2014

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Architectural Delineation Competition – KRob 2014 Winners

Life of an Architect

'Delineation is a fancy word for drawings, and if you like architectural drawings, you’ve come to the right place! Recently, the winners of the 40th annual AIA Dallas Chapter Ken Roberts Memorial Delineation Competition or “KRob” as it is commonly referenced were announced. As is to be expected from the longest running architectural delineation competition in the world, the entries were incredible.

Sketching 111
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10 trends in commercial real estate for 2015

BD+C

'The sustained performance of the U.S. commercial real estate industry is expected to continue in 2015, fueled by improving fundamentals and robust investor appetite, in both domestic and foreign arenas, according to Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2015, co-published by PwC US and the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Exclude Content: Yes.

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Board-Formed Concrete

Life of an Architect

'By a show of hands, who doesn’t like board-formed concrete? Anyone? If you want to be my friend, you better not have raised your hand. So what exactly is “board formed concrete” and how do you get it to look its very best? You’re in luck because I’ve got the answers to those questions. The picture above is from one of my projects and is a close up shot of the texture you get with board-formed concrete.

Finishes 111
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Architectural Sketching [or How to Sketch like Bob] | Life of an Architect

Life of an Architect

'about me Lets Work Together Frequently Asked Questions Do you want to be an Architect? Home / Graphics / Architectural Sketching or How to Sketch like Me Architectural Sketching or How to Sketch like Me Bob Borson — April 7, 2014 — 70 Comments Architectural sketching is becoming a thing of the past – at least that’s how it seems to me most days.

Sketching 111
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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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Meet BD+C's 40 Under 40 class of 2014

BD+C

'Building Design+Construction is pleased to introduce our “40 Under 40” Class of 2014. They join 320 previous recipients of the honor, dating from 2006. These emerging AEC leaders range in age from 31 to 39 (as of December 31, 2013), with a median age of 36.

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What Happens when Architects Date | Life of an Architect

Life of an Architect

'about me Lets Work Together Frequently Asked Questions Do you want to be an Architect? Home / Architects / What Happens when Architects Date What Happens when Architects Date Bob Borson — February 13, 2014 — 53 Comments Quite possibly my favorite creative post [not to mention incredibly practical] Original research completed February 11th, 2013.

Architect 111
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LEGO launches set aimed at professional architects

BD+C

'There''s a new LEGO set for architects to get excited aboutactually, one made for architects. LEGO Architecture Studio is made up of 76 unique elements and over 1,200 pieces, and is intended to give the builder as much freedom as possible, Dezeen reports. Body Image: read more.

Architect 111
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Norwegian modular project set to be world's tallest timber-frame apartment building [slideshow]

BD+C

'A 14-story luxury apartment block in central Bergen, Norway, will be the world''s tallest timber-framed multifamily project, at 49 meters (160 feet). The current record-holder, Melbourne''s Forté building, is 32 meters tall. Body Image: read more.

Building 111
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Report: 32 U.S. buildings have been verified as net-zero energy performers

BD+C

'Growth in numbers, locations, types and sizes all mark progress on the state of commercial zero net energy (ZNE) buildings—ultra-efficient buildings that generate as much power from onsite renewable energy sources as they consume in a year, according to a report from New Buildings Institute (NBI). Of buildings surveyed across North America, the report finds the number of buildings achieving or pursuing ZNE have more than doubled since the last study was released in 2012.

Building 111
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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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5 ways Herman Miller's New Office concept rethinks the traditional workplace

BD+C

'With cloud computing, smart phones, video chat and more access to professional software for individual use, there shouldn’t really be any need to still go to an office for work, right? Well, legendary office furniture manufacturer Herman Miller would like to prove us wrong with its Living Office concept. Body Image: read more.

Concept 111
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6 legislative actions to ignite the construction economy

BD+C

'The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today announced its “punch list” for Congress that, if completed, will ignite the construction economy by spurring much needed improvements in energy efficiency, infrastructure and resiliency and create jobs for small business. “America needs to create more jobs, to strengthen communities, and find help for millions of young people to succeed in the new economy,” said Robert Ivy, CEO of the American Institute of Architects, "so we''ve created a punch l

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Illinois Institute of Technology – College of Architecture

Life of an Architect

'Ever wondered what going to architecture was really like? There are a lot of stories about going to architecture school – the long hours, the absolute dedication, the commitment needed to complete the program … and guess what? They are all true but that doesn’t mean that if you are thinking about going to architecture school that you should avoid it.

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What if Warhol, Picasso and Kapoor were architects?

