BCIT

Centre for Architectural Ecology

collaborations in living architecture, acoustics and building science

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      • What are green roofs?
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Research

The research conducted at the Centre for Architectural Ecology is as diverse as the disciplines involved in living architecture and building science. From green roof performance to acoustical architecture, through to urban ecology and rainwater harvesting, we are pushing the envelope to understand and develop best practices for healthy cities, healthy people, and healthy ecosystems. The applied research at BCIT is guided by cutting-edge science and collaborative partnerships.

Research Themes

Objective evidence demonstrating how green roofs perform and function under local conditions was required prior to their widespread adoption in western Canada. Accordingly, Phase 1 of BCIT’s green roof research program (2002-2007) demonstrated how extensive green roofs perform in the coastal BC climate for stormwater mitigation, thermal efficiency and material durability. The summarized results from Phase 1 can be viewed as a presentation and in reports and articles. Expanded themes of research for the second phase (2007-2010) explored sound transmission and living walls.

In the video below, Dr. Maureen Connelly gives brief overview of some of the student projects at the Centre (Feb 24, 2016).

Project 1: preparing a wall insert to test acoustical performance of window fixtures
Project 2: intensity probe testing for acoustical performance (transmission loss) of old windows
Project 3: planting living walls to prepare for tests for acoustical and air quality performance of indoor living walls

Video features 3 graduate students from the BCIT Master Programs in Building Science/Building Engineering.
We have many other exciting student projects covering a wide range of building acoustics topics.  This is just a glimpse!

Video filmed and produced by: Rosa Lin


The Acoustics of Vancouver’s Residential Laneways

Green Roofs and Walls courses 2021

All our green roof and living wall courses courses have moved online, which makes them more accessible than ever! GROW 1000 (Green Roofs: Design, Installation and Maintenance) will run over 6 Wednesday evenings starting April 7th. GROW 2000 (Planting for the Pacific Northwest) will run over three Saturdays starting May 29th. Registration will open soon.

World Green Roof Day 2020 is June 6!

On June 6th 2021, we’ll celebrate World Green Roof Day for the second time! Join us and friends around the world in this global celebration of the many benefits green roofs offer people, society and nature. Share your love on social media and use hashtags like #greenroofsbc, #wgrd2021, #greenroofs, #greeninfrastructure, #biodiversity, #urbandesign, @GRIT, @wgrd2020.

RSS Sky Gardens – Our News

  • 2020 Plus a Look into 2021 Top 10 Hot List Category #3
  • 2020 Plus a Look into 2021 Top 10 Hot List Category #4
  • 2020 Plus a Look into 2021 Top 10 Hot List Category #5

RSS The Dirt

  • Landscape Architects Can Become Changemakers, But First We Need to Change How They Are Taught
  • National Building Museum Reopens with Programs That Highlight Landscape Architecture

RSS Green Roof News

  • May is the time when small green roofs bloom
  • Ivy against air pollution aims to help school – Blackwall Tunnel Approach Road

External Articles on Architecture, Acoustics and Ecology

  • The World of Sound: acoustics in architecture on Dwell Magazine

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