30.4.09

The Calgary Homeless Foundation's Youth Summit


The Calgary Homeless Foundation is hosting a Youth Summit May 7 - 8, 2009 at the Calgary Dream Centre. The event will gather local and visiting agencies and community members together to exchange best practices and discuss solutions for the issue of youth homelessness in Calgary.

21.4.09

Subprime


interesting 'housing' animation

video and image link:
http://vimeo.com/4240369

16.4.09

Gears working to help homeless

Calgary engineering students design low-cost housing
By JENNA MCMURRAY, SUN MEDIA
Sea-cans and shipping containers were among the building materials that Calgary
engineering students worked into their designs of affordable housing complexes.
As part of a compulsory design class, 650 Schulich School of Engineering students were asked to help out with the "Housing First" component
of Calgary's 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness by designing affordable housing complexes for less fortunate Calgarians.
"Tapping into the minds of Calgary's post-secondary students in a great way to develop creative new ways of building affordable housing and
help address challenges vulnerable Calgarians face," said Tim Richter, president and CEO of the Calgary Homeless Foundation.
The students assembled 24 prototypes while keeping cost, sustainability, client needs, and green building materials in mind.
"It's low cost and you can create modular units out of them," said first year student Keith Low, whose group designed 350 sq. ft. units to be built
with seas-cans, which cost $2,000 each.
"It's basically a Lego building," said Low, of the units, which were stacked together to create a multi-apartment complex .
Besides working to eliminate homelessness in Calgary, the project also gives students some practical hands-on experience.
"I want to be an architect, so this project is my baby," said Gourav Neogi, adding his group worked to design their model to meet the standards
of the U of C's architecture faculty.

15.4.09

Cité Radieuse






Le Corbusier’s Unité d’Habitation or Cité Radieuse (The Radiant City) in Marseille. This was his attempt to “show the way ahead” and display his utopian vision for communal living in post-war France. Comprising 337 apartments, the ‘vertical village’ boasts communal areas, shops, the “Le Corbusier” hotel, a children’s nursery, a theater, a swimming pool, medical facilities and more.

image link:
http://manmakehome.com/

Engineering students create affordable housing designs in support of Calgary’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness


With Calgary’s 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness entering its second year, students at the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary are adding their design skills to the “Housing First” focus of the Plan.

“Tapping into the minds of Calgary’s post-secondary students is a great way to develop creative, new ways of building affordable housing and help address challenges vulnerable Calgarians face,” says Tim Richter, President and CEO of the Calgary Homeless Foundation. “I’m excited to see what the Schulich engineering students produce.”

Working from an integrated approach where all aspects of the design from costing to sustainability are considered and applied, first-year engineering students have used their design and problem-solving skills to prepare proposals and prototypes for affordable housing in Calgary. The project is part of a compulsory class in engineering design and communication.

More than 650 students collaborated on 24 designs, each of which had to take into account client needs, neighbourhood requirements and concerns, architectural integration with surrounding buildings and sustainable and green building practices and materials – and they had to do it on a budget.

Marjan Eggermont, a senior instructor with the Schulich School of Engineering, has been tracking student progress on the project blog, www.sixeightfour.blogspot.com, which gives students design inspiration from outside sources and other groups’ work. The Calgary Homeless Foundation provided speakers to help students understand the challenges faced by those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.

“At the Schulich School of Engineering, we encourage students to get involved outside the classroom and use their skills and creativity to make a difference in the community,” says Eggermont. “The guest speakers provided valuable insight by giving the project a human face and inspiring students to design housing that also serves specific needs."
About the Calgary Homeless Foundation
The Calgary Homeless Foundation leads the implementation of Calgary’s 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness. Issued in January 2008, Calgary’s 10 Year Plan was created by the Calgary Committee to End Homelessness, a community-based, multi-stakeholder leadership group who issued the Plan and selected the Foundation to implement the Plan. The Foundation is moving forward on Calgary’s 10 Year Plan in partnership with the many homeless serving agencies, the private sector, our government partners, the faith community, other foundations and all Calgarians to end homelessness in Calgary once and for all.

