Sat.May 07, 2016 - Fri.May 13, 2016

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5 factors guiding restaurant design

BD+C

Last year, for the first time, Americans spent more on dining out than on groceries. Through March of this year, sales at restaurants and bars totaled $157.5 billion, compared to $151.8 billion at grocery stores, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. This shift in spending has taken on enormous significance for the U.S. design and construction industry.

Design 75
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The Day I Lost My Hearing

Life of an Architect

Last year I was in a wheelchair so I wanted to experience something different this year … how about being deaf? On Thursday, May 5th, 2015, the Americans Institute of Architects of Dallas organized a day of awareness and celebration on the impact the ADA has had on the built environment and the disabled community and I was asked to participate by spending my entire day with no hearing.

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5 Rules for Writing Your Own Owner / Architect Agreement

EntreArchitect

It may be the most critical step in the entire process of acquiring a new architecture client. We may have perfected our marketing, developed a strong reputation, executed a flawless sales process and have received our prospective client’s eager authorization to proceed with a new project. We may have done everything right and find ourselves at the point where, to make this new relationship official, we need a signed legal document.

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3 things to consider for computation in the business of design

BD+C

Design Intelligence’s 2015 Technology Trends and Innovation report cited that firms anticipated a number of computation-centric concepts to have significant impacts on business in the coming year. Among the concepts listed were “pervasive computing”, and “design by algorithm”. There can be little doubt that these processes are taking hold in a significant way for architecture and engineering companies.

Concept 75
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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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Micro apartment complex planned for artsy Austin district

BD+C

For younger adults that want a place to live in a bustling area of Austin, Texas, a new apartment complex could be an option if they don’t mind tighter spaces. This week, Transwestern Development announced plans to develop a micro-unit community, Indie Apartments, in the East Sixth district just east of downtown Austin. The 55,814-sf property will have 139 units, with 350-sf, one-bedroom units and 520-sf, two-bedroom options.

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City planners find value in data from Strava, a cyclist tracking app

BD+C

City planners have found a wealth of information that they didn't even need to cobble together themselves. Strava is an app that uses GPS to record cyclists’ routes, speeds, and riding tendencies, and it also stores the ages, genders, and other attributes of riders. Rider can use the app to see how far and fast they go and compare their marks with others.

Cities 75
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Why corporate bathrooms stink and how good design can fix this

BD+C

When I started my career, I never thought I would spend so much time talking about corporate bathrooms. But the truth is people feel passionately about them. They might be the most underappreciated and most necessary spaces in the workplace. Everyone has to go there (no giggles please), and the experience usually falls somewhere between bland and horrifying.

Design 73
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Preventing and treating distress in brick veneer cavity walls [AIA course]

BD+C

Masonry construction is one of the oldest methods of creating built structures. However, the brick wall has changed considerably since the first fired clay bricks were laid nearly 8,000 years ago. To address problems and considerations with modern brick masonry, it’s important to understand the components of the wall assembly, how they behave, and what can go wrong.

Modern 72
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Santiago Calatrava designs 'falcon in flight' pavilion for UAE at Dubai Expo

BD+C

In a competition of nine architecture firms and 11 submitted proposals, the United Arab Emirates selected Santiago Calatrava’s design for the UAE Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo 2020. UAE officials felt that the structure, which features a series of wing-shaped exterior panels meant to look like a falcon in flight, best represented the expo’s theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.

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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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Periodic inspection and maintenance for brick masonry walls

BD+C

If properly designed and constructed, brick masonry can be highly durable and tends to demand little in the way of routine repairs. However, it is still important to conduct regular inspection of the building façade to identify emerging problems and to plan for replacement of materials approaching the end of their lifespan.

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The incredible long-lived metal roof

BD+C

There’s good news about metal roofs. According to recent research —a metal roof can last at least 60 years. That’s as long as the expected service life of a commercial building, making the metal roof, effectively, a permanent roof—one that, with minimal maintenance, will never have to be replaced.

Roofing 68
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Is the nation’s grand tech boom really an innovation funk?

BD+C

In a world with self-driving cars, holographic gaming, drone-delivered pizza, AI computers, hoverboards (ones that actually hover), 24/7 connectivity to every corner of the world, heck, even one-hour grocery deliveries, it’s difficult to comprehend the thought that we’re in a downcycle of technological achievement.

