City ‘unique in Canada’ because architects weren’t preparing for weather extremes
During a deadly heat wave two summers ago, Dennis Laplante found himself sweltering under the scorching skylights in his house. Realizing that the time had finally arrived, he resolved to utilize the emergency space blankets he had carefully preserved for two decades.
From his basement, he retrieved a pair of crinkly silver blankets and carried them up a three-meter ladder to reach the windows. Employing curtain rods, he ingeniously positioned the material over the skylights, effectively preventing the sun’s intrusion into his 1980s townhouse.
Laplante, now 70 years old and a long-time resident of Vancouver’s Champlain Heights neighborhood, expressed, “It was incredibly affordable and performed exceptionally well.”
He observed, “The space blankets deteriorated under the sun. In the subsequent year, and once again this year, we decided to use cardboard with aluminum foil instead.”
According to experts, a significant portion of Vancouver’s architecture is exceptionally susceptible to escalating heat in Canada. This vulnerability arises from the fact that many buildings were originally designed for more moderate climates, resulting in tens of thousands of structures requiring immediate upgrades. These experts suggest that designers should revert to fundamental and sustainable building techniques, which would naturally keep residents cool. They emphasize that relying solely on air conditioning cannot serve as a viable long-term solution.
Donald Luxton, a veteran heritage consultant with four decades of experience in the city, emphasized the valuable lessons history offers. He emphasized the need for a shift in mindset towards the environment, urging us to abandon the conquest mentality and instead collaborate with it. Luxton highlighted that this approach aligns with historical practices of designing buildings.
Luxton expressed, “I believe there are numerous things that our parents and grandparents were well aware of, but we seem to have overlooked.”
Old designs passed in Vancouver’s former climate
Indigenous people who lived in the area — the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlil̓wətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples — had an innate understanding of the need to design buildings to work with the climate, rather than against it, based on their in-depth knowledge of the land.
The xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlil̓wətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, the indigenous inhabitants of the region, possessed an innate understanding of the significance of constructing architecture that harmonized with the climate instead of working against it. Their deep connection with the land allowed them to intuitively create buildings that blended seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment.
Homes were equipped with removable curtain walls, also known as outer coverings, to regulate sunlight and airflow. The rooftops were constructed using split cedar planks that could be adjusted or turned to effectively handle rainfall.
Nancy Mackin, an architect specializing in Indigenous design, emphasized the significance of local innovations from Indigenous cultures in the Vancouver area. She highlighted their relevance in facing the challenges of climate change and ensuring comfortable buildings.
Having an intense awareness of our surroundings provides a wealth of knowledge to be gained.
According to Luxton, a significant portion of Vancouver’s architecture incorporated Victorian-style porches, verandas, and small glass windows after colonization. These architectural features aimed to minimize sun exposure and facilitate a refreshing cross-breeze.
A significant majority of individuals who lost their lives during the 2021 heat dome lacked access to air conditioning.
According to a recent report, a significant number of financially vulnerable individuals lost their lives during the severe heatwave that occurred in British Columbia in 2021. A large proportion of those who perished did not have access to air conditioning.
In the 1960s, mid-level high-rises began to replace single-family homes in the West End of the city. By the 1980s, glass-walled condos became the dominant feature of the skyline, proving to be highly lucrative in a city renowned for its picturesque views.
Sara Stevens, an associate professor of architecture at the University of British Columbia, stated that in cities like Vancouver, where the prime selling factors are location, view, and proximity to nature, having more glass in buildings becomes an immensely attractive and significant feature.
Naturally, the issue with excessive glass is that it permits a significant amount of heat to enter, necessitating the use of air conditioning to counterbalance it.
Stevens remarked that a significant portion of the city was constructed during the era when it was believed that fossil fuel energy would be inexpensive and technological advancements would be our saviors.
B.C. is currently witnessing an escalation in summer heat waves, with a significant occurrence being the heat dome responsible for the tragic loss of over 600 lives in 2021. An analysis revealed that the majority of the victims were elderly individuals residing in low-income neighborhoods, experiencing disabilities, and lacking access to air conditioning.
According to Luxton and Stevens, the city can revert to fundamental methods of retrofitting in order to reduce its dependence on cooling technology. Implementing features such as robust awnings, shaded windows, reflective exterior paint, and increasing green space can effectively decrease sun exposure.
He said that in Canada, we are distinctively unique due to the fact that we have not experienced extreme climate conditions.
“The challenge lies in setting an example right away. Merely placing regular air conditioners in windows won’t achieve anything,” Luxton emphasized.
Using incentives to balance sustainability and housing
The Resilient Apartment Retrofit Accelerator program was introduced by the City of Vancouver in July. Landlords can access a funding of $3.5 million under this program to cover the expenses of heat-related building upgrades.
In order to avoid further displacements in a city grappling with an affordability crisis, the city has adopted a strategy that incentivizes renovations instead of implementing rigid regulations.
“The rental and non-market sector requires us to exercise sensitivity in our actions, as it caters to individuals who may be more vulnerable,” stated Sean Pander, the manager responsible for green and resilient buildings in the city.
He said, “We have received feedback from individuals who acknowledge your efforts to safeguard us and assist us, but they emphasize the urgency of finding immediate and future accommodations.”
Developers can be hesitant to join due to the prevailing demand for views.
According to Patrick Condon, a professor of urban design at UBC, the heat dome experienced a few years ago has not prompted significant modifications in construction standards. He further added that the construction industry is not receptive to altering the standards for constructing high-rise buildings.
By 2030, B.C. has made a firm commitment to achieve a decrease of 59 to 64 percent in carbon emissions within the buildings sector. To fulfill its net-zero target by 2050, the residential sector in the province will require an annual retrofit incentive of $1.6 billion, as estimated by the Pembina Institute, a non-profit energy think-tank.
Laplante, having found his own solution of using tin-foil to lower the temperature in his house, has now assisted a senior friend in installing blackout curtains on the windows facing south.
He expressed gratitude for having a temporary fix.
“He said, ‘I possess a solution. There is a significant number of individuals who lack one, and I sympathize with them.'”