About the Schulich School of Engineering
The Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary is located in the engineering capital of Canada. It is known for strong research, commitment to innovation and international excellence. The Schulich School is ranked among the top engineering schools in Canada and offers the highest entrance scholarships in the country. Student leadership and internship programs are helping to train highly skilled engineers who will become leaders in business and innovation.

story link:
http://www.ucalgary.ca/news/april2009/enggstudents
image link:
http://www.recognitionday.org/site_assets/images/sections/goodies/great_job/great_job_1280x1024.jpg

14.4.09

Tokyo II (inside)




image links:
http://www.cityhammer.com/blog/uploaded_images/Reversible-Destiny-Lofts-750349.jpg
http://decojournal.com/200810/the-reversible-destiny-lofts-mitaka-tokyo/

Tokyo







image link:
http://decojournal.com/200810/the-reversible-destiny-lofts-mitaka-tokyo/

Calgary law firm diverts $150,000 from Stampede party to charity


BY DINA O'MEARA AND DAVID PARKER, CALGARY HERALD APRIL 14, 2009 CALGARY

"The corridors of corporate Calgary could be much quieter places this Stampede season
as a number of major companies forgo costly shindigs in favour of charitable giving.
Law firm Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer set downtown on its ear recently, announcing the cancellation
of its annual (and much coveted) Stampede party. Instead, BD&P said it will be funnelling $150,000
toward the Put the Boots to Hunger fundraiser in partnership with the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank.
It also encouraged its former party-list of 1,200 to make donations to the food bank.
Many Calgary executives called the idea brilliant, but few were willing to follow suit and do away with
their parties.
"I like what BDP's doing, but I wouldn't consider calling off the party," said George Gosbee, president
and chief executive of Tristone Capital Corp. "It's a good thing for the company, it's a good thing for
the city and a good thing for the staff."
The investment brokerage contributes around $1 million a year to charities, but doesn't tie its
Stampede party to any organization.
Some companies already have slashed budgets for or eliminated Stampede events as they grapple
with the downturn.
"I think there's a real reluctance to spend money right now on a party, even if your company is still
doing well," said Dave Howards, president of The Event Group. "People are concerned about how it
will play to shareholders--no one wants to look like another AIG."
However, one leader of corporate giving has no plans to abandon its singular brand of festivities.
In fact, FirstEnergy Capital Corp. looks forward to helping its stressed-out clients blow off steam
during its FirstRowdy party.
What makes this event different is it always has had a charitable focus, last year raising more than
$200,000 for four local organizations.
"Either way, a charity is getting the money," chief executive Jim Davidson said. "And, frankly, I think
there's a need to blow a little bit of steam here, there's a lot of angst and stress by what's going on."
Other corporations, such as natural gas giant EnCana Corp.,dedicate big bucks for a family-oriented
Stampede party while hosting smaller events for clients.
Less excess and more giving seems to be the trend, said an industry observer.
"I suspect there will be more bottled water available than alcohol this Stampede," said Prof. Bob
Schulz, with the Haskayne School of Business."

image link:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD39eLqnXCvfi7rawdzZFWYpoCvPOA2zZQajMxHUfk3YJwXdmJ6o9i4rq_A-iRo0Fn4qmlPLrQJYCQ3R2KqsW6zjJZMpA2jTZoHhtyNgGm59hs4_NFumOHrii4pQFk0KpYUrN0dcMVEqc/s400/Food+Bank.jpg

13.4.09

April

Open house this wednesday

This project



"This project places more emphasis on the importance of economic principles, such as improvement of quality of life and creation of creative initiatives. There are also social aspects, such as the promotion of a safe and active city that this project leans towards." - lab quote

image links:
http://www.lvcdc.org/downloads/Quality%20of%20Life.JPG
http://www.emberhue.com/images/202532_high.jpg

12.4.09

Thank you for all your blog entries!


