June 2010
ACSEF Planning - How to get the best out of the new planning system
Your invitation to join a workshop – at no cost. If you are interested in how planning can contribute to making better places, better quality of life and sustainable economic growth, this half-day FREE workshop is for you. Delivered by the ACSEF PMG (*), this workshop will help you to understand: The workshop has been designed to be interesting and engaging, and to address issues raised with ACSEF about the new planning system. There will be plenty of opportunity for everybody to network and to contribute. You won't be expected to sit still and listen to presentations all afternoon! The overall aim of the workshop is to ensure that all of the stakeholders involved understand that we need to work together to achieve better outcomes.
Who would benefit from attending:
Planners, builders, developers, community council members, infrastructure providers, agents, consultants, elected members – anyone involved in the planning system. Delegates to the pilot workshop in February said the event was “informative”, “stimulating”, “interesting”, “worthwhile”, “collaborative” and “enjoyable”. Two thirds of them said that they would recommend attendance to a colleague.
The series of workshops will be held on the following dates:
14 June Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen
25 June Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen
All workshops from 12.30-4.30pm
To book your place on one of these workshops, please contact judith.munro@agcc.co.uk or telephone 01224 343938 Please feel free to pass this invitation on to any of your colleagues or contacts who may be interested.
SUSTAINABLE URBAN REGENERATION
The SURegen (Integrated Decision Support System for Sustainable Urban Regeneration) project is in the process of developing a regeneration workbench that will meet the decision making challenges that sustainable urban regeneration poses. A workshop to be held at the Caledonian University in Glasgow on 18 June 2010.
The aim of the workshop is to obtain feedback on the initial findings in the development of sustainable regeneration indicators. Accordingly, It will also be a valuable opportunity for those practitioners involved in regeneration projects to learn about, and inform the direction of, future research. As this event is free to attend, places are offered on a first come first served basis. Further information and booking details can be found on –
http://www.scocon.org/eventdetails.jsp?id=1801 .
The SCC together with the University of Dundee is also pleased to be supporting Sustainable Urban Regeneration Indicators – an event organised by the SURegen Project. This free to attend workshop is taking place on Friday 18 June in Glasgow.
Scottish Construction Centre: Lean Construction Awareness Workshop
Building on the memorandum of understanding between the Scottish Construction Centre and ConstructionSkills, and in collaboration with the CIDF, the SCC is pleased to invite you to this event, to be held at the AECC in Aberdeen on 16 June 2010, which has proved extremely popular in the past. This interactive workshop will introduce delegates to the concept and practice of lean construction and process waste elimination. Delegates will take part in a simulation exercise to experience first hand some of the key concepts of lean construction and how applied lean thinking can be practically applied to improve operations.
This workshop accounts for 4 CPD hours. If you are interested in attending, please register your details using the online booking form via the SCC events page at www.scocon.org. If you have any problems please call 0845 8630026. Venue: Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8BL
CIC WEBCAST CONFERENCE
As Friday, 4th June 2010, the date of the FREE online conference on Sustainable Refurbishment is approaching, a 10-minute video on seven webcasts that will be released on that day has been published at the home page of the CIC Start Online website www.cicstart.org. The webcasts have been filmed in collaboration with the academics of Glasgow Caledonian University, Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot Watt University, Glasgow School of Art, the Robert Gordon University, University of Edinburgh and University of Strathclyde Glasgow.
The conference is FREE. Members of CIC Start Online will receive a password to access the webcasts ahead of the event date. For non-members, the registration for the event is provided at www.cicstart.org in the Events section. The webcasts published on 4th June 2010 will remain available for 12 months following the conference. Passwords for accessing the webcasts after the conference can be obtained by contacting admin@cicstart.org. During the 10 minute breaks between the web-casts and the lunch break, the attendees can access the online exhibition of products and services for sustainable refurbishment provided by Scottish businesses. Access to the exhibition is also free following the registration to attend the event.
