Select Page

PRISM APRIL/MAY 2017 EDITION

Passive housing, biomimicry, green building, curtain walls and wood

The Arroyo at Glen Mor Student Apartments - University of California, Riverside in Riverside, Calif. Photo: Millicent Harvey

Orchards at Orenco, Phase I. Image: Casey Braunger. Courtesy of Ankrom Moisan Architects

[adrotate banner="11"]
Feature article
Orchards at Orenco, Phase I. Photo: Casey Braunger. Courtesy of Ankrom Moisan Architects
Passive Housing

Passive Housing

As a market leader in housing design for more than 20 years, Ankrom Moisan knows how to create vibrant communities where people thrive. We draw on our deep experience creating many types of projects—not just other residential buildings, but also hospitality, healthcare, and community centers. Through careful integration of Passive House strategies, we are able to create durable and affordable communities that mitigate outdoor noise, have superior indoor air quality and balanced thermal comfort, and reduce energy bills by up to 90%. Through this fusion of knowledge, we are able to create places that improve human health, reduce energy consumption, and empower communities.

read more
[adrotate banner="9"]
Feature article
Discovery Commons. Bullitt Center Photo: © Nic Lehoux
Biomimicry in architectural design: The Bullitt Center

Biomimicry in architectural design: The Bullitt Center

The idea for this article originated from an evening of watching “Xploration Nature Knows Best” from Steve Rotfield Productions. The episode, “Biobased Buildings” with host Danni Washington, encompassed a cohesive discussion on products and buildings that mimic nature — biomimicry in design. The show included two examples of biomimicry in design, StoColor® Lotusan® and the Bullitt Center.

read more
Resilient Design
Thunder Valley Community Center and Guest House: Credit: BNIM
The University of Washington’s Integrated Design Lab confirmed that upgrading to View® Dynamic Glass technology in the Lake Union Building significantly saved energy and improved the tenant experience.
UW’s Integrated Design Lab study validates energy savings of View® Dynamic Glass

UW’s Integrated Design Lab study validates energy savings of View® Dynamic Glass

Henbart LLC announced May 18, that a year-long study led by the University of Washington’s (UW’s)Integrated Design Lab confirmed that upgrading to View® Dynamic Glass technology in the Lake Union Building significantly saved energy and improved the tenant experience. The report verified annual energy savings of 17.7 percent or 351,604 kWh – roughly $28,000 a year or enough electricity to power 33 homes.

read more
[adrotate banner="7"]
Green building
Calgary International Airport (YYC). Courtesy of CertainTeed. Photographer: Neil Koven Photogaphy
Better Together: A Global Gateway to Acoustical Design

Better Together: A Global Gateway to Acoustical Design

Stepping off a plane and into the new Calgary International Airport (YYC) is a transformative experience. Natural materials, including wood, metal and stone channel the essence of the surrounding region, while expansive windows show off views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Designers from around Canada worked for several years to cultivate a design that blended aesthetic beauty with functionality and sustainability.

read more
Photo: Prakash Patel Photography. Courtesy of SmithGroupJJR
Wright Commissioning’s Net-Zero Environmental Center goes Beyond Green

Wright Commissioning’s Net-Zero Environmental Center goes Beyond Green

Located on the banks of the Lynnhaven River in Virginia Beach, the 10,500-square-foot Brock Environmental Center was created to engage and educate the public about the environment and ways they can help save the Chesapeake Bay from further environmental degradation. As required by the Living Building Challenge, the building produces more energy than it uses over the course of 12 consecutive months of occupancy using solar panels, wind turbines and geothermal wells.

read more
Toronto-Dominion Centre. Photo: Phillip Castleton
TD Centre first to achieve WELL Core & Shell Certification

TD Centre first to achieve WELL Core & Shell Certification

This unique accomplishment is yet another industry first that builds upon TD Centre’s track-record of bold leadership and relentless innovation. Since introducing the modern workplace to Canada, TD Centre has continuously raised the bar for building design and operations, from its pioneering Occupant Engagement Program to earning Canada’s first and only multi-building LEED Platinum certification for environmental performance.

