November, 2009 – DA Architects + Planners are very pleased to be one of several recipents of the 2009 BC Steel Design Award – Krentz Awaqrd – from the  Canadian Institute of Steel Construction. This award was  for ‘Outstanding Steel Structure’ and was bestowed as a special recognition of an extraordinary design solution in the field of steel construction that demonstrates unique application, successful collaboration and sustainable principles for the benefit of society, the industry and associated professions.

Some building facts:

223,000 square feet of exhibition hall  (or 5 football fields)

60,000 square feet of meeting rooms

55,000 square feet of ballroom (larger than one football field)

90,000 square feet of retail space

400,000 square feet of walkways, bikewayks, public open space and plazas

6 acres of living roof

for more information please see http://da.604media.com/wordpress-new/projects/vancouver-convention-centre/

Campbell River Spirit Square

The Campbell River Spirit Square opened November 2nd, 2009, in time for the Olympic Torch to arrive in the afternoon.  The square was opened with dedication and blessing ceremonies by We Wai Kum First Nations singers and dancers, as well as by visiting Tibetan monks.  It was an amazing turnout by the local community with almost 3,000 residents celebrating the arrival of the Olympic Torch. The square is in the heart of the city’s downtown.

This plaza was a recommendation of a planning study for the downtown by DA Architects + Planners in 2006.  The intent of the plaza is to define and strengthen the existing cultural precinct with opportunities for festivals, public performances and to showcase spectacular events such as the arrival of the Olympic Torch to downtown Campbell River, BC.

In October, 2009 Partners Ron Beaton, Mark Ehman and Randy Knill celebrated with their team, colleagues, and friends 40 years of architecture. A memorable evening was brought together at the Vancouver Convention Centre West with over 140 attendees. The event celebrated world architecture and featured world music with DJ Mark Fournier, incredible local and oceanwise food  prepared by the outstanding VCCW Chef and showcased a 40 foot banner spanning the decades of thoughtful architecture. Founded in 1969 in Vancouver, BC,  DA Architects + Planners specialize in private and public sector work, including hospitality, educational, industrial, and commercial building types.

Contributing to Vancouver’s vibrant cityscape, DA Architects have been involved in major projects like the new Vancouver Convention Centre West, River Rock Casino Resort, and the Vancouver Public Library.  The firm has also been active in the residential sector, producing three residential towers at Bayshore Gardens Development, the Cielo, and several of the iconic towers in the post expo Yaletown redevelopment, all major Vancouver projects.

Current work includes the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in downtown Vancouver, Delta Hospice and several large mixed use projects that combine residential uses with office and retail.

With an enthusiastic team of 25+ professionals and newly renovated office space occupying a full loft floor in Yaletown, DA Architects + Planners are poised for the next 40 years !

April, 2009. Congratulations to Randy Knill, Partner, B. Arch, C.P., MAIBC, LEED© AP for successfully achieving his LEED accreditation.

Randy has  earned the designation as a LEED Accredited Professional by demonstrating a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and principles and familiarity with LEED requirements, resources and processes.

DA Architects + Planners extend congratulations to Randy.

With the global awareness of sustainability issues on all levels, DA Architects are very pleased to have nine Staff that have demonstrated their thorough knowledge of green building practices.

The Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion Project is nearing completion after 8 years of design work including our VCCEP architect team relocating to a project office in close proximity .

A spectacular waterfront venue utilizing all modern technology including a ‘Living’ roof which compliments and enhances the  waterfront scene.

The Opening Ceremony will be on Friday, April 3rd, 2009 at 1pm for the ribbon cutting event.