Building Design & Construction articles from December 2004

Building Design & Construction archives from December 2004

Hoshi & Don: on parking garages.
December 1, 2004... STRENGTH I was always amazed by the strength of building materials and how they could resist stress. That's one thing that got me interested in engineering when I was growing up. I was around a lot of construction with my uncle who would buy...

Design trends for three industries.(Editorial)
December 1, 2004... That great "daily diary of the American Dream," the Wall Street Journal, recently issued, in its November 22 edition, a list of "The Top 10 Trends in 10 Industries." While trends in movies, toys, insurance, fashion, cars, books, and beverages...

New York opens traffic management nerve center.(News & Trends)
December 1, 2004... A$50 million high-tech traffic management command post completed this fall in Hawthorne, N.Y., is expected to help Empire State transportation officials, emergency management personnel, and state police better manage recurring traffic...

ASU plans downtown Phoenix campus.(News & Trends)
December 1, 2004... Arizona State University, with an enrollment of 57,000, is planning a downtown Phoenix campus that will cover 10 blocks, encompassing 1.5 million square feet of academic and support space and an equal amount of student housing. The land is...

Red Skelton Museum and Performing Arts Center.(Projects awarded)
December 1, 2004... * The Grand Rapids, Mich., office of San Francisco-based URS Corp. is architect for the 98,000-sf Red Skelton Museum and Performing Arts Center on the campus of Vincennes (Ind.) University in the comedian's home town. F.A. Wilhelm Construction...

Integrated Science, Engineering and Technology Complex.(Projects awarded)
December 1, 2004... * The $32 million Integrated Science, Engineering and Technology Complex on the University of Hartford's (Conn.) west campus is being designed by William Wilson Associated Architects, Boston. Shawmut Design and Construction, Boston, is the...

Private biotech research facility.(Projects awarded)
December 1, 2004... * The first private biotech research facility at Mission Bay, the cornerstone of the planned "biotech corridor" in Foster City, Calif., was recently completed by local GC Rudolph and Sletten. Seattle-based NBBJ was architect for the 185,000sf...

506,000-sf office building.(Projects awarded)
December 1, 2004... * A 506,000-sf office building for GE Healthcare in Wauwatosa, Wis., is being constructed by local developer Irgens Development Partners. The $87 million project, designed by Eppstein Uhen Architects and constructed by CG Schmidt, both of...

Integrated Operational Support Facility.(Projects awarded)
December 1, 2004... * The Orlando office of Chicago-based architect VOA Associates is providing design-build services for a new $13 million Integrated Operational Support Facility at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Bear Brothers Inc. is the contractor. The two-story,...

Two buildings on the Washington University campus.(Projects awarded)
December 1, 2004... * McCarthy Building Companies, St. Louis, has been named construction manager for two buildings on the Washington University campus designed by Tokyo-based Fumihika Maki, recipient of the 1993 Pritzker Architecture Prize. They are the 65,000-sf...

Massachusetts revamps building procurement.(News & Trends)
December 1, 2004... Massachusetts has made far-reaching revisions to its public construction procurement regulations that are described as the most significant changes in nearly 25 years. A key change is that all public projects with a value of more than $5...

Brock Green Architects and Planners.(People/firms)
December 1, 2004... Atlanta-based architect Lord, Aeck & Sargent has acquired Brock Green Architects and Planners, Atlanta, a 10-person firm that specializes in housing and mixed-use projects. Eric B. Brock and David E. Green will head LASs new housing and...

Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum.(People/firms)
December 1, 2004... Jeffrey L. Schantz has joined the Atlanta office of St. Louis-based A/E Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum as VP and leader of the firm's science and technology market sector.

The Walsh Group.(People/firms)
December 1, 2004... The Walsh Group, Chicago, has appointed Dale Swanberg president of its National Heavy/Civil Division.

The Alter Group.(People/firms)
December 1, 2004... Michael C. O'Connor has joined developer The Alter Group, Chicago, as VP of the firm's Phoenix office.