read more
BarberMcMurry architects and Shepley Bulfinch announce opening of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital expansion

BarberMcMurry architects and Shepley Bulfinch announce opening of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital expansion

BarberMcMurry architects (BMa) and Shepley Bulfinch are pleased to announce the official opening of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Surgery and NICU addition and renovations. Located in Knoxville, the new $75 million, 271,121 SF tower houses a 14-room surgery platform, multi-specialty outpatient clinics, and a 44-room all-private neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to meet the growing demand for pediatric health services in the region. This expansion and the accompanying renovation of vacated space in the old building fulfills the goals of Children’s Hospital’s strategic master plan, significantly upgrading its facilities and enhancing Children’s Hospital’s visibility as the region’s only comprehensive pediatric center.

read more
The Eleanor Boathouse at Chicago’s Park 571 features a translucent transom by EXTECH. Photo: William Zbaren Photography
The Eleanor Boathouse at Chicago’s Park 571

The Eleanor Boathouse at Chicago’s Park 571

Opened in Dec. 2016, the Eleanor Boathouse at Park 571 in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood celebrates the natural beauty, community recreation and environmental stewardship of the Chicago River. Designed by Studio Gang Architects, the $8.8 million, 19,003-square-foot, one-story, two-building facility employs energy-efficient daylighting principles.

read more
Deloitte Tower/La Tour Deloitte, Montreal. Provided by The Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited. Photo: Stéphan Poulin
Deloitte Tower, first LEED Platinum-certified office building in Montreal

Deloitte Tower, first LEED Platinum-certified office building in Montreal

Deloitte Tower/La Tour Deloitte is the first office tower in Montreal to be certified LEED® Platinum by the Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC). The 22-story 560,000-square-foot facility’s achievement was announced in July 2016 and credited in part to the energy-efficient curtain wall vision glass and spandrel panels that feature insulating glass units (IGUs) fabricated by Multiver and Technoform Glass Insulation’s TGI®-Spacers.

read more
Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Queensland, Australia. Credit: Carole Margand
Designing with wood
Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach, Va. Photo: © Dave Chance Photography
Cypress Inside and Out as Environmental Center Earns Living Building Certification

Cypress Inside and Out as Environmental Center Earns Living Building Certification

Designed by SmithGroupJJR, one of the largest architecture firms in the U.S., the Center was built to showcase technologies and building products that contribute to net-zero energy, water, and waste. According to project manager and design architect Greg Mella, FAIA, LEED AP, preference was given to natural materials, such as cypress, to reinforce a sense of place.

read more
Institutional Wood Design – Large: Patkau Architects, represented by: Patricia and John Patkau, Vancouver – Audain Art Museum, Whistler. Courtesy of Wood WORKS! BC
2017 Wood Design Awards event in B.C. celebrates the best in wood design and building

2017 Wood Design Awards event in B.C. celebrates the best in wood design and building

Excellence in contemporary design and building with wood was celebrated March 6, 2017 in Vancouver at the Wood Design Awards in B.C. More than 400 distinguished design and building professionals gathered for the 13th annual event at the Vancouver Convention Centre (West), including architects, structural engineers, project teams, local government, industry sponsors and guests. Winners and nominees of the Wood WORKS! BC 2017 Wood Design Awards were honoured and recognized for their leadership and innovation in structural and architectural wood use.

read more
Östermalm’s temporary market hall, Stockholm. Photographer: Felix Gerlach. Architecture firm: Tengbom.
Temporary ‘wooden box’ becomes attractive market hall

Temporary ‘wooden box’ becomes attractive market hall

The architectural agency Tengbom saw the potential in the exceptional circumstances. As part of the refurbishment project, they designed the concept of a temporary, modular wooden building that could built alongside the old hall. Tengbom wanted to promote sustainable construction, and Kerto LVL was the ideal choice for that.

