The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is a not-for-profit, national organization that has represented
architects
An architect is a person who plans, designs and oversees the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to provide services in connection with the design of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the buildings that h ...
and architecture for over 100 years, in existence since 1907. The RAIC is the leading voice for excellence in the built environment in
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...
, demonstrating how design enhances the quality of life, while addressing important issues of society through responsible architecture. The RAIC’s mission is to promote excellence in the built environment and to advocate for responsible architecture. The organization national office is based in Ottawa with a growing federated chapter model. Current chapters and networks are based in British Columbia, Alberta and Nova Scotia.
History
RAIC was founded in 1907. It provided a country-level co-ordination among previously-existing provincial architectural groups.
[Kelly Crossman. ]
Architecture in Transition: From Art to Practice, 1885-1906
'. McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP; 1987. . p. 15–. Through its journal, the organization provided information to its members about building practices and design considerations in Canada.
Homes in Alberta: Building, Trends, and Design, 1870-1967
'. University of Alberta; 1991. . p. 343–.
In 1948, in anticipation of the confederation of Newfoundland with Canada. Architects there formed the Newfoundland Architects Association, which became a chapter of the RAIC.
[Robert Mellin. ]
Newfoundland Modern: Architecture in the Smallwood Years, 1949-1972
'. McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP; 17 October 2011. . p. 260–.
After World War II, the RAIC made considerable efforts to develop connections and forums for collaboration between architects and members of related professions, including interior design, arts and crafts.
[Sandra Alfoldy. ]
Allied Arts: Architecture and Craft in Postwar Canada
'. MQUP; 28 March 2012. . p. 3–. They also worked on developing standards of measurement in the building trades.
[National Research Council (U.S.). Building Research Institute. Conferences. ]
Methods of Building Cost Analysis: Report of a Program Held as Part of the BRI 1961 Fall Conferences
'. National Academies; 1962. NAP:15348. p. 61–.
In 2000, a study of the organization's Journal showed that the publication had perpetuated gender-based stereotypes about the field of architecture.
Designing Women: Gender and the Architectural Profession
'. University of Toronto Press; 2000. . p. 36–.
In 2006, the RAIC signed on for
the 2030 °Challenge
The 2030 Challenge is an initiative by Edward Mazria and Architecture 2030 to make all new buildings and renovations carbon-neutral by the year 2030 to avoid the catastrophic effects of climate change caused by the ''building sector''. Buildings, ...
, which urges the global architecture community to adopt targets to ensure building practices are carbon-neutral by 2030.
The RAIC presents an annual Conference on Architecture for architects and members to network, earn continuing education credits, and celebrate excellence in architecture. The RAIC also administers a job board and event board for members and the public.
Membership
There are three classes of membership in the RAIC: Members (
post-nominal letters MRAIC), fellows (FRAIC), and honorary members/fellows (Hon. MRAIC/FRAIC).
Awards and honours sponsored by RAIC
RAIC Gold Medal- their highest honour.
*
Governor General's Medals in Architecture
The Governor General's Awards are a collection of annual awards presented by the Governor General of Canada, recognizing distinction in numerous academic, artistic, and social fields.
The first award was conceived and inaugurated in 1937 by the ...
(previously known as Massey Medals, administered by RAIC)
RAIC Student MedalRAIC Architectural Firm AwardNational Urban Design AwardsRAIC Emerging Architect Award
(previously known as the RAIC Young Architect Award)
RAIC Prix du XXe siècleRAIC Emerging Architectural Practice AwardRAIC Awards of ExcellenceRAIC Foundation Scholarships & Bursaries
See also
*List of Canadian organizations with royal patronage
This is a list of Canadian organizations with royal patronage. The practice of members of the Canadian Royal Family giving their patronage to Canadian organizations stems from that which started in the United Kingdom in pre- industrial times, wh ...
*Commonwealth Association of Architects
Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA), formed in 1965, is an organisation for national and regional institutes representing architects in Commonwealth countries. As such, under the Commonwealth family, the association validates courses in a ...
References
Architecture in Canada
''The Canadian Encyclopedia
''The Canadian Encyclopedia'' (TCE; french: L'Encyclopédie canadienne) is the national encyclopedia of Canada, published online by the Toronto-based historical organization Historica Canada, with the support of Canadian Heritage.
Available f ...
''
*Kalman, Harold D. ''A History of Canadian Architecture.'' Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1994.
External links
RAIC Official websiteThe 2030 Challenge
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Architecture associations based in Canada
1907 establishments in Ontario
Architecture awards
Architecture in Canada
Architecture-related professional associations
Commonwealth Association of Architects
Organizations based in Canada with royal patronage
Organizations based in Ottawa
Organizations established in 1907