December, 2012

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Cornell University students finding solace on indoor library lawns

BD+C

Students studying for finals at Cornell University are finding solace from a little piece of the outdoors that came inside this week, thanks to some creative minds at the school’s Department of Design and Environmental Analysis. Sections of turf are creating grassy oases of calm in the lobbies of Olin and Mann libraries, as well as Duffield Hall and the Physical Sciences Building.

Students 108
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Finding Balance Between the Firm and My Family

EntreArchitect

Every year at this time, my family celebrates Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, my son’s birthday, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Needless to say, it’s a busy week for us. We have family visiting from near and far… grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Since Christmas Eve, we’ve been moving from one party to the next.

Firms 52
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AEC professionals cautiously optimistic about commercial construction in ’13

BD+C

Most economists say the U.S. is slowly emerging from the Great Recession, a view that was confirmed to some extent by an exclusive survey of 498 BD+C subscribers whose views we sought on the commercial construction industry’s outlook on business prospects for 2013. The majority (52.2%) of respondents—architects, engineers, contractors, buildings owners, and others in the commercial, industrial, and institutional field—said their firms were in at least “good” financial health, compared to 49.7% l

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Gehry-designed New York City tower receives Emporis Skyscraper Award

BD+C

The results of the 2011 Emporis Skyscraper Award are now in: 8 Spruce Street in New York City is the winner of the renowned architecture prize for new skyscrapers. Every year, Emporis' international jury ( www.emporis.com ) rewards ten skyscrapers completed in the previous calendar year. The award is being given for the 12th time. read more.

Cities 87
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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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China to build sustainable city for 180,000 from scratch

BD+C

A 120-million sf urban development in China will be designed according to high green standards for about 180,000 residents. The Meixi Lake project will feature neighborhood clusters, parks, mountains, lakes and canals. "We can combine water transport with localized energy production, cluster neighborhood centers, advanced flood prevention and water management, and urban agriculture," said James von Klemperer, a principal at Kohn Pederson Fox Associates, who will work on the project along with en

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New flexible options make achieving LEED certification easier on projects outside the US

BD+C

A new set of Global Alternative Compliance Paths, or Global ACPs, are now available for all commercial projects pursuing LEED green building certification using the 2009 versions of the rating systems. Global ACPs offer a flexible method for projects around the world to demonstrate compliance with the LEED credits that are traditionally more challenging for projects outside of the U.S. read more.

Project 85
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Survey: energy-efficient building technologies to drive long-term energy savings

BD+C

American Chemistry Council (ACC) is touting projections in a new report by the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) showing that combining building efficiency improvements-made possible by innovations in chemistry–with lower-carbon fuels could lead to a 41 percent reduction in energy use and a 70& reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. read more.

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D’ambrosio joins BD+C’s editorial board

BD+C

Vincent J. D’Ambrosio, Senior Vice President in charge of business development at construction management giant Hill International, has been appointed to the BD+C Editorial Board. D’Ambrosio, a 2009 selection to the magazine’s “40 Under 40” galaxy of AEC superstars, holds a bachelor’s in architectural engineering from the Pennsylvania State University.

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Gilbane publishes Winter 2012 construction economic report

BD+C

Gilbane Building Company today announces the publication of the Winter 2012 edition of Construction Economics -- Market Conditions in Construction. Based on an array of economic data, construction starts, and material cost trends, this free report indicates an increase in construction spending over last year but cautions of an expected downturn again in early 2013. read more.

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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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Domestic AEC mergers and acquisitions up over same period in 2011

BD+C

AEC management consulting and research firm Morrissey Goodale LLC reports today that it has tracked seven domestic deals and three international transactions for the week, bringing the total year-to-date deal count in the United States to 178, up 2% over the 174 tracked through the same period in 2011. Including the U.S., the total global deal count is now 311, down 6% from the 331 tracked through the same period last year.

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ABI gains for fourth straight month

BD+C

Billings at architecture firms across the country continue to increase. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the November ABI score was 53.2, up from the mark of 52.8 in October.

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Wagner joins Ghafari as Manager of Structural Engineering

BD+C

Matthew Wagner, PE, has joined Ghafari Associates as its Manager of Structural Engineering in Chicago. With over a decade of structural facility design experience, Wagner brings an impressive portfolio of large-scale stadia, healthcare, hospitality, civic and aviation projects to the firm. read more.

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New Jersey considers green roof mandate for state buildings

BD+C

The New Jersey legislature is considering a bill that would require installation of green or blue roofs on state buildings that are at least 15,000 sf. The goal is to control the flow of stormwater runoff either through vegetation or use of mechanical devices. The measure also allows rooftop solar panels as long as they do not affect the performance of the green or blue roofs. ( [link] ).

