Building Design & Construction articles from December 2003

Building Design & Construction archives from December 2003

On parking garages.
December 1, 2003... INSPIRATION I've been interested in engineering since I was a kid--I was always building things. My dad was the maintenance engineer for the building we lived in and he had this great workshop. I spent a lot of time in there with him. And I...

Will your firm be boycotted next?(Editorial)
December 1, 2003... Last month, Browning Construction Co. of San Antonio, Texas, pulled out as GC on a Planned Parenthood clinic in Austin for which ground had already been broken. Browning's decision came in response to pressure from pro-life advocates led by a...

AGC cautions on use of 'reverse auctioning'.(News & Trends)
December 1, 2003... The Associated General Contractors of America is urging building owners to carefully consider the ramifications of purchasing construction goods and services via e-mail through a "reverse auction" procurement process before deciding whether to...

'Lab of the Year' competition.(News & Trends)
December 1, 2003... Entries for R&D Magazine's 38th Annual Laboratory of the Year awards competition are being accepted through Feb. 2, 2004. Both new projects and renovations may be entered. To be eligible, facilities must have been completed and occupied between...

Turner Construction Co. has acquired the assets of Washington, D.C.-based J.A. Jones/Tompkins Builders Inc.(People/firms)
December 1, 2003... Turner Construction Co. has acquired the assets of Washington, D.C.-based J.A. Jones/Tompkins Builders Inc., the former subsidiary of J.A. Jones Construction Co. Jones/Tompkins was one of the business units offered for sale in the wake of the...

Omaha-based A/E HDR has purchased certain assets of mechanical/electrical consulting firm of Store.(People/firm)
December 1, 2003... Omaha-based A/E HDR has purchased certain assets of mechanical/electrical consulting firm of Store, Matakovich & Wolfberg, South El Monte, Calif.

Swanke Hayden Connell Architects.(People/firm)
December 1, 2003... New York City-based Swanke Hayden Connell Architects has named James Case principal and director of healthcare.

AC Martin Partners.(People/firm)
December 1, 2003... John McGuire has been appointed director of the Sacramento office of Los Angeles-based A/E AC Martin Partners.

After a collaboration of nearly a decade, Detroit-based A/E Albert Kahn Associates and SRW & Associates have formed Kahn South.(People/firm)
December 1, 2003... After a collaboration of nearly a decade, Detroit-based A/E Albert Kahn Associates and SRW & Associates have formed Kahn South, Birmingham, Ala.

HNTB Corp.(People/firm)
December 1, 2003... Tony Gonzalez has joined Kansas City-based A/E HNTB Corp. as VP and director of the company's Los Angeles architectural practice. He was previously president of ACG Environments, a Santa Monica, Calif.-based minority business enterprise...

Modest materials cost increases ahead for '04.(Industry Data)
December 1, 2003... As the U.S. economy begins to emerge from its doldrums, continued improvement in new nonresidential construction projects is expected during 2004. But how will materials costs be affected by an improving economy and growth nonresidential...

Handheld devices measure up on jobsites.(Computer Applications)
December 1, 2003... Handheld devices, such as palm pilots, pocket PCs, digital cameras, and smart phones, are making the construction industry more portable by enabling data to be accessed from outside the office. These same devices also can be used to retrieve...

Koolhaas encounters Mies: the Dutch master's student center at IIT provides a striking counterpoint to his "intimidating predecessor's" disciplined style.(Student Center)(Cover Story)
December 1, 2003... The McCormick Tribune Campus Center, designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, is, with Helmut Jahn's recently completed State Street Village student residence complex, among the first new buildings to be constructed...

Out of the box: open-air "lifestyle" shopping centers are gaining momentum as they move North from the Sunbelt.(Retail Centers)
December 1, 2003... "Lifestyle/centers" are the fastest-growing segment of the retail industry. The 2004 edition of Shopping Center Operations, Revenues and Expenses, published by the International Council of Shopping Centers (www.icsc.org), says there are now at...

Sustained GDP growth returns: the economy's rising tide will lift nonresidential construction's boat.(Construction Forecast 2004)
December 1, 2003... Recent reports show surprisingly bright signs that the economy is picking up steam much more rapidly than many expected it would only a few short weeks ago. Construction numbers for September were very strong and were revised up from there....

Cautiously optimistic: top Building Team executives look ahead to the best-performing markets for 2004 and the key business trends shaping nonresidential construction.(Building Team Outlook)
December 1, 2003... Despite recent struggles, 2004 looks to be the year when nonresidential building returns to healthy growth. "There are hot and cold spots in each of our markets," says Gordon Mills, FAIA, NCARB, chairman and CEO of Durrant, a Dubuque,...