This was your final weekly summery report - thank you for all the great entries...

image link:
http://persistentillusion.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/thank-you.jpg

Quotes from the final weekend before the open house




"Urban Planning has also come up with the name of the development and everyone has approved. “Stepping Stones”."

"Work Completed
-Appliance list
-Banned materials list
-Suggestions list
-Wholesale costing
-Landscaping(grass & concrete)
-CFL research
-Window Research
-Map
-Final neighbourhood decision
-First floor amenities review
-Lighting
-Painting the walls of prototype
-Cabinets for prototype
-Laminate for prototype
-Structural Calculations
-Design pros/cons
-Life expectancy of structure
-Google sketch up of exterior
-Research on Roof
-Landscaping
-Value added spaces
-Final spreadsheet
-Ongoing costs
-Exterior of Prototype
-Brochure
-Poster"

“Each person knows an overview of the entire project and each presenter is specialized in at least two of the areas from: Urban Planning, Costing, Sustainability, Architecture, Civil and Interior Design.”
“Final value-added spaces incorporated into main floor: gym with change room, shared laundry facility, coffee shop, internet cafe, office (for social workers), lounge, and lobby; large roof patio.”

“This week we have finalized all concepts to be used in the affordable housing project.  We spent an afternoon around Calgary, gathering information regarding bathroom fixture sizing and costs, lighting, heating, etc. We have divided up the final report work load and are looking forward to having it come together.  We are working toward our final poster and pamphlet concepts, as well as finalizing totals for the costing team.”

“Part B groups consist of a Prototype Team, Visual Team, and Extra Research Team. This was done by an open lab discussion where people signed up for the group that they wanted to join.”

“WORK COMPLETED
- Three very high quality prototypes; one each for the exterior of the building, single unit, and family unit, have been built
- Most materials necessary for the presentation have been submitted to the project management team

WORK TO BE COMPLETED
- The presentation team must complete all of the necessary presentation boards
- The presentation must familiarize itself completely with the subject matter of all other teams
- Two sketch-ups of the exterior of the building must be submitted to the presentation team by the architecture team
- The cost recovery timelines for sustainability elements must be submitted to the presentation team by the sustainability team

PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES
- The fact that design work, although relatively minor, is still being done is a major problem and something that we, as the project management team, should have addressed much earlier
- The presentation team is behind its idealized schedule and this will put unwanted pressure on it over the course of the last week of classes

DELIVERABLES NEEDED FROM OTHER TEAMS
- Two sketch-ups of the exterior of the building must be submitted to the presentation team by the architecture team
The cost recovery timelines for sustainability elements must be submitted to the presentation team by the sustainability team”

“This week, Architecture has drawn up the entryways, researched flora for the atrium, and developed a plan for the roof of the affordable housing building. In the near future, they will have finished a SketchUp of the building, a sketch of the atrium, researched the feasibility of the underground parking facility, studied the architectural context of the neighbourhood, and weighed the advantages and disadvantages of the communal spaces. They have also discussed the presence of balconies with the Interior team, and plant life with Sustainability.”

“Interior Design – Designs finished. Helped with prototype, working on final report.

Sustainability – Designs finalized, working on final report.

Urban Planning – All photos of community are taken and added to presentation visuals, working on final report.

Civil – Finished posters and brochures for the open-house demonstration, final report in progress.

Architecture – Finished everything but the final report.

Costing – Budget is finished, working on final report.

Project Management –Prototype is closed to be finished, organized the demonstration schedule and presenters.”

“Team Status Reports:

Urban Planning:

Work Completed:

- Spoke with Alderman and community liaison regarding survey, received approval for complex
- Completed survey of area, and contacted bylaw office in regards to value added space

Work to be done/Goals:

- Assist in finalizing construction of prototype (hardwood flooring)
- Prepare open house documentation and final report

Civil:

Work Completed:

- Work on prototype for open house
- Finalize roofing design and determine load capabilities of entire structure

Work to be done/Goals:

- Complete prototype with pertinent important design features
- Prepare for open house and final report

Interior Design:

Work Completed:

