store depths of 100 feet or more it is possible to get a higher site coverage. The flip-side is that they tend to pay lower rents, so there is a need to provide more pad buildings at the perimeter to balance the rent

side of the equation. This in turn leads to concern by the bigger tenants of compromised visibility from the surrounding streets.

So the design of a typical shopping centre site plan is a constantly changing balance of geometric variants and many fixed relationships which if ignored will lead to the failure of the centre.

Keeping this mathematical/ financial/geometric system in balance when the municipal planning issues conflict with them is the biggest challenge, as what seems like a reasonable request to move an access point or shift the orientation or position of a building can throw the whole equation out of viability.

Increasingly the rise in land costs has become so great that these “historic” pro-forma relationships can no longer be achieved and mixed-use centres are necessary so that the retail rents can be maintained at a viable level for the tenants by the added value of the residential component. The increased density and the parking being below ground rather than on-grade, results in a more urban form which planners have wished for but which could only come about when land costs reached a level to make it economically viable.

The math of the model continues to evolve. DQ Michael Burton-Brown, MAIBC, MAAA, SAA, MAA, OAA, FRAIC, is a principal of The Abbarch Partnership Architects. The firm specializes in large scale retail commercial work, industrial, institutional and mixed use developments. He is also a past president of AIBC. Contact him at 604.669.4041 or mbb@abbarch.com.

Acoustic Control At Your Fingertips

TM

The LogiSon Acoustic Network is a networked sound masking, paging and music system that increases speech privacy, reduces noise disruptions and improves the comfort of your workplace.

The Network is easily installed in new or existing facilities of any size, providing an effective way of addressing acoustical issues at nominal cost and without large-scale remodeling.

It provides the most sophisticated level of component integration in the industry, allowing the masking sound to be custom-tuned to your environment, while eliminating the need for centralized audio equipment.

It is also the only system to offer control of individual, addressable speakers.

All settings are programmed using a central control panel, laptop or handheld computer. There is no need to access the ceiling or alter existing cabling, providing the speed, ease and versatility you expect in the digital age.

Patents Pending. © 2005 K.R. Moeller Associates Ltd. LogiSon and Acoustic Network are trademarks of 777388 Ontario Limited.

200, 4170 Still Creek Drive Burnaby, BC V5C 6C6 (604) 642-0505

64

DESIGN QUARTERLY | WINTER 2007

9, 2821 - 3rd Avenue #175, 129 - 17 AvenueNE NE T2A 7P3 Calgary, AB T2E 1L7 (403) 296-0506

5719 - 115 Street Edmonton, AB T6H 3P5 (708) 414-1756

845 Broad Street Regina, SK S4R 8G9 (306) 584-1906

IDA

High energy output lights suspend from the bamboo panelled ceiling. Half the boardroom is bedecked with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, making the room more energy efficient.

Moving Towards Environmentally Sound Design

BY JERILYN WRIGHT INDIVIDUALLY, we all do our part to save the environment — we turn out lights in rooms we are not in, use programmable thermostats and walk to the corner store. Then we get to work and sustainability seems to sit on the back burner.

With everyone talking about the dangers to our environment and how it changes, we — as architects and designers who guide our clients toward new built spaces everyday — have a professional responsibility to educate our clients on this topic.

Design professionals have the ability to initiate change and how space is built. People who create space are leaders in the consumption process, so we have to lead differently. We have a responsibility to guide our clients to embrace their space in an environmentally-effective way.

Today, there is a lot of talk about life-work balance, engaged workforce, commitment and employee retention, and a cost-effective environmental sensible approach. Design can reinforce those goals and foster a productive and healthy place to live and work.

There are a number of ways that we, as design professionals, can reduce the strain on

the environment and encourage sustainability.

Being proactive is important in the sustainability quest. We must not only educate but also set by example a premise to live by. We must be absolutely assured that all our choices are the most efficient and the most enduring for our clients and the planet.

Education • We have a responsibility to apprise our clients about environmental impacts and how these impacts can be minimized.

• Research carefully how products are installed and fabricated. Many products release volatile organic components (VOCs) into the air causing ill health. Avoid materials that off-gas.

• We have a responsibility to not only apprise but also educate our employees. To support them in their understanding of our role as design professionals regarding the environment. We, as employers, set the tone and the priorities. For instance, use recycled paper, minimize paper usage, use mugs instead of disposable cups, and use energy effective task lighting.

Kitchen cabinets fabricated of formaldehyde-free MDF with a waterbased finish. No carpet. Water-based coatings used on floor, walls and ceilings.

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LEFT: Feature glass wall made of reconstituted glass that was melted and recycled. Reception millwork and ceiling panel made of bamboo, a 100 per cent environmentally-friendly renewable resource. RIGHT: Work stations and seating are primarily made from recycled products. Hardware is reused, not new. The layout of furniture along the windows and the use of glass walls within the space allows for natural light to flow through.

