2018

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Making schools more secure is imperative, but how best to do that isn't settled yet

BD+C

Despite the constant drumbeat of news about the alarming frequency of school shootings around the country, many communities still view their schools as safe havens, and quite a few schools double as shelters from natural disasters. In Texas, E-class buildings must include a tornado shelter, according to Jon Moreau, Balfour Beatty Construction Services’ VP of Operations, in Houston.

Structure 237
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Just Draw it Up

Life of an Architect

There is a request that I receive a few times a week that I thought I would finally talk about in an effort to shed some light on a fairly taboo subject. Those requests typically start off something like this: “I have already designed my house but since I am not an architect, I don’t know how to create the technical drawings I would need to give to a contractor.

IT 109
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5 Marketing Trends To Watch

Archmark

2018 Marketing Trends. Try These Marketing Trends in 2018 When I started my career in marketing communications three decades ago, the internet was only beginning to change everything. Once those changes started, they never stopped. Clearly, the internet has sparked many marketing trends that come and go. But from year to year, a few take hold, reach deep into the way we work, and provide for new approaches to marketing and business success.

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In its latest design forecast, Gensler emphasizes the human touch

BD+C

Design that “puts people back at the center” is now the driving force behind resilient, livable cities, according to Gensler’s just-released 2018 Design Forecast, “Shaping the Future of Cities.”.

IT 227
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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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Virtual reality as a design tool: What we've learned and where we're going

BD+C

In many ways, 2016 was a breakout year for virtual reality in the design professions. After years of speculation and buildup, manufacturers such as HTC, Oculus, and Microsoft released powerful head-mounted displays that gave designers and clients a truly immersive and interactive 3D experience.

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The beauty and benefits of tinted glass

BD+C

The design applications of glass are as limitless as the imagination. Glass coatings and colors can be applied primarily for aesthetic purposes, yet the performance benefits are an added - sometimes necessary - bonus. Tinted glass is one type that satisfies both of these considerations, enhancing the appearance of a building façade while improving its solar performance.

Glass 214
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3D scanning data provides solutions for challenging tilt-up panel casino project

BD+C

Jaynes Corp., a premier general contracting firm with locations in New Mexico and Colorado, eschewed traditional methods and instead used state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology to document the location of rebar in tilt-up panels at the Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sandia Casino and Resort. The project included a 28,000-sq-ft, two-story office complex adjacent to the main casino.

Project 198
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McKinsey: When it comes to AI adoption, construction should look to other industries for lessons

BD+C

Tip of the spear. Cutting edge. Vanguard. These are not words anyone would associate with the construction industry. And when it comes to the nascent technology of artificial intelligence, the construction industry is right near the bottom for both current and future AI adoption.

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Products at work: 6 product applications for your next project

BD+C

. 1. Composite slate roofing. Davinci Roofscapes.

Project 170
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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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Artificial intelligence is not just hysteria

BD+C

There is an unprecedented wave of speculation and investment in Artificial intelligence (AI) sweeping the industry with ideas like machine learning (ML) appearing as a magic wand of business innovation.

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Additive manufacturing heads to the jobsite

BD+C

In September 2017, a partnership that included Autodesk and the Rotterdam Additive Manufacturing LAB in the Port of Rotterdam unveiled the first ship propeller to be made using 3D printing techniques.

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Under-development solar panels snap together and turn waste heat into hot water

BD+C

The more sunlight solar panels receive, the hotter they get. The hotter they get, the more inefficient they become at converting energy into electricity. A new modular solar panel currently under development at Brunel University London solves this issue by using heat pipes to gather this excess heat and use it to produce a building’s hot water.

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Biophilic design: What is it? Why it matters? And how do we use it?

BD+C

Have you ever surrendered to nature’s tranquility in search of relief or relaxation? How do you feel hiking in the mountains or running along the seashore? Do the vast ocean, lush forests, and rapid creeks put you in awe or at ease? Does spending a few minutes outside impact your mood?