One way to reduce RFIs.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2004... We are an M/E consulting engineering firm based in Denver since 1949. Completeness of drawings at all levels of the design process has been a concern of ours for quite some time. Just over five years ago we changed our drawing standards to...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
December 1, 2004... The name of Steve McConnell, AIA, principal, NBBJ, Seattle, was misspelled in November's "A New Shade of Federalism." We regret the error.

Retail sector leads recovery: hospitality and office markets pick up in 2005 where big-box retail and small shopping centers left off in 2004.(Construction Forecast)
December 1, 2004... The evolving economic environment will drive rapid expansion in nonresidential construction in 2005-06. In non-single-family residential building, the accumulated increases in office employment, retail spending, manufacturing production, and...

27-year-old roof earns award for sustainability: Massachusetts art supply retailer receives first Sarnafil Sustainable Roofing Performance Award.(Construction Forecast)
December 1, 2004... Saturday Night Fever sparked the disco inferno, Rocky won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Charrette, a rapidly growing art and architectural supply retailer, opened its new corporate headquarters in Woburn, Mass. The year was 1977 and...

Digital whiteboards allow design teams to capture plan markups.(Information Tech)
December 1, 2004... How many times have you been through hours of discussions and had to dig through flat files looking for a marked-up drawing that represented a client's desire for a change in a project, only to find it's been thrown away or destroyed? As...

Arbitration takes on trapping of litigation.(Legal Insights)
December 1, 2004... Arbitration has become the darling of those seeking a way to streamline dispute resolution procedures. During its evolutionary process, arbitration has taken on many of the unfavorable characteristics of litigation. Once touted as faster and...

Making tracks: openness and transparency are operative words as cities look to improve the comfort and convenience of transit stations and maximize their ability to spur economic development.(Rail Station Design)
December 1, 2004... More than a hundred years ago, when the ribbon was cut on North America's first subway line, in Boston (1897), and seven years later in New York, nobody cared about "openness" and "transparency" as chief requirements for the stations. Even...

Terminal rebirth: Kansas City International Airport's $258 million improvement program stays on track in spite of 9/11.(Airports)
December 1, 2004... The 9/11 terrorist attacks had an immediate impact on Kansas City International Airport's $258 million terminal improvement program, which was just about to get off the ground as the horrifying events in New York City, rural Pennsylvania, and...

A marriage of security and local sensitivity.(Airports)
December 1, 2004... Even small airport projects were affected by 9/11. The construction contract for the new terminal at Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Mich., was awarded only two weeks later. The 115,000-sf facility is an affirmation that...

Parking panacea: ext-generation parking structures blend eye-pleasing exterior schemes with designs that maximize revenue, security, and user-friendliness.(Parking Structures)
December 1, 2004... The continued growth of urban renewal and mass-transit projects has placed an increase importance on parking. Mixed-use and transit-oriented developments in mid- and large-size cities across the nation are drawing more people into dense,...

Average vehicle size finally peaks--for now.(Parking Structure)
December 1, 2004... One of the most crucial factors affecting parking garage design is the average size of vehicles on the road. The SUV boom of the 1990s threw the industry for a loop, sending design teams scrambling to accommodate the monstrous dimensions of...

Cyclists flock to Chicago's first 'full-service' bicycle station.(Parking Structures)
December 1, 2004... While Frank Gehry's flowing steel band shell and squirming pedestrian bridge have been the most highly publicized elements of Chicago's new Millennium Park, a 16,450-sf, no-level bicycle station has become one of the park's most popular...

Super-tough gypsum board.(Gypsum, Paint, Finishes)
December 1, 2004... Abuse-resistant interior wall panels (above) are composed entirely of high-strength, non-organic gypsum fiber, eliminating the strength degradation and moisture intrusion often encountered with traditional paper- or glass-mat-faced gypsum...

Mold takes hold.(Gypsum, Paint, Finishes)
December 1, 2004... The lack of moisture resistance inherent in paper-faced gypsum sheathing has caused Georgia-Pacific Corp. to discontinue the manufacture of such products for exterior applications. When exposed to precipitation or humidity during the...

