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Saskatchewan Parks & Recreation Association Annual Conference

Laura Plosz 28 Oct 2011

Last week, from October 20 – 22, I (Laura Plosz) attended the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) Annual Conference held in Saskatoon. I participated in some great sessions focused on strengthening community networks and the impac...[ CONTINUE READING ]
Last week, from October 20 – 22, I (Laura Plosz) attended the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) Annual Conference held in Saskatoon. I participated in some great sessions focused on strengthening community networks and the impact that the built environment has on childhood fitness and obesity rates. Also met some true community leaders from across the province - Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Radville, Regina, Saskatoon, North Battleford, Battleford, Kyle, Estevan and others.

New equipment that I liked - the Energi outdoor playground system – equipment that allows people to achieve a full body workout with the added benefit of accessing free video demos through smartphones. Combines 2 of my favorite things - fitness and technology.

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Urban Experiment in Seville

Saskatoon Studio 11 May 2011

In Seville, Pedro Kok has created a video-narrative exclusively for Domus Metropol Parasol by Jürgen Mayer H.: a giant-scale structure that, like Santiago Calatrava’s nearby El Alamillo suspension bridge, emerges forcefully from the urban fabric. ...[ CONTINUE READING ]
In Seville, Pedro Kok has created a video-narrative exclusively for Domus Metropol Parasol by Jürgen Mayer H.: a giant-scale structure that, like Santiago Calatrava’s nearby El Alamillo suspension bridge, emerges forcefully from the urban fabric. According to Kok, Parasol is a kind of architectonic promenade that physically transports people over city rooftops, offering an unexpected point of view. He raised thousands of controversies among politicians and experts, but residents have successfully adopted it, rediscovering a square in the historic town which for years had been relegated to the parking. Check out the video at the link below. [ CLOSE ]


CISC Video on Sustainability

Edmonton Studio 29 Mar 2011

From the CISC Awards 2009 - Sustainability Category, this video features Triffo Hall at the University of Alberta, a building still being toured today which showcases its re-use of materials, specifically the steel structure....[ CONTINUE READING ]
From the CISC Awards 2009 - Sustainability Category, this video features Triffo Hall at the University of Alberta, a building still being toured today which showcases its re-use of materials, specifically the steel structure. [ CLOSE ]

Triffo Hall: Re-use of existing Steel
Triffo Hall: Re-use of existing Steel

Triffo Hall: Re-use of existing Steel
Triffo Hall: Re-use of existing Steel

Arch Record Building Types Study K-12 schools

Saskatoon Studio 04 Jan 2011

This month on Architectural Record's Building Types Study features K-12 schools. Very thought provoking interesting design work from all over the United States that exemplifies learning in the 21st Century....[ CONTINUE READING ]
This month on Architectural Record's Building Types Study features K-12 schools. Very thought provoking interesting design work from all over the United States that exemplifies learning in the 21st Century. [ CLOSE ]

Landry High School - Eskew Dumez Ripple
Landry High School - Eskew Dumez Ripple

Landry High School - Eskew Dumez Ripple
Landry High School - Eskew Dumez Ripple

Modern Christmas Tree

Saskatoon Studio 29 Nov 2010

Ever thought of making a sustainable reusable Christmas tree out of a sheet of plywood?? Well Build LLC has - check out their most recent post on the Build blog....[ CONTINUE READING ]
Ever thought of making a sustainable reusable Christmas tree out of a sheet of plywood?? Well Build LLC has - check out their most recent post on the Build blog. [ CLOSE ]


Group2 in the news - 20 Years of "A Better World"

Edmonton Studio 02 Nov 2010

This article providing information about "A Better World" and the support it provides marks 20 of service for the charity organization. Group2 has been consistently involved in the many projects in Africa over the last 5 years, donating both architec...[ CONTINUE READING ]
This article providing information about "A Better World" and the support it provides marks 20 of service for the charity organization. Group2 has been consistently involved in the many projects in Africa over the last 5 years, donating both architectural services and funding to build a better life for people in Africa. [ CLOSE ]


National Code Publications Released

Edmonton Studio 25 Oct 2010

The National Building Code, National Fire Code, and National Plumbing Code are scheduled for publication in November 2010, incorporating over 800 technical changes. It looks like the 2011 NECB will be 25% better than the 1997 code....[ CONTINUE READING ]
The National Building Code, National Fire Code, and National Plumbing Code are scheduled for publication in November 2010, incorporating over 800 technical changes. It looks like the 2011 NECB will be 25% better than the 1997 code. [ CLOSE ]


MADE in Edmonton celebrates 10 Years!!!!!!!!!

