Sat.Oct 14, 2017 - Fri.Oct 20, 2017

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Can 'living well' sell?

BD+C

Walk into just about any newly built or renovated multifamily complex these days and you’d think you’ve walked into a well-appointed hotel. Pools, spas, workout studios, coffee bars, lounges, study spaces, rooftop terraces, party rooms, chefs kitchens, blazing-fast WiFi—these amenities and more are becoming increasingly commonplace in the amenities “arms race” occurring in the multifamily sector.

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4 Steps to Higher Productivity as a Small Firm Architect

EntreArchitect

Finding The Time To Be An Architect. A little past 6AM, tunes from the local radio station wake me from a very deep slumber. (I set the alarm to 6:14, so I hear music rather than the daily ‘bad news” report. I am very serious about my “full media blackout“.). After making the family breakfast and keeping the kids focused on meeting the morning deadlines, I hustle the kids off to the bus stop.

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3 reasons why your firm needs cloud software

BD+C

Many businesses are looking to streamline operations, simplify processes, and cut costs. To achieve this, the need for seamless software solutions is paramount. For firms looking to propel their architectural design services to new heights and levels of sophistication, a consolidated cloud-based platform is a valuable asset. Let’s take a look at three specific reasons why the cloud is a smart choice. .

Firms 84
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Race for talent drives office designs

BD+C

Last April, Dairy Farmers of America moved into a new 110,000-sf headquarters in Kansas City, Kan., that has only nine traditional offices, versus more than 175 offices in its old headquarters. Meeting rooms and workstations can be rearranged easily to accommodate current needs and future growth. The new headquarters is rich in amenities, including a fire pit, outdoor conference rooms, and basketball and bocce courts.

Design 79
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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 race to codify resilience design

BD+C

Last November, the International Code Council launched the Alliance for National & Community Resilience for the purpose of developing a whole community benchmark rating system by 2018. The alliance’s members include such heavy hitters as Target and Kaiser Permanente.

Design 77

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Rebuild, retreat, or resist

BD+C

Houston is America’s fourth-largest city, thanks in part to its embrace of unfettered growth. But its swagger got doused during the last week of August, when Hurricane Harvey dropped more than 50 inches of rain, bringing a drenched and debilitated southeast Texas to its knees.

Cities 75
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Data center market forecast: Clearly cloudy

BD+C

The cloud is coming of age. Fortune 500 companies like Coca-Cola and General Mills that once exclusively managed their own data centers are starting to migrate to the cloud. They’ve found that outsourcing vital IT infrastructure can be a reliable, cost-effective strategy.

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Vertically folding walls save space while opening up rooms

BD+C

The new Vista Air vertically folding wall system from Construction Specialties features a low-profile design that uses quietly meshing gears in lieu of traditional counterweights, tension springs, straps, and pulleys. The result is a clean, open aesthetic with no obtrusive bulkheads or steel tubes. Vista Air is available in several mounting options and cladding materials, including metal, wood, and glass.

Space 69
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A negative emissions power plant is now operational in Iceland

BD+C

Climeworks, a Swiss cleantech company, has partnered with Reykjavik Energy to combine direct air capture (DAC) technology with safe and permanent geological storage for the first time ever. The result is the first negative emissions power plant in the world.

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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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Enlightened conversion: A church becomes condos in D.C.

BD+C

One of the curious things about the Nation’s Capital is that, unlike many older U. S. cities, Washington, D. C., never had any industry to speak of—unless you count the manufacture of hot air as an industry. In the District of Columbia, you don’t see those wonderful 19th-century Italianate factories that dot the cityscapes of Boston, New York, Baltimore, Chicago—strong-boned, high-ceilinged brick edifices that convert into magnificent loft apartments, condominiums, and mixed-use centers.

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Mixed-use Dubai tower will have the world’s tallest ceramic facade

BD+C

Dubai’s skyline will claim another architectural world title in 2020 when construction completes on the world’s tallest building with a ceramic facade. The twisted mixed-use Wasl Tower will rise 300 meters and comprise a five-star Mandarin Oriental hotel, private residences, and a variety of restaurants. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will manage both the hotel and residences.