read more
Washington Fruit & Produce Co. Headquarters, Yakima, Wash. Credit: Kevin Scott
Washington Fruit & Produce Co. Headquarters

Washington Fruit & Produce Co. Headquarters

Surrounded by the world’s most high-tech fruit packing warehouses, the 16,500-square-foot Washington Fruit & Produce Co. headquarters is conceived as an oasis amidst a sea of concrete and low-lying brush landscape. Tucked behind landforms and site walls, this courtyard-focused office complex provides a refuge from the noise and activity of the industrial processing yards nearby.

read more
New headquarters of Live Oak Bank in Wilmington, N.C. Photo: © Mark Herboth Photography LLC
Cypress and “Live Oak”—A Spectacular Combination

Cypress and “Live Oak”—A Spectacular Combination

The new headquarters of Live Oak Bank in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a stunning reflection of the institution’s attentiveness to the environment, its customers and the well-being of its employees. With views of tall trees, a pond and an occasional coyote, it’s an employee’s dream workplace. Couple that with the use of locally sourced cypress and the U-shaped building looks more like a recreational lodge than a bank!

read more
UMass Design Building. Courtesy of Leers Weinzapfel Associates. Photo: ©Albert Vecerka/Esto
Mass timber offers exciting possibilities for building with wood

Mass timber offers exciting possibilities for building with wood

Over the past several years, there has been a rise in mass timber construction around the world, demonstrating the strength, stability, and design flexibility of next-generation lumber technologies. To help inform architects, engineers, developers, industry professionals, students and interested parties, reThink Wood has launched the reThink Wood Research Library to serve as the go-to industry resource for those seeking information on the latest advancements in wood’s performance and advantages in the built environment.

read more
Curtain walls
WAVE, Beirut, Lebanon. Credit: Michel Abboud
SOMA’s WAVE wins 2017 Architizer A+ Awards

SOMA’s WAVE wins 2017 Architizer A+ Awards

While SOMA is renowned for double skin projects, WAVE wears its second skin out of necessity due to location and exposure: the longer site edge faces south and the shorter one faces west and demands that one extremely important and problematic issue be solved in terms of solar exposure and heat. A unique identity was created through this second layer skin or sunscreen.

read more
Vaslpar’s Fluropon® Classic II coatings featured on T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas. Credit: J. Rick Martin Photography
Georgia State University College of Law. Photo: Chuck Choi. Courtesy of YKK AP America Inc.
Blue Water Convention Center with Tubelite’s curtainwall systems. Photo courtesy of Blue Water Convention Center
Blue Water Convention Center capitalizes on waterfront views with curtainwall

Blue Water Convention Center capitalizes on waterfront views with curtainwall

The curtainwall can withstand winds of up to 90 miles per hour, meeting the specified performance design criteria for the climate and location. According to Seth Horton, PE, project manager with architecture and engineering firm Progressive AE, managing solar heat gain was a key consideration when determining use of the curtainwall. Tubelite’s curtainwall features a low-e glass with a solar heat-gain coefficient of 0.38 to allow for more natural light, while keeping the convention goers comfortable in all seasons.

read more
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach campus, New Student Residence Hall. Tubelite Inc. provided window, curtainwall, storefront and entrance systems, and an airfoil fin. Photo: Charles LeRette Photography
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s new student residence

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s new student residence

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s newest 650-bed student residence hall opened in January on its Daytona Beach, Florida campus. The new $25 million, 145,000-square-foot facility designed by PQH Group showcases an ultra-modern look, natural light, campus views, and comfortable living and learning environment. Contributing to these goals, Tubelite Inc. provided window, curtainwall, storefront and entrance systems, and an airfoil fin, to meet the project’s required aesthetic, sustainability and performance specifications.

read more

IN EVERY EDITION

Noteworthy news and projects

2017 COTE Top Ten Award recipeient: Stanford University Central Energy Facility, Stanford, Calif. ZGF Architects LLP. Photo: Robert Canfield Photography
2017 COTE Top Ten Awards

