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| Manasc Isaac named AEC Best Firm To Work For |
Manasc Isaac named AEC Best Firm To Work For
Only Canadian firm recognized this year by North American awards program
Manasc Isaac was named one of North America's top Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firms in the May issue of Building Design and Construction Magazine. The eleven unranked 2009 AEC Best Firm winners were chosen based on innovative recruitment and retention practices, professional development, social and corporate responsibility, workplace environment, compensation/benefits, business practices and public perception of the firm.
Although winners must rank highly in all categories, Manasc Isaac was distinguished for its work in sustainable design, in-house commitments that reduce the firm's environmental footprint and community participation. One unique employee program at Manasc Isaac is the Green Transportation Plan. Free bus passes or bonuses are provided to those who use public transit, walk or bike to work. Driving is discouraged through use of a pay-to park lot and an office Smart car is used for site visits and errands around town to eliminate the need for staff members to bring their personal vehicles to work.
To be named an AEC Best Firm is to be distinguished as one of the best employers in North America. "It is an honour for our fantastic staff to be recognized with this award," says Principal Vivian Manasc. "Our success as a firm is largely due to our ability to attract talented and enthusiastic team members. We are proud to be the only Canadian firm chosen as an AEC Best Firm this year."
All AEC Best Firms are profiled in Building Design and Construction Magazine. "Largely because of its outstanding record of environmental leadership and community involvement, Manasc Isaac continues to grow and prosper," reads the article about Manasc Isaac entitled Canadian Design Firm Makes Its Mark. To read the full article visit www.bdcnetwork.com/article/CA6657851.html.
MANASC ISAAC
Manasc Isaac designs sustainable and culturally rich facilities across Western Canada. The firm was among the first in Canada to adopt the 2030 Challenge committing architects to greenhouse gas reduction targets. Manasc Isaac has been recognized with a number of significant awards, including the first-ever Brilliant Building Award, the Governor General's Award in Architecture and a Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Innovation Award.
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| Release of Agora Borealis: Engaging in Sustainable Architecture |
|  Manasc Isaac is pleased to launch the 2nd edition of Agora Borealis: Engaging in Sustainable Architecture, written by Vivian Manasc and Cheryl Mahaffy.
Agora Borealis is the story of a journey into sustainable architecture amid the vagaries of Canada's northern climate. From that journey emerges a new generation of green buildings, models not only for the north but for the world.
Agora Borealis makes its case by taking readers behind the scenes, telling the story of four community friendly, occupant friendly and energy efficient buildings. In the process, we demonstrate that sustainable architecture can bring financial as well as environmental rewards.
.: Click here to download the Order Form. |
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| Toronto Mayor presents Tower Renewal strategy in Edmonton |
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Edmonton - His Worship David Miller, Mayor of Toronto, presented his Mayor's Tower Renewal plan (www.towerrenewal.ca) at the Hotel MacDonald this afternoon to a group of developers, architects, contractors and other city builders.
The luncheon, hosted by the Sustainable Buildings Consortium, was also the launch of reimagine.ca, an Edmonton response to aging buildings. By renewing Edmonton's existing building stock, owners can enhance and future-proof their assets, reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and improve occupant working environments. Reimagine.ca will provide inspiration for city builders and open up a realm of possibilities that make economic as well as environmental sense.
Most of Edmonton's commercial tower buildings were constructed during the 1960s and 1970s and are now exhibiting various forms of aging and deterioration, primarily on exterior envelope elements. Prudent investments in the comprehensive re-skinning of these buildings are needed to restore durability, improve energy efficiency and enhance appearance.
"What we've learned from designing new sustainable buildings is that the skin, or envelope, of the building is among the most important parts of an integrated design strategy. We have now developed strategies to translate that experience on new buildings, into the sustainable re-skinning of existing buildings." says Vivian Manasc, Architect and Principal at Manasc Isaac.
This summit is the first of a series of luncheons that focus on the critical importance and value of re-skinning commercial office buildings to save energy and enhance cities.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS CONSORTIUM
The Sustainable Buildings Consortium is a non-profit research Institute dedicated to:
• Green buildings and materials research and development
• Public policy advocacy for a sustainable built environment
Manasc Isaac Architects founded the Consortium in 1999. Through research, product design, teaching and special events the Consortium aims to raise awareness and build market demand for sustainable buildings in Alberta.
