Recently published is a list of Canada’s Top 100 biggest infrastructure projects. Included is BC Hydro’s ambitious Ruskin Generating Station project (#64 on the list), a machine age hydroelectric station, still producing power but needing numerous upgrades to meet modern operating standards. RATIO is part of BC Hydro’s team on this complex, and interesting project. The Ruskin Generating Station has a historic role in British Columbia, significance to local and First Nations residents, and 1930’s Art Deco architecture. Find out more about the list, the projects, and how British Columbia ranks for projects on the go.
The opportunity to share holiday spirit with children and fellow members of the design community was one we couldn’t pass up. In early December RATIO took part in the 13th annual holiday tradition called We Care, started and organized by our friends at Workplace Resource . Each year 10 design firms develop craft ideas that can be… Read more »
At the beginning of 2014, RATIO was launched. Our name is grounded in the importance of relations and relationships in our work. Between a building and its environment. Between citizens and structures. Between our firm and our clients. How do we live and breathe the RATIO story? On every project we bring distinctive thinking, rigorous creativity and a progressive approach.
We share a brief look back at our year….
Recently RATIO was asked by The Financial Brand for perspective on when a financial institution should rebrand. Having worked with some of Canada’s leading credit unions on rebrand strategies where the built environment is integral, RATIO has unique experience to share. The ‘when to rebrand’ question and perspectives offered up in the article are relevant for all businesses — not just FIs — who want to be competitive in their marketplace.
The best loved buildings in BC have been nominated and voted on in the Architectural Foundation of BC’s 100 Best Buildings Contest. RATIO is proud to have designed or involvement in four of the projects nominated. Nominations could be any structure or building in British Columbia that are best-loved, for whatever reason.
RATIO designed Salmon Arm Saving & Credit Union uptown branch was recently awarded ‘Best Retail’ in the sixth annual Southern Interior Construction Association Commercial Building Awards. In the spring of 2014, RATIO was awarded two 2014 BC Wood Design Awards in for this project: the Commercial Wood Design award; and RATIO principal Mike Mammone was honoured with the Architect Award.
The Credit Union Journal’s Special Report on The ‘branch of the future’ highlights the necessity that credit union branch design must incorporate both high tech and high touch. To illustrate the point, the reporter spoke to Island Savings Credit Union COO, Randy Bertsch and Christopher Pollard, principal, RATIO who described some of the thought behind the Island Savings “branch of the future” concept.
Major upgrades to the Ruskin Generating Station facility will increase operational efficiency, rehabilitate the aging exterior and the addition of numerous ancillary buildings and elements critical to modern operations. RATIO is a working with key stakeholders and BC Hydro on all aspects of the project. This 1930’s Art Deco facility will continue to provide clean, dependable power to British Columbia.
Imagine a venue dedicated to education, stewardship and community engagement in one of the most ecologically diverse parks in the Metro Vancouver region; imagine a new Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre. RATIO designed this unique campus design which will incorporate the existing Bell-Irving Hatchery, a stewardship building and the unique outdoor learning environment offered by Kanaka Creek Regional Park and its ecosystems.
The Vancouver Public Library’s Inspiration Lab is coming early in 2015. The RATIO led design will be 6000 square feet and offer library visitors a place to learn, collaborate and create with free digital tools. The Vancouver Sun reported on the massive undertaking to get the space ready which includes moving about 750,000 books, 800 bays of shelving and 50 computers and workstations.