Efficiency • Design floor plates that are efficient and flexible allowing for change without construction.

• Specify water conserving toilets, faucets and showers.

• Identify lighting choices that are high efficiency.

• Recommend appliances that exceed today’s energy standards.

• When designing, use standard sizes of products. Less product used, less waste.

• Design for the future. Make sure the materials and components can be reused or recycled.

• Where possible, save on natural resources and use products made from recycled material.

Endurace • Choose low maintenance products whose maintenance will have a minimum environmental impact.

• Specify long-life products. Products with a longer life will have a lesser impact on the environment as they will not need to be replaced as often.

• Even more important today is the necessity for a timeless approach to design. The environment does not support the luxury of trendy interiors. After all, our clients live in their spaces for quite some time and that has to be taken seriously. It should not be a fashion trend that you can afford to throw out or put aside next season.

It used to be an overwhelming task to approach projects from an environmentally friendly point of view but those days are long gone. We are now able to provide those sustainable solutions in a way that will not jeopardize our designs and the environment we all live in. DQ Jerilyn Wright, BID, LID, is a licensed interior designer with the Alberta Architects Association and the Interior Designers of Canada. With 30 years of experience in the industry, including 22 as the owner of Jerilyn Wright & Associates, she and her firm have completed over 12 million square feet of interior design space. Jerilyn Wright & Associates meets the implicit and explicit requirements of our clients by providing innovative, sustainable, practical and cost-effective solutions.

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Design Headlines

COURTESY FOSTER AND PARTNERS

Calgary Bows to the Bow Construction may soon begin on Calgary’s newest office tower, The Bow, a striking 59-storey glass and steel office highrise located in the heart of the city.

Designed by Foster + Partners, the 1.7 million square foot, aerodynamic structure will be the tallest tower in Canada outside of Toronto.

Owned by Encana Corp., the first phase of the multi-phase,

mixed-use project will include a tower to house Encana’s headquarters, a new public plaza with cultural and retail facilities and a podium building.

The crescent-shaped tower, which is waiting on development permit approval from the City of Calgary, hopes to set a new standard for environmental sustainability among highrise offices in Canada. DQ

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Design Headlines

Winery Renovation Complete Among the best wineries in Canada, the Black Hills Estate Winery has recently constructed a new facility to replace the existing Quonset hut.

Designed by Bevanda Architecture Inc., this modest industrial building is inspired by programmatic needs and the rigid geometry of the vineyard.

Its planning strategy is based on organizing workspace around a central crush pad that is multi-functional and connects the lab and administration areas to the fermenting bins

First LEED Platinum Building The new Operations Centre for the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, designed

by Vancouver’s Larry McFarland Architects Ltd., has been awarded the distinction of being the first LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Platinum building in Canada. Located on the waterfront in Sidney, B.C., the three-storey structure houses the park operations and administration staff.

The sustainable design vision developed for this project was to demonstrate how, in the isolated island ecology of the national park reserve, a building can be designed to respond to its site and environment to minimize dependence on outside sources of energy and its impact on the environment. Owned by Parks

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and barrel storage. The crush-pad provides views that extend visually into the vineyard, connecting the user with the stunning natural context.

In addition, the building form celebrates the linear quality of the vineyard, by encouraging the visitor to walk through the grape row from the entry pavilion, constructed from leftover building material, to the main entrance. A skylight and the view through the building, from one end of the vineyard to the other, reinforce this linear gesture. DQ

Canada, the new operations centre is clad with western red cedar and galvanized steel, showcasing green building materials and technologies.

U of C Hires Architects The University of Calgary is hiring worldrenowned architects to work with local architectural firms on the campus’ $1.5-billion capital expansion project.

• Montreal-based Saucier + Perrotte will work with Calgary’s Kasian Architecture, Interior Design and Planning on the $140-million Campus Calgary Digitial Library (CCDL), scheduled to open in 2009.

• American firm KieranTimberlake Associates will work with Calgary’s

Cohos Evamy, in association with Busby Perkins + Will, on two projects — the $283-million building to house the Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy (ISEEE) and the first phase of the $300-million Experiential Learning Centre.

• The university’s new International House residence is being designed by Baird Sampson Neuert of Toronto, an acknowledged leader of green design in Canada, in association with Calgary firm Riddell Kurczaba.

This partnership model, which adds international experience to local expertise, is unique in Canada.

Aquaquest Opens Aquaquest, the Vancouver Aquarium’s new learning centre, opened in November. It is

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Design Headlines designed by Stantec Architecture to LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Gold standards and is slated to be the first LEED Gold building in a zoo or aquarium in the world. “Green” features include rainwater flushing toilets, seawater cooling system and a “living wall” that grows plants watered with rain water collected from the roof.

Constructed by Stuart Olson, the 52,000 square foot green building is home to the Canaccord Capital Exploration Gallery, which includes new interactive exhibits, an expanded children’s area, a 170-seat theatre, an environmental newsroom, classrooms and a wet lab.