2017 COTE Top Ten Awards

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment (COTE) last month selected this year’s recipients of the Top Ten Awards, the industry’s premier program celebrating sustainable design excellence. For this year, COTE substantially revised its Measures of Sustainable Design, the criteria judges use to evaluate projects. New topics include impact on health, wellness, and economy.

read more
UCI Mesa Court. Photo Credit: Bruce Damonte
Austin’s most recognizable architectural icon located in the center of Downtown
Frost Bank Tower wins Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY®) Award

Frost Bank Tower wins Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY®) Award

Endeavor Real Estate Group announced today that its Frost Bank Tower has been named Winner of Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY®) for the Southwest region. The TOBY Award is presented by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), and is the most prestigious and comprehensive program of its kind in the commercial real estate industry, recognizing quality in buildings and rewarding excellence in building management.

read more
Siegel & Strain Architects received an AIA San Francisco Community Alliance Award, the Firm Achievement Award, given in recognition of “outstanding contributions to the community, advancement of the profession, and for producing distinguished architecture.” Portola Valley Town Center Portola Valley, Calif. Siegel & Strain Architects. Photo: César Rubio
Siegel & Strain Architects earn national recognition as a leading high-performance firm

Siegel & Strain Architects earn national recognition as a leading high-performance firm

Siegel & Strain Architects is featured in the recently published American Institute of Architects Commitment on the Environment (COTE) Report, “The Habits of High-Performance Firms.” According to Mary Ann Lazarus, AIA COTE Chair, the Report is an overview of the key firm characteristics that drive success across frequent COTE Top Ten winners, including Siegel & Strain. The report offers insights from Siegel & Strain as well as other High-Performance Firms. States Lazarus, “These findings are valuable for any firm and are especially important now with AIA’s commitment to achieving a more equitable, sustainable, healthy, and resilient built environment.”

read more
THE MAIN MUSEUM OF LOS ANGELES ART. Los Angeles, California | 2015. Architects: Tom Wiscombe Architecture. Photographs Courtesy of the Architect
American Enterprise Group National Headquarters Renovation, Des Moines, Iowa. Photo: © Nick Merrick, Hedrich Blessing
Three BNIM projects earn prestigious American Architecture Awards

Three BNIM projects earn prestigious American Architecture Awards

The Chicago Athenaeum and the European Centre of Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, March 27, named its American Architecture Awards for 2017. Three BNIM projects were among the 79 entries receiving recognition: The Pacific Center Campus Development Amenities Building, American Enterprise Group National Headquarters Renovation and the Iowa Visual Arts Building (in collaboration with Steven Holl Associates).

read more
2017 Grand Jury Award Winner: University of Pennsylvania’s Pennovation Center. Pennovation Center, 3401 Grays Ferry Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. Project owner: University of Pennsylvania. Project team: University of Pennsylvania, Hollwich Kushner and KSS Architects.
Preservation Alliance Announces 2017 Award Winners

Preservation Alliance Announces 2017 Award Winners

The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia is pleased to announce the winners of the 2017 Preservation Achievement Awards, including individuals, organizations, structures, and spaces that determine the region’s unique character. The 24th annual Awards will be presented on the evening of June 7th at Vie on North Broad Street in Philadelphia.

read more

PROJECT PROFILES

Jon M. Huntsman Hall at Utah State University, Logan, Utah. Photo: © Kevin Scott
The Wheeler, Brooklyn, NY. Credit: Tishman Speyer
NVidia Headquarters, Santa Clara, CA

NVidia Headquarters, Santa Clara, CA

When NVidia announced construction of new headquarters based in the Silicon Valley, the tech giant’s architectural goals were straight-forward. The triangular building – which mimics the fundamental building block of computer graphics – would be efficient and the design would be “thoughtful in its use of space, energy, and environment, and of course, cost,” according to an NVidia press release.