In the Networking space, the attendees will be able to learn more on the expertise of the participating universities at the Steering Group booth. As most of the speakers will be online during the conference, the attendees can ask questions and get the answers on the day at the speakers' booths. As speakers' contact details will be provided, they can also be contacted after the conference. Chat facilities at the exhibition booths will enable communication between the attendees and the exhibitors.
CIOB Aberdeen Centre 2010 Sports Challenge
Apologies for the short notice: this year's CIOB Sports Challenge takes place on Thursday and consists of an evening of Ten Pin Bowling. We have entered a team of four into the competition, so this is an urgent call for participants!
When - Thursday 3rd June 2010 from 7pm.
Venue – Codona’s Ten Pin Bowling (Aberdeen Beach)
7.00pm – Meet in the bar
7.30pm – Supper
8.50pm – Ten pin bowling – Game 1
9.50pm – Ten pin bowling – Game 2
BUILDING WARRANT: SINGLE PLAN SUBMISSION
From 01 June 2010 Aberdeen City Council: Building Control will introduce a new policy on applications for Building Warrant. The present system of submitting 4 copies has long been agreed to be cumbersome and costly therefore a new single copy of all plans related to the initial submission of a Building Warrant is to be introduced. Please see the Agents pack and Policy guidelines which are available from Aberdeen's Building Control department.
Building Standards Consultation
Apologies to all for the short notice but it has only just come to our notice, and may not have hit many radars as yet, and there is only a relatively short response time remaining.
The Building Standards section of the Scottish Government website http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Building/Building-standards/bsdquest is asking for responses, on line, regarding the impact of the introduction of functional standards to the building regulations. Essentially, it asks how many applicants are taking the opportunity to meet the standards in ways other than those in the Technical Handbooks to the regulations.
This is a really important question since many designers rely on the Technical handbooks in order to protect their clients and themselves. This is less likely to be the case where the size and value of the works justifies the investment of time and money in exploring other solutions that meet the functional standards, but these are relatively few and far between. The questionnaire also asks what reaction applicants get from local authority Verifiers when different methods of demonstrating compliance are offered.
We would encourage everyone to complete the questionnaire so that the widest possible viewpoint is provided. The on line survey will close on 3 June 2010.
May 2010
Saltire Society Housing Awards
The Saltire Society Housing Design Awards Panel has announced that it is extending the submission deadline for the awards for a week from this Friday, in order to accommodate recent interest in the scheme. The new deadline for submissions to the competition is 5pm on Friday 7th May.
The Saltire Society Housing Awards have been flying the flag for innovation and excellence in Scottish housing-building and place-making for over 70 years; recognising, rewarding and celebrating the best new housing and neighbourhoods in Scotland. The awards are the most prestigious accolade of their kind in the country, and are supported by the Scottish Government, The Chartered Institute of Builders, Architecture and Design Scotland, and Homes for Scotland. As the awards enter their eighth decade, the panel is delighted to present a new and updated awards structure for 2010. The awards are intended for architects, house builders and developers, and is a major opportunity for successful entrants to market their work and enhance their profile.
Details of how to submit an entry are available on their website, http://www.saltirehousingdesignawards.org/
April 2010
Surveying and Assessing the Conservation, Repair and Maintenance Requirements of Traditional Buildings
Details of forthcoming course which may be of interest in Architects working in the Conservation fields. Full information and booking details are available from the Secretary.
When: 29th and 30th April 2010.
Where: Scottish Traditional Skills Centre at The National Trust for Scotland’s Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire.
BBC Radio Scotland Aberdeen South Constituency Hustings: 28th April 2010
If you would like to participate, please e-mail your reply to hustings@bbc.co.uk along with the completed form and you will be informed prior to the event whether you have been successful. If more than one person wishes to apply for a ticket from your email address, please fill in separate forms for each application. The hustings will feature a panel of the four main party candidates in Aberdeen South, chaired by BBC Scotland reporter Colin Wight, with questions from members of the public.
