Turning Historic Preservation Project Challenges into Opportunities

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Building within a geothermal field at a historic site By Phil Root The Michigan State Capitol opened in 1879 in Lansing. As with historic structures, it has undergone multiple restorations. Following an exterior restoration in 1992, it was named a National Historic Landmark and welcomes more than 115,000 visitors annually. After the 1992 restoration, protection of newly renovated spaces became a top priority, and state officials discussed adding a welcome center. After the exterior dome and stone façade restoration in 2015, a $70-million infrastructure project was approved to repair failing systems. Work included electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire suppression/alarm and building … Read more

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Level Up Projects with Mock-ups

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By Mark Pasciuto From 3D printing organs, prostheses and automotive parts, to creating a cockpit for airline pilot simulations, product mock-ups are frequently employed to visualize a potential product in a life-like context. Mock-ups can be used to get feedback on a product concept before mass production, present a proposed design to stakeholders for input and approval or used by sales teams to conduct business prior to the completion of a project. Ultimately, mock-ups can save time, money and effort while making the build process more efficient and accurate. Mock-ups are also used when building hotels. On Georgia World Congress … Read more

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New Advanced Energy Design Guide for Multifamily Buildings 

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Advanced Energy Design Guide for Multifamily Buildings-Achieving Zero Energy is the third in the AEDG zero energy guide series. The design guide outlines strategies for achieving energy targets such as setting measurable goals, hiring design teams committed to those goals, using simulation throughout the design and construction processes and being aware of how process decisions affect energy usage. In this edition, content has been included on renovation and resiliency along with expanded guidance on hot water and high load in multifamily buildings. Valuable chapters and sections include: Chapter 2 – “Principles for Success” – Describes the important decision points and … Read more

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Adapt or Be Left Behind: The Role of Today’s Construction Superintendent

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By Keyan Zandy Change isn’t fun, but it is inevitable. Resenting or resisting what you can’t avoid is a waste of time and energy that could be better used working to create a mindset that embraces transformation. This is especially important in our industry, where new technologies and delivery methods, coupled with an accelerated pace of work, present an unpleasant choice: adapt or be left behind. Superintendents, no matter their leadership style, are expected to get a project completed on time and within budget. This hasn’t changed—however, the way these projects are built and delivered certainly has changed. Field leaders … Read more

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Not Your Average Shop Class

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Career Academies provide learning opportunities, hands-on tech training By Wade Engebretson Not everyone in high school knows what they want to do with their lives or where they want to work. Even if a student wants to pursue a particular field of study, a traditional four-year degree may not turn out to be the right fit. In addition, the exorbitant costs and long-lasting debt may be too steep to consider. Yet today’s reality is the great majority of jobs require some post-high school education. One creative approach to tap into a person’s individual interests and personalized skill set is through … Read more

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