Building Design & Construction articles from April 2005

Building Design & Construction archives from April 2005

Do all 'public' projects pay off?(EDITORIAL)
April 1, 2005... In general, the public can be counted on to pay for bridges, sewer systems, schools, libraries, and other public works. But when taxpayers are asked to pony up for projects that could have less immediate public benefit, fireworks can go off....

Little White House adds sustainable museum.(NEWS & TRENDS)
April 1, 2005... The rejuvenating characteristics of the warm, buoyant spring waters from which Warm Springs takes its name first attracted Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1924 when he visited the small town seeking a cure for his infantile paralysis. While...

BD&C wins industry's most prestigious journalism award.(NEWS & TRENDS)
April 1, 2005... For the second straight year, BD&C editors have been honored with the Jesse H. Neal Award for National Business Journalism-the business press industry's most prestigious and most sought-after editorial honor. BD&C won the "Best Single Theme...

Sisters not blue about green house.(NEWS & TRENDS)
April 1, 2005... For the sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Monroe, Mich., environmental stewardship is certainly paying off. Nicknamed the "blue nuns" for their royal blue habits of yesteryear, the IHM Sisters have meticulously monitored the...

Readers 'nominate' new GSA chief architect.(NEWS & TRENDS)
April 1, 2005... BD&C readers responded to our March editorial asking who should replace Ed Feiner as GSA's Chief Architect with nominees from private practice, academia, and the GSA itself. One reader, who did not give a name, wrote: "Who was Feiner and...

Shepherd: a shoe-in for Feiner.(NEWS & TRENDS)
April 1, 2005... I am writing to nominate Leslie Shepherd as Chief Architect of the GSA. As a National Peer Advisor. I have had the fortunate opportunity to work with Les, most recently as a GSA Design Excellence panelist at the Center for Architecture in New...

Corrections.(Correction Notice)
April 1, 2005... The March feature on the La Nacion office tower in Buenos Aires, Argentina ("Doubled up," p. 24) incorrectly stated that Nortel is based in Norway. The company is headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. A website link cited in our...

BD&C's February healthcare report hits home with nurse.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2005... I would like to thank you for your recent stories on nursing stations and digital systems in hospitals (February 2005, p. 22). I'm a registered nurse at an urban emergency department currently undergoing major construction. Much of what was...

The winds of change.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2005... I was intrigued by your wind turbine story (March 2005, p. 7). We have a new office building that is powered by both wind and solar. It's great to see others getting into renewable energy. There have been huge advancements in wind turbine...

Warehouse, light industrial boost manufacturing.(INDUSTRY DATA)
April 1, 2005... Things are picking up for manufacturing in every region but the Midwest, with vacancy rates heading down and construction spending increasing rapidly. The national vacancy rate for manufacturing property fell to 11.0% in the fourth quarter of...

Office recovery ready for takeoff.(INDUSTRY DATA)
April 1, 2005... Office construction spending growth has barely kept ahead of materials and labor inflation since office construction stopped declining two years ago. Several short bursts of spending have proven to be false signals of recovery since each was...

Hotels set for spending spike.(INDUSTRY DATA)
April 1, 2005... Hotel construction spending, which has been very erratic, is up 28% since the bottom of the hotel building cycle two year ago. Although hotel construction spending fell 10% in November, December, and January, expect a cumulative 66% increase by...

Cost comparisons per square foot in select metro market.(INDUSTRY DATA)
April 1, 2005... Cost comparisons per square foot in select metro market College laboratory '05 '04 % chg. Atlanta 121.32 113.16 7.2 Baltimore ...

Software used for Freedom Tower gets updated.(INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY)
April 1, 2005... Computer-aided design took a quantum leap forward in the 1980s when the Pro/Engineer parametric design program swept over the world of mechanical engineering. It has taken awhile, but that same change is now slowly taking place in building...

Arts and the bottom line: architects and consultants are bridging the divide between culture and economics by bringing vision, excitement, and charisma to the pro forma of new arts centers.(ARTS CENTERS)(Cover Story)
April 1, 2005... In recent years, public discussion of the role of cultural facilities in society has turned into a war of dueling spreadsheets over their economic benefits, especially when public funding for performing arts centers, theaters, and museums is at...

Taming the big box: facing market saturation and backlash from local communities, mega-retailers are forced to think outside the proverbial big box to reach new markets.(RETAIL SHOPPING CENTERS)
April 1, 2005... Unless you've been living under a rock for the past several years, you've probably noticed the often-fierce battles that are being waged between big-box retailers and local communities--from small rural towns to sprawling suburbs to bustling...

