The School of Architecture is forging closer ties with the professional community with a little help from its friends.
Friends of the School of Architecture (FOSA), a non-profit society, was founded in 1995 to support, promote and advise the school.
Since FOSA's inception, about $66,000 in donations has been raised by the society. The money will be used to support activities such as memorial lectures, special courses and a new architecture students' publication.
The society may also assist the Architectural Institute of B.C. (AIBC) with the establishment of a new AIBC headquarters downtown.
School of Architecture Director Sandy Hirshen said benefits to the school from the new AIBC location include an urban design studio, a venue for lectures and exhibition space for student work and travelling shows downtown.
"Gaining a downtown presence would be a major asset to the school, and greatly increase our opportunities to work with and learn from industry," Hirshen said.