To celebrate 100 years of architecture in British Columbia, the Architecture Foundation of British Columbia is staging the 100 Best Buildings Contest.
This spring BC residents were invited to nominate their favourite building in which to live, work or play. Nominations could be any structure or building in British Columbia that are best-loved, for whatever reason.
Nominations have closed but now it is time for the public to vote for their favourites to make up the Top 100 Buildings. Have your say and vote now. The top 25 will be chosen from each of the four regions. This October judges will determine the top 3 winning buildings from each region.
Island Savings Chemainus branch recently opened in the new Chemainus Village Square. RATIO led the corporate wide reimagination which included a branch design concept and implementation strategy. The Chemainus location ‘branch of the future’ is the 5th in the concept rollout. Even though Chemainus is the smallest branch in system, the 25’ high ceilings, full height exterior glazing and open plan make the space feel larger than it is; modern and welcoming. RATIO leveraged Island Savings new brand identity by using the already-iconic “sand dollar” motif as the basis for a 16’ x by 47’ 3D mural. The mural runs the width of the branch, acting as a unifying element that ties together all member facing branch components including entry, atm vestibule, greeter, members lounge, and teller wickets within the open plan.
Envision Financial, under the umbrella of First West Credit Union has opened the door to a new way of banking. It also introduces a fresh, cohesive design concept for the merged credit union network under First West. Their newest branch, at Garrison Crossing in Chilliwack, introduces this new member experience. During the design and planning process RATIO and the First West team re-imagined the credit union from the perspective of its true definition: a cooperative organisation of individuals for a common purpose; and as a key community stakeholder. Design decisions were made based on the client’s very successful brand drivers.
The Vancouver Public Library Foundation has launched an innovative fundraising campaign on Fundrazr for their free digital lab project dubbed the Inspiration Lab. Check out their video and donation rewards on Fundrazr. You’ll find out what the Inspiration Lab is all about and hear from project supporter Ace Fipke, CEO & Founder of Nerd Corps Entertainment.
RATIO is proud to lead the creative design for the Inspiration Lab. RATIO, in consultation with library staff, has helped to define and refine the new Inspiration Lab space. The plan for the lab maintains a cohesive link to the existing library architecture designed by renowned architect, Moshe Safdie. The sketch above shows how different activity zones will relate to one another and fit in within the original library space.
Imagine a place where you can create, explore and bring ideas to life. This is the concept of VPL’s Inspiration Lab – a free public space to nurture the talent and creativity of our city. A hub for learning and experimenting with traditional, digital and new media. VPL’s Inspiration Lab will be an incubator – a place where the next generation of Vancouver’s digital and creative community gets its start. Ratio is proud to work with the Vancouver public Library on this innovative project.
The Vancouver Public Library Foundation needs your help to bring the Inspiration Lab to life. Fundraising efforts have begun with a goal to raise $500,000. Click here to help.
Canada’s Green 30 list identifies companies that integrate sustainability programs into their workplace culture. This collection of Canadian businesses whose employees, according to consulting firm Aon Hewitt, are most positive about their record of environmental stewardship. More about the Green 30 can be found in Maclean’s. This year’s list included Island Savings and Vancity. We… Read more »
As part of the City of Vancouver’s Digital Strategy released last year, the Vancouver Public Library is re-imagining what a library ought to be in the connected world of today. A priority is the development of a new space within its Downtown Central Branch with creative design coming from RATIO. This space (approximately 6000 sf) will house a digital media workspace, dubbed the Inspiration Lab. The area is envisioned as a hub where people can create, learn, interact and collaborate through technological tools and resources. What makes this space different is the introduction of creative activities into a traditional library setting. Imagine a space with graphic, audio and multimedia tools that encourage creativity. Imagine a flexible and collaborative workspace as opposed to banks of library work desks and enclosed meeting spaces. Imagine vibrant and dynamic space that can be used in a multitude of ways, for various events and circumstances.
Tom Annandale brings a distinct humanity to all of his architectural work. Tom is well known as a design leader and consensus builder. He is also recognized as a mentor and unceasing advocate for architecture and it’s importance in the public realm. Punctuating Tom’s 40+ year career is his leadership, vision and care to preserve BC’s architectural heritage as evidenced through his many hours of service on heritage advisory boards. His commitment can be seen through restorations and adaptive reuse projects including the award-winning architecture on the Stave Falls Visitor Centre and Britannia Mine Museum.
This May, Thomas S. Annandale will be inducted into the prestigious College of Fellows at the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). Fellowship is bestowed upon members by their peers as recognition of the recipient’s pursuit of excellence and personal contributions to the profession of architecture.
Here’s a first glance at what the new Aldergrove border crossing will look like. This rendering, prepared by RATIO for Public Works & Government Services Canada, shows the upgrades including two new lanes for commercial truck traffic and a new commercial inspection facility. RATIO is Architect and Coordinating Professional on the new $17.7M Aldergrove Port… Read more »
RATIO is proud to be part of The Lark Group’s team as Architect and Coordinating Professional on the new $17.7M Aldergrove Port of Entry. RATIO principal Mike Mammone said, “this project continues RATIO’s long standing relationship with both Public Works & Government Services Canada and the Canadian Border Services Agency.” The announcement by the federal… Read more »