When: Wednesday, April 28, at 7 pm. Programme to be recorded at 7.30 pm
Where: The Sanctuary, Queen’s Cross Church, Albyn Place, Aberdeen
Transmission date: April 29, 1315, as a special production for North-east listeners
ABERDEEN SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTS: AGM
The Annual General Meeting of The Aberdeen Society of Architects is to be held on Thursday 22 April 2010. We have arranged for the AGM to happen in conjunction with a 5710 Lecture: the speaker is Niall McCullough. All Architects are welcome to attend the 5710 Lecture at 5.00pm prior to the AGM, which will follow immediately thereafter app 6.30pm. Entry is free to the Lecture to ASA Members. Following the AGM we will be joined by the Students, Staff and Niall McCullough for a Buffet Reception. We, as your Chapter Council; look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.
When: Thursday 22 April 2010
Lecture: 57/10 Niall McCullough at 5.00pm
AGM Time: 6.30pm approximately (to follow directly after 5710 Lecture)
Venue: Lecture Theatre SB42, Scott Sutherland School of Architecture, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen
Should any Member, unable to attend; wishes to raise any item and this will be included in the agenda for discussion and a reply will be forwarded in due course. Please note that your question may require further investigation and research and therefore the question will be replied in the fullness of time.
CPD: Building Sustainable Deeside
A two day event discussing sustainability issues facing developers and the community. Wednesday is aimed at Business and Commercial Organisations; Thursday is aimed at Community groups and those interested in the sustainability of Banchory. In addition to a full programme of speakers, there will be an exhibitors area and refreshments available at the newly opened Buchanan’s Bistro which specialises in organic and local produce. There will be opportunities to view the newly installed wood pellet boiler system.
Date: Wednesday 21 April 2010
Venue: The Woodend Barn, Banchory
To register for free or to exhibit please contact:
marian.reid@scotcat.co.uk or 01330 826567
www.scotcat.co.uk
UNION TERRACE GARDENS: COUNCIL MEETING
The Local Chapter have been asked to express a view on the City Square project and the outcome of the recent consultation. We are all aware of the recent results of same and that Aberdeen City Council are to vote on the outcome. The RIAS made representation during the consultation process. Did you vote originally? If not, this is a further opportunity of making your views known through the Chapter.
To be able to give an accurate assessment of our Membership, and we all have differing views on the subject, the Chapter will conduct a poll of individual members to establish a consensus of opinion as we have been asked by some members if this would be possible. It was to have been on the agenda of the AGM, to canvass the memberships opinion, however; to be more inclusive to ensure ALL Architects are given an opportunity without necessitating attending the AGM your vote will still be counted.
Due to the time constraints imposed by the forthcoming Council Meeting the Chapter have decided to begin the process now. Members are asked to vote for one of four options which are:
1. I support the City Square project as outlined in the consultation carried out by ACSEF.
2. I do not support the City Square project as outlined in the consultation carried out by ACSEF. I support the proposals for the New Centre for Peacock Visual Arts and agree
that the approved project should proceed substantially as approved by
Planning.
3. I do not support the City Square project as outlined in the consultation carried out by ACSEF.
I support in principle redevelopment of Union Terrace Gardens and that a compromise solution should be the basis of a further Feasibility Study and possible future Competition.
To register your vote please reply by email:
NAME:……………………………………………………………….
VOTE: 1…………2…………3…………
We will advise on the result of the vote at the AGM
CPD Events: Built Heritage Lectures
In conjunction with others, the Aberdeen Society of Architects are able to offer our members the opportunity to attend a number of events which should be of interest to Architects in general, not only as part of your CPD requirements but due more to subjects of more local interest.
A series of lectures on Built Heritage by The Robert Gordon University/Scott Sutherland School of Architecture in conjunction with the Scottish Traditional Skills Training Centre.
