Combo of apartments, library, community centre aims for LEED Gold

The Mount Pleasant Centre sets a precedent, being the first truly multi-service community centre in Vancouver. The integrated program came about through the choice of site. Reviewing its options for the replacement of an aging community centre on the south edge of the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, the Vancouver Park Board began to look for a more central location.

By Jim Taggart

(more…)

Heritage home morphs to open modern

The renewal of this 125-year old small Victorian home presented a typical challenge in Toronto – altering and updating the existing residential urban fabric while preserving the historic character of heritage neighbourhoods.

(more…)

Millennium Water, Vancouver

Reflections on the Promise, Process and Performance of a prototype sustainable community

With a long and checkered history spanning more than a decade, several municipal elections and  multiple  about-turns in design direction, the development of Vancouver’s South East False Creek [SEFC] sustainable neighbourhood, has attracted more controversy than any other planning initiative since Expo ’86.

JIM TAGGART

(more…)

Energy conservation, small ecological footprint go hand-in-hand

Campuses and research institutions worldwide acknowledge the need to facilitate the convergence of disciplines as traditional boundaries continue to dissolve. There is also recognition that informal or chance encounters between university faculty, research personnel and students can be of great value. This intangible feature fosters a high quality workplace capable of attracting the best faculty, researchers and students.

(more…)

With the attention of the nation recently focused on the greenest ever Winter Olympics [no irony intended], everyone seemed to be rushing to the microphone.
(more…)

Flooring

InterfaceFLOR carpet tile is manufactured under its EcoMetrics system that monitors manufacturing waste reduction, renewable energy, carbon emissions, water and energy usage, and the percentage of recycled and bio-based materials in its products.

by Jim Taggart

The ‘take, make and waste’ system upon which most of our industries were founded is the legacy of a time when resources seemed limitless; there were fewer people to consume them, and our material needs were less.

Today our perception has changed and our industries are adjusting to a new reality. Some lead, some follow and some drag their feet - and in this regard the flooring industry is no different from any other. (more…)

This special issue features the six projects selected for recognition from a field of 50 submissions to the inaugural SAB Awards - an annual program offered through SABMag to recognize excellence in the design and construction of new and renovated Canadian buildings and interiors of all types based on criteria of sustainable design, architectural excellence and technical innovation. (more…)

Products new and re-invented for healthier interiors

(more…)

LEED Gold rating begins with space efficiency

The office shows a sense of visual and physical economy that is emerging as the hallmarks of sustainable interior design.

It is reassuring to those who live in fear of a global architectural monoculture that one of the world’s largest firms chooses to build its design philosophy around literary quotations that celebrate the individual and the idiosyncratic. (more…)

Vancouver Port Authority

Day lit waiting area featuring views to cruise ships.

While no projects have yet been certified under the Canadian version of LEED CI, which was just launched in September 2006, the experience of those involved in piloting the US edition gives insight into the opportunities and limitations of the new standard. (more…)