For the six million: Moshe Safdie's redesign of Jerusalem's Yad Vashem memorial campus presents the Holocaust narrative in a much more personal light.(MUSEUM DESIGN)
April 1, 2005... As Israel's second most popular tourist site, after the Western Wall, the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum takes its visitors on an intense, emotional journey of one o f the twentieth century's most dreadful events. Situated on a small mountain...

Building on tradition: the 46-story Hearst Tower, with its distinctive diagonal structural grid, soars above its six-story predecessor.(STEEL CONSTRUCTION)
April 1, 2005... The 107-year-old Hearst Corporation, one of the world's largest diversified communications companies, quite literally is returning to its roots as it constructs a new headquarters in Manhattan. The unconventional 856,000-sf structure, designed...

Take hold of mold.(PRODUCTS CEILINGS)
April 1, 2005... Gypsum ceiling panel is composed of a moisture-resistant, noncombustible core sandwiched between coated glass mat facings that provide protection against incidental moisture. DensArmor Plus Interior Guard meets the industry standard for...

Sleek style.(PRODUCTS CEILINGS)
April 1, 2005... Suspended acoustical ceiling panels feature an ultra-white, smooth textile surface and a narrow reveal that produce a monolithic, drywall-like appearance. Techstyle panels are available in sizes up to 4x4 feet, and are manufactured from...

Dancin' on the ceiling.(PRODUCTS CEILINGS)
April 1, 2005... Open-cell ceiling system features 2x2-foot cells inlaid with robotically welded, curved steel wire formed into several optional shapes: weave, ripple, small wave, and big wave. Recommended for retail, educational, and healthcare applications,...

Mold fighter.(PRODUCTS CEILINGS)
April 1, 2005... Made from inorganic volcanic perlite, ceiling panels resist mold growth, are fire resistant, and offer excellent sound absorbance (Noise Reduction Coefficient: 0.65) and light reflectance (Light Reflectance Coefficient: 0.76). EuroStone panels...

Wireless ceiling panels.(PRODUCTS CEILINGS)
April 1, 2005... Ceiling panels feature embedded wireless antennas for WLAN networks and mobile phone systems, maximizing communication options without compromising aesthetics. I-ceilings Antenna Panels are standard ceiling tiles, so they can be relocated...

Get schooled on ceiling tiles.(PRODUCTS CEILINGS)
April 1, 2005... Increased class sizes and shrinking budgets make taming background noise and reverberation in schools even more challenging. New brochure details line of acoustical ceiling tiles and wall panels for education facilities designed to absorb sound...

Charming chapel.(PRODUCTS at work)
April 1, 2005... St. Francis de Sales high school in Toledo, Ohio, recently added a new chapel to its expanding campus. For a unique style, local architect Collaborative Inc. specified a standing-seam copper roof and interlocking zinc wall tiles, which were...

Banking on metal.(PRODUCTS at work)
April 1, 2005... Trona Valley Community/Federal Credit Union branch bank in Rock Springs, Wyo., was recently topped with a 7,630-sf, snap-together standing-seam metal roof. Local architect Plan One/Architects specified the 16-in.-wide, 24-gauge LokSeam system,...

Lighthouse lives on.(PRODUCTS at work)
April 1, 2005... Faced with constant pounding from 30-foot-high waves off the southeast mouth of Pleasant Bay, near Addison, Maine, the white brick exterior of the 132-year-old, 36-foot-tall Nash Island Light had seen its better days. During a recent...

Looking up.(PRODUCTS MISCELLANEOUS)
April 1, 2005... High-intensity discharge in-ground floodlights feature a novel aiming mechanism that allows facility managers to tilt and rotate the lamp without opening the fixture, using a screwdriver. Monaco 6000 series is available with aluminum stainless...

Structural deck.(PRODUCTS MISCELLANEOUS)
April 1, 2005... Structural roof deck system is composed of 16- to 22-gauge steel decking and 1.5- to 4-in.-thick polyisocyanurate foam insulation, topped by an oriented strand board nailing surface. For protection against moisture intrusion, a self-stick...

Steel joist guide.(PRODUCTS MISCELLANEOUS)
April 1, 2005... Designing with steel joists and joist girders can create economical structures. Even greater economy can be attained when joist girders are combined with rigid frame design. Guide provides helpful information for designing with the joist...

Steel house of worship.(PRODUCTS at work)
April 1, 2005... A 34,700-sf pre-engineered steel frame forms the new clearspan sanctuary for the Community Pentacostal Church in Oshawa, Ontario. Topped with a blue metal roof and a 100-foot-high steeple, the expansion consists of two stories of office and...