read more

BUILDING SCIENCE

Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building, Portland, Ore. Photo: © Brett Drury
University of Pennsylvania, New College House, Philadelphia. Photo: © Jeffrey Totaro
The Chrysalis at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, Columbia, MD. Photo ©: MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY. Architect of Record: Living Design Lab. Parametric Architect: MARC FORNES / THEVERYMANY. Engineering: Arup.
Arup balances aesthetics and engineering in new arts venue: The Chrysalis

Arup balances aesthetics and engineering in new arts venue: The Chrysalis

Arup addressed an unusual variety of challenges in bringing Chrysalis from concept to construction. Using 3D modeling, the firm evaluated the siting of the pavilion to optimize sightlines for the audience. Extensive wind tunnel tests provided critical information for the design of the structure’s galvanized steel frame, which, since it’s exposed to the elements, had to be both beautiful and robust. Acoustic studies explored the impact of sound both within and beyond the building. Tunable LED lighting was designed to animate the structure, and emphasize its fluid, organic form.

read more
Credit: Gregg Shupe Photography
Margulies Perruzzi Architects Completes Cutting Edge Laboratory for Boston Analytical

Margulies Perruzzi Architects Completes Cutting Edge Laboratory for Boston Analytical

Margulies Perruzzi Architects (MPA) announced yesterday the completion of a new 30,000 SF laboratory and office facility for Boston Analytical, the life sciences division of Alpha Analytical. Located in Salem, N.H., Boston Analytical’s new and expanded space houses high-tech chemistry and microbiology laboratories equipped with the most sophisticated and up-to-date analytical testing equipment.

read more
Hyatt Regency in downtown Seattle. Credit: LMN Architects
Destination Medical Center (DMC) Discovery Square development in Rochester, Minn. Credit: RSP Architects and HOK.
Mortenson announces first building in Discovery Square

Mortenson announces first building in Discovery Square

Designed by the team of RSP Architects and HOK, the new building will enhance connections and enable collaboration among tenants to share ideas and test and build new products. Its design will help tenants accelerate the translation of the most promising health-related therapies and technologies to meet the unmet needs of patients and bring solutions to patients sooner.

read more
Arena Sports, Mill Creek, Wash. Credit: MG2
Rendering of Rocky Hill Veterans Housing, developed by Community Development Partners
Community Development Partners to Break Ground on Rocky Hill Veterans Housing

Community Development Partners to Break Ground on Rocky Hill Veterans Housing

Community Development Partners is pleased to announce that the groundbreaking for Rocky Hill Veterans Housing is set for April 7, 2017 at 11am. As one of the only new affordable developments targeting veterans in Solano County, this $21-million project will provide much-needed housing for chronically homeless veterans, and low-income veterans and families.

read more

COLOR AND DESIGN

Cloud Studios, Seattle. Photo: Rafael Soldi
Cloud Studios designed by Best Practice Architecture

Cloud Studios designed by Best Practice Architecture

This 4,600-square-foot recording and music practice facility takes advantage of an unused basement that connects to the building next door through a garage. The facility has access to a freight elevator from street level, making it ideal for musicians who need to move heavy gear in and out.

read more
Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams
New Relic, San Francisco. Credit: © Jasper Sanidad Photography

URBAN PLANNING

Tilia, Jamaica Plain, Mass. Courtesy of Urbanica
Kaplan Construction to build transit-oriented housing development in Jamaica Plain

Kaplan Construction to build transit-oriented housing development in Jamaica Plain

Kaplan Construction will provide preconstruction and construction management services for the 49,300 SF development, named Tilia after the neighborhood’s abundance of Tilia trees, a North American hardwood known for pendulous branches and drooping clusters of small, fragrant white flowers. The development is Phase A of a three-phase housing development project. Construction started in fall of 2016 and is expected to be complete in November 2017.

read more
COVO community, Silver Lake, Calif. Rendering by KTGY Architecture + Planning
COVO ’design-forward’ community opens in Silver Lake

