ENews May

ENews MAY

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

As the Tasmanian President of the Australian Institute of Architects for the next two years, I welcome any feedback on issues you may wish to discuss, so feel free to contact me by email or phone. I trust you will find the latest E-News full of useful information.

Tasmanian Awards
The awards committee and jury have been busy over the last few months and I look forward to seeing you at the awards evening being held at Moorilla on June 20. The evening will be attended by the Governor of Tasmania, His Excellency, the Honourable Peter Underwood and his wife, and our guest speaker is Tasmanian writer, artist and curator Sean Kelly.

Awards Dates
Launch of Awards Exhibition in Hobart - Tues, June 16, 5.30 - 7.00 pm, IXL Atrium, Hunter St
Awards Presentation Dinner - Sat, June 20, 6.30 - 11.00 pm, Moorilla
Launch of Awards Exhibition in Launceston - Wed, July 8, 5.30 - 7.00 pm, Design Centre
Launch of Awards Exhibition in Burnie - Mon July 27, 4.00 - 5.00 pm, State Library
Dinner and Hobart Exhibition invite
Dinner rsvp form

Thanks to our Awards Sponsors for supporting these events:
Major Corporate Partner: BlueScope Steel
State Sponsors: Fairbrother, Futago, Lockwood/Assa Abloy
Supporting State Sponsors: Elite Appliances, Southern Lighting, Gandy and Roberts, Precast Tasmania

Government Architect
Members would have noticed the government’s announcement of Paul Poulet as the state government architect. His appointment is welcomed by the profession and we look forward to working with him to ensure our profession’s interests and concerns are voiced to help government make informed decisions on urban planning and other issues affecting our island.

Speaker Series & PALS
The Institute has been running a series of ‘Refuel’ presentations, led by interstate speakers at the Chapter office which have been strongly supported. I urge all architects and graduates to attend these informative sessions, to not only gain a strengthened insight into areas of the profession and associated professions, but to improve your interface with the Institute and obtain CPD points towards your continued education.

For graduates wishing to prepare for the Architectural Practice Examination later in the year, please consider attending the Practice of Architecture Lecture Series. Click here for the Registration Form or to register your interest email Jenny Nichols if you haven’t already done so.

Federal Government Stimulus Package
Much of the profession has been, and continues to be, involved in work relating to the stimulus package and whilst this work is welcomed, there are intense pressures being applied to ensure the work meets the tight deadlines set by the Federal Government. As a profession we need to continue to pursue our Institute’s sustainability principles and ensure good design is achieved so we do not leave a legacy of problems, and that we maintain our professionalism within the community. Remember time constraints do not reduce potential liability.

Your Institute is continuing dialogue with various government agencies to ensure they are informed when they make decisions. We are a member of the Building & Construction Industry Council (BCIC) Reference Group and have been actively engaged in dialogue to ensure our issues are noted and acted upon.

The BCIC reference group had the following to report after its first meeting in April:
As you are aware the, Australian Government announced in Feb 2009 a $42 billion stimulus package, the majority of funds focused on infrastructure for schools and social housing. The BCIC has met with Tasmanian Government representatives on a number of occasions since the announcement in order to quickly identify the opportunities and risks of the Plan for its members.

The BCIC will continue to work with the Tasmanian Government Nation Building -Economic Stimulus Plan representatives to quickly address issues facing either party that may impact on the successful delivery of the Plan. A Reference Group met on Friday April 24 2009 for the first time and will continue to do so every 3 to 4 months, or as appropriate.

Members are encouraged to contact their BCIC representative on this Group in a timely manner so that issues can be addressed as soon as they become apparent.

For those members being requested to use templates provided by government agencies please ensure you request, in writing, that the government indemnifies you against any breach of copyright.

A+ Membership
This initiative is one that I encourage members to consider as it provides the opportunity for your entire team to engage with the Institute. Some of the benefits are: membership fees are substantially lower for each individual member within the practice; free read-only access to online Australian Standards; and discounts to CPD activities.

10x10x10 - Call for Expressions of Interest for Creative Directors
Architecture Week - bringing people together to talk about architecture
Hobart, 25 - 31 October
10x10x10 is a series of presentations held over 4 nights, with 10 speakers each night showing 10 images for up to 10 minutes providing an opportunity to explore ideas about architecture and design, and to celebrate architecture.

We are seeking expressions of interest from members to be part of this exciting event.

4 Creative Director teams are wanted to develop and deliver one night each of 10x10x10. To express your interest please contact the Chapter Office on 62141500 or tas@architecture.com.au

This activity can count towards your personal CPD record.

Richard Crawford FRAIA
Chapter President
28/05/09

Membership cards
For those members eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new membership card, please be assured they are currently in production and will be distributed within the next month to all members. Your 2008 membership card will remain valid until well after all new cards have been distributed to members. New members should simply quote their member number to take advantage of member benefits when required. We apologise for the delay and if you have any concerns please feel free to contact your local chapter or member services at membership@architecture.com.au

NEWS FROM MEMBERS

Send us your news tas@architecture.com.au

CHAPTER CPD EVENTS

To RSVP for any Chapter events please complete flyers, where available, and email to tasadmin@architecture.com.au or fax to 03 62141519.

Refuel - Nigel Bertram
Hobart, Thursday June 11 at 12.30pm-2.00pm
‘Thoughts on making and using - Research and projects by NMBW Architecture Studio’
Nigel Bertram from NMBW in Melbourne will present a selection of urban research and built projects undertaken over the past 10 years of practice. The presentation will discuss a series of careful observational understandings of everyday urban environments and the activities that take place within them. It will reflect upon how these observations have influenced, and been influenced by, thoughts about making architecture, the decisions that architects make on a daily basis, and the many ways in which we might inhabit or use the private and public realm.
More Information

Gold Medal Tour Ken Maher
Hobart Thursday July 2 at 12.30pm
More information available soon.