Edmonton Studio 14 Oct 2010

M.A.D.E. in Edmonton will kick off Edmonton Design Exposed (EDE) with an opening reception showcasing a retrospective exhibit of the last decade of M.A.D.E. events at the Art Gallery of Alberta on October 14 2010. They will be exhibiting all things M...[ CONTINUE READING ]
M.A.D.E. in Edmonton will kick off Edmonton Design Exposed (EDE) with an opening reception showcasing a retrospective exhibit of the last decade of M.A.D.E. events at the Art Gallery of Alberta on October 14 2010. They will be exhibiting all things M.A.D.E., including an expansive display of the past film screenings, exhibitions, symposiums, street furniture competitions, and, of course, lectures. Join MADE as they reminisce about how this volunteer group has evolved since its inception, and how Edmonton has evolved and changed simultaneously. [ CLOSE ]


Group2’s Row4Kids Team a success!

Edmonton Studio 17 Sep 2010

Congratulations to our Row4Kids team, G2^3, who managed to raise a grand total of $6235.00 for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation! After 8 weeks of training and fundraising, we gave the other boats a run for their money on race day, which...[ CONTINUE READING ]
Congratulations to our Row4Kids team, G2^3, who managed to raise a grand total of $6235.00 for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation! After 8 weeks of training and fundraising, we gave the other boats a run for their money on race day, which took place at Telford Lake in Leduc, Alberta, on Sept. 11. Though the weather was a little chilly, we had a great time and managed to hold our own against the more experienced crews. Thank you to everyone on the team for all your hard work, and to everyone that contributed to our fundraising efforts. See you again next year!
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Update: Group2’s Row4Kids Team

Edmonton Studio 31 Aug 2010

Our Row4Kids team is now almost through our training sessions and we are poised to give the other competitors a run for their money on race-day, which is coming up quickly on September 11! So far we have raised $1500 toward our minimum goal of $2500...[ CONTINUE READING ]
Our Row4Kids team is now almost through our training sessions and we are poised to give the other competitors a run for their money on race-day, which is coming up quickly on September 11! So far we have raised $1500 toward our minimum goal of $2500, and we are still looking for further donations. If you would like to donate money, please visit the Row4Kids website, and pledge one of the participants on our team. The link is below, and our team name is G2^3 (Group2). All money raised will go to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Edmonton Rowing Club.
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Group2 Participating in Row4Kids Event

Edmonton Studio 21 Jul 2010

Group2 has put together a team to participate in the annual Edmonton Row4Kids event; a unique fundraiser for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. For 8 weeks the team will work together to learn and master the skills of sweep rowing, while...[ CONTINUE READING ]
Group2 has put together a team to participate in the annual Edmonton Row4Kids event; a unique fundraiser for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. For 8 weeks the team will work together to learn and master the skills of sweep rowing, while raising funds to support the hospital’s research and facility enhancements, continuous improvements in technology, and state-of-the-art pediatric care. The training will culminate in a final race day regatta on Sept. 11, 2010, where crews from around the city will put their abilities to the test to see who has the fastest boat. For every $1,000 raised for the Stollery Children’s Hospital, 3 seconds will be deducted from our team’s race time, so the more money collected the faster we will be!

Watch for updates on our training and fundraising. If you wish to make a donation to the event, please contact Eleanor Hopkins in the Edmonton Studio (eleanorh@group2.ca).
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Smith-Plosz house featured in the Edmonton Journal

Edmonton Studio 19 Jul 2010

Laura Plosz and Troy Smith’s bungalow was recently featured as one of three originally-identical 1950’s homes in the Edmonton Journal. The current form of their house is somewhere between the other two featured, one with a complete overhaul of t...[ CONTINUE READING ]
Laura Plosz and Troy Smith’s bungalow was recently featured as one of three originally-identical 1950’s homes in the Edmonton Journal. The current form of their house is somewhere between the other two featured, one with a complete overhaul of the main living areas and the other almost original. Several photographs of each house are available through the ‘photos’ tab at the top of the Journal article. [ CLOSE ]

Laura Plosz in front of their Edmonton home
Laura Plosz in front of their Edmonton home

Laura Plosz in front of their Edmonton home
Laura Plosz in front of their Edmonton home

MasterFormat 2004 has been updated.

Edmonton Studio 22 Jun 2010

MasterFormatTM is a master list of numbers and associated titles classified by work results used to organize specifications (ex. 04 20 00-Unit Masonry). It was created by Construction Specifications Canada and the Construction Specifications Institu...[ CONTINUE READING ]
MasterFormatTM is a master list of numbers and associated titles classified by work results used to organize specifications (ex. 04 20 00-Unit Masonry). It was created by Construction Specifications Canada and the Construction Specifications Institute (USA).

