Sat.Aug 20, 2016 - Fri.Aug 26, 2016

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Reusable infection control barriers ease hospital renovation

BD+C

One of the biggest issues in healthcare reconstruction is balancing the construction work with the hospital’s need to maintain 24/7 operations. As the nation’s 14th largest healthcare construction firm (according to BD+C ’s 2016 Giants 300 rankings), Clark Construction Group is well versed in dust- and infection-control techniques. .

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Designing Elevations

Life of an Architect

Which came first – the chicken or the egg? Everyone knows the correct answer is the egg … and by “egg” I mean “floor plans” I posted a sketch last week of an elevation study and was asked a simple question: do I design the floor plans first, or the elevations? The correct answer is that the floor plans get developed first, but there is still a lot of give and take when it comes time to develop the exterior elevations.

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The second step will build upon the first… Just Start!

EntreArchitect

This article was originally published here at EntreArchitect back in May of 2013. It’s one of my favorites. -Mark. What’s holding you back from the success of your dreams? Last summer my son Henry built a rowboat; an eleven foot poorboy skiff built from mahogany lumber and plywood. I shared Henry’s story here on the blog and sent a copy to the local newspaper in Alexandria Bay, New York near where Henry’s boat was christened and launched.

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Mobile emergency room arrives just in time for Alabama hospital

BD+C

Grove Hill (Ala.) Memorial Hospital is adding a new $3.75 million, 4,500-sf emergency department that will house nine exam and treatment rooms, a two-bay trauma room, expanded waiting area, and direct access to operating rooms within the hospital. During several months of construction that started last November, Grove Hill couldn’t shut down its existing ED because it’s the only one serving Clark County.

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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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Tall buildings with a twist: CTBUH ranks the world’s 28 tallest twisting towers

BD+C

Move over citrus, your days of being associated with the word “twist” may soon be coming to a close as skyscrapers, and not martini glasses, are the new prime location for all things twisting and turning.

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Colorado’s largest charter school opens

BD+C

In 1994, a group of parents founded Stargate School in Thornton, Colo., 10 miles northeast of Denver. And for more than two decades, Stargate has served gifted and talented students from kindergarten through 8 th grade. Last year, Stargate rented space from a nearby church in order to expand its educational services to 9 th graders. But that move betrayed Stargate’s need for a much bigger facility to realize its goal of becoming a K-12 learning center.

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GBBN designers take on wellness research

BD+C

The term wellness has been kicked around a lot in healthcare design circles lately. But what precisely do we mean by wellness? And, assuming wellness is a good thing, how can designers create healthcare facilities that enhance wellness? Responses to those questions are embedded in a rigorous case study on “salutogenesis”—“the origin of health,” a term developed by Israeli American medical sociologist Aaron Antonovsky in his 1979 book, Health, Stress and Coping.

Design 71
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Biophilic pods beat the shade when it comes to outdoor cooling

BD+C

Oscillating fans and sun umbrellas aren’t effective for cooling in hot and humid climates. Considering that, CallisonRTKL is developing Xylem, a self-sustained outdoor cooling system that can lower temperatures roughly 9°F when compared to shaded areas. . The martini-glass-shaped pods have a canopy with PV panels and a green roof, which blocks the sun and cools the air above through evaporation.

IT 68
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NBBJ’s Goldilocks sensor technology can help employees find a workspace that is just right

BD+C

Besides being one of the more famous cases of breaking and entering, what is the one thing Goldilocks is known for? No, not her love of porridge or under-the-covers naps. It is her persnickety nature that shines through most and, as much as we may not want to admit it, we all have a little bit of that Goldilocks mentality in us.

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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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Weak building codes no match for recent natural disasters, say industry experts

BD+C

A group of construction industry experts that met in Calgary, Alberta called for more disaster-resilient infrastructure, citing recent floods and wildfires in Alberta. The province experienced two of the worst natural disasters in its history in recent years. In 2013, a flood ravaged southern Alberta, and fires struck the area around Fort McMurray earlier this year.

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Tianmen Mountain glass skywalk opens to the public

BD+C

The thought of walking along a five-foot wide path coiled around the side of a mountain like a python on its prey while suspended 4,600 feet in the air is enough to make many people get a bit wobbly in the knees. But take that same path, and give it a clear glass bottom, and even those who deny a fear of heights may begin to sweat a little.

Glass 61
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Novel construction approach speeds K-12 school projects

BD+C

The San Carlos (Calif.) School District was in the midst of implementing its master plan when it awarded Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Blach Construction a $30 million contract to build a new 44,000-sf, two-story classroom building at Central Middle School, and remodel the existing building. That project became the testing ground for Folia, an economical method for school construction that QKA, Blach, and structural engineer Gregory P.