- Create google sketch up of interior design, design common areas
- Construct interior of prototype model

Work to be done/Goals:

- Construct additional interior furnishings and complete model
- Create color board visual and documentation for open house

Costing:

Work Completed:

- Track running costs of entire project
- Continue research cost saving measures and available subsidies

Work to be done/Goals:

- Compile budget and cost approximation of single unit and whole complex
- Prepare for open house and final report

Sustainability:

Work Completed:

- Complete energy calculations for total energy usage
- Construct solar addition for prototype

Work to be done/Goals:

- Prepare open house documentation and final report
- Add addition to prototype

Architecture:

Work Completed:

- Finalize landscaping and google sketch up of building design
- Construct exterior detail for prototype

Work to be done/Goals:

- Complete work on prototype
- Prepare open house documentation and final report”  

image links & websites:
http://intraspec.ca/homelessCanada.php
http://www.blueeskimo.com/media/2382/stepping-stones.jpg
lab RD

Trilogy Housing Solutions

Trilogy Housing Solutions originated out of a Provincial housing/accommodation crisis. With Alberta's energy sector heating up, many people began immigrating to Alberta for high-paying jobs; beginning post-2001, market-driven housing inventories began to fall. This began to drive prices up to ever-higher levels. As less people could afford to purchase homes, more began turning to rental. This drove rental pricing increases. In addition, as infrastructure spending had been decimated during an era of fiscal restraint, accommodation-based infrastructure including Seniors, Student and Social Housing has fallen short of what citizens expect. Accommodation in Alberta across all sectors had become a systemic problem. When Premier Stelmach took office, he set a mandate to deal with the housing crisis.

website link:
http://www.trilogyhousing.ca/index.php

10.4.09

Container Nation: Multi Family Housing in Utah





Container homes are popping up all over the place, but not many multi-unit developments have been built from containers. This proposed 200-unit apartment complex, designed by San Francisco-based Group 41 and their brainchild Container Nation, would use nearly 1,000 used shipping containers. The designers have developed two schemes for the Salt Lake City suburb complex and are waiting for planning approval. Two schemes differ in style and layout, but not amenities. Both include a large underground parking garage as well as a courtyard. Located near both a future commuter rail line and shopping center, the new development strives to have sustainable written all over it.

link:
http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/04/10/container-nation-multi-family-housing-in-utah/#more-22826

Schiff Residences Housing Project





Chicago, Illinois, United States
Completed in 2007, a 96 unit 5 story housing development is anticipated to be certified silver LEED rating, is clad in stainless steel, with large areas of low-E glass. The long sides of the structure slant out giving it a rounded wedge shape, and the building is topped with a series of 16 wind turbines, that run only when needed eliminating the need for toxic batteries.

Water is heated by rooftop solar panels and additional aluminum surfaces serve as heat reflective masses on the roof reducing the heat island effect. Designed by the firm of Murphy/Jahn Architects, the buildings design pulls the building from the surrounding brick structures. And exposed concrete and raw surfaces help maintain extremely low levels of VOCs and other pollutants.

image/story links:
http://archhistory.org/highlight/an00.cfm?hy=08&hm=11
http://greensource.construction.com/news/images/080403Chicago2.jpg
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ol-images/chicago/uploads/10-29-07nearnorthapartment1.jpg

9.4.09

Calgary best city on the planet: Toronto Board of Trade

Calgary is the top city out of 21 major urban areas in terms of living quality and economic potential, according to a new study released by the Toronto Board of Trade.

The board launched its first-ever study of the world's biggest cities on Tuesday, measuring urban locations in terms of quality of life and economic competitiveness.

"Calgary's blistering economy over the past five years may have powered it to the top, but its overall favourable environment provides a solid basis for attracting and keeping people," according to the report, which was called Scorecard on Prosperity.

Calgary was the only city to earn an overall grade of "A." Dallas was next up, garnering a "B" grade in the report, slightly ahead of another "B" city, Hong Kong.

The report was compiled with information collected before the current economic downturn.