Sun block: the latest window film technology delivers energy savings potential without compromising natural light transmittance.(Solar Control)
December 1, 2003... Window film has become one of the most cost-effective methods for cutting energy usage in existing buildings, especially in warm, sunny climates like Florida, California, and Arizona. By blocking large amounts of the sun's infrared rays, these...

The wave.(Plumbing)
December 1, 2003... Lavatory system uses a wave look to combine a lower, ADA-compliant sink with a higher sink, making it suitable for upscale retail centers, restaurants, offices, hotels, and fitness centers. The Frequency Lavatory System is available in six...

Cool coolers.(Plumbing)
December 1, 2003... SwirlFlo barrier-free coolers have a tubular arm that supports the basin, while a pushbutton disc has replaced the pushbar. A splash-minimizing contoured basin also has been added. Available in single-, two-level, refrigerated, and...

Get the lead out.(Plumbing)
December 1, 2003... The Puritan line of water-filtered coolers come equipped with a lead-reduction system that removes lead particles, cysts, and chlorine. Available in single- and bi-level barrier-free wallmount models that meet ADA regulations. All models...

Seamless transition.(Products at work)
December 1, 2003... The Ford Motor Co.'s Wixom, Mich., plant needed to switch its water supply from well water to city water. To do this, a water-booster system, completely enclosed in a fiberglass modular structure, was created to house the needed pumps and...

Rush to flush.(Products at work)
December 1, 2003... Baltimore Ravens' M&T Bank Stadium installed over 1,000 Regal Model 111 and 186 Flushometers to handle the 100,000 gallons of water pressure flushed during halftime of the team's football games. The 69,000-seat stadium has a water capacity of...

No touch.(Plumbing/Glass)
December 1, 2003... Touch-free restroom devices, including automatic faucets, flushers, and soap dispensers for germ-conscious building owners, reduce water usage as much as 70%, says the manufacturer. Radius Touch-Free products include a capacitive sensor that...

Striped glazing.(Products at work)
December 1, 2003... The 200-unit Yerba Buena Lofts in San Francisco, designed by Stanley Saitowitz of Natoma Architects, used Profilit translucent channel glass with its interlocking U-shaped sections. The lofts required certified testing for structural code...

Water flow.(Plumbing/Glass)
December 1, 2003... Infrared flush valve features a turbine flow meter that precisely measures water for every flush. Dual sensors and an adjustable detection range help provide con sistent, reliable flushing, regardless of water pressure fluctuation, says the...

Indoor/outdoor wall lights.(Lighting)
December 1, 2003... Direct/indirect wall lights feature a fully adjustable optical system allowing for precise lighting control and calibrated aiming. The NiteBrites DNL/DNM luminaires can be mounted indoors or outdoors and oriented up for indirect or down for...

Hanging in thin air.(Lighting)
December 1, 2003... Wall sconce is a 15-in. in diameter pendant that seems to float in mid-air, as the nearly invisible light source is hidden behind an ultra-flat diffuser. The light that shines against the wall remains white. Opus is ADA compliant and best for...

Computer controls.(Lighting)
December 1, 2003... Lighting-management system helps reduce ongoing energy-demand costs while increasing lighting-system performance. The PowerGate system is comprised of PC software and control devices, which install at the electrical panel, with communication...

Energy-efficient education.(Products at work)
December 1, 2003... The Chisholm Middle School in Chisholm, Minn., installed LightSaver dimming controls as part of an energy-efficiency program. In addition to daylighting controls in classrooms throughout the 26,000-sq.-ft. campus, the school uses occupancy...

High lighting.(Lighting)
December 1, 2003... Fluorescent high-bay luminaries for applications with high mounting heights and where high lumen output is required, such as retail and department stores, warehouses, industrial facilities, school gymnasiums, auditoriums, and convention...

Up or down illumination.(Lighting)
December 1, 2003... Display track lighting for the retail, supermarket, and hospitality markets is available in horizontal or vertical ballast housing configurations. The horizontal housing offered in either electronic or magnetic versions features a contoured...

Three in one.(Lighting)
December 1, 2003... One fixture with three different lighting distributions (including flood, cutoff, and forward throw) can be used as a cut-off wallpak, tilted 22 degrees for a semi-cut-off, or tilted to 45 degrees for flood lighting. The FloodPak can be turned...

Follow the light.(Lighting)
December 1, 2003... Permanent recessed night-light provides automatic dusk-to-dawn accent, mood, and safety illumination. Designed especially for hallways in hotels, apartments, restaurants, and nightclubs, the Starion light is available in several styles for...

Playing the big rooms.(Lighting)
December 1, 2003... Programmable Jack for use in the local operation of a facility's lighting-control system requires no programming or special set-up procedures. Intended for use in conference, meeting, or ballroom installations where large spaces are frequently...