Out of sight.(PRODUCTS at work)
April 1, 2005... Metal wall system features a concealed fastener panel that provides uninterrupted vertical lines. While the fasteners are concealed from sight, Stran-Lok panels may be installed from the exterior, reducing installation time. Interior can be...

Riverfront revival.(PRODUCTS at work)
April 1, 2005... Located in the emerging riverfront area of downtown Louisville, Ky., the 89,000-sf Preston Pointe mixed-use building is clad with a pressure-equalized rainscreen stainless-steel wall panel system. Local architect Henry Potter specified...

Rugged bond.(PRODUCTS MISCELLANEOUS)
April 1, 2005... Epoxy flooring system is formulated to bond to concrete substrates that are contaminated with petroleum oil, grease, or vegetable oil. Floor-Nu DTO is a two-component primer with an accompanying epoxy top coat, which can be roller or brush...

Wall panels that perform.(PRODUCTS at work)
April 1, 2005... More than 29,000 sf of polyurethane foam insulated panels finished with a white Kynar exterior wrap the new Terrell (Texas) Performing Arts Center, providing a clean, contemporary facade for the facility. To reduce costs, local installer Now...

Moisture mitigation.(PRODUCTS at work)
April 1, 2005... Water and moisture intrusion was the top concern for the Building Team during construction of twin, 120,000-sf, six-story condominium towers in Hilton Head Island, S.C. "With condos near the ocean, it is important to get the buildings dried in...

Freedom[TM] TPO with RapidSeam[TM].(PRODUCT & LITERATURE DIGEST)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... Great technology for schools, hospitals, and buildings where safety is a concern. No open flames or adhesive solvents that can pose fire hazards or create unpleasant fumes required. Available in 10 ft. widths for use on larger properties,...

Pilkington Pyroshield[TM] Plus.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE DIGEST)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... Technical Glass Products introduces Pilkington Pyroshield[TM] Plus--a new breed of wired glass that offers impact safety as well as fire protection. Pilkington Pyroshield[TM] Plus meets the requirements of CPSC 16CFR1201 (Category I), without...

Spacesaver ... storage solved.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE DIGEST)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... With Spacesaver, the world's leading mfr. of high-density mobile storage systems, steel shelving, rotary storage, accessories and total storage solutions you get cutting edge design, an endless array of options-plus a team of knowledgeable...

Waterway drainable stucco assembly.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE DIGEST)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... Features enhanced drainage with moisture evacuation cavity complete with Stuc-o-Flex--America's finest elastomeric acrylic finish. Put some space between your building & the elements. Superior cladding technology. 1-800-305-1045;...

United Metal Products' Chil-Pak[R] Package Central Plant.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE DIGEST)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... The Chil Pak[R] is a true "Plug and Play" for applications from 150 to 540 tons. The Chil Pak[R] brings all the variables associated with the engineering and construction of a typical central plant into an energy and space efficient cabinet....

Architectural metals.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE DIGEST)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... Campbellsville Industries specializes in the design and fabrication of architectural metals. Fabrication processes include forming, casting, and spinning. We work closely with architects, and are recognized by historical preservation groups...

A 28 minute video from the Steel Joist Institute provides hands-on learning.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE DIGEST)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... The video explains the proper selection and specifications of steel joists. It's ideal for those new to or experienced with steel joists. An accompanying worksheet provides hands-on learning by working through a design problem. Cost is $45....

FlexHead sprinkler connections reduce construction time.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE DIGEST)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... FlexHead sprinkler connections are the first flexible connection designed for use in suspended ceilings. FlexHead installs at least four times faster than hard-pipe. Building cost of ownership is also improved over time because service work and...

Is it metal?(PRODUCT & LITERATURE DIGEST)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... When you want the look of metal but the long-term watertight security of heat-weldable thermoplastic, think Sarnafil. Sarnafil's Decor Roof Systems offer the appearance of a standing seam metal roof and complete watertight integrity on low or...

Perform-A-Deck[R].(PRODUCT & LITERATURE DIGEST)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... Martin Fireproofing provides the "turnkey" Perform-A-Deck[R] roof deck system with high acoustical and thermal insulation, an approved substrate for the roofing system and a temporary dry-in Perform-A-Shield[R] membrane. The complete system is...

frpDesign Solutions.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE DIGEST)(Advertisement)
April 1, 2005... A line of decorative durable wall panels that provides an innovative alternative to traditional wall coverings. Offering functionality and design, frpDesign Solutions panels are made of a moisture resistant frp with a decorative finish....