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| 2030: A Green odyssey |
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"When Mazria presented the 2030 Challenge, we thought, 'That's a good idea!' But we hadn't thought it could be a huge international initiative," says Vivian Manasc, a McGill architecture alumna and former RAIC president who chaired the conference. "We just thought it was something that made sense and was consistent with what we were doing."
.: Click here to view the complete article on The McGill Tribune website.
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| The city that could: Calgary's architectural transformation |
Profile of architectural trends in Calgary, highlighting the new Manasc Isaac/Sturgess Architecture designed Calgary Water Centre.
.: View the complete article (pdf) |
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Manasc Isaac wins Design Exchange Award for Water Centre |
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The Calgary Water Centre received a Design Exchange Award of Merit at a ceremony held in Toronto in November. Designed by Manasc Isaac in collaboration with Sturgess Architecture, The Water Centre is the largest LEED-rated office building in Alberta and one of the first to be built under the City's Sustainable Buildings Policy requiring all new facilities to meet a minimum LEED silver certification.
.: Click here to view the complete article on the Sustainable Architecture & Building Magazine website.
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| New Photos of Yellowhead County Administration Building available |
Click on the thumbnail below to see larger image. All photographs taken by Joel Harding.
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Deposit would cut construction waste |
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| Newly opened Hearthstone displays 'exuberant modesty' |
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Newly opened Hearthstone displays 'exuberant modesty'
Manasc Isaac celebrated the opening of the new Hearthstone Manor Affordable Housing in Grande Prairie, Alberta late last week. This 40-unit project brings much needed affordable housing to a city facing tremendous growth pressures.
The building demonstrates thought and care in how it responds to the needs for appropriate barrier-free housing, accommodation that builds dignity and self-esteem and a safe environment for those undergoing life transitions. The main floor hosts support spaces, a communal kitchen and dining area and a communal lounge. There are additional semi-private lounges located on the upper floors. The Hearthstone's self-contained units range in size from bachelor suites to 3 bedroom apartments suitable for families.
The environmental initiatives in the project did not have to be compromised by the small budget. Rather, affordability and sustainability inform the design together. Sustainable measures include reduced energy consumption through the use of high efficiency heating system, building orientation to maximize daylight while shielding from solar gain and glare, optimal insulation, low-flow fixtures and the use of locally sourced and recycled materials.
This building demonstrates that good design does not have to cost more. "Because our designer, Alejandro Perez, so thoroughly worked through several challenges, we have a building that appears to contain more than the budget allowed," said Architect Myron Nebozuk. "The overall result is a building with an exuberant modesty that fits in well with its neighbourhood. The real winners are the residents."
MANASC ISAAC
Manasc Isaac Architects designs sustainable and culturally rich facilities across Western Canada. The firm was among the first in Canada to adopt the 2030 Challenge and has been recognized with a number of significant awards, including the first-ever Brilliant Building Award, the Governor General's Award in Architecture and a Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Innovation Award.
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| New Photos of Edmonton's St. John's Ambulance building available |
Click on the thumbnail below to see larger image. All photographs taken by Joel Harding.
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| Design Detox |
"It's not a question of whether there are comparable products. It's a question of can we continue to poison people?" asserts Vivian Manasc, a Partner and Principal with Edmonton-based Manasc Isaac
Architects, which specializes in sustainable design. "The products are available. It's just a matter of selecting them."
.: View the complete article (pdf) |
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| Manasc Isaac closes first season of ziplines at Métis Crossing |
Manasc Isaac closes first season of ziplines at Métis Crossing
Manasc Isaac staff celebrated the closing of the newest major attraction at Métis Crossing with a visit to its newly launched zipline this past weekend. Métis Crossing, located near Smoky Lake, Alberta, is a unique interpretative eco-tourism site initiated by the Métis Nation of Alberta to share historic and contemporary stories with Albertans and visitors from around the world. Manasc Isaac collaborated with Métis Nation to bring this site to the public. "It was a great opportunity to bring another attraction to this important river site," project architect Shafraaz Kaba said of the zipline. "The platforms give you stunning views of the river valley and this unique national historic site."
Métis Crossing sits on river lots and homesteads owned by some of the first Métis families in the province. Interpreters and celebrations of Métis culture engage visitors in the history and traditions of the area throughout the summer. Later this fall, it will be featured on an upcoming episode of the APTN television show Fish Out of Water. The site and zipline reopen to the public next May long weekend.