Gold Medal EmAGN Event
Hobart Thursday July 2 in the evening
More information available soon.

Refuel - ABIC Contracts
Hobart, Thursday July 23 at 12.30pm
ABIC has recently undergone a make-over to reflect changes in legislation and industry practices. What are the changes, and what do they mean? Presenter Richard Booth explains the changes, and discusses reasoning for the revisions. Project examples specific to architects will illustrate how the fundamental issues of cost, time and change are handled in the revised documents.
More Information

PALS: Practice of Architecture Learning Series
Wednesday nights from July 1 - Aug 26, 6.00 - 9.00 pm
A series of 9 evening tutorials for architectural graduates seeking registration with the Board of Architects of Tasmania.
More Information

OTHER TASMANIAN NEWS / EVENTS

Public exhibition of parliament square short listed conceptual site designs - 22 April - 3 June 2009
As you know, the parliament square project is in the final stage to select a preferred developer to redevelop the site. In 2008, the Tasmania Government made a commitment to take the short listed conceptual site designs to public viewing after the Request for Tender (RFT) closed on 6 April 2009 and prior to identification of a preferred developer in mid 2009.
A six week public exhibition of short listed conceptual site designs for parliament square will form the focus of community consultation for the Request for Tender stage.
Consultation feedback as to how each design responds to the project’s Design Principles will be used to inform the evaluation panel that will assess the tender proposals, and will assist in the selection of a preferred developer.
10.00am - 4.00pm Monday to Thursday
10.00am - 7.00pm Friday
Venue: 2-4 Salamanca Place (old Printing Authority building), Hobart.

Office/Studio Space for Rent
Architecturally designed Office/Studio space, above the Chapter office, suitable for a small architectural practice, now available for rent.
Contact: Mark Banovic (LJ Hooker Commercial) 0408 345 512
More Information

Australian Institute of Building Surveyors Seminar: ‘Accessibility - getting back to basics’
Hobart, 22 June
• What’s happening with accessibility in the future?
• What does the Premises Standard mean to us?
• What is the DDA?
• What are the basic requirements of AS 1428.1 and AS 1428.4?
Registration

Climate Change and Rural Tasmania: what evidence for which policies and practices?
FREE community information event
Hobart, 5 June
Hosted by University of Tasmania, presenting the research on how climate change will affect our state. It offers all Tasmanians an opportunity to hear over 20 leading researchers talk about what policies and practices will work best for Tasmania in the future. Politicians and policy-makers will also be present to hear community discussion of this big issue, which will affect us all.
The event will be held in Hobart and be available live by videoconference across Tasmania at a wide range of rural sites.
Invitation
Draft Agenda

WorkCover Advisory Service - Asbestos Information Sessions
Hobart, 10 June
Launceston, 11 June
The sessions will include presentations by experts of the following types of information:

·The legislative requirements for dealing with asbestos risks in Tasmania;
·How to manage asbestos if it is found in your building;
·Safe removal practices by a licensed asbestos removalist;
·Medical aspects by Dr Rob Walters.

World Environment Day Justin Marshall Memorial Lecture
Bahai Centre, Friday 5 June
Australia and New Zealand Solar Energy Society presents the annual Justin Marshall Memorial Lecture.
More Information

INTERSTATE AND OVERSEAS EVENTS

Decoration + Design
Melbourne Exhibition Centre, 16-19 July 2009
Discover the original and unexpected this July at Australia’s leading soft furnishings and interior products trade fair.
More information

INDUSTRY NEWS / EVENTS

Resource Management and Planning Appeals Tribunal fee increase
Please be advised that as at 1 July 2009 the fee for lodging an appeal with the Resource Management and Planning Appeals Tribunal will increase from $64.00 to $66.50. This increase is a result of the operation of the Fee Units Act 1997.
More Information

Building and Plumbing Regulation News / Events

Australian Building Codes Board - Building Australia’s Future 2009 Conference
Queensland, 20 - 23 September 2009
More Information

Building Regulation News Update
05/09 ABCB Building Australia’s Future Conference
06/09 Digital TV antenna systems for homes handbook
07/09 National Construction Code RIS document released for public comment

Building Regulation Advisory Note
02/09 Compliance of structural plywood with the BCA and Australian Standards

Plumbing Regulation News Update
07/09 High Fronted Guttering, Changes to BCA

Plumbing Regulation Advisory Note
01/09 Installation High Fronted Guttering
02/09 Requirements for the Installation of Metal Roof Decking/Sheeting

Subscribe to these FREE publications:
(03) 6233 7657
buildingcontrol@justice.tas.gov.au

All previous Building & Plumbing Advisory Notes and Newsletters are available on the Workplace Standards Tasmania website;
http://www.wst.tas.gov.au/industries/building/publications
http://www.wst.tas.gov.au/industries/plumbing

COMPETITIONS, AWARDS, PRIZES & SCHOLARSHIPS

Arts Tasmania/Vitra Design Museum Fellowship 2010
Sponsored by CIRECA
Arts Tasmania is pleased to continue its international partnership with Vitra Design Museum and CIRECA in 2010. This wonderful opportunity allows a Tasmanian designer to attend an international design workshop at Domaine de Boisbuchet, an idyllic country estate in the southwest of France.
More information