BD+C

MARCH 26, 2013

When Google introduced its wearable computer glasses, called Google Glass, last year, it opened many people's eyes (pardon the pun) to the power of augmented reality (AR)—where a person's view of the physical world is overlaid with a computer-generated sensory input, such as graphics or data. Of course, AR has been around for years, and many tablet computer and smartphone apps utilize the technology, mostly for entertainment and gaming purposes.

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EntreArchitect

MARCH 31, 2013

One of the most popular topics over at the Entrepreneur Architect Linkedin Group (almost 2,000 members strong) is the role of the architect during the construction phase. I am often surprised by the number of firms providing architectural design services and forfeiting the final phase of the process, Construction Administration. Here is a recent comment from the group; “I need to get better at selling my clients on construction administration.

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Construction Construction Client Clients 52

BD+C

MARCH 9, 2013

Walgreens announced plans last week to build one of the nation's first net-zero retail stores. The Evanston, Ill., location will utilize solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal technology, LED lighting and ultra-high-efficiency refrigeration to produce energy equal to or greater than the building consumes. read more.

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Building Utilities Technology Technology 111

BD+C

MARCH 29, 2013

WTTW Chicago, in partnership with the Society of Architectural Historians, has produced "10 Builidngs That Changed America," a TV show set to air May 12 on PBS. Hosted by Geoff Baer, the program looks at important structures ranging from Thomas Jefferson's Virginia statehouse (1788) to the Walt Disney Concert Hall by Frank Gehry (2003). Baer explores how the buildings changed America's ideas about architecture.

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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?

Visualization

BD+C

MARCH 6, 2013

A demonstration project under way at the International Building Exhibition in Hamburg, Germany, is touted as the world's first algae-powered building. Two sides of the net-zero apartment facility, dubbed BIQ , have a bright green façade consisting of hollow glass panels filled with algae and water. read more.

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Building Glass Project Construction 102

BD+C

MARCH 3, 2013

Bjarke Ingels Group and Ralph Appelbaum Associates will team up with the LEGO Group to design the physical home for The LEGO House , the world's first museum dedicated to LEGO. LEGO owner Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen said the museum will be equal parts education and entertainment, with a focus on exhibits where children can learn through LEGO play. read more.

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Education Home Housing Design 97

BD+C

MARCH 4, 2013

If all goes as planned, Frank Gehry will design the first building in his hometown in some 25 years. The architect revealed his scheme for a proposed 22-story, 244-foot-tall tower at Ocean Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard in downtown Santa Monica, Calif. Last week, local developers M. David Paul Associates and the Worthe Real Estate Group submitted their plans to the city, which will vote on the proposal later this month.

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Real Estate Design Development Developer 94

BD+C

MARCH 24, 2013

Sabey Data Center Properties last week celebrated the completion of the first phase of an adaptive reuse project that will transform the 32-story Verizon Building in Manhattan into a data center facility. When the project is completed, it will be the world's tallest data center. read more.

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Building Project IT Management 91

BD+C

MARCH 29, 2013

It sound like something out of a Sci-Fi movie. Researchers at Stanford University have developed a nanophotonic material that not only reflects sunlight and prevents heat from being absorbed, but it actually beams the thermal energy at a specific wavelength so that it leaves the earth's atmosphere. read more.

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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

Site

BD+C

MARCH 29, 2013

Detroit's David Whitney Building , a 19-story landmark erected in 1915, will be renovated for an Aloft hotel and apartments. The $82 million project involves Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide , developer Roxbury Group and hotel management company Trans Inns Management. Financial partipants include the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., Michigan Economic Development Corp., and Invest Detroit. read more.

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Renovation Building Management Development 85

BD+C

MARCH 15, 2013

The Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore, has been named Laboratory of the Year by R&D Magazine. Now in its 47th year, the competition recognizes excellence in research and science laboratory design, planning, and construction. Body Image: read more.

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Technology Technology Construction Construction 83

BD+C

MARCH 15, 2013

The Chicago Preservation Society (CPS) released its annual list of the buildings at high risk for demolition. The 2013 list includes the AllState Building (1949), a rare example of immediate postwar modern high-rise construction, and the Lathrop Homes (1938), considered by many to be the best public housing development the city has ever built, according to CPS.

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Building Construction Construction Modern 81

BD+C

MARCH 29, 2013

State inspectors in Shenzhen, China, have found at least 15 local plants producing concrete with unprocessed sea sand. Thirty-one companies have been cited for violations, and eight were ordered to suspend business for a year. Construction on multiple projects in Guangdong Province—including the 660-m Ping'an Finance Center—has been halted during the inspection.