COVO ’design-forward’ community opens in Silver Lake

Designed by KTGY Architecture + Planning, COVO seamlessly integrates with its desirable urban surroundings. Standout design elements include soothing colors and metal siding that combine to create sophisticated exteriors. The innovative floorplans emphasize elevated outdoor spaces – either large decks or rooftop terraces – all of which offer vistas of the surrounding hills.

read more
Urban SOS™ 2017: hOUR City is a project of AECOM and Van Alen Institute, in collaboration with 100 Resilient Cities — Pioneered by The Rockefeller Foundation. Photo: Flickr user Wonderlane
Urban SOS™ 2017: hOUR City competition

Urban SOS™ 2017: hOUR City competition

AECOM and Van Alen Institute, with 100 Resilient Cities – Pioneered by The Rockefeller Foundation, May 2 launched Urban SOS™ 2017: hOUR City, a global student ideas competition that challenges multidisciplinary teams to help bridge the divide between thriving and struggling communities in regions around the world.

read more
Integral Group leads the way with the first Fitwel Certified workplace in Europe

Integral Group leads the way with the first Fitwel Certified workplace in Europe

Integral Group has certified their London, UK office under Fitwel, becoming the first Fitwel certified workplace outside of North America. Fitwel is a third-party certification system designed to help organizations enhance health, wellbeing and productivity in the workplace. Integral Group became an official Fitwel Champion only six weeks ago, and already has a dozen Fitwel Ambassadors trained on the evidence-based connection between design and health.

read more
Atwater Street Development Concept. Detroit RiverFront Conservancy
Fifth + Broadway begins construction on one of largest mixed-use developments in Nashville

Fifth + Broadway begins construction on one of largest mixed-use developments in Nashville

Construction has officially begun on Fifth + Broadway, one of the largest single mixed-use developments in the history of Nashville and the state of Tennessee. The transformative downtown project, which will replace the 6.2-acre Nashville Convention Center (rendered obsolete with the opening of the Music City Center in 2013), will deliver 235,000 SF of strategically important retail and entertainment (including the National Museum for African American Music), 385,000 SF of Class-A office at 501 Commerce, over 350 residential units, and more than 2,000 parking spaces.

read more

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

ASLA Survey: Landscape architecture firms report subdued conditions

ASLA Survey: Landscape architecture firms report subdued conditions

Business conditions flattened for landscape architecture firms during the first three months of 2017, according to the newest ASLA Business Quarterly survey. During the first quarter of this year, firms reported a dip in billable hours and hiring plans, while inquiries for new work picked up from the previous quarter.

read more

INDUSTRY NEWS

ASLA Statement on President Trump’s FY18 Budget Proposal

ASLA Statement on President Trump’s FY18 Budget Proposal

“Our recent actions include the May 15 submittal of a letter signed by nearly 2,000 landscape architects and other supporters urging EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to change course and work to continue federal carbon reduction programs and regulations, fund scientific research and make it accessible to the American people, and honor the United States’ commitment to the Paris Agreement.”

read more

ASID announces 2017 Fellows and Honorary Fellows

“This year’s Fellows and Honorary Fellows have played a key role in shaping the future of the interior design profession,” said Suzan Globus, FASID, LEED AP ID +C, Chair, ASID College of Fellows. “They have not only created interiors that delight, inspire, motivate, support, and awe us, they have provided leadership and ingenuity to the interior design industry, thus improving the human experience. It is our privilege to honor them.”

read more
ASLA elevates 23 members to the Council of Fellows

ASLA elevates 23 members to the Council of Fellows

The American Society of Landscape Architects has elevated 23 members to the ASLA Council of Fellows for 2017. Fellowship is among the highest honors the ASLA bestows on members and recognizes the contributions of these individuals to their profession and society at large based on their works, leadership and management, knowledge and service.

read more
Dodge Momentum Index loses steam in April

Dodge Momentum Index loses steam in April

April’s decline was due to a 12.0% drop for the institutional component of the Momentum Index, while the commercial component rose a meager 0.1%. Since early 2016, the Momentum Index has gained substantial ground, albeit in a saw-tooth pattern, increasing by over 20% through March this year.

