January, 2019

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Denmark to build nine industrial, energy-producing islands surrounded by a ‘nature belt’

BD+C

URBAN POWER, an architecture firm based in Denmark, has recently unveiled a plan to build nine islands that will be used for fossil-free energy production, act as a flood barrier, and add a publicly accessible nature area.

Nature 111
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Use S.M.A.R.T. Goals to Move Your Architecture Firm Forward

Archmark

Grow Your Architecture Firm with S.M.A.R.T. Goals! It’s time for Architects to Get S.M.A.R.T. About Goals Setting goals shouldn’t be be limited to the one-a-year new year’s resolution way of thinking. You know, all those things you tend to think about when you look back on a year that could have gone better. When you look back now, be honest — did you have goals for making real progress for your architecture firm?

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016: Architecture in the Real World

Life of an Architect

Pull up a chair, order your favorite drink, and let me tell you about architecture in the “ real ” world. I thought I would try to make this an upbeat article but as I sit down to write it, I’m not so sure how successful a job I am going to do (good thing we’re drinking here, right?) Andrew Hawkins and I recently got together to discuss the perception of being an architect versus the realities of being a practicing architect and the disconnect that frequently exists between the two.

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yes, this is design

Think | Architect

What am I thinking about today? Design. Oddly, days after my wife and I were discussing options to reinvent my blog for 2019, of which one idea is posting images a few times a week of something I did during that day, my friend Bob Borson releases his latest podcast where Andrew and he discuss what an architect […].

Design 52
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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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The Simple Profitable Power of 1%

EntreArchitect

There’s a very simple, easy method to demonstrate to your staff the critically important issue of how to constantly improve effectiveness and efficiency. We have all heard the phrase, “work smarter, not harder” and yet I would venture to guess that few of us really understand how to apply that lesson on a daily basis. June Jewell, a professional colleague of mine, has written an excellent book, Find the Lost Dollars: 6 Steps to Increasing Profits in Architecture, Engineering and Environmental Fi

Firms 52

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Tall mass timber code changes receive final approval

BD+C

The International Code Council (ICC) has approved all 14 of the tall mass timber code change proposals. The proposals create three new types of construction (Types IV-A, IV-B and IV-C), which set fire safety requirements, and allowable heights, areas, and number of stories for tall mass timber buildings. The new provisions will be included in the 2021 International Building Code (IBC).

Safety 108
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The most elegant house in Washington: The Octagon House

architect design™

I've begun a love affair: with a house. While I have lived in Washington now for nearly 17 years I had never visited the Octagon House despite always hearing about it from friends. Oh I'll visit someday was my thought. Well one rainy Saturday this past fall I visited and fell in love. Not only is the house open for free to the public, you typically have it to yourself to explore at your own pace (which I love).

Housing 52
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I’m Nine Years Old – Old Age

Life of an Architect

As party week comes to its conclusion, we look at the final year – 2018 – and acknowledge that Life of an Architect is now an old man. Life of an Architect – Year Nine (2018) Year nine in most ways was just like year’s seven and eight. One thing that non-blog writing people ( otherwise known as “regular” people ) can’t truly understand is the constant need for something interesting to write about in a serial manner.

Mining 71
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NEW LIBRARY TRASHED?

Dennis Kowal Architects

NEW LIBRARY TRASHED? Well, not really. When the Library Director walked in on the Holi Hindu Colour Celebration conducted in the newly renovated Hoboken Library, she wondered if the bursts of paint and chalk would ruin the brand new finishes. DENNIS KOWAL ARCHITECTS designed the Library with the latest technology and materials to withstand flooding from the Hudson River but these choices also made for a durable Program Room that could withstand unanticipated uses!

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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 To Improve Your Architecture Fee Proposals

EntreArchitect

A featured clip from this week’s episode at EntreArchitect Podcast. Listen to the entire interview with Ian Motley of Blue Turtle Consulting. Subscribe to EntreArchitect Podcast. Subscribe to our new YouTube channel. The post How To Improve Your Architecture Fee Proposals appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects.

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BD+C's 101 Top Products: Building Envelope

BD+C

1. Mirage Porcelain Veneers | Oldcastle Architectural. Designed for vertical applications, such as outdoor walls, porcelain veneers are available in a variety of colors to coordinate with the Belgard porcelain paver collection. The tiles create a balanced, harmonious visual effect when laid in a staggered pattern, with no gaps. The 4x18-inch tiles are frost-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. .

Building 105
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Net zero construction trailer brings health and wellness to the jobsite

BD+C

The AEC industry has gone all in on sustainability, energy efficiency, and occupant health and wellness. These elements are woven into the fabric of just about every new building, including AEC firms’ own offices. However, there’s one critical workspace that remains an afterthought when it comes to sustainability, health, wellness, and productivity: the jobsite trailer. .

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AIA 2019 Consensus Forecast: Nonresidential construction spending to rise 4.4%

BD+C

Nonresidential construction spending on buildings is projected to grow by 4.4% through 2019, according to a new consensus forecast from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).

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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.

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Canada’s National Building Code will include climate change obligations

BD+C

Designers will be obligated to create durability plans for new structures under Canada’s National Building Code. The changes, expected in 2020, are a response to expected harsher weather events resulting from climate change. Building durability plans will have to be based on the life of the building, the life of the envelope components of the building and the elements that are part of those components.

Building 105
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Design-build delivery is setting new parameters for project management

BD+C

More owners and developers are latching onto design-build as a preferred delivery method for projects large and small. And a new paper from FMI, the construction management consultant and investment banking firm, outlines how AEC firms and their clients that enter into such contracts are avoiding stress points that often bog down construction.