Working with the Métis Nation of Alberta, Manasc Isaac completed the site masterplan and restored some of the existing features of the settlement. This consists of a historic village with tepees, trappers' tents and a log homestead; a restored barn with interpretive centre and gift shop; a river dock and york boat. New features include auxiliary buildings, an outdoor performance area,the zipline and riverfront walking trails. Future development will add an interpretive centre built into the hillside and a training and retreat centre.
Manasc Isaac designs sustainable and culturally rich buildings and facilities across Western Canada. The firm was among the first in Canada to adopt the 2030 Challenge and has been recognized with a number of significant awards, including the first-ever Brilliant Building Award, the Governor General's Award in Architecture and a Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Innovation Award. |
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Candidates support push for green jobs |
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| Calgary's Water Centre makes waves |
If you look at a building and all four elevations look the same, says architect Vivian Manasc, that's a dead giveaway that it hasn't been sustainable designed. And that is why Calgary's The Water Centre, designed by Manasc isaac Architects of Edmonton in collaboration with similarly green-minded Sturgess Architecture of Calgary, bears absolutely no resemblance to a box with four interchangeable sides...
.: View the complete article (pdf) |
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Art gallery designer in love with our northern light |
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Vivian Manasc of Edmonton's Manasc Isaac Architects, the author of Agora Borealis: Engaging in Sustainable Architecture, has been designing award-winning buildings for a cold climate for years. With her team, she just returned from the Venice Biennale in Architecture, where three of her firm's buildings were featured in an exhibit on Canadian work.
"It's at the very core of our understanding of design," she said, on the telephone late last week.
- by Todd Babiak
.: Click here to view the complete article on the Edmonton Journal website. |
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| Alberta Buildings Showcased in Venice |
Alberta Buildings Showcased in Venice
Edmonton firm Manasc Isaac's work will be presented to the international architecture community as part of the 41° to 66°: Architecture in Canada - Region, Culture, Tectonics exhibition at the 2008 Venice Biennale 11th International Architecture Exhibition. The 2008 Biennale, the world's most prestigious architectural exhibition, takes place in Venice, Italy from September 14 to November 23. For more information on the festival, please visit www.labiennale.org/en/architecture.
41° to 66° is a celebration of Canada through its diverse regions, material traditions and cultural influences. The exhibition, curated by Marco Polo and John McMinn, presents a selection of contemporary buildings organized within six distinct cultural and geographic regions of Canada: the Arctic, West Coast, Mountain, Prairie, Continental and Atlantic. Architects were chosen based on the ability of their work to address regional and cultural identity as well as the challenges of landscape, climate and sustainability. For more information on the exhibit, please visit www.41to66project.com.
Manasc Isaac projects featured in the exhibit include the Hinton Government Centre, St. John Ambulance Alberta Headquarters and the Athabasca Health Centre in Stony Rapids, Saskatchewan. "We're thrilled to have two iconic Alberta green buildings, and one northern building, in the Canadian exhibition at the Venice Architecture Biennale. This really shows Alberta's leadership in sustainable design, and for the world of architecture and design, it shines the spotlight on what we're building in Canada," says Vivian Manasc, Principal, Manasc Isaac.
Manasc Isaac is at the forefront of environmental design, producing architecturally stunning and technically outstanding buildings. The firm was among the first in Canada to adopt the 2030 Challenge and has been recognized with a number of awards, including the first-ever Brilliant Building Award, the Governor General's Award in Architecture and a Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Innovation Award.
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| Ahead of the Curve (Profile of 2008 Emerald Award winner Calgary Water Centre) |
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| Energy Savers: How - and why - businesses are transforming Calgary into a more sustainably designed city |
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| Hicks on Six - The dance of the oil economy |
CHEAPER TO CONSERVE
As for natural gas and electricity ...
I had a fascinating conversation with Edmonton architect Vivian Manasc the other day.
Way before it was fashionable, Manasc Isaac Architects specialized in energy-saving building design.
Vivian says energy-saving building design is just starting. When we get it right, we won't need nuclear power, won't need big new sources of electricity. Her firm now designs energy-efficient buildings, using two thirds less power/gas, at no extra cost. Conservation costs, geo-thermal, solar, etc., are offset by lowered need for "conventional" building systems.
Vivian says in 20 years, new buildings will be "net zero" in energy use, i.e. self-sufficient for heating, cooling and electrical needs.
If such dramatic energy conservation is truly upon us, need we even consider nuclear power or the carbon consequences of new coal/coal derivative power plants?