Stantec Nabs Award The British Columbia chapter of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction awarded Stantec Architecture first place in the architectural category at the 2006 Innovative Steel Structure Awards of Excellence for the YVR West Chevron Expansion project. Highlights of the multi-phase expansion project include the distinctive steel “wishbone” pylon supports and the curvilinear “boat” roof space trusses.

Expansion Approved After much debate, the Vancouver Parks Board approved the Vancouver Aquarium’s revitalization plans, which includes a 1.5 acre expansion to allow for larger marine mammal habitats, a revitalized public plaza, a salmon stream, improved public spaces and necessary infrastructure. The aquarium, located in Stanley Park, is expected to double in size. The projected cost is $90 million.

University Hires Master Planner The University of Calgary has chosen Sasaki Associates Inc. to lead the master planning for the development of the university’s West Campus, an 80-hectare parcel of land. The provincial government gave the land, which is approximately a third of the size of downtown Calgary, to the university 12 years ago. The land is currently home to Alberta Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House, and is located across the street from the new Child Development Centre, which is scheduled to open in the spring of 2007.

The U of C initiated a master planning process to develop a balanced, peoplefriendly and environmentally sustainable university community, which will meet or exceed targets and environmental indicators established under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

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rating system. Upon completion, the university’s new West Campus will encompass a variety of mix use structures, including residential, retail and commercial spaces.

Sasaki brings a multidisciplinary team of planners, urban designers, architects, landscape architects, engineers and interior designers to the project. They have extensive experience in planning and urban design, including campus design and landscaping, all over America, the Middle East and Asia. The firm recently created a master plan for the University of Pennsylvania’s East Campus that takes into account immediate needs, as well as the coming 50 years.

Abbotsford Projects A Go Construction will soon begin on a $95 million initiative in Abbotsford, which is expected to boost the city’s economy.

Known simply as Plan A, the project includes three state-of-the-art structures: a $55 million entertainment and sports complex that can seat 5,000 to 7,000, a $10 million cultural centre which consists of an art gallery and museum, and a $20 million expansion to the Abbotsford Recreation Centre. Construction is expected to begin in April 2007. Completion is set for 2010.

Associate Appointments Internationally recognized Diamond + Schmitt Architects Inc. has appointed the following people associates of the firm:

ADVERTISER INDEX Arcon ....................................................................................22 Baer / Wide Plank Hardwood ..........................................59 BC Hydro..............................................................................11 Blooms Ventures ................................................................48 Boulder Crete......................................................................26 Bradlee.................................................................................49 California Closets.............................................................IBC Cambria ................................................................................43 Camco / GE Appliances.....................................................13 Coast Paint ..........................................................................16 Commercial Electronics ..............................................44, 45 Contrast Lighting ................................................................61 Daltile....................................................................................57 Design Northwest ..............................................................69 Design Quarterly.................................................................25 ECI Manufacturing Inc. .....................................................41 Forbo.....................................................................................55 Foxcraft Stoneworks..........................................................50 Framesource .......................................................................66 Greenscape Silk .................................................................58 Hafele ...................................................................................60 Kamada ................................................................................62 Kate Holland / Frances Andrew.......................................51 Kitchen and Bath Classics................................................47 Leeza Distribution...............................................................54 Lyonstone.............................................................................35 Masonite ..............................................................................21 Modern Granite ..................................................................27 Moen.....................................................................................53 Nathan Allan Glass Studio................................................12 Northwest Stoves...............................................................37 Odyssey Wall Coverings .........................................56, OBC Pella ......................................................................................32 Robinson Lighting .............................................................IFC Satin Finish Flooring.............................................................7

• John Featherstone, BArch (Hons) OAA MRAIC LEED,

Sharp’s Audio-Visual ...........................................................5

• Branka Gazibara, BScArch MScArch LEED

Sound-Rite.....................................................................15, 64

• Michael Lukasik, BArch

Van Goh................................................................................17

• Ana Maria Llanos, MArch OAA LEED

Vancouver Gas Fireplaces................................................31

• Caroline Spigelski, BArch LEED

Whitakker Designs / Birchwood Furniture ....................23

• Matthew Smith, BES BArch OAA • Peggy Theodore, BES BArch MRAIC LEED Established in 1975, the premier design studio is comprised of 14 principals, 13 associates, 72 architectural staff and 19 support staff. Seeking to establish new benchmarks in working with colleges and universities, health care, government and private clinics, Diamond + Schmitt has designed many award winning public places and master plans, spaces for exhibition, medical and research facilities, performing arts centres, academic buildings and mixed-use properties.

Silent Gliss.............................................................................4

Teak Direct...........................................................................59

World Mosaic......................................................................19

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Design Quarterly welcomes submissions of upcoming events, corporate announcements and press releases. Please send to claret@mediaedge.ca.

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