"Calgary's continued domination is currently under threat, as weaker energy prices and tighter credit conditions have slowed oil and gas activity in the province of Alberta. This is likely to be reflected, as data from current conditions becomes available," indicates the report.

Toronto ranked fourth on the list, but only received a "C" for its efforts. Canada's biggest city was tied with Boston, London and New York on the board's listing. In fact, Toronto only managed to beat out Oslo, Rome, Barcelona and Montreal in productivity, a key measure of future economic competitiveness.

"The benchmarking study reveals the Toronto region as 'mediocre' in terms of its current economic competitiveness and at risk of further decline," said the board of trade's chief executive officer Carol Wilding in a press release.

While Toronto's showing is respectable, the city really feeds other, more prosperous areas outside the main core, the study said.

"This confirms what many people believe: that Toronto offers a generally good quality of life that will be in jeopardy without a stronger economic platform," the report said.

Vancouver made the overall list, tied at 8th. Quebec City grabbed the 10th spot while Montreal managed to get a 13th-place showing.

story link:
http://ca.news.finance.yahoo.com/s/07042009/3/finance-business-calgary-best-city-planet-toronto-board-trade.html

8.4.09

Shipping Container Architecture; links and videos






image link:
http://www.zigloo.ca/index/concepts/Eco-Cargo_Living_Space

Alberta budget leaves affordable housing, children's services intact

BY COLETTE DERWORIZ, CALGARY HERALD | APRIL 8, 2009 7:46 AM

Social programs came out ahead in Tuesday's provincial budget as the Stelmach government committed cash toward Alberta's 10-year plan to end homelessness and boosted money for children's services.

Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Yvonne Fritz said her budget remained relatively stable, despite the turbulence rocking Alberta.

"Given these economic times, it's good news for the programs we deliver and the people we help," Fritz said Tuesday.

The 2009-10 budget for her department is $554 million--down almost $20 million from last year's budget. It includes $178 million to support construction of affordable housing units and $100 million in capital grants to support the implementation of the 10-year plan. Another $107 million will go to homeless shelters and services, and $56 million is earmarked for a rent supplement program.

"It's the first time we have committed funds for homelessness," said Fritz. "This demonstrates our commitment to ending homelessness in Alberta so it won't just be a dream anymore.

Randy Blair, who has been homeless for five months, said it's great there's more money for housing, because it will help people like him -- he has a job but can't come up with a damage deposit--get back on their feet.

But he believes there will always be homelessness.

"This dream of ending homelessness is not going to happen," said the 50-year-old Calgarian. "For some people, it's not going to happen."

Others at the shelter agreed, noting a $400-million promise to build 2,700 housing units across Alberta over the next three years won't be the solution.

"I don't think it'll be enough,"said Wayne Wason, 41.

Officials with the agency overseeing Calgary's 10-year plan to end homelessness, however, said the money will protect the province's most vulnerable.

"When times are tight, governments tend to restrict funding,"said Tim Richter, president of the Calgary Homeless Foundation.

"This makes a big difference to us,"he added, calling the three-year, $400-million commitment a "good deposit."

Meanwhile, the province has introduced tougher regulations to its Homeless and Eviction Prevention Fund, which has grown to almost $80 million.

Under regulations that took effect April 1,renters must have a household income of less than $32,000 (and as-sets of less than$7,000) to qualify for the program. The maximum benefit for rent supplements will be$550 per month for up to 12 months--nine months longer than in the past.

Other changes to social programs include an increase to the Children and Youth Services, which went up by $45 million to $1.1 billion.