IT 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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Green, and then some: Architecture firms are helping cities raise the stakes in green design

BD+C

Cities and counties around the country are taking sustainability to new heights—and architecture firms are helping them raise the stakes in green design. San Diego and New York are among a growing number of local jurisdictions that are expanding the scope of their energy- and water-use requirements for new construction. The County of San Diego has committed to making all new buildings achieve zero net energy—preferably to produce more energy than they consume through on-site energy generation.

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Vertical gardens: Wellness oases in the urban jungle

BD+C

Experts in the emerging field of biophilic design are finding that that people need regular contact with nature to be happy and whole. For those who live and work in cities, the concrete, glass towers, smog, and noise can drastically and negatively affect wellbeing. Urban areas are projected to house 60 percent of people globally by 2030, and one in three people will live in cities with at least a half million inhabitants.

Glass 110
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Public canopy system can be reconfigured by drones on the fly

BD+C

Architecture is always evolving. Be it the way buildings are designed, the processes by which they are built, or the materials used. But a new prototype from the University of Stuttgart takes this continuous evolution to a new level, with a reconfigurable canopy system for public spaces that is in a state of perpetual construction.

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Developers are harkened for major revitalization project in Pittsburgh

BD+C

Last month, the Planning Commission for the city of Pittsburgh approved a revised Preliminary Land Development Plan for Hazelwood Green, a 178-acre riverfront site—and the last big developable contiguous land mass in this metro—that was once where LTV Steel and Jones & Laughlin Steel milled steel and coke.

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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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Natural light is the most prized office perk

BD+C

In the workplace environment, employees want sunshine and views of the outdoors more than any other feature or amenity, according to a survey by HR advisory firm Future Workplace.

Nature 105
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A new report tracks industry preferences for building documentation tools

BD+C

Stationary laser scanners continue to be the most popular building documentation hardware that AEC firms and service providers use for jobsite reality capture and photography. But 360° cameras are rapidly gaining ground on scanners, and unmanned aerial vehicles are steadily expanding their user base. These are among the key findings in the latest Cornerstone report released by the U.S.

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6 strategies to keep your project on budget

BD+C

Most of us are all too familiar with budget overruns. We’ve all had those projects that end up over budget, and we’re left wondering why. Keeping projects on budget is extremely important for overall profitability and even employee morale. Here are six strategies to keep your projects on or even under budget. .

Project 106
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Multifamily market trends 2018: What the experts are saying

BD+C

Trends, ideas, and considered opinions from multifamily developers and market experts at Marcus & Millichap’s “Multifamily Forum,” held earlier this year in Chicago:

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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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USGBC survey suggests employees are happier, healthier, and more productive in LEED green buildings

BD+C

According to a new recently released survey from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), employees who work in LEED-certified green buildings are happier, healthier, and more productive than employees in conventional and non-LEED buildings. The survey also shows that a majority of office workers want to work for companies that are value-oriented, take stances on important issues like sustainability, and do their part for making a positive difference in the world.

Building 104
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Designing healthier buildings: Fitwel certification system

BD+C

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average American spends 93% of their life indoors. Given this statistic, the health of our built environment—especially the workplace—is one of the hottest topics in our industry today, and we are seeing an increased interest in health and wellness as part of a sustainable strategy, focusing on healthy materials, air quality and active design.

Building 105
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Curtain walls go circadian

BD+C

New research by interior landscaping firm Ambius (bit.ly/2MPpiy3) found that the typical office worker spends less time outside than prisoners. According to the survey, 35% of office workers spend no more than 15 minutes outside during their day, and only 26% say they spend more than an hour outside each day. For many office workers, especially those who work in skyscrapers, stepping outside for a break is easier said than done.

Firms 104
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5 'giant' trends poised to change the face of construction

BD+C

As the BD+C editorial team wrapped up work on the 42nd annual Giants 300 report in late June, a number of intriguing industry trends and themes bubbled to the surface. Some are new to us, others simply confirmed our original notions.

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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!