Going vertical.(Gypsum, Paint, Finishes)
December 1, 2004... Water-repelling concrete stain formulated specifically for precast tilt-up concrete applications penetrates the concrete surface, providing resistance against color fading, blistering, and efflorescence. Vertical Concrete Stain dries in 15...

Glow-in-the-dark paint.(Gypsum, Paint, Finishes)
December 1, 2004... Photoluminescent paint can be used on walls, floors, metals, and other surfaces to provide illumination during emergency situations. Kryptaglow is composed of a combination of photoluminescent pigments, such as strontium, that emit yellow-green...

Dancin' on the ceiling.(Products at work)
December 1, 2004... To provide superior acoustical performance and stunning visual appeal, architect Moshe Safdie designed at a 4,000-sf, free-floating, undulating drywall ceiling for the main auditorium at the Salt Lake City Public Library. Local acoustical...

Clearly on top.(Gypsum, Paint, Finishes)
December 1, 2004... Top coat for epoxy floor finishes improves abrasion resistance of floor coatings and eliminates the need for frequent recoating. Hi-Gloss retains its smooth, glossy finish, even in high-traffic areas, and is suitable for indoor and outdoor...

Fast finish.(Gypsum, Paint, Finishes)
December 1, 2004... Gloss urethane enamel coating for metal and masonry surfaces provides resistance to color and gloss fading, and dries to the touch in just 30 minutes. Available in a range of colors, Pitthane II is a high-gloss finish ideal for exposed steel...

Inorganic paint.(Gypsum, Paint, Finishes)
December 1, 2004... Water-based, inorganic paint is nontoxic, odorless, and nonflammable, providing an environmentally friendly choice for coating exterior and interior concrete and plaster walls, stainless steel, aluminum, and zinc-plated metal. Roto...

Silent and dry.(Gypsum, Paint, Finishes)
December 1, 2004... Line of sound-masking, fire-resistant gypsum panels for elevator shafts, stairwells, and separation walls has been expanded to include a mold-resistant version. Silent Guard TS features a non-organic core and surface to provide protection...

Mural recalls Coney Island's historic past.(Products at work)
December 1, 2004... More than 100 years of history and memories of Brooklyn's Coney Island have been cleverly captured in a 300-foot-long, 17-foot-high glass-block mural at the newly renovated Coney Island Subway Terminal. The $190 million renovation project,...

All the right curves.(Products at work)
December 1, 2004... The U.S. Army National Guard's new, 132,000-sf maintenance facility in Eleanor, W.Va., was recently topped with a teal-blue standing-seam metal roof. The SRS 3 roof panels were fabricated onsite by the contractor using two machines: one to form...

Providing cover.(Miscellaneous)
December 1, 2004... Durable column covers and beam wraps offer versatile design options for interior and exterior column and beam treatments. Fabricated from aluminum or stainless steel, the covers are available in a variety of sizes, colors, finishes, and joinery...

All things resilient.(Miscellaneous)
December 1, 2004... Catalog details full line of resilient flooring, including rubber and vinyl safety stair coverings, floor materials, and raised design the. Musson Rubber Co. Reader Service No. 220

Put flooring on the map.(Products at work)
December 1, 2004... To demonstrate its waterjet- and laser-cutting capabilities, Precision Waterjet of Orange County, Calif., custom cut 550 pieces of rubber flooring to form a 22x18-foot map of the U.S. for its lobby floor. The map, which identifies 15 U.S....

Breathing room.(Miscellaneous)
December 1, 2004... Waterproof, breathable underlayment for roofs and walls prevents water from infiltrating buildings, while at the same time allowing interior moisture to filter out. VaproShield is a triple-layer, polypropylene textile that is ideal for...

IAQ monitoring system.(Miscellaneous)
December 1, 2004... Facility monitoring system automatically measures nine key parameters to assess indoor air quality and HVAC system performance, including relative humidity, volatile organic compounds, radon, carbon dioxide, and temperature. The Optima portable...

