News

More than 50 international architects and designers exhibit work on campus

The work of more than 50 international architects and designers is on display at the Kasian Gallery in the in the faculty of environmental design (EVDS) as part of the schedule of events for the ACADIA 2011 Conference (Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture).

Two years ago, a multidisciplinary team of University of Calgary students interested in sustainable energy technologies submitted a proposal for the 2011 Solar Decathlon with a vision of creating a culturally relevant, net-zero home that addressed housing needs in First Nations communities. When the team finally relaxed in the Cenovus TRTL home Saturday night on the National Mall, their dream had become reality.

In collaboration with the City of Calgary, EVDS is hosting makeCalgary; a three-day exploration of Calgary's urban landscape featuring a panel discussion of internationally recognized designers, day-long design charrette and a public exhibition in celebration of the faculty's 40th anniversary.

After four days of rain and cloudy weather, the sun finally came out over the solar village on Sunday afternoon. Canada’s team has already shown an estimated 7000 people through the Cenovus TRTL solar home – more than any other team so far in the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2011 Solar Decathlon. Until October 2, the TRTL -- along with 18 other student-designed solar homes – will be open to the public on West Potomac Park in Washington, DC. The houses are undergoing rigorous testing while the teams host a series of special events to demonstrate the functionality of their homes.

A new study on human impact to wildlife in some of Canada's most popular national parks has identified limits at which trails can be used before ecological disturbance takes place. The study led by University of Calgary Masters graduate, J. Kimo Rogala, is published in the current online issue of the journal Ecology and Society. Rogala was a student of professor Marco Musiani in the Faculty of Environmental Design.

Professor Noel Keough investigates the use of Calgary public toilets in this weeks edition of FFWD Magazine Life and Style.

"Last month, CBC Radio’s “Eye Opener” morning drive show ran a segment by reporter Karen Moxley about Calgary’s three automated public toilets.

In this weeks edition of FFWD Magazine Calgary Life and Style, Professor Noel Keough explores livability on the East Coast.

"The University of Calgary’s entry in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon 2011 is ready to be shipped to the National Mall in Washington D.C. for the competition September 23-October 2, 2011. On Wednesday, the team hosted a send-off ceremony, during which sponsors were recognized and the home was officially blessed for its 4,000 km journey.

EVDS Professor Tang Lee is featured in the Post Media news, commenting on how owners of former grow-op homes are left unprotected by lax regulations.

"Gord McCrea and Susan Kammerle bought a home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Maple Ridge, B.C., last year on the understanding that a marijuana grow-operation that once occupied the basement had been small and that there hadn't been any major tampering with the home's infrastructure.

EVDS Professor Noel Keough explains why Calgary can learn a thing or two about Vancouver city design in FFWD Magazine.

"From a restaurant deck overlooking English Bay, it’s hard to imagine a more livable city than Vancouver. In the words of Captain Vancouver in 1792, “To describe the beauty of this region... will be a very grateful task to the pen.”