- by Graham Hicks |
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| New AU building to be green, grandiose |
The new Athabasca University Academic & Research Centre (ARC), set to start construction this fall, will be environmentally friendly and a beautiful piece of architecture, said project manager Wayne Ferguson.
"The building will have environmental certification, and inside it will have an airy feel to it," Ferguson said.
To become demonstrably environmentally friendly, AU will be going for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDs) silver certification for the ARC.
To achieve this level, the construction and architectural teams are striving to make thoughtful decisions in such categories as site development, water and energy efficiency, materials used and indoor environmental quality.
According to Ferguson, the ARC will not only meet many of these criteria, but exceed a few also.
Many building materials were selected from within 500 kms, the mechanical and electrical systems are designed to be sustainable, and other processes related to the building - like how it treats ground water - are specifically environmentally friendly.
The project will create more than 5,000 square metres of meeting rooms, offices, research space and specially designed archives with a sealed building envelope, fire suppression and other design qualities to make it comply with Canadian Heritage Standards.
The archives will eventually hold many of the university's, the town's, and the region's historical works.
Most notable of the entire project, said Ferguson, will be the foyer. Along the length of the building will run an opening three stories high to the ceiling. On either side will be massive pillars, the tops of which will split into smaller support beams.
The open air, the pillars and their "branches" are designed to give visitors the feeling of being under the canopy of a forest.
The project is expected to take 16-18 months, said Ferguson, with a ground-breaking ceremony planned for Sept. 19 that will involve a community breakfast, as well as speeches from local dignitaries and university staff.
- by Andrew Souza |
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| Slave Lake Centennial legacy major draw for bird watchers |
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| Calgary Water Centre Celebrates Emerald Award on Clean Air Day |
Calgary Water Centre Celebrates Emerald Award on Clean Air Day
The City of Calgary celebrates the Grand Opening of The Water Centre on June 4th, Clean Air Day, with a newly-awarded Emerald Award for Government Institution. Designed by Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd. in collaboration with Sturgess Architecture, the Water Centre is the first City-owned operational/administrative building constructed since Calgary adopted a Sustainable Buildings policy in 2003, requiring all new facilities to meet a minimum LEED® silver certification. The Water Centre is positioned to exceed that standard.
"We're excited to have worked with of an outstanding team of clients - the City of Calgary has been visionary, in their enthusiasm for integrated, sustainable design and extraordinary Architecture. Today we all celebrate the delightful workplace in the recognition that sustainable buildings contribute significantly to reducing our environmental footprint - and beautiful buildings inspire us to excellence in the creation of our urban lives," says Vivian Manasc, Principal, Manasc Isaac.
The Alberta Emerald Foundation recognizes environmental leadership in Alberta and sets an example of environmental excellence for all to follow.
A Model of Sustainable Design
The Water Centre features the latest water conservation practices and is Calgary's first fully daylit office building. This iconic building exemplifies how a client-centred, sustainable design process can exceed environmental goals, maximize energy efficiency and create a great work environment. Although capital costs were about the same as a conventional building, overall energy costs will save taxpayers more than 50% per year relative to the Canadian Model National Energy Code for buildings.
Manasc Isaac is at the forefront of environmental design, producing architecturally stunning and technically outstanding buildings. The firm was one of the first in Canada to adopt the 2030 Challenge and has been recognized with a number of awards, including the first-ever Brilliant Building Award, the Governor General's Award in Architecture and a Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Innovation Award. |
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| Vivian Manasc: Oil City to Sun City |
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| Making the case for building green |
When we designed our first "officially green" building, the Banff Town Hall in 1995, we thought (as many still do today) that efficient or high performance buildings cost more. Not so.
- by Vivian Manasc
.: View the complete article (pdf) |
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| Alberta Architect Appointed to National Design Committee |
Alberta Architect Appointed to National Design Committee
Vivian Manasc, Principal, Manasc Isaac Architects has been appointed to the National Capital Commission Advisory Committee on Planning, Design and Realty (ACPDR). A Crown corporation of the Government of Canada, the NCC is the steward of federal lands and buildings in the National Capital Region. Part of its mandate is to plan, develop and use these properties as a source of pride and unity for Canadians. The Advisory Committee provides objective, professional advice on long-range plans and policies, design proposals and on real property issues affecting these public lands.
"At this time in history, when cities and national capitals are more significant than ever, the NCC Advisory Committee on Planning, Design and Construction shapes the image of Canada in the world", says Manasc. "I'm honoured to be appointed and look forward to working with colleagues to define Canada's future as a leader in the planning and design of a sustainable and healthy country."