BD+C

'Graphic designer Federico Babina has created a set of architectural illustrations inspired by the work of famous artists, including Anish Kapoor, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol. The project, called Archist , applies the aesthetics of prominent artists to an architectural form.

Architect 111
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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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Architectural Sketchbooks

Life of an Architect

'Sketching is part of the architects domain and there was a time when it was a forgone conclusion that if you were an architect, you could sketch. Don’t get me wrong, I am not a “days of yesteryear” apologist saying that the old ways are always better, but in the case of sketching and keeping sketchbooks … I do think the old ways are better.

Sketching 110
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How to be the best at what you do

Life of an Architect

'Pritzker prize-winning architect Thom Mayne was the final keynote speaker at the AIA Colorado Practice + Design conference this weekend and I was able to catch his presentation since I was in town as one of the speakers. Thom said something in his presentation that stuck with me – I write it down after he said it but this is not a direct quote.

Client 109
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2014 predictions for skyscraper construction: More twisting towers, mega-tall projects, and 'superslim' designs

BD+C

'Each year, high-rise building experts from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) release their predictions for the worldwide skyscraper industry. They also recap the top tall-building news from the previous year (see "2013: The year of the super-tall skyscraper" ). Body Image: read more.

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Take a look at the hardhat of the future

BD+C

'Business Insider shares what may be the most ingenious way of incorporating the Google Glass augmented reality technology in the world of building design and construction: connecting it to a hard hat. Invented by a Los Angeles-based startup named DAQRI , the “smart helmet” looks cool, protects the wearer from falling bricks, and provides “laptop computing power at a glance.” read more.

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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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AEC firms upbeat about financial results, 2015 looking rosier [exclusive BD+C survey]

BD+C

'The market outlook is brighter for U.S. architecture, engineering, and construction companies, with a majority of AEC firms reporting higher revenues, strong forecasts, and sound financial health, according to Building Design+Construction’s fourth annual Market Forecast Survey. Body Image: read more.

Firms 109
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You Make Your Own Opportunities | Life of an Architect

Life of an Architect

'about me Lets Work Together Frequently Asked Questions Do you want to be an Architect? Home / Do you want to be an Architect? / Make Your Own Opportunities Make Your Own Opportunities Bob Borson — April 21, 2014 — 26 Comments Young architectural interns are awesome … full of promise and possibility. I’ve been around the architectural block more times than I care to admit at this stage of my career and I have learned a few things along the way.

Architect 109
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Construction unemployment hits eight-year low, some states struggle to find qualified labor

BD+C

'The construction industry, whose workforce was decimated during the last recession, is slowly getting back on its feet. However, in certain markets—especially those where oil drilling and production have been prospering—construction workers can still be scarce. Based on a survey of nearly 1,100 member firms in October, the Associated General Contractors of America ( www.agc.org ) reported that 83% of respondents were having difficulty finding craft workers, and 61% said other professional posit

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Nashville planning retail district made from 21 shipping containers

BD+C

'OneC1TY, a healthcare- and technology-focused community under construction on 18.7 acres near Nashville, Tenn., will include a mini retail district made from 21 shipping containers, the first time in this market containers have been repurposed for such use. Body Image: read more.

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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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Sochi's 'kinetic façade' may steal the show at the Winter Olympics

BD+C

'When the Sochi Winter Olympics kick off next month (Feb. 7-23) in Russia, the temporary pavilion for Russian telecom operator MegaFon is going to turn a lot of heads—literally. Body Image: read more.

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20 tallest towers that were never completed

BD+C

'In the world of tall building construction, projects can stall for any number of reasons—financial, political, cultural—and for long periods of time. The CTBUH Research team, in the latest installment of Tall Buildings in Numbers, has undertaken to find the top 20 tallest never-completed buildings , and the 15 longest construction periods from 1985 to the present, listing the stop and start dates, and last known status of these 35 projects.

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Nonresidential construction starts up 34% in June

BD+C

'Reed Construction Data has announced that the dollar value of construction starts in June, excluding residential activity, surged 34% versus May. The figures are in "current" dollars, meaning they are not adjusted for inflation. The individual month of June, at $32.0 billion, was one of the strongest in Reed''s entire database. To find a similarly high volume, one has to look back at June 2008, just before the Great Recession really took hold.

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2013: The year of the super-tall skyscraper

BD+C

'While 2013 didn''t see the completion of a mega tower like Burj Khalifa, it was a near-record-setting year in terms of the number of super-tall skyscrapers completed. Body Image: 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!