Sat.Aug 24, 2019 - Fri.Aug 30, 2019

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An ‘Internet of Beings’? Kinetic flooring promises more than just energy generation

BD+C

You’ve heard of whistling while you work. What about energizing while you walk? . That’s the idea behind Pavegen, a flooring system that generates electrical energy with every step you take. This energy can then be used for powering LED lighting, capturing and transmitting data, and monitoring the environment.

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Changes You Don’t See Coming

Life of an Architect

The last several months have been a whirlwind of changes … or maybe it was really the last few weeks where all the action took place. There is big news to announce and writing a story about it is the best way that I can think to tell you about this major change in my life. Continue reading Changes You Don’t See Coming at Life of an Architect.

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Quotes and Sayings

Architects Tales

-I always have a quotation for everything – it saves original thinking.- Dorothy Sayers, novelist. Post No. 30 of the blog, www.architects-tales.com; Copyright 2019 on only format, notes and arrangement by Dale R. Ellickson. Note to reader. In case you have not noticed, each of the previous stories posted to this blog has been proceeded by an appropriate quote or saying attributed to a particular source.

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Construction firms expect labor shortages to worsen over the next year

BD+C

You’d have to be living on the moon not to know that hourly construction workers are getting scarcer. But the magnitude of this labor shortage is writ large in a recent survey, released this week by Autodesk and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), which found that 80% of 1,935 respondents in 23 states report having a hard time filling hourly craft positions.

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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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2019 Data Center Giants Report: AEC firms stretch to keep up with data center demand

BD+C

In 2018, Holder Construction did $1.38 billion in data center construction. As of May 2019, it had 28 data center projects in the works, and the firm expects construction this year to approach $3 billion. One such project—in Phoenix, for a large REIT—opens in July with 6 MW of processing capacity, and will reach 48 MW when it’s eventually built out to around 500,000 sf.

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Clayco seeks the cutting edge as a competitive advantage

BD+C

Clayco’s CEO and Chairman Bob Clark sees innovation as being at the center of what his firm does. It was one of the first GCs to use full-room computers, an IBM 3600 “that looked like a giant refrigerator,” he recalls. It was an early adopter of spreadsheet technology, using Prolog’s project management software. .

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Multi-Story Design Considerations When Using Horizontal Insulated Metal Panels

BD+C

Insulated metal panels (IMPs) are an ideal cladding solution for multi-story structures for a variety of reasons; Lightweight, code compliant, thermally efficient and modern aesthetics make IMPs ideal for these applications.

Modern 73
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2019 K-12 School Giants Report: 360-degree learning among top school design trends for 2019

BD+C

The nation’s school districts are focused on providing well-rounded learning experiences that plant seeds for future vocations in science, technology, business, or skilled trades. In New Hampshire, the new Dover High School and Regional Career Technical Center brings together 1,500 students in a combined 302,000-sf facility.

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Seattle’s newest substation doubles as a civic amenity

BD+C

Last month, the first substation built in Seattle in three decades opened between that city’s fast-growing South Lake Union area and Denny Triangle. The Denny Substation officially debuted on July 20. It is the culmination of a three-year construction and multiyear planning and community engagement process between the facility’s designer, NBBJ, and Seattle City Lights, the city-owned electric utility.

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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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Deluxe parking: a condo building in Philly offers its owners a completely automated service

BD+C

500 Walnut is a 26-story luxury condo building with 35 residences whose selling prices average $5 million, the highest in Philadelphia to date, according to the building’s developer Scannapieco Development Corporation (SDC).

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Deluxe parking: A condo building in Philadelphia offers its owners a completely automated parking service

BD+C

500 Walnut is a 26-story luxury condo building with 35 residences whose selling prices average $5 million, the highest in Philadelphia to date, according to the building’s developer Scannapieco Development Corporation (SDC).

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A 360-degree canopy and lighted façade will distinguish Cincinnati’s new soccer stadium

BD+C

Foundation work has begun on the $250 million, 26,500-seat West End Stadium in Cincinnati, which when it opens in 2021 will be home to FC Cincinnati , the city’s Major League Soccer franchise. According to the Cincinnati Inquirer , FC Cincinnati is building its stadium close to downtown in a poor, historically black neighborhood that’s going through a gentrification phase.

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Pop-up parks revitalize empty lots

BD+C

Pop-up parks that provide instant open areas for public use and programming can revitalize under-utilized spaces and add vibrancy to neighborhoods. . Some of these spaces may have originally been used as parking lots or become abandoned after a fire destroyed a structure on the property. These repurposed public spaces can accelerate real estate development, spur more vitality in emerging neighborhoods, support businesses, and foster safe pedestrian zones.

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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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Code-conforming wood design guide available

BD+C

The 2018 Code Conforming Wood Design (CCWD), a joint publication of the American Wood Council (AWC) and the International Code Council, is now available. The free download summarizes key provisions related to the use of wood and wood products as they appear in the 2018 International Building Code (IBC). The publication compiles the occupancy and height and area provisions of the IBC for wood structures into one publication.

Design 53
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Renewables creating significant savings for commercial and public facilities

BD+C

The U.S. Department of Energy says that facilities that install renewable energy systems are reaping considerable savings. Examples include: • Retailer Best Buy installed solar panels and upgraded energy conservation to realize a cost savings of 25% over the course of four years at a site in Richfield, Minnesota.

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LEED residential market up 19% since 2017

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The U.S. Green Building Council says that the LEED residential market has grown 19% since 2017. Nearly 500,000 single family, multifamily, and affordable housing units have been certified globally, and more than 400,000 units are located in the U.S. On average, LEED-certified homes use 20% to 30% less energy than a traditional home, with some homeowners reporting up to 60% savings, according to a USGBC news release.

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The high cost of gridlock: $166 billion per year

BD+C

As the economy hums along creating more jobs, the unfortunate byproduct has been worsening traffic. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s 2019 Urban Mobility Report found that urban gridlock costs the U.S. economy $166 billion annually in lost productivity and wasted gasoline. There is no single, simple solution to the problem.

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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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Oregon rescinds tsunami-zone construction ban

BD+C

The Oregon legislature has repealed a ban on construction of new critical facilities in tsunami inundation zones. The action now allows fire stations, police stations, and schools to be built where tidal waves caused by offshore earthquakes could strike the coast. . An Oregon State University professor and an earthquake geologist argued that building in a tsunami zone is a foolhardy strategy with the potential for waves to reach seven stories in height.

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Slower speed limits in urban areas offer multiple benefits

BD+C

The most obvious benefit to slower speed limits in cities is improved safety. Fewer crashes and injuries including collisions with bicycles can be expected. But there are other several other possible gains that can be realized by forcing drivers to slow down on congested city streets, according to a recent CityLab article. Ironically, one might be to enable people to get around faster.

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Industry leaders ask for government help as trades shortage worsens

BD+C

Construction industry leaders are asking the federal government for help in easing the worsening shortage of workers.

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New AISC guide tells how to design with structural steel

BD+C

"Designing with Structural Steel: A Guide for Architects" is a new 80-page technical report from the American Institute of Steel Construction.

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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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How engineering giant BuroHappold democratizes tech innovation

BD+C

Four years ago, at one of its technology gatherings, the engineering firm BuroHappold concluded that “we weren’t connected enough as a company,” recalls Craig Schwitter, PE, a Partner who has been with the firm since 1992 and leads its multidisciplinary projects. To take advantage of available communications tools, Buro Happold formed its Computational Collective, which Schwitter says presents the firm’s employees with “a different way of thinking and working.”. .