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BIM: Sharing is caring

BD+C

For more than a decade Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been increasing its market share as the primary documentation tool for the architectural practice. BIM promises a more collaborative and integrated design and (hopefully) construction process. The fear is a “Wild West” amalgamation of models authored by various parties, unclear responsible control and licensing issues, and the reliability and changeable nature of digital data.

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In the age of Amazon there's nowhere to go but up

BD+C

Ecommerce needs three times the space of any other kind of retailing.”. That observation came from Hamid Moghadam, CEO of Prologis, the world’s largest warehouse owner and developer, during a March 14, 2017, interview with Jim Cramer on the TV business program Mad Money. That same month, Prologis paid a reported $28.3 million to acquire a 205,409-sf former ABC Carpet & Home outlet in The Bronx, N.Y., which Prologis converted into the first multistory distribution center in the eastern U.S.

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Concrete Waterproofing: The Next Step to a More Resilient Design

Don’t let water wash away all your hard work. When specifying concrete waterproofing, you need a solution that’s reliable and permanent. Without it, your concrete waterproofing is at risk of failing and letting water erode and corrode the concrete that it was supposed to protect. Reduce the risk of waterproofing failure by reading through our latest free specification e-book, which will take you through the four key components to better concrete waterproofing specification.

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Strategies to improve the human experience during interior renovations

BD+C

Healthcare facilities offer a unique challenge for renovations due both to the rapid changes in technology and delivery of care, and also difficulty in preserving vital operations during construction. Often, the areas of the hospital that most urgently need upgrading are the ones that will be most difficult to relocate or temporarily shut-down. On occasion, the needed upgrades are so extreme that the hospital will build a replacement facility elsewhere to minimize the disruption to patient care,

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Safer K-12 design: School should feel – and look – like school

BD+C

K-12 schools exist to engage students in active learning, providing them with the skills and knowledge for successful futures. Unquestionably, these environments should also be safe and welcoming. Today’s students grapple with concerns including bullying, fights, the risk of school shootings, natural disasters, and mental health of students and teachers, which means that my job as a designer is to find innovative ways to make the learning space open and inclusive while also secure.

Students 102
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The country's most expensive home sells for $238 million

BD+C

220 Central Park South, a 953-foot-tall luxury multifamily tower that overlooks Manhattan’s Central Park, is the new location of the most expensive home ever sold in the United States. Ken Griffin, the Founder and CEO of the global investment firm Citadel, made the record-setting purchase, plunking down $238 million for a 24,000-sf penthouse. The previous record was held by a home that sold in the Hamptons in 2014 for $137 million.

Home 101
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'BIM to AR' comes to the masses

BD+C

Extended reality (XR) is in a unique phase of its life cycle. The technology is readily available for anyone and everyone who thinks they can do something with it. And for better or worse, it is anyone and everyone who thinks they can do something with it. New applications for AR and VR are more ubiquitous than superhero movies. Unfortunately, they are just as vapid.

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Sustainable Architecture: Design Green with the Client in Mind

Speaker: Pedro Clarke – Principal Architect at A+ Architecture, In Loco Program Director

Sustainability begins with a conversation, and acquiring customer buy-in is entirely dependent on how the conversation is framed. Clients may not see sustainability as a priority out of fear of operational costs and quality. While these are legitimate concerns, it is our responsibility as architects to listen and foster a collaborative culture that answers client issues while also reducing our carbon footprint.

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2019 outlook: Firms not betting on another record-setting year

BD+C

Coming off a record-setting year for the nonresidential construction industry (more than $760 billion was spent on new construction and renovation work nationwide last year), AEC firm leaders should be brimming with confidence over the growth potential for their firms heading into 2019. The arrow is pointing up for nearly all building sectors, construction backlogs remain healthy, and architecture firms continue to see strong demand for their design services, according to AIA and ABC data.

Firms 99
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7 AEC marketing trends to watch for in 2019

BD+C

While AEC firms are catching up on integrated marketing and branding techniques, many continue to market their services the way they have for decades. These firms will begin adapting in 2019 — before it’s too late. Marketing is changing rapidly. In 2018, we saw the impact of native LinkedIn video skyrocket, the Google Medic Update, and technology obsessions with blockchain, virtual reality and artificial intelligence get more intense.

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Washington D.C. to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2032

BD+C

Washington, D.C.’s city council voted to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2032, one of the nation’s most ambitious green energy goals to date. The Clean Energy D.C. Omnibus Act of 2018 also includes measures to reduce emissions from buildings and transportation. Federal buildings will have to follow the stricter energy efficiency standards that the new law will bring for all existing D.C. buildings.

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IPD super teams hit jackpot for clients

BD+C

Owners, developers, and AEC firms regularly espouse the virtues of early project collaboration. But few teams have been willing to check their egos and financial prerogatives at the door in order to enter into true integrated project delivery (IPD). IPD is the ultimate collaboration, where signatories are contractually obligated to work together from a project’s start to its finish, to solve problems jointly, and to put their money where their mouths are by placing some of their profit margin at

Client 98
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Report: Optimism for Construction Growth in the Next Year Remains High

Research reveals 96% of respondents are very or fairly optimistic about their organization’s growth prospects for the next year. The InEight Global Capital Projects Outlook also finds over half see digital technology as the greatest growth opportunity. But these are only some of the findings. Don't be kept in the dark when it comes to the future. Read the report today!