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Can you make a new building as cool as a warehouse?

BD+C

Yes. Yes, we certainly can. Seriously. We cannot find any more old warehouse buildings to renovate, and selling space in the central business district is difficult as corporate buildings are becoming less and less attractive. We need a new building that is attractive to companies that cut their teeth in co-working incubators before seeking their own digs.

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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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Safety Stand-Down yields proposals to boost construction safety

BD+C

OSHA's National Safety Stand-Down during the week of May 2nd prompted a focus on construction safety in the business press and other media outlets, and by the industry as a whole.

Safety 65
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WXY unveils new renderings of waterfront Brooklyn Strand project

BD+C

This week, WXY architecture + urban design revealed new designs for The Brooklyn Strand, a 50-acre public space between Brooklyn Bridge and the borough’s downtown. New renderings are now available because the two-year community input process has been completed. The process entailed scores of walkthroughs, meetings, and various public workshops. WXY got feedback from 250 community stakeholders, including residents, business leaders, community groups, municipal officials, and agencies. .

Project 65
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How graphics can assist with the progress of a campus plan

BD+C

The role of campus master planning graphics used to be painting a beautiful picture of the institution’s future. However, campus planning in the age of Big Data has grown more and more complex. It’s also increasingly likely that people without a physical planning or design background will make long-term planning decisions at their institution. Therefore, it is imperative that decision makers are presented with well-thought-out, concise planning graphics to assist them in a clear evaluation proce

IT 65
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AIA to create a resilience curriculum for architects

BD+C

This week, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced that it will create a resilience curriculum for the professional development of architects, including resilient design and decision-making on hazard mitigation, climate adaptation and community resilience. . The curriculum will include policy and practice-focused resources on AIA.org, research, and training.

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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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Coil-coated metals create awe-inspiring projects

BD+C

Architects, builders, manufacturers, and the general public appreciate the superior aesthetic qualities of coil-coated metals. Although the cost and environmental attributes are undeniable, the outstanding appearance, consistency, and durability of this popular building material are largely fueling its popularity.

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Here comes the sun: A primer on sustainable building orientation

BD+C

Architects rarely start with a completely blank canvas when designing a new building. One element is almost always predetermined: the location.

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Resilience Building Coalition releases progress report

BD+C

The American Institute of Architects (AIA), National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) and 38 other leaders of America’s design and construction industry, released a report this week on progress made on the resilience front since the Resilience Building Coalition announced the Building Industry Statement on Resilience two years ago.

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Two bills seek to expand flood insurance policy writing to private carriers

BD+C

AEC firms and their developer clients should be watching the progress of two bills wending their way through Congress that, if passed, could become important first steps toward opening the writing of flood insurance policies to private-sector carriers. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed HR 2901, the Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act of 2015, on a vote of 419-0.

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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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Advanced laser scanning technology supports data collection and modeling efforts for Missouri’s Iatan 1 Power Plant

BD+C

When the power division of Black & Veatch needed to perform field measurement and modeling of the complex Iatan 1 Power Plant, located near Platte City, Missouri, they engaged Structural Modeling & Analysis (SMA), a Kansas City-based firm specializing in structural engineering design and analysis as well as laser scanning and modeling. SMA was brought in at the urging of Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCP&L) in order to save time and money while navigating the unique challeng

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A Better Wood

BD+C

Everyone loves the look of wood. It can instantly evoke a sense of tradition, yet also fit into the most modern of architectures. Wood can convey simultaneously that the building is absolutely a product of human thought and human effort, and is also tied to nature. It has been part of the built environment since the built environment was first built.

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EcoDistricts unveils sustainable neighborhood framework

BD+C

The non-profit organization EcoDistricts has launched EcoDistricts Protocol , a process-based framework and performance standard that empowers sustainable neighborhood- and district-scale urban development.

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New micro apartment complex planned for artsy Austin district

BD+C

For younger adults that want a place to live in a bustling area of Austin, Texas, a new apartment complex could be an option if they don’t mind tighter spaces. This week, Transwestern Development announced plans to develop a micro-unit community, Indie Apartments, in the East Sixth district just east of downtown Austin. The 55,814-sf property will have 139 units, with 350-sf one bedroom and 520-sf two bedroom options.

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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!