AIBC Headquarters (Architectural Institute of British Columbia)

To accommodate the needs of a growing membership and diversified range of programs, the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) purchased 440 Cambie Street with four development partners. Previously used by the Vancouver Province newspaper to house their printing presses, the 1910 heritage building was in need of significant renovation. The project also encompassed a civic contribution to the revitalization of the Victory Square area. In conjunction with Robert Lemon Architecture, Perkins+Will upgraded the building, converting it to Strata Titled office spaces. The AIBC occupies the first floor, while their development partners occupy the second and third floors. The design subdivides a typical floor plate into a maximum of 10 strata office suites. Common facilities provided on each floor include washrooms, stair access, elevators, and individual electrical metering and mechanical servicing. The building design also embodies many principles of sustainable building design: use of natural ventilation to all suites; recycling of existing building components (exit stairs, wood structural components); and passive solar control (louvered canopies and sunshades). The design reinforces a sustainable development approach with the use of innovative practices, procedures, products, services and standards, all of which serve to educate fellow professionals, clients and the general public about the critical importance of sustainable design.