Roofing 65
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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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D.C. aims to be a green leader with new building codes

BD+C

The District of Columbia has released a revised set of building codes to make it a leader in green construction. Under the new codes, new buildings will use 30% less energy than projects under existing regulations. The new codes will apply to all new or substantially renovated commercial buildings larger than 10,000 sf and multifamily residential buildings that are four stories or taller.

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New York City law tracking building energy use yields surprises

BD+C

A legally mandated report that tracks the energy use of New York City's largest buildings provides details about which buildings are achieving higher-than-expected energy efficiency, such as the Chrysler and Empire State buildings, as well as those that are performing poorly. Unlike cities that depend heavily on automobiles, New York racks up most of its carbon dioxide emissions—nearly 80%—in heating and cooling buildings.

Cities 58
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My Secret to Being More Productive… in 60 Seconds or Less

EntreArchitect

How to be more productive… For years I would ask myself, “How am I ever going to get it all done?” I have so much to do… as an architect, as a leader… as a husband and a dad. And what about all my big plans? How am I ever going to reach for my many dreams? There’s just not enough time to get it all done. Well, I have one very important suggestion for you.

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10 Ways Architects Can Make More Money

EntreArchitect

To successfully complete a project, an architect is responsible for making thousands of critical decisions. To complete the development of a standard residential additions and alterations project, it takes several months of focus and dedication. Many of us work long hours, long into the night, through weekends and holidays. The innovative ideas and concepts we create can often only be born after hours (sometimes days) of intense thought and several dozen layers of sketch paper.

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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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10 Tips to Conquer Procrastination

EntreArchitect

My name is Mark R. LePage and I am a recovering procrastinator. There… I said it. After 40+ years, I don’t have much hope of ever finding a cure, but recently I have found some ways to hang on to the wagon and stay focused on getting things done. Here are 10 tips I’m using to conquer my procrastination. 1. Write out a plan. In order to get anything done, you need to create a plan.

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Steel Stud Manufacturers Association donates $100,000 to industry research

BD+C

The Steel Stud Manufacturers Association (SSMA) today announced that they will fund $100,000 in 2013 for industry research. SSMA will contribute to the American Iron and Steel Institute’s (AISI) cold-formed steel framing projects including their codes, standards and technology implementation program. read more.

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Georgia court limits contractors’ ability to foreclose on liens

BD+C

On private construction projects, contractors ordinarily have the right to file a mechanic's or materialman’s lien under applicable state law to collect unpaid sums due on a construction contract. However, on July 11, the Georgia Court of Appeals ruled in 182 Tenth, LLC v. Manhattan Construction Company that lien claimants such as contractors, subcontractors, and materialmen, may not foreclose on a lien that includes unpaid general condition costs. read more.

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AIA’s Healthier Communities Through Design showcases local policy initiatives

BD+C

The American Institute of Architects released Local Leaders: Healthier Communities Through Design , a report that demonstrates the power of architecture to improve public health with policies that promote active living, accessibility, transit options, and better indoor air quality. The case studies showcase policies and initiatives for designing buildings to promote physical activity and reduce respiratory illnesses. read more.

Design 51
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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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Siemens introduces new thermal energy calculator

BD+C

Siemens Industry Automation Division introduces the Sitrans FUE950 thermal energy calculator, designed for use in hot water, chilled water, and combined cooling/heating applications. The FUE950 has a modular construction, allowing it to be fitted with optional output modules, including pulse output, pulse input, and current output. Users can also opt for a temperature sensor pair and thermowells. read more.

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Pentagon eases leasing standards established in 9/11 aftermath

BD+C

The Pentagon has eliminated the stringent real estate leasing standards it put into place following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, reverting back to a version widely used by federal civilian agencies. The change eases requirements such as building setbacks and blast-resistant construction. The change could be a significant boost to Washington’s commercial real estate community because it will put dozens of buildings back into contention for military leases. read more.

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LEED-certified schools don’t have to cost more to build, save average of 33% on energy

BD+C

On average, green schools use 33% less energy and 32% less water than their conventional counterparts, and save $100,000 per year on direct operating costs, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. Many of these schools, particularly those built in the last three years, indicate that they have achieved LEED certification for no additional cost to the project’s budget and oftentimes for a total cost that is less than regional construction costs for conventional schools built during the same

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CSM Group names recipient of the CSM Architect Fellowship Grant

BD+C

CSM Group is pleased to announce Emily Harlow as the recipient of the 2012 CSM Architect Fellowship Grant. Harlow is a senior at Andrews University majoring in Architecture, Art, and Design. With the money from the grant, she has chosen to use it entirely for the Chapter of American Institute of Architecture Student’s Freedom by Design Program at Andrews University. read more.

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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!