November, 2014

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What to Get an Architect for Christmas (2014)

Life of an Architect

'It’s almost that time again – the overwhelming necessary list of “What to get an architect for Christmas.” This is the 5th Edition of this list and I have to admit, it keeps getting bigger and better every year. Let’s face it, shopping for architects sucks because we are super picky and just a tad bit judgmental about everyone else’s apparent lack of taste and culture.

Sketching 112
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Construction unemployment hits eight-year low, some states struggle to find qualified labor

BD+C

'The construction industry, whose workforce was decimated during the last recession, is slowly getting back on its feet. However, in certain markets—especially those where oil drilling and production have been prospering—construction workers can still be scarce. Based on a survey of nearly 1,100 member firms in October, the Associated General Contractors of America ( www.agc.org ) reported that 83% of respondents were having difficulty finding craft workers, and 61% said other professional posit

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Mentoring is an Integral Part of the Profession

EntreArchitect

This week, I am sharing blogging duties with a friend and active supporter of Entrepreneur Architect. Michael Riscica is an architect who lives in beautiful Portland, Oregon with his Labrador Retriever. He is the founder of Young Architect, a blog featuring articles about design, the architecture registration exam , entrepreneurship, and his journey as a young architect.

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Illinois Institute of Technology – College of Architecture

Life of an Architect

'Ever wondered what going to architecture was really like? There are a lot of stories about going to architecture school – the long hours, the absolute dedication, the commitment needed to complete the program … and guess what? They are all true but that doesn’t mean that if you are thinking about going to architecture school that you should avoid it.

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Revolutionize Concrete Durability with Kryton’s Integral Waterproofing Solutions

Kryton International leads the way in integral waterproofing solutions for concrete, helping architects, engineers, and developers protect their projects from moisture-related damage. With Kryton's Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) technology, concrete becomes inherently waterproof, extending the lifespan of structures while minimizing maintenance. This proven technology is trusted worldwide for its ability to self-seal micro-cracks, protect against water ingress, and withstand harsh conditions.

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Sketching during Schematic Design

Life of an Architect

'So what exactly is schematic design ? In short order, schematic design is the initial design phase in any project. The first step is called programming which is when the client and architect discuss the requirements of the project (how many rooms, the function of the phases, etc.), testing the fit between the owner’s needs, wants, and budget. This first phase is incredibly important but it is a fact-finding and data collection process.

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We, Myself and I

Life of an Architect

'There’s no “I” in “Team” … but there’s no “We” in “Team” either. Come to think of it, there’s no “U” in “Team” either. I don’t know when I became obsessed with saying “we” whenever I sit across the table from someone and talk to them about what “I” have been doing or what “I” have been working on.

Mining 107
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Forbes: Houston is America's #1 construction hotspot

BD+C

'According to a recent report from Forbes , Houston is America''s top city for new construction in 2014. With $25.1 billion in starts from January to September this year, Houston has seen a 176% increase in new projects since 2013. Eight of the 10 biggest new construction projects (in terms of cost to build) are energy and chemicals facilities, according to Forbes. read more.

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Must see: Plans released for underwater city that could house 5,000 people

BD+C

'Ocean Spiral is the name of Shimizu Corp.''s newly-revealed plan for an underwater city that could house up to 5,000 people. The design centers around a floating, 500-meter-wide sphere linked to a resource center on the ocean floor via a 15-kilometer, helix-shaped path. According to The Guardian , the central dome would house business and residential zones.

Cities 104
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The Evolution of Kitchens

Life of an Architect

'Kitchens have come a long way in the role that they play in our daily lives. The room that once existed for purely functional reasons, located in the back of the house and away from all other activities, is now taking its rightful place front and center of our lives and our homes. The ad above is from a May 1940 issue of Architectural Forum. Just 75 years ago, this was considered a modern kitchen – efficient, white, stainless steel … wait?!