read more

IDC and ASID present Impact Summit 2017: Migration, Culture, and Diversity in the Built Environment

The Interior Designers of Canada and American Society of Interior Designers will address the key concerns of migration, culture, and diversity at Impact Summit 2017: Migration, Culture, and Diversity in the Built Environment. The two-day event, held May 8-9, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, features two keynote addresses from internationally acclaimed speakers; three expert panels of world-renowned designers, educators, and community advocates; and design-led walking tours of Toronto’s regenerated Regent Park.

read more
AAMA releases 2016/2017 industry review and forecast

AAMA releases 2016/2017 industry review and forecast

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has released the AAMA 2016/2017 U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast. This report delivers timely information on window, door and skylight market trends and product relationships.

read more

Green Business Certification Inc. continues expansion in Europe

Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI), the premier organization independently recognizing excellence in green business industry performance and practice globally, announced the opening of a new European office in Munich today. Through rigorous certification and credentialing standards, GBCI drives adoption of green building and business practices. Kay Killmann, has been named managing director of GBCI Europe.

read more
March construction starts led by public works sector

March construction starts led by public works sector

New construction starts in March increased 5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $743.7 billion, marking the third straight monthly gain, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. The total construction growth in March was led by the nonbuilding construction sector, and particularly by public works which featured the start of two large pipeline projects – the $4.2 billion Rover natural gas pipeline in Ohio and Michigan, and the $2.5 billion Mariner East 2 propane and natural gas liquids pipeline in Pennsylvania.

read more
Submission period opens for Center for Active Design: Excellence Awards

Submission period opens for Center for Active Design: Excellence Awards

The Center for Active Design® (CfAD) has opened submissions for its fourth annual Excellence awards, an international competition that celebrates the transformative role of design in creating healthy communities. Winning projects are recognized as part of the growing Active Design movement using evidence-based design to foster community health.

read more

In the News May…

WS Development engages OMA to design mixed-use project in the Boston Seaport

“We are committed to bringing world-class architecture to Boston’s Seaport – architecture that will stand the test of time. Together with the brilliant team at OMA, we will create a unique urban environment that advances Boston’s innovation economy and celebrates great urban design,” said Yanni Tsipis, Senior Vice President of Seaport at WS Development.

read more

Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd. welcomes return of Suzanne Amrich

“We are absolutely delighted to have Suzanne back onboard our team! Her knowledge and unique skillset are tremendous assets to the firm,” said Richard Buchanan, AIA. “She has an appreciation of Philadelphia’s historic suburbs and surroundings and shares the firm’s desire to preserve the local heritage by designing buildings that complement those of the region.”

read more

New Senior Living interior design studio launches in Austin

“Knowing the direct impact I’ve experienced with seniors, just through the basics of design, fuels my passion for improving the lives of people who mean the most to us. I made the decision to step away and develop my own design firm to help break away from the traditional thinking of senior living design and how it’s delivered to our market. My goal is to re-invent the process and reach out to a larger scope of communities & developers who need our services,” said President Keri Moore-Muñiz.

read more

Helix Steel Launches Online Training Portal

Helix Steel has been reinforcing concrete with Twisted Steel Micro Rebar (TSMR), globally, for over 16 years.  In that time, we have accumulated a vast amount of knowledge on the various aspects pertaining to reinforcing a concrete structure.  This information has been assimilated into training modules and published online for our partners and end users.

read more

Call for Entries: Arup Essay Contest Seeks Design Solutions for Better Cities

Arup announces the 2017 Doggerel Writing Contest. Participants are invited to describe an under-celebrated idea that holds great potential to shape better cities. The proposed idea should have clear relevance to the relationship between design and the built environment. Submissions that explore various aspects of this relationship, whether technical, economic, or political, are welcome.

read more

Spelman College selects Studio Gang to design new Center for the Arts & Innovation