Recently, MasterFormat 2004 has been updated. Major changes include an entirely new division (Division 46–Water and Wastewater Equipment), revisions to Division 44–Pollution and Waste Control Equipment, and sections related to polished concrete.

The changes found in MasterFormat 2010 Update are the first under a new annual revision cycle that incorporates suggestions by design/construction professionals.

Steve Londry, Specifications Writer
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13th Annual Sustainable Building Symposium

Edmonton Studio 27 May 2010

The 13th Annual Sustainable Building Symposium was held in Edmonton on May 11&12, and in Calgary on May12 &13. As an Intern Architect from the Edmonton Studio, I attended the Edmonton session as a volunteer, and was privileged to experience a well-r...[ CONTINUE READING ]
The 13th Annual Sustainable Building Symposium was held in Edmonton on May 11&12, and in Calgary on May12 &13. As an Intern Architect from the Edmonton Studio, I attended the Edmonton session as a volunteer, and was privileged to experience a well-run event that included engaging and informative presentations from leaders in the field of sustainable design. It was also a great opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, and be energized by new ideas about up-coming technologies, strategies, and emerging paradigms in ‘green’ building. The kick-start to the symposium was the innovative keynote address by Jay Ingram (of Discovery Channel fame) in conjunction with the band ‘The Turbines’ from Calgary. They delivered a musically inspired message that set the tone for the remainder of the program. It was a great experience, and I would encourage participation in next year’s event either as a delegate, speaker, or volunteer!

Eleanor Hopkins, Intern Architect [ CLOSE ]


LEED Materials : A Resource Guide to Green Building Book

Troy Smith 03 May 2010

New book published by Princeton Architectural Press on LEED and building materials and how different building material relates to specific credits and how much each material can contribute to your overall point total....[ CONTINUE READING ]
New book published by Princeton Architectural Press on LEED and building materials and how different building material relates to specific credits and how much each material can contribute to your overall point total. [ CLOSE ]


Active Transportation in Copenhagen - Video

Edmonton Studio 06 Apr 2010

Don't be daunted by the length of the video or the long introductions - the meat of the presentation is very good. I can only imagine (with glee) the day when we are talking about similar numbers for cyclists in Canadian cities. It also hit home th...[ CONTINUE READING ]
Don't be daunted by the length of the video or the long introductions - the meat of the presentation is very good. I can only imagine (with glee) the day when we are talking about similar numbers for cyclists in Canadian cities. It also hit home the importance out of creating 'events' for urban initiatives such as active transportation - it is a truly effective way to get the media involved which in turn draws the politicians. [ CLOSE ]


Active School Travel Project Goes Nationwide

Laura Plosz 05 Apr 2010

Green Communities Canada announced today the national expansion of a project that makes it safer for students to use active transportation methods like walking and cycling to travel to and from school. Funding of $2.1 million from the Canadian Partne...[ CONTINUE READING ]
Green Communities Canada announced today the national expansion of a project that makes it safer for students to use active transportation methods like walking and cycling to travel to and from school. Funding of $2.1 million from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and the Public Health Agency of Canada will enable School Travel Planning (STP) to reach 120 schools, resulting in healthier, happier students and reducing the incidence of chronic disease.


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Seattle Design/build Firm - BUILD LLC

Troy Smith 05 Apr 2010

Seattle design/build firm BUILD LLC has a great blog that is updated twice a week. They blog about overall design culture that is affecting and influencing their work but they also show off their work and attempt to demystify the hiring of an archit...[ CONTINUE READING ]
Seattle design/build firm BUILD LLC has a great blog that is updated twice a week. They blog about overall design culture that is affecting and influencing their work but they also show off their work and attempt to demystify the hiring of an architect and the design/build process that they take each client through. They design, build and have their own custom cabinet shop that does well crafted simple millwork. There are some great posts on the 'Process of Architecture' and a 'Construction Cost Cheat Sheet' - check it out. [ CLOSE ]

BUILD cabinet shop - wine rack
BUILD cabinet shop - wine rack

BUILD cabinet shop - wine rack
BUILD cabinet shop - wine rack

TRANSPORTATION POLICIES AND LEED

Laura Plosz 01 Apr 2010

A great article at Planetizen on how the reforming of transportation policies can have a great impact on Sustainable Development than LEED Certification. ...[ CONTINUE READING ]
A great article at Planetizen on how the reforming of transportation policies can have a great impact on Sustainable Development than LEED Certification. [ CLOSE ]




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