Zoning 104
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Overcoming Challenges in Specification Writing for Architecture

This ebook is a helpful guide for architects & specification writers, focusing on the crucial role specifications play in building design. It dives into different types, relevant regulations, & best practices to keep in mind. You’ll find practical tips.

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TED Talk: How one architect is rethinking K-12 school design using 'boundaryless' spaces

BD+C

'Building the perfect space for kids to learn and play requires a designer in touch with his or her inner child. Takaharu Tekuza fit the bill, and it shows in his unorthodox design for the Fuji Kindergarten in Tachikawa, Japan. The oval structure is built around a group of 80-foot-high zelkova trees. The wide, low roof serves as a floating walkway in the middle of the greenery, and the trees are covered in netting, allowing the kids to safely play around and climb the trees.

Space 103
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Chesapeake Bay Foundation completes uber-green Brock Environmental Center, targets Living Building certification

BD+C

'The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) Brock Environmental Center reached construction completion today in Virginia Beach, Va. Designed by SmithGroupJJR and constructed by Hourigan Construction, the Center is an international model for energy and water efficiency and climate change resiliency. Body Image: read more.

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A Day in the Life of an Architect

Life of an Architect

'What does the typical architect’s day look like? Depends on how you define “typical”, the architect, the market sector where they practice, their experience within the profession, and any particular day of the week. Quite honestly, there isn’t a typical answer to this question so, in an effort to paint a picture of what you could expect when imagining your life as me ( admit it … who hasn’t done that?!?

Architect 100
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Fan of the High Line? Check out NYC's next public park plan (hint: it floats)

BD+C

'When people are looking for public space in New York City, they often look to the waterways. Of the many ideas in this vein, a new one is more ambitious than usual: an offshore park proposed for the Hudson River off of 14th Street. Initial pricing puts the project, called Pier 55, at $170 million, and the proposal states that it would be located 186 feet from land and contain wooded areas and three performance venues, 6sqft reports.

IT 99
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The Ultimate Guide To Data-Driven Construction: Optimize Projects, Reduce Risks, & Boost Innovation

Speaker: Donna Laquidara-Carr, PhD, LEED AP, Industry Insights Research Director at Dodge Construction Network

In today’s construction market, owners, construction managers, and contractors must navigate increasing challenges, from cost management to project delays. Fortunately, digital tools now offer valuable insights to help mitigate these risks. However, the sheer volume of tools and the complexity of leveraging their data effectively can be daunting. That’s where data-driven construction comes in.

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Hotel construction pipeline hits five-year high

BD+C

'The hotel construction pipeline hit a five-year high in Q3, clocking in at 3,516 projects and 443,936 rooms, Lodging Econometrics reports. For four consecutive quarters, the pipeline has posted double digit year-over-year increases in terms of both projects and rooms. In Q3 of this year, year-over-year increases for projects and rooms are up 25% and 24% respectively.

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Frank Gehry creates fanciful brick façade for Australian business school

BD+C

'Frank Gehry''s first building in Australia, the Dr. Chau Chak Wing Building at the University of Technology, Sydney, has been completed. The building, primarily for use by the UTS business school, includes classrooms, a collaborative theater, a 240-seat auditorium, and a sculptural staircase made of stainless steel. Body Image: read more.

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New tool helps developers, contractors identify geographic risk for construction

BD+C

'Developers and contractors entering new markets that are looking to mitigate their projects’ risk now have available an interactive tool that not only allows them to access real-time updates pertaining to the risk climate of municipalities across the U.S., but also to create a job-specific risk profile that takes into account such factors as local statutes and the potential for catastrophic exposure. read more.

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Rental apartment construction soars to 27-year high: WSJ report

BD+C

'Luxury condo developments may grab the headlines, but rental housing is the true workhorse in the booming multifamily sector, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The Journal ''s Nick Timiraos reports that construction of multifamily housing units—those with five units or more—is running at its strongest 12-month pace since 1989, and that 93% of units in buildings with at least two units are being constructed as rentals. read more.