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States impacted by hurricanes are improving their energy efficiency policies

BD+C

Florida and Texas, the states hit hardest by Hurricanes Irma and Harvey, have made strides recently in improving energy efficiency. Florida jumped three spots on the annual American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s 2017 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard to number 22. Texas’s ranking improved to number 26. Both states have an opportunity to place greater emphasis on energy efficiency policy and implementation as they rebuild in the wake of the recent hurricanes, according to ACEEE.

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AIA contract document updates include new BIM, digital data provisions

BD+C

The AIA Documents Committee has revamped standard contract documents regarding Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other digital data. The first standard forms for BIM were released a decade ago, and much has changed regarding BIM practices since then. The 2017 release updates digital practice documents including AIA Document E203–2013, Building Information Modeling and Digital Data Exhibit; AIA Document G201–2013, Project Digital Data Protocol Form; and AIA Document G202–2013, Project Build

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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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Updated versions of EnergyPlus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools released

BD+C

New versions of the EnergyPlus engine and the OpenStudio software development kit have been released by the U.S. Department of Energy and national labs. EnergyPlus 8.8.

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Hybridization of the co-working experience

BD+C

The co-working market makes up 0.7% of the U.S. office market, and since 2014, providers of shared offices have leased more than 3.7 million SF in leases of 20,000 SF and larger. Co-working spaces promote growth, innovation and diversity. The offer a variety of work spaces, a community of creative people and a sense of domesticity—and that’s why people love them.

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IAPMO seeks proposals for 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Mechanical Code

BD+C

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) is seeking formal code proposals toward the development of the 2021 editions of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC). Both UPC and UMC are American National Standard (ANSI) designated model codes. All proposals recommending new text, revised text, or the deletion of text must be written in legislative format and clearly state the reason behind the recommendation.

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Architecture Billings Index backslides slightly

BD+C

After seven months of steady growth in the demand for design services, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) paused in September. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the September ABI score was 49.1, down from a score of 53.7 in the previous month.

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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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Standing up to Hurricane Irma

BD+C

Star metal building systems have once again demonstrated their durability in extreme weather events.

Events 70
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7 Bryant Park in New York City

BD+C

Set in New York’s bustling Garment District and overlooking one of the city’s most cherished green spaces, 7 Bryant Park melds curved glass, stainless steel spandrels and highly transparent 10-by-10-foot openings glazed with Solarban 60 on Starphire Ultra-Clear glass to create a statement befitting the neighborhood’s fashion-centered legacy.

Cities 49
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Cities weigh relocations as part of their defenses against natural disasters

BD+C

Last June, Minot, N.D., received $74.3 million it was awarded in January 2016 as one of the winners of HUD’s resilience competition. The city, which was hit hard by flooding in 2011, will use that money over the next five years to reduce flood risks and improve water quality, build resilient and affordable neighborhoods, and diversify its economy.

Cities 49
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New, comprehensive insurance exhibit released in AIA 2017 contract document updates

BD+C

The updated AIA 2017 project contract documents include a new, comprehensive insurance exhibit that will allow for easier, more frequent updates as conditions in the insurance market change.

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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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Forecast: Clearly cloudy

BD+C

The cloud is coming of age. Fortune 500 companies like Coca-Cola and General Mills that once exclusively managed their own data centers are starting to migrate to the cloud. They’ve found that outsourcing vital IT infrastructure can be a reliable, cost-effective strategy.

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Project Frog announces Autodesk investment

BD+C

Project Frog , a leading technology and building systems provider, today announced an alliance with .

Project 58
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Fire-Resistive Aluminum Frames from TGP

BD+C

Fireframes® Aluminum Series provides a barrier to radiant and conductive heat transfer. The narrow profiles allow unlimited areas of glazing in fire separations.

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Top 60 office engineering firms

BD+C

TOP 60 OFFICE ENGINEERING FIRMS. RANK. COMPANY. 2016 OFFICE REVENUE. 1. AECOM. $255,200,000. 2. WSP.

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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!