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Visual energy model database demystifies net-zero design

BD+C

Designers with Toronto-based Diamond Schmitt Architects (DSA) view building design and performance much like a physician views patient health: tracking the vital signs is key to developing the proper diagnosis or optimal solution. .

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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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The wicked problem of interoperability

BD+C

Before I discuss interoperability in the building industry, I want you to think about a few scenarios from our not-too-distant past: What if web developers had accepted perpetual ‘warfare’ between Microsoft and Netscape browsers in the mid-90’s as a cost of doing business? What if web standards were never taken seriously while vendors continued to prioritize their own proprietary browser features for competitive advantage?

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Freddie Mac extends efforts to fund multifamily energy/water efficiency projects

BD+C

Real estate financing agency Freddie Mac expanded its efforts to foster the greening up of old buildings with its new Multifamily Green Advantage suite of offerings. The new programs are available with most Freddie Mac multifamily loan products. Borrowers can choose either Green Up or Green Up Plus to get better pricing and increase their Freddie Mac loan amounts to finance energy and water efficiency improvements.

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Advancements in Coatings Technology Provide Breakthroughs for Customers

BD+C

The coatings industry has been working toward creating products that have low- to no-VOC formulas, solid longevity, and that maximize performance. Those that solve particular issues, have easy application, and are durable and easy to maintain are driving the market today.

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The impact of light on color

BD+C

Color is a major element in project design. People make subconscious judgments about the built environment within seconds, largely based on color. For this reason, Valspar’s Fluropon is available in over 20,000 colors, including solar reflective ENERGY STAR–compliant formulations and special-effects colors.

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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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World Trade Center contractor found guilty of minority-owned business fraud

BD+C

A Manhattan federal jury found a Canadian contractor guilty of defrauding a program to promote minority- and woman-owned businesses in the construction of the World Trade Center. .

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Building bonds: The role of 'trusted advisor' is earned not acquired

BD+C

Equal parts colleague and confidant, the trusted advisor is a valuable asset in the world of business. Particularly in the demanding realm of architecture, engineering, and construction industries, a person who brings a high level of professional expertise and personal empathy to the team can play a major role—albeit one that’s typically behind the scenes—in shaping a successful practice and project.

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Reclaimed wood paneling adds color to retail and hospitality projects

BD+C

Looking for that one-of-a-kind rustic motif for your next retail or hospitality project? Add a splash of color with Colorburst reclaimed wood paneling.

Project 56
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The Hills of Governors Island reach completion one year ahead of schedule

BD+C

Rising between 25 and 70 feet above sea level, four man-made hills on the southern tip of New York City’s Governors Island opened to the public in July, one full year ahead of schedule. Dubbed The Hills, the new attraction boasts walking paths, recreational opportunities, and full 360-degree vistas of New York Harbor. And while the Hills offer strong aesthetic value and public space for outdoor activities, they also provide a resiliency measure to protect the island against rising sea levels.

Space 49
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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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Mini-grant R&D program pays off in a big way for AE firm

BD+C

MANY design firms have in-house research and development programs to help foster innovative and habitual breakthrough thinking. Little’s LaceUp mini-grant initiative is one such successful program. Since launching in 2013, LaceUp has funded 43 unique projects, including a program to convert shipping containers into pop-up retail buildings and a forum for young professionals to share ideas and network with the firm’s practice groups.

Firms 45
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FAQ on fire rated glazing applications

BD+C

Between regular updates to fire rated code requirements in the IBC and several fire rated glazing product choices, choosing the correct and code approved fire rated glazing product can be confusing. This why over the years, we’ve come up with several articles , newsletters , technical bulletins and case studies on several topics ranging from IBC upda.

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At Beyer Blinder Belle everyone’s seeing RED

BD+C

At Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners, RED stands for Research (into innovative materials, processes, and methodologies), Exchange (of ideas via dialogue, inquiry, and creativity), and Develop (ideas and applications that align with BBB’s practice and culture). The firmwide initiative has hosted guest speakers, created exhibit areas in its two offices (New York and Washington, D.C.), and launched an internal digital dialogue tool organized by channel (materials, processes, etc.) for s

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Federal construction contractors propose reforms to federal project delivery

BD+C

After a brainstorming session with 13 construction industry leaders whose companies work for 11 federal agencies, the Federal Owners Forum issued a report in an effort to spur improvements in federal construction project procurement.

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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!