Your one stop specification resource!(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... MASTERSPEC[R], the most widely used master guide specification system, is available in full-length, short-form, outline and SMALL PROJECT formats for projects of any size, type, phase or complexity. MASTERSPEC includes comprehensive background...

CSD Sealing Systems.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... CSD Sealing Systems manufactures FIRSTO[R] fire stop and weatherseal devices for cable tray and multi cable penetrations. The FIRSTO[R] fire stop systems are U.L. classified and can be easily re-entered providing fire safety for the life of the...

WoodTrends[R] Acoustical Wood Systems.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... WoodTrends[R] Acoustical Wood Systems offer the rich beauty of real wood with superior acoustical performance. WoodTrends systems are available for ceilings and walls in 24 standard wood species Acoustics is achieved through perforations,...

United Metal Products' Chil-Pak[R] package central plant.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... 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 0a typical central plant into an energy and space efficient cabinet....

CAREA architectural stone composite panels.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... CAREA architectural panels are made of "stone composite", a natural mineral based material that provides the best of all worlds. Strong yet relatively light, modern yet natural looking, they deliver maximum durability with minimal maintenance....

New! Bilco's BIL-GUARD[TM] railing system.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... Bilco's new BIL-GUARD[TM] (patent pending) is a fixed railing system that provides a permanent means of fall protection for hatch openings. Tested and proven to meet and exceed OSHA fall protection regulations (CFR 1910.23), the BIL-GUARD[TM]...

New Sweet's catalog.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... The new Sweet's catalogue from Hoover Treated Wood Products, Inc. features Pyro-Guard interior fire retardant treated wood, and Exterior Fire-X exterior fire retardant treated wood. Hoover produces a full line of pressure treated wood products....

Corrosion-resistant personnel door.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... Although the Durulite CR 1400 can and has been used as an identical substitute or replacement for standard interior wood, composite, or metal-pass-thru doors it is the preferred personnel door for corrosive environments. Constructed with no...

Dry Floors[R]--look better, improve safety & save money.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... ETI Heat Systems' Dry Floors[R] is a commercial floor drying system that uses radiant floor heating and embedded moisture/temperature sensors to solve a variety of slippery indoor problems. Dry Floors[R] warms and quickly dries indoor flooring...

Clear solutions for fire rated glazing.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... Vetrotech Saint-Gobain is pleased to offer a new generation of fire and impact safety rated wire-free products. From Pyroswiss Extra, to the Keralite family of clear glassceramics, to the new Swissflam-N2 line of products that resists fire,...

Architectural metals.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... 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...

Energy savings for single-glazed windows.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... REDUCE ENERGY LOSS BY 50% for single-glazed steel, aluminum, or wood windows. Commercial-grade interior magnetic "Performance Panels" (storm windows) are available in single panel, stacked panels, and operating models. Custom shapes and colors...

In everyday life ... commercial vinyl flooring environmental profile.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... New brochure presents the most recent and reliable scientific data about the health and safety aspects of commercial flooring products containing vinyl, such as resilient flooring and carpet backing. In an easy-to-follow Q&A format, the...

Simpson strong-tie anchor systems.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... This 168-page catalog includes comprehensive information on Simpson's adhesives, mechanical anchors, powder actuated fastening systems and carbide drill bits and chisels. From product descriptions to expanded technical data, all is compiled in...

Roof Advisor[TM] Software.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... GAF Materials Corporation's new Roof Advisor[TM] Software matches the right roofing system technology to your specific roofing situation. Based on detailed input that you provide, it evaluates all major roofing technologies and thousands of...

Level-Right[R] WearTop, self-leveling floor topping.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... Level-Right WearTop is the answer for old or damaged concrete floors that need a new, smooth and level wear surface. Installs with minimal prep and fast drying time. A self-leveling, portland cement-based topping, WearTop is pumped in and...

Energy saving gas-fired infra-red heaters.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... Detroit Radiant Products Company is the largest manufacturer of gas-fired infra-red heating equipment in the U.S. that has been shown to save up to 50% in fuel savings over hot air systems in commercial & industrial buildings. The company's...

Quality Brick--hundreds of colors.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... Since 1885, The Belden Brick Company has beenmaking brick in hundreds of colors, sizes and textures. Throughout these years, Belden has established and sustained a widely recognized reputation for the quality of its products. Architects and...

Wall protection.(literature digest)
December 1, 2003... Musson has released a new catalog featuring the latest products in impact wall protection. They include flat wall guards in 3 heights for high-traffic areas. Also, handrails in 3 different profiles, sculpted, flat and cylindrical which meet ada...