Sat.Mar 31, 2018 - Fri.Apr 06, 2018

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Tech Report 5.0: AI Arrives

BD+C

Using artificial intelligence (AI) to apply machine learning to planning and constructing buildings is still a theoretical proposition for many AEC firms. But in recent years, as data storage and computational power have expanded, more firms are willing to engage AI as a practical analytics tool. Their ultimate goal for using this platform seems clear: to generate predictive data that provides early hints about future trends and behaviors on everything from interior designs to jobsite safety.

Safety 85
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Being an Architect is Hell – The Ongoing Descent

Life of an Architect

Being an architect is hell for any countless number of reasons, but one of the most prevalent reasons is that architects everywhere are assaulted visually on a daily basis by the most mundane of things. Ridiculous tile layouts? check Poorly aligned light fixtures? check Bad proportions? check Popcorn texture on ceilings? double check The list could go on indefinitely but we have better things to talk about today … like my ongoing descent into the hell of being an architect where my own

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What Was I Thinking?Four Lessons in Telling the Truth

EntreArchitect

My First Assignment. Many years ago, before Annmarie and I started our residential architecture firm, I was a project manager with Kaeyer, Garment & Davidson Architects in Mt. Kisco, New York. I worked very closely with the senior partner at the time, Dick Kaeyer. My first assignment as Project Manager was a major addition and renovation project for a church and facilities in Yorktown Heights.

Windows 52
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Tech Report 5.0: Why wait for 3D renderings?

BD+C

During the past half-decade, a number of AEC technologies have sprung from a common, and perhaps unexpected, source: video games. From urban planning tools to the integration of VR, the well of video game inspiration springs eternal in the AEC world. The newest tool to find a home in the kits of architects and designers has spent the last couple of decades being perfected by the video game industry: real-time rendering.

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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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Experts chosen for ICC, ANCR buildings resilience benchmarks project

BD+C

A distinguished group of specialists has been chosen to help develop the nation’s first community-wide resilience benchmarks related to buildings.

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Construction spending in February inches up from January

BD+C

Construction spending in February inched up 0.1% from January and increased 3.0% from the February 2017 level, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that public construction dropped sharply in February and urged federal agencies to move promptly to invest recently approved funding for a variety of construction categories.

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Construction employment increases in 257 metro areas between February 2017 & 2018 as construction firms continue to expand amid strong demand

BD+C

Construction employment increased in 257 out of 358 metro areas between February 2017 and February 2018, declined in 50 and stagnated in 51, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that the employment gains are occurring as construction firms in many parts of the country are having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to keep pace with demand.

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In Houston, proposed rules would require building above 500-year flood level

BD+C

City leaders in Houston are considering new floodplain rules that would require buildings to be built above the 500-year flood level. Houston has experienced three “500-year floods” between 2015 and 2017. The current building code requires buildings to be able to withstand a 100-year flood.

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Tech Report 5.0: The Human Touch

BD+C

The more you know about human behavior, the better you can design for it.” That’s the idea put forth by Ann Sussman and Justin B. Hollander, in their book, “Cognitive Architecture: Designing for How We Respond to the Built Environment.”. It’s a fairly simple idea: The various tools, technologies, and spaces humans use on a daily basis should be designed for—and adapt to—us, not the other way around.

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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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LEED v4.1 O+M for Existing Buildings available for beta testing

BD+C

The latest version of LEED, LEED v4.1 O+M, is now available for beta testing. The new version is “an incremental update,” according to the U.S. Green Building Council. “LEED v4.1 will be our most inclusive and transparent platform to date,” the council says. It will allow projects to earn LEED points through building performance monitoring via the Arc platform.