It will include an increase to child intervention and foster care, more money for child care spaces and extra money to support families of children with disabilities.

story link:
http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Alberta+budget+leaves+affordable+housing+children+services+intact/1477068/story.html

6.4.09

Agro-housing



image link:
http://www.kkarc.com/projects.aspx

Agro-housing continued






image link:
http://www.kkarc.com/projects.aspx

Justification


Justify Validity Of Community By:
• Appropriateness for clients (i.e. ‘x’ % of demographic consists of single women)
• Proximity of amenities: trains, parks, leisure centres, schools, etc.
• Transportation Routes

Justify of Aesthetic Design:
• Historical features (i.e. design style of neighbourhood)
• Style of elements of various parts of exterior: windows, roofing, similar layout to neighbourhood, etc.
• Landscaping

Justify the Building Structure:
• Engineering analysis: aerodynamics, % lighting, effect, optimized use of space

Justification of Materials by:
• Geology of land
• Engineering analysis: tensile strength, heat loss, etc.
• Climate: appropriate to Calgary region
• Availability of materials, renewability, recycled and reused materials

Justify Layout (of main floor, upper floors, kitchen, unit) by:
• Appropriateness for clients
• Space-saving elements: potential appliances arranged in a strategic layout

Justification of Overall Design:
• Water
• Heating
• Cooling
• Ventilation
• Lighting
• Brand and type of appliance
• Sustainable Practices
• Overview all groups

Justification of Optimized Cost By:
• Numerical analysis of every team’s aspects

source:
Lab OC

image link:
lilcharmies.com/

What is LEED?


"In Canada, greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 30% since 1990 and buildings are responsible for 30-40% of these emissions and up to 50% when including embodied energy in building materials. Green building design, construction and operation can reduce these impacts by 50% or more with current technology and know-how. If implemented on an urban scale, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced even further.

CaGBC Business Plan 2007"

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.

LEED is a third-party certification program and an internationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. It provides building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance.

LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health:

sustainable site development
water efficiency
energy efficiency
materials selection
indoor environmental quality
Certification is based on the total point score achieved, following an independent review and an audit of selected Credits. There are four levels of certification: certified, silver, gold and platinum.

The Canadian rating system is an adaptation of the US Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED Green Building Rating System, tailored specifically for Canadian climates, construction practices and regulations. The rating system is adapted to the Canadian market through an inclusive process that engages stakeholders and experts representing the various sectors of the Canadian industry.

Why Certify?

A rapidly-growing number of private sector organizations and governments are adopting LEED certification in their policies, programming and operations, with the goal of achieving and demonstrating sustainability. The reasons for certifying include:

Gain recognition for green building efforts
Validate achievement through third party review
Qualify for a growing array of government incentives
Contribute to a growing green building knowledge base

sources:
http://edmontonindustrial.wordpress.com/2008/04/22/going-green-will-cost-you-5/
Tom Brown - Civil Engineering
http://yourenergyoptions.com/sitemanager/spaw/image1/LEED%20savings%20better.JPG

5.4.09

Hope you had a good weekend...



Thank you for all your reports!

Quotes from 'goals'



“Goals: Complete all documents/prototypes necessary for Open House.
Work Completed: Brochure and poster outline and design, basic outer structure of prototype
Work To Be Completed: Inner structure of prototype, completion of poster and brochure.”

image links:
http://www.ecraftsmen.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/poster-joy_400x273.jpg
http://www.designboom.com/contest/files/2poster.jpg

Quotes from Project Management Teams




“As we come to the end of the project the importance of everyone sharing their information with other groups is critical so that all groups can complete their sections.”
“Balancing between this class, our other academic courses and the brutal final exam schedule we have been given is proving to be quite a challenge.”
“All groups are up to speed and all the final details of the whole complex are coming together. The prototype has begun being built and is well on it way to completion. All groups are preparing a paragraph about their portion of the affordable housing complex to add to the brochure.”
“The teams that are not currently working directly on the prototype or other components of the final presentation are working on their final reports, helping other teams, etc.”
“The lab has now been divided into sub teams in order to accomplish all the tasks for the Open House. We have a team for digital visualizations, which is working on creating Google Sketch Up models of the building exterior, interior and landscaping. Another team is working on the prototype. The final two teams are working on the written material for the poster/brochures and additional research.”

image links:
http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/green-landscaping-1.jpg
http://www.planetpinkngreen.com/wp-content/uploads/2008SPRING/green_roof.jpg
http://sitemaker.umich.edu/section9group1/files/greenroof1.jpg