What is "cloud computing" or "software as a service", and what do these terms mean for the AEC industry? While many people have heard of the term "cloud computing", or can conceptualize how working online can be considered working in "the cloud", many in the design and construction industry are still unclear about what this means for the future of our work.
If you had to run to the store a few blocks down to pick up a gallon of milk, would you throw on your walking shoes, or would you drive? Some will relish the opportunity to get a little fresh air and exercise. More often than not, however, the majority of us will drive. If parking cost a dollar at the grocery store, however, would you make the same decision? This is the phenomenon being explored by many urban planning experts these days, including Donald Shoup, author of The High Cost of Free Parking and staunch critic of the policies dictating those expansive asphalt plains covering urban areas throughout the United States. Shoup decries parking requirements for a variety of reasons, and his 681-page volume can hardly be summarized in this article. Some key points, however, are of great interest to anyone interested in the sustainability of our urban areas, our citizens, or the environment at large.
This final article in a three-part series on the University of Rochester’s Clinical and Translational Science Building provides an overview of the collaborative design process that led to the facility’s efficient mechanical and electrical infrastructure.
The University of Rochester’s Clinical and Translational Science Building was designed with one overarching vision: to create an environment that inherently fosters collaboration among the diverse departments of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute. From the initial project briefing all the way through the construction phase, the extensive and diverse project team embraced the inherent concept of collaboration in its design approach, working cohesively to successfully unite the Clinical and Translational Science Building's residents – administrative staff, researchers, and clinicians – in a LEED Gold certified facility.
Almost 40% of the waste that accumulates in landfills comes from demolition and construction debris. Learn how to salvage and reuse from the pros.
It goes without saying that everyone is responsible for their own safety, but on a job site, project managers and job foremen have a responsibility to others to make sure that the work place is safe. A great place to start is to let everyone know that safety issues are taken seriously and the primary goal is to prevent injuries and lost time.
Madrid’s Moratalaz district finds itself with a new Viveros de Empresas (or “Business Incubator") that not only gives art school graduates a start in their professional lives but also gives Moratalaz increased architectural presence.
Need some ideas for gifts this season? The DIYer in your life will love any of these gifts, whether you choose a tool or select a book or music that he/she can enjoy during holiday "downtime.”
Things are beginning to get festive around the international headquarters of Buildipedia. Our managing editor has been wearing the Santa suit since Halloween, of course, but even the video crew is now sporting the green tights and pointy ears of Santa’s helpers. Indeed, representatives of all holiday traditions roam the corridors of the office, going about their important work with a spring in their steps and jolly tunes on their lips. Not to mention the visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads.
Storms can leave your home severely damaged. Here's a checklist to ensure that you don't get ripped off while you're in the rebuilding process.
It used to be that I made big plans for a night on the town every New Year's Eve. I'd concoct elaborate arrangements to visit the hottest of hot spots with my most fun-loving pals and ring in the 12 o'clock hour, champagne glass raised to the disco-ball ceiling, with friends and friendly strangers amidst a shower of confetti. Between overserved revelers and understaffed bars, my grand ideas always seemed to turn into pumpkins somewhere before midnight.
Site supers or general contractors should make the tough calls on the job and still deliver on time. What's the right balance?
I learned a hard lesson regarding the required use of spreader bars when lifting heavy angular objects with a crane: I was placed in harm’s way and witnessed the destruction of over $20,000 worth of property during a construction mishap. Fortunately, following some tense seconds, there were zero injuries and several lessons learned.
In recent years, the world of real estate has focused on sustainability, and rightfully so. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, buildings account for 40% of primary energy use in the United States, as well as 39% of its carbon dioxide emissions. These numbers have played a part in the industry’s drive toward green building. Owners are no longer content with traditional energy use and the negative impact that it has. Building owners have identified tangible returns to going green, including increased marketability, decreased operating costs, and the halo effect. These returns create an opportunity for carbon offset investments.