Vivian Manasc is known nationally for her leadership in sustainable building design. She began her career designing high-performance buildings in Canada's Arctic 20 years ago, incorporating that expertise into other projects. Her firm, Manasc Isaac, designed Alberta's first C-2000 green building and first LEED® certified building, as well as the first LEED® Gold building in the north in the world. Notable recent sustainable building projects include the new City of Calgary's Water Centre, Calgary's new Emergency Operations Centre and the new Academic Research Centre at Athabasca University. The firm was also one of the first in Canada to adopt the 2030 Challenge, an ambitious global architecture and building initiative to reduce Greenhouse Gases. The Challenge was adopted by The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada last year, under Vivian's Presidency.
In addition to her national roles, Vivian is a Director of the Canada Green Building Council, Adjunct Professor of Architecture at the University of Calgary, a founding member of the Sustainable Buildings Symposium, co-author of the book "Agora Borealis - Engaging in Sustainable Architecture" and a frequent speaker & lecturer on sustainable design across Canada. A McGill University Architecture Graduate, Vivian also has a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Alberta.
Manasc Isaac, a leader in cold-climate sustainable design in Western Canada and one of the largest architectural practices in Edmonton, has been recognized with a number of significant architectural and engineering awards, including the first-ever Brilliant Building Award, a Governor General's Award and a Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Innovation Award. |
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| Historic burial ground deserves a more fitting tribute |
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'Green' building initiatives attract interest |
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| Face It. |
Face It: There is a Solution to Global Warming
SANTA FE (January 4, 2008) - According to Architecture 2030, there is a 'silver bullet' solution to global warming and it's time the nation faced up to it. To get its message out, the non-profit research organization will be hosting a nationwide webcast, called Face It, focusing on the solution. In addition, during the webcast, they will unveil two competitions about the solution with $20,000 in prize money.
To help kick off and input Focus the Nation, the half-hour webcast will be broadcast from Architecture 2030's website, www.architecture2030.org, beginning at 9 am EST on January 30, 2008. Focus the Nation, a national effort to engage students, faculty, administrators, citizens and government officials in discussions to address global warming, takes place January 31, 2008.
The Face It webcast will build on the information provided during Architecture 2030's highly successful webcast, The 2010 Imperative Global Emergency Teach-in. The Teach-in, which broadcast live in
February 2007 and focused on the role of design education in global warming, reached a quarter of a million students, design professionals and government officials worldwide.
The solution to global warming, according to the founder of Architecture 2030, Edward Mazria, is two-fold. "Energy use is at the heart of global warming. There are two sides to energy use, supply and demand, so any viable solution must address both sides of this coin." On the supply side, Mazria advocates first for a US and then a global moratorium on the construction of any new conventional coal plants, and the
gradual phasing out of existing coal plants by 2050. On the demand side, he advocates for adoption and implementation of The 2030 Challenge, a global initiative calling for all new buildings and renovations to reduce their fossil-fuel greenhouse-gas-emitting consumption by 50% by 2010, and that all new buildings be 'carbon neutral' by 2030. To Architecture 2030's credit, the organization's 2030 Challenge has been adopted and supported by numerous groups, including the US Conference of Mayors, American Institute of Architects, National Association of Counties, US Green Building Council, California Public Utilities Commission, California Energy Commission and EPA's Target Finder, as well as many individual cities, counties and states. Beginning in 2008, the federal government will require the Challenge energy reduction targets for all new and renovated federal buildings.
The Face It webcast is part of Architecture 2030's larger Reverberate Campaign, which will involve several events throughout 2008. The first of these are the two Reverberate Competitions to be unveiled during the webcast. Students will be asked to create something (you'll have to tune in to the webcast to learn what) that will reverberate throughout their campus and society at large. There will be two categories, graphic design and video. In addition to the $20,000 in prize money that will be distributed amongst the winners, the winning graphic design entry will appear in a full-page ad in Metropolis magazine and the winning video entry will be featured on the Metropolis and Architecture 2030 websites.
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Architecture 2030
Architecture 2030 is a New Mexico-based 501c3 research organization that focuses on the role of buildings in global warming. The Building Sector accounts for almost half of all greenhouse gas emissions in the US annually. By galvanizing and collaborating with the key players in this sector, Architecture 2030 is working to achieve a dramatic reduction in the global-warming-causing greenhouse gas emissions of buildings by changing the way they are designed and constructed.
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