Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

{{Short description|Canadian professional architectural association}}

{{Infobox organization

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|abbreviation = RAIC

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|formation = 1907

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|status = Active

|purpose = Advocate and public voice, educator, and network

|headquarters = Ottawa, Ontario

|region_served = Canada

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|language = English, French

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|website = {{URL|www.raic.org}}

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The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is a not-for-profit, national organization that has represented architects and architecture for over 100 years, in existence since 1907. The RAIC is the leading voice for excellence in the built environment in Canada, 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. [https://books.google.com/books?id=S-5WuEb2aQEC&pg=PR15 Architecture in Transition: From Art to Practice, 1885-1906]. McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP; 1987. {{ISBN|978-0-7735-0604-6}}. p. 15–. Through its journal, the organization provided information to its members about building practices and design considerations in Canada.[https://books.google.com/books?id=qu-WJBzJ4sIC&pg=PA343 Homes in Alberta: Building, Trends, and Design, 1870-1967]. University of Alberta; 1991. {{ISBN|978-0-88864-223-3}}. 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. [https://books.google.com/books?id=Xhk6838sbmsC&pg=PA260 Newfoundland Modern: Architecture in the Smallwood Years, 1949-1972]. McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP; 17 October 2011. {{ISBN|978-0-7735-3902-0}}. 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. [https://books.google.com/books?id=VjYH3-zeFeQC&pg=PA3 Allied Arts: Architecture and Craft in Postwar Canada]. MQUP; 28 March 2012. {{ISBN|978-0-7735-8682-6}}. p. 3–. They also worked on developing standards of measurement in the building trades.National Research Council (U.S.). Building Research Institute. Conferences. [https://books.google.com/books?id=wmgrAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA61 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.[https://books.google.com/books?id=i8oVMPqR3BIC&pg=PA36 Designing Women: Gender and the Architectural Profession]. University of Toronto Press; 2000. {{ISBN|978-0-8020-8219-0}}. p. 36–.

In 2006, the RAIC signed on for the 2030 °Challenge, 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

[https://raic.org/raic/gold-medal---past-recipients RAIC Gold Medal] - their highest honour.{{cite web|url=http://www.raic.org/honours_and_awards/honours_gold_medal/tor_e.htm|title=RAIC Gold Medal|work=Royal Architectural Institute of Canada|access-date=11 December 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616034941/http://www.raic.org/honours_and_awards/honours_gold_medal/tor_e.htm|archive-date=16 June 2009}}
Governor General's Medals in Architecture (continuing the tradition of the Massey Medals for Architecture which were awarded between 1950 and 1970, and a collaboration of the RAIC and the Massey Foundation)
[https://raic.org/raic/student-medal RAIC Student Medal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222010511/https://raic.org/raic/student-medal |date=2019-12-22 }}
[https://raic.org/raic/architectural-firm---past-recipients RAIC Architectural Firm Award]
[https://raic.org/awards/national-urban-design-awards---2018-recipients National Urban Design Awards]
[https://raic.org/raic/young-architect-award---past-recipients RAIC Emerging Architect Award] (previously known as the RAIC Young Architect Award)
[https://raic.org/raic/xxe-siecle---past-recipients RAIC Prix du XXe siècle]
[https://raic.org/raic/emerging-architectural-practice-award---past-recipients RAIC Emerging Architectural Practice Award]
[https://raic.org/raic/past-recipients-0 RAIC Awards of Excellence]
[https://raic.org/raic/raic-foundation-scholarships-and-bursaries RAIC Foundation Scholarships & Bursaries]