Walking on glass.(Products at work)
December 1, 2004... To allow easy visual inspection of water controls located in a lower level, architects specified a structural glass flooring system during the renovation of the historic Baldwin Water Works in Cleveland. GlassWalk utilizes laminated glass lites...

Made in the shade.(Products at work)
December 1, 2004... To control daylight and solar heat gain in a six-story, skylit atrium at the newly expanded Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan, design architect Yushio Taniguchi and executive architect Kohn Pederson Fox of New York, specified two 300-foot-long...

Softer touch.(Miscellaneous)
December 1, 2004... Fiber-glass duct wrap insulation is composed of glass fibers bonded together with a thermosetting resin, resulting in a product that is softer to the touch, causes less skin irritation, and is easier to cut than traditional wraps, says the...

Firestopping spec tool.(Miscellaneous)
December 1, 2004... New Web-based tool from Grace Construction Products assists contractors in selecting the ideal firestopping systems for a project. Based on information provided by users on through-penetration, joints, and perimeter barrier firestopping...

Minimal impact.(Miscellaneous)
December 1, 2004... Impact-resistant glass storefront system has been engineered to provide protection against wind-borne debris as mandated by South Florida's strict hurricane code. StormMax FG-5000 can be shop- or field-glazed and allows for anchor inspection...

Light and quiet.(Miscellaneous)
December 1, 2004... Lightweight acoustical ceiling panels are up to five times lighter (0.25 lb./sf) than standard mineral fiber ceiling tiles, says the maker. Techstyle panels are manufactured with low-VOC and formaldehyde-free materials, improving indoor air...

CAREA architectural stone composite panels.(Product & Literature Digest)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... For designers seeking a change in cladding solutions, CAREA Architectural Panels bring colour and texture to projects when installed on their own, or combined with traditional materials such as brick, concrete or metal. Create accent bands,...

United Metal products' Chil-Pak[R] package central plant.(Product & Literature Digest)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... 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....

Energy saving gas-fired infra-red heaters.(Product & Literature Digest)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Detroit Radiant Products Company is the largest manufacturer of gas-fired infrared 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...

Automatic draft/combustion air systems save $$$.(Product & Literature Digest)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... CPC-3 Controller regulates fan speed, resulting in perfect draft & combustion air for true energy savings. Variable & fixed speed models reduce vent diam. up to 50%, resulting in significant vent system cost savings. Eliminate multiple vents by...

Architectural metals.(Product & Literature Digest)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... 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...

Soundsoak[R] acoustical walls.(Product & Literature Digest)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Soundsoak acoustical walls are perfectly suited to any room, cubicle or corridor. Best of all, these ready-to-install panels in rich woven textures and color blends create a more professional acoustic and aesthetic environment by absorbing...

Quality brick--hundreds of colors.(Product & Literature Digest)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Since 1885, The Belden Brick Company has been 0making 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...

DuPont surfaces total offering brochure.(Product & Literature Digest)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... DuPont Offers three unique and versatile surface product lines to meet all the needs of Commercial Building Designers. The features and benefits of Corian[R] solid surfaces, Zodiaq[R] quartz surfaces and DuPont Bath Surfaces are outlined and...

Techstyle[R] acoustical ceilings.(Product & Literature Digest)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Hunter Douglas Contract recently extended its tradition of innovation by introducing Techstyle[R] Acoustical Ceilings. Techstyle ceilings' easy downward access and clean monolithic look are making a lot of noise in the industry. However, with...

Level-Right WearTop, self-leveling floor topping.(Product & Literature Digest)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... 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...

New catalog.(Product & Literature Digest)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... The new 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. Please...

Voted World of Concrete's 2004 most innovative masonry product.(Product & Literature Digest)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... The BlockNet[TM] system by Mortar Net USA, Ltd. is the only product that reliably protects single wythe concrete block walls from the damage caused by water infiltration. It is composed of specially shaped 3-3/8" deep stainless steel drainage...