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A new energy metric for building design and operations

BD+C

The ever-increasing focus on low-energy buildings has created significant interest in the concept of energy benchmarking. Energy use intensity (EUI) continues to be the go-to metric for benchmarking performance, similar to a car’s fuel economy rating. Yet, a low energy use intensity mark can often mask poor performance. For instance, a partially occupied building with an inefficient space layout, or compromised thermal comfort, may use less energy due to reduced occupancy rather than for optimiz

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Shenzhen’s Mawan Mile master plan will include a ‘boulevard in the sky’

BD+C

A new mixed-use master plan for Shenzhen’s Qianhai business district is designed to engage people, specifically the young, mobile residents of the area, to promote better health and social connection.

Design 63
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IAQ monitoring for all

BD+C

Stepping outside for some fresh air is more than just a way for someone to excuse himself from an uncomfortable situation. Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, which makes the prospects of sitting inside an office for upwards of eight hours a day very unappealing.

63
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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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New ASTM standard supports stucco use in construction

BD+C

A new ASTM International standard supports the use of stucco in the construction industry.

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8 things to consider before using digital media to communicate with employees

BD+C

When companies decide to use digital media as part of their corporate communications program, they might be entering a world of technology and content that is new and confusing to them.

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Westminster College’s new athletic stadium includes a turf field and seating for 2,000

BD+C

On March 13, Westminster College in Fulton, Mo., made a surprise announcement to students, unveiling plans to build a new $3.5 million athletic stadium. The new stadium will be located within the college’s existing sports complex, which includes a training facility, softball and baseball fields, tennis courts, football fields, and soccer fields.

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‘Canopy of Peace’ to rise 150 feet above The National WWII Museum

BD+C

The National WWII Museum in New Orleans broke ground on March 28 on a new structure that will tie together the six-acre campus both aesthetically and practically. The Bollinger Canopy of Peace will rise 148 feet above the Museum’s campus and consist of a steel lattice framework that supports Teflon-coated fiberglass membrane panels. Four steel legs will be anchored in more than 1,260 cubic yards of concrete. .

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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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Product roundup: 12 windows + doors products

BD+C

. 1. mulling options . Marvin. To ease the specification and installation processes for large-scale window walls, Marvin has expanded its mulling capabilities and options. Among the new factory-prepped mulling choices are certified standard, reinforced, stud pocket, and space mulls, along with accessories and field mull kits. Also new from Marvin: narrow frame, a 3/8-inch aluminum mull reinforcement that adds strength and offers narrow sightlines. .

Windows 56
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How to acquire speaking engagements and hone your skills

BD+C

If you don’t have much speaking experience, don’t expect paid opportunities to present themselves right off the bat. You may have to work your way up to the big leagues by accepting some smaller, unpaid opportunities first. Don’t be discouraged, though – small venues can be a great way to connect with an audience and build your reputation so you’ll become a desirable candidate for a keynote.

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SOM unveils design for 54-story mixed-use tower in Hangzhou, China

BD+C

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) recently unveiled the design for the Hangzhou Wangchao Center in Hangzhou, China. The tower will add 125,000 sm of office, hotel, and retail space directly adjacent to one of the city’s new subway stations. The tower’s silhouette is the result of an efficient structural system that minimizes wind loads with eight mega-columns that slope outward at the corners to create large, flexible floor plates.

Design 49
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AIA grants $100,000 to four Upjohn Research Initiative projects

BD+C

The jury for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Upjohn Research Initiative is providing $100,000 in grants to .

Project 45
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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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Downtown Seattle receives new flagship Embassy Suites in Pioneer Square

BD+C

Located in Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, a new Embassy Suites by Hilton is now open. The 282 all-suite property comprises two-room suites and studio suites with panoramic views of Seattle and Elliott Bay.

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90,000-sf industrial facility will add needed manufacturing space in West Michigan

BD+C

West Michigan will soon have an extra 90,020 sf of industrial and manufacturing space when Crossroads Business Center is completed in October 2018. Located at 103 76 th Street just east of US-131 on 76 th Street, the new facility will add needed space and spark economic growth in the area.