The lectures, held over a period of 4 weeks in the spring are open to all and free to attend.
Booking is required and full details are available from Barbara Jones on 01224 262034, email b.a.jones@rgu.ac.uk
Scottish Planning Policy SPP 6 Renewable Energy Questionnaire
In 2007, SPP6 set out how the planning system should manage the process of encouraging, approving and implementing renewable energy proposals when preparing development plans and determining planning applications. Architects who have experience of SPP 6 are invited to respond to this questionnaire. The aim is to find out if architects think that as a result of SPP6 conditions:
- Their designs got 'greener'
- Planners dealt with the issue with knowledge and experience
- SPP6 is important to reduce carbon emissions from buildings.
You can access the questionnaire by clicking on this link. A copy of the results will be emailed to those who request it. Matt Bridgestock is collecting information on this topic to write an article for Planning Magazine. His contact details are:
Matt Bridgestock
Architect + Chartered Planner
John Gilbert Architects
e: matt.bridgestock@johngilbert.co.uk
March 2010
CIOB Aberdeen Annual Contracts + Legal Seminar
The above Seminar is due to take place on Thursday 25 March 2010 at The Palm Court Hotel from 3.00 - 5.30pm. Further details on the Seminar – which costs £20 to CIOB Members and £25 to all other professionals, including Architects – and bookings are available directly from: allistair@grampian-design.co.uk
Meeting the Challenges Climate Change Presents to Scotland's Historic Environment
Two day Training Course in conjunction with the Scottish Traditional Skills Training Centre.
Venue: Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire
On the 16th and 17th March 2010, The Scottish Traditional Skills Training Centre is presenting a two day education/training programme directed towards providing participants with highly useful information, as well as practical advice and guidance, concerning the interventions required in order to meet the Challenges Climate Change presents to Scotland’s Historic Environment. The course, which will be held at The National Trust for Scotland’s Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire, will incorporate presentations by a range of leading authorities from throughout the country, who possess in-depth knowledge and understanding of this critically important, yet often confusing subject.
To enable a high degree of participant involvement and interaction with those presenting the course, the number of delegate places available is being restricted - and are therefore offered on a first come first served basis. A cheque for £150 made payable to The Scottish Traditional Skills Training Centre will secure your place on the course. This should be posted to The Scottish Traditional Skills TC, Fyvie Castle, Fyvie, Turriff, Aberdeenshire AB53 8JS.
Past Present + Future: Marischal College
This year's Annual Lecture of the Allied Professions Group is to take place on Monday 15 March 2010 at the Lemon Tree Studio. Members of the Chapter are invited to attend and the evening this includes a Buffet Reception thereafter in the Bar of the same venue. We look forward to meeting you on the evening at what should be a very informative lecture what has been part of Aberdeen's history and if only to see what the City Council are proposing to undertake with the building. Car parking is available in East North Street car park.
The Aberdeen Society of Architects Annual Dinner 2010
The ASA's Annual Dinner 2010 will be held at The Copthorne Hotel in Aberdeen on 12 March 2010. Make sure you are one of the 'in crowd': put the date in your diary and reserve your place at this event as soon as possible, and by the latest 05 March 2010. The booking form is available by emailing the chapter secretary. Bookings can be accepted both from Practices, who can book tables for invited guests; and individual Members who will be accommodated at group tables.
The Dinner is an opportunity of meeting up with your friends and compatriots and entertain guest Clients and Consultants. Our Guest Speaker for the evening is Duncan Cameron, and a further announcement should be made in the near future regarding AN-other? The cost for this year's Dinner, £45, has been reduced in order to encourage participation and reflect the current economic climate. We hope to see you there…
Design Review Panel
In order to raise the quality of design in the North East, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Council have along with the Chapter been working together to create the ‘Design Review Panel’. Both councils want to improve the quality of the built environment by securing well designed places and buildings that respect and contribute positively to their settings, promote aspiration, provide a sense of place, and use resources efficiently. The panel will consider a range of schemes that are significant because of size, public interest, location or set new standards for the future.