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Architectural Visualization Trends and the Rise of AI

A new industry study conducted by Architizer on behalf of Chaos Enscape surveyed 2,139 design professionals to understand the state of architectural visualization and what to expect in the near future. We asked: How are visualizations produced in your firm? What impact does real-time rendering have? What approach are you taking toward the rise of AI?

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Bjarke Ingels unveils master plan for Smithsonian's south mall campus

BD+C

'Bjarke Ingels’ firm BIG has revealed designs for the Smithsonian Institution’s 10- to 20-year renovation project of the south mall campus in Washington, D.C. “The centerpiece of the proposed South Mall Master Plan is the revitalization of the iconic Smithsonian castle,” the firm said in a statement. Body Image: read more.

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Designs by three finalists for new Beethoven concert hall unveiled

BD+C

'Inhabitat reports that three architecture practices have been chosen as finalists for the new concert hall being built to commemorate composer and musician Beethoven’s 250 th birthday in his hometown of Bonn, Germany. Body Image: read more.

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Cairo's ultra-green mixed-use development will be topped with flowing solar canopy

BD+C

'Paris-based Vincent Callebaut Architecture has come up with a plan for a mixed-use complex located in Cairo that combines vegetation and structure to communicate Egypt''s inclination toward progressive architecture, designboom reports. The proposal''s main purpose is to raise awareness of sustainable architecture designed to combat global warming. Body Image: read more.

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Midsize construction firms see a brighter business horizon

BD+C

'Uncertainty about government spending clouds an otherwise positive economic outlook among 59 middle market construction firms polled recently by GE Capital. Those firms—which average 652 employees and $144.6 million in annual revenue—are particularly confident about U.S. and local markets, though less so about the global arena. Only 12% of those polled said they were “extremely confident” about the condition of global economies, versus 21% who felt the same way about the U.S. economy, and 42% w

Firms 92
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From Plan to Reality: Unlocking the Power of Aerial Imagery for AEC

Aerial imagery has emerged as a necessary tool for architecture, engineering, and construction firms seeking to improve pre-construction site analysis, make more informed planning decisions, and ensure all stakeholders have access to an accurate visualization of the site to keep the project moving forward. Download our guide and take a deeper look at how aerial imagery can be leveraged to drive project efficiency by reducing unnecessary site visits and providing the accurate details required to

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Nelson adds to its stable with EHS Design acquisition

BD+C

'Nelson, the acquisition-minded design, engineering, and space-management firm, is expanding its reach in the western United States by acquiring EHS Design, a Seattle-based architecture and interior design outfit with 21 associates and net fee billings this year of $3.5 million. The merger becomes effective on January 1. read more.

IT 89
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Hines planning tall wood office building in Minneapolis

BD+C

'The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports that Houston-based developer Hines is planning a seven-story wood-framed office building in Minneapolis’ North Loop that will respect the neighborhood’s historic warehouse district look. Though some of the wood materials can be more expensive, Hines Director Bob Pfefferle told the Business Journal that a shorter construction timeline will help balance out the costs.

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Survey: More than 75% of workload takes place without face-to-face interactions

BD+C

'Mancini•Duffy, a leading architectural and interiors firm, has released findings from The Coordinate, its periodic survey on workplace trends. The most recent survey indicates that less than one-quarter of the work performed in a single day requires a face-to-face interaction. With the rise of technology, much of the workday—even the most productive morning hours—is spent corresponding via email or conference call.

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Zaha Hadid's first building in Shanghai debuts

BD+C

'Shanghai''s newest landmark, Sky SOHO , debuted this week with a grand opening carnival celebration and light show attended by more than 10,000 spectators to witness the inauguration of the futuristic architecture. Body Image: read more.

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7 Ways Real-Time Visualization Can Solve Architectural Challenges

In the dynamic world of architecture, design, and construction, creative problem-solving is crucial for success. Traditional methods often fall short in effectively conveying design intent to clients. Real-time visualization empowers you with a solid decision-making tool that smooths the design process. Discover the power of real-time visualization: Effective Communication Convey your vision clearly and align with clients.