“The new facility will provide a home for the ARTS@Spelman and will also house the school’s expanding Department of Computer and Information Sciences and an interdisciplinary Innovation Lab. Studio Gang brings to the project a uniquely collaborative approach to design that aligns with our vision to provide a new and dynamic state-of-the-art learning environment that encourages not only disciplinary mastery in the arts and computer science, but provides a creative intersection among art, technology, science and other liberal arts.”

read more

In the News April…

LPA Inc. expands in Texas with new office in Dallas

LPA creates energy-efficient environments in K-12 school and higher education spaces as well as health care, corporate and civic facilities. Among the strong talent pool in the region, the new Dallas office has plans for growth and recruitment in the region with a capacity of 50 employees.

read more

Covestro materials: building blocks for durable and attractive architecture

Architects, contractors and engineers aim to create buildings that are sustainable, aesthetically pleasing and durable. To accomplish this, they often turn to high-performance materials. During the AIA Conference on Architecture 2017, April 27-29, in Orlando, Florida, Covestro will showcase its broad portfolio of polycarbonates, polyurethanes and raw materials for coatings at booth #3751. Show attendees will have the opportunity to learn about these high-performance materials and see first-hand a variety of applications incorporating them. Here is a peek at what Covestro will have on display at AIA.

read more
In celebration of Earth Day 2017, new research shows that green buildings contribute to a more productive workforce

In celebration of Earth Day 2017, new research shows that green buildings contribute to a more productive workforce

RBC and the NRC were able to determine the human resources benefits of building green by analyzing anonymous data on more than 40,000 RBC employees against information on more than 70 RBC office buildings. The results show that overall, green buildings have statistically higher employee job satisfaction, higher employee engagement and organizational commitment, and higher management-assessed performance.

read more
Technoform Glass Insulation highlights TGI-Spacer M at AIA

Technoform Glass Insulation highlights TGI-Spacer M at AIA

“Designed to meet both the increasing sizes of IGUs and the demanding thermal performance needs of the market, TGI-Spacer M is perfectly suited for commercial, industrial and residential building applications,” said Brian Stephens, TGI market team member. “By reducing the heat transfer at the edge of glass, our Spacer M helps minimize the risk of condensation on the interior glass surface, and improve comfort to building occupants.”

read more

Accella Polyurethane Systems announces Tru-Motion™ Play Series

Accella Polyurethane Systems announced April 12, that it has expanded its Tru-Motion™ Play Series products to include an expanded line of Aromatic binders for Pour in Place safety surfaces. These products have been developed to cover the wide range of climate conditions encountered in the United States.

read more
Valspar invites architects to share in its color obsession

Valspar invites architects to share in its color obsession

The Valspar Corporation’s new campaign “Color Obsessed” matches real-world examples of Fluropon® architectural coatings with inspirational, colorful experiences from nature, architecture, interior design, fine art, fashion, food, music and more.

read more
Vitro Glass Wichita Falls plant cited as national model for water reclamation

Vitro Glass Wichita Falls plant cited as national model for water reclamation

Vitro Glass and the city of Wichita Falls were recognized for a $1.9 million project that diverts treated non-potable wastewater from the city’s Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant to seven glass-cooling towers operated by Vitro Glass, which has reduced potable water consumption at the facility by more than 50 million gallons per year.

read more
PPG to kick off golden anniversary of DURANAR coatings at A’17

PPG to kick off golden anniversary of DURANAR coatings at A’17

Brian Knapp, PPG director, coil and building products, said PPG chose the AIA Conference on Architecture to kick off the golden-anniversary celebration of Duranar coatings because of their sustained popularity with architects. “The list of architects who have specified Duranar coatings over the past 50 years includes many of the most famous and innovative practitioners,” he said. “Today, we take for granted the ability to design durable, colorful curtain walls and storefronts, but a half-century ago, such designs were made possible only with the introduction of the first fluoropolymer products such as Duranar coatings.”

read more
SiteLock