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Finances Project Contractor Construction 80

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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.

Visualization

BD+C

MARCH 20, 2013

With increasing demand for design services, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) is continuing to strengthen. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. read more.

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Architecture Construction Construction Design 75

BD+C

MARCH 14, 2013

With 528 buildings totaling 112.5 million sf, Los Angeles topped the EPA's ranking of the U.S. metropolitan areas with the most Energy Star certified buildings in 2012. Rounding out the top five are Washington, D.C. (462 buildings); Chicago (353); New York (325); and Atlanta (304). read more.

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Building Cities Government Construction 75

BD+C

MARCH 1, 2013

China Vanke Co., Ltd., is making its debut in the U.S. property market with a joint venture high-rise condominium project at 201 Folsom St. in San Francisco, according to CoStar's Randyl Drummer. The mega developer is partnering with Tishman Speyer on the project, which entails building two towers (37 and 42 stories, respectively) that will house 655 condo units.

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Development Developer Housing Building 69

BD+C

MARCH 21, 2013

Turner Construction Company announced that the First Quarter 2013 Turner Building Cost Index – which measures costs in the non-residential building construction market in the United States – has increased to a value of 849. This reflects a 1.19% increase from the Fourth Quarter 2012 and a 3.41% increase from the First Quarter 2012. read more.

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Construction Construction Residential Building 61

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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.

Design

BD+C

MARCH 14, 2013

Construction firms across the world expect 60% of their projects to be environmentally friendly by 2015, according to the SmartMarket Report of McGraw-Hill Construction. The key driver to going green, according to the survey, is that green building now represents a business imperative around the world. In the 2008 report, the top driver for green building was “doing the right thing.

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Construction Construction Client Clients 61

BD+C

MARCH 22, 2013

Sika Sarnafil, the worldwide market leader in thermoplastic roofing and waterproofing membranes, today announced it received FM Approval for its vegetated roofing systems. Sika Sarnafil’s FM Approval is the first to be secured worldwide for a vegetated roofing system that includes both the vegetated cover and the Sarnafil roof waterproofing system. read more.

Roofing 59

Roofing IT Technology Technology 59

BD+C

MARCH 15, 2013

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today issued the following statement in opposition to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Completion Act, introduced Wednesday by Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah). Among other things, the legislation would mandate an alternative to architect Frank Gehry's design for the Eisenhower Memorial and would eliminate further federal funding for the project. read more.

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Housing Architect Project Government 58

EntreArchitect

MARCH 10, 2013

“I’ve been saving for years and I finally have enough to move forward.” “I’ve been dreaming of this day for years. I know exactly what I want.” “I’ve been living in this dream house for years, if only in my head.” “I have more than enough money saved to get what I want.” “If I start now, I’ll be living in it by summer.” When one of my residential architecture clients finally reaches out and calls Fivecat Studio

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Client Clients Architect Management 52

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.

Architecture

EntreArchitect

MARCH 3, 2013

This is a guest post by Kenneth W. Cobleigh, Esq., Managing Director & Counsel at The American Institute of Architects. When I asked the Entrepreneur Architect tribe who I should contact regarding legal agreements for architects, Ken’s name quickly rose to the top of the list. Ken leads the team developing AIA Contract Documents; the most respected collection of agreements for the construction industry.

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Contract Architect Architecture Small Firm 52

BD+C

MARCH 6, 2013

With the construction of Hunters Point South , New York City will get its first large new housing development for middle-class families in more than 30 years. Related Companies is partnering with the nonprofit Phipps Houses in the project, designed by SHoP Architects with Ismael Leyva Architects. read more.

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Housing Design Construction Construction 56

BD+C

MARCH 4, 2013

The Wilshire Grand tower, a new mixed-use project in Los Angeles' financial district, will be the tallest U.S. building west of Chicago, at 1,100 feet. AC Martin Partners designed the $1 billion tower, which will combine retail, office, and hotel space. read more.

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Building Space Project Design 55

BD+C

MARCH 5, 2013

The Board of Directors of top international design and architecture firm Perkins Eastman is pleased to announce that Barbara Mullenex RA has joined the growing Washington, DC, office as a Principal. Mullenex joins with a distinguished career of more than 26 years of industry experience in architecture and interior design focused on hospitality and corporate interiors. read more.

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Architecture Firm Firms Industrial Interior 53

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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!

Construction