The Design Review will offer constructive and objective criticism at an early stage in the process which should lead to a better output and a stronger working relationship between all those involved. The advice given will draw on professional knowledge and experience within a local context, offering the opportunity for comprehensive criticism of development proposals. This process is most effective at the pre application stage where there is still time for changes and discussions.
Please contact the Secretary if you are interested in participating as a Panel Member –
completed applications should be submitted by the 12 March 2010 to Aberdeen City Council.
RIBA Climate Change Lecture Series 2010
Afternoon Conference – Wednesday 10 March from 1400 to 1830
Venue: Scott Sutherland School
Including an RIBA Education presentation to students, "Architecture, Energy and Climate, the Danish Perspective", lecture by Michael Lauring; "Architecture and Climate Change", lecture by Michael Pawlyn; plus a debate between the speakers. The lecture is free and open to the public, staff and students, although booking a place is recommended – contact Helen Aggasild on 01224 263700.
Next Chapter Meeting
Date: Monday 08 March 2010
Time: 12.30pm
Venue: GPA Humphries, 75 Albury Road, Aberdeen
Please note your apologies as this will assist in providing lunch catering
February 2010
Education Salvation or Damnation?
Thursday 25 February 2010
To be held at the Caledonian Hotel, Aberdeen
Should Union Terrace Gardens be revived as a new home for an arts centre or is a more radical solution needed for Aberdeen. CPD and Presentation by various interested parties to Architects and Planners in a combined RTPI and RIAS/ASA Chapter event.
Reservation of a place is necessary, although free to members; direct with Allan Rae, email: grampian.scotland@rtpi.org.uk
Sustainable Green Issues Seminar
Wednesday 24 February 2010
Venue: Palm Court Hotel, Aberdeen
The CIOB is hosting one of several events planned for Aberdeen throughout the year. In the past, these events have been extremely popular and as a result places for Architects are limited. Full details of the event and booking arrangements are available from:
Ian Jamieson, CIOB Aberdeen Centre, Camstruction Ltd., Cam House, 5 York Street, Aberdeen, AB11 5DL
Reminder: What If?
Union Terrace Gardens and the City Square Project: Exploring Ideas for Union Terrace Gardens
MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2010, 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Venue: Peacock Visual Arts Centre off Castlegate, Aberdeen
December 2009
Aberdeen City Council: Main Issues Report
Aberdeen City Council has published a Main Issues Report which is part of the process of preparing a new Local Development Plan. The Main Issues Report examines options for dealing with the key planning matters facing Aberdeen over the next 20 years, such as where new housing should be built, where employment opportunities might be provided, how people travel around the city, where supporting infrastructure should be located, and how the planning policies can be developed. Everyone now has the chance to comment on the Main Issues Report and these comments will be considered by the Council before the Proposed Local Development Plan is prepared and published next year. The consultation period is from 16th October until 11th December 2009. Architects are advised to log on to the Council's website.
November 2009
Aberdeen City Heritage Trust: National Maintenance Week
Members may be interested in various Lectures and Seminars arranged during National Maintenance Week, commencing Monday 23 November 2009. A list of events is attached. All booking etc to be made direct with organisers of the event.
Scotlime: Courses for 2009-2010
We only have a few places left on our forthcoming seminars at Penicuik House, so if you are interested in coming along don't hesitate and book your place now! We also have a fantastic range of courses on offer all geared towards helping you to increase your skills while meeting your CPD requirements. Some of our most popular courses are now subsidised through the Penicuik House project and delivered on site at the new training centre situated within the magnificent ruin of Penicuik House. The project has been generously funded from a range of groups including Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland and Leader Plus. Please contact www.scotlime.org direct.
