Architecture Billings Index Downturn Moderates

  • Posted on

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Architecture Billings Index pointed to a slower decline in July in design activity at U.S. architecture firms. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the July ABI score was 48.7, up considerably from the mark of 45.9 in June. This score reflects a decrease in demand for design services (any score below50 indicates a decline in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 56.3, up from mark of 54.4 the previous month. “Even … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, News

OSHA Proposes Rulemaking for Demolition and Underground Construction

  • Posted on

WASHINGTON, D.C. — OSHA issued a direct final rule and notice of proposed rulemaking that applies the requirements of the August 2010 cranes and derricks in construction standard to demolition work and underground construction. The application of this rule will protect workers from hazards associated with hoisting equipment used during construction activities. The direct final rule will apply the same crane rules to underground construction and demolition that are being used by other construction sectors, and will streamline OSHA's standards by eliminating the separate cranes and derricks standard used for underground and demolition work. The rulemaking also corrects several errors … Read more

Filed under: News

AIA Addresses Changing Landscape of Building Information Modeling with Updated Digital Practice Documents

  • Posted on

WASHINGTON, D. C. — Building Information Modeling has changed the way construction industry participants interact with each other and communicate internally. Project plans have moved beyond two-dimensional design to multi-dimensional models that have parametric capabilities. The American Institute of Architects is continuously evaluating the development and adoption of BIM and the impact it has on contractual relationships. As a result, the AIA Contract Documents program is updating its documents for use on construction projects involving digital data or BIM, and will make a draft of these Digital Practice documents available for public review and comment. During this public comment period, … Read more

Filed under: News, Organizations

Construction Materials Prices Post Year-Over-Year Dip in July

  • Posted on

The cost of key construction materials dropped for the third consecutive month in July, pushing down year-over-year prices for the first time since 2009, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released by the Associated General Contractors of America. However, association officials warned that recent spikes in diesel fuel and steel prices may drive up the cost of construction again, and urged lawmakers to invest in needed infrastructure projects promptly while prices remain low. “This price decline may be the last, given the large jumps in diesel fuel and steel prices that have occurred or been announced since … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, News

Copper Continues to Shine in Museums, Academic and Government Facilities

  • Posted on

North American Copper in Architecture awards recognize innovation and excellence in new and restored residential and commercial buildings NEW YORK, NY ─ “The Hub of the Universe” can now include North American Copper in Architecture award recipient in its storied resume. Oliver Wendell Holmes lightheartedly quipped that the Massachusetts State House was “the Hub of the Solar System” because it was once considered the center of everything commercial and intellectual. Defining the Boston skyline for most of the 1800’s with its beauty and size, the state capitol now dons a shiny, new copper roof after a $20 million restoration. The … Read more

Filed under: News