University of Arizona Launches World’s Largest Thermal Vacuum Chamber within Collegiate Research

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The University of Arizona recently unveiled the Applied Research Building’s Thermal Vacuum Chamber, the world’s largest of its kind housed within a collegiate research facility. Weighing 40 tons and extending 30 feet, the TV Chamber is designed for testing nanosatellites under replicated atmospheric temperature and pressure conditions found within the space and near-space environment. The TV Chamber provides incredible accuracy in simulation, ensuring the greatest confidence in materials testing. This technology represents one of the primary features within the ARB. With the complexity of the TV Chamber, the Design-Build partnership between SmithGroup and general contractor McCarthy Building Companies Inc., sequenced … Read more

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Drones in K-12 Classrooms

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Paving the path for the future construction workforce By Rob Harvey The construction industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven by rapidly advancing technology. However, as innovation accelerates, an aging workforce presents a critical challenge. Constructing more buildings keeps construction inflation under control, but — to build more — the industry needs more workers: around 723,000 per year. With many experienced professionals nearing retirement, a growing labor shortage threatens to stall progress and increase costs. This pressing issue underscores the need for innovative solutions to attract and train the next generation of tech-enabled construction workers. One promising … Read more

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STRABAG Tapped to Build New Czech Bank Česká Spořitelna Headquarters in Prague

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STRABAG SE’s Czech subsidiary STRABAG a.s. will construct the new headquarters of Česká spořitelna in Prague’s Smíchov district (Czech Republic) in a consortium of which it’s a leading member. The complex, consisting of four buildings with a usable area of 75,000 square meters, will intersect the main boulevard with a public passageway where shops, cafés and a multifunctional auditorium with a capacity of 380 visitors will be located. The auditorium will be complemented on the exterior by an outdoor grandstand for 150 spectators. The complex will not only serve as the new headquarters of the bank, but is also intended … Read more

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Elisabeth-Selbert-Haus Tapped for German Parliament in Berlin

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New offices and an administrative building for the German Parliament will be built on one of Berlin’s most historic streets by the end of 2026 to replace the demolished building. The sustainable concept envisages the use of alternative energies, such as geothermal energy and photovoltaics. PORR was awarded the contract as general contractor for the project by the Institute for Federal Real Estate. The building is named after the politician and lawyer Elisabeth Selbert, who is known as one of the four “Mothers of the Basic Law.” She successfully campaigned for the inclusion of equal rights for men and women … Read more

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Lehigh University Awards $70M Contract to Redevelop Historic Clayton University Center in Pennsylvania

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Lehigh University has awarded construction and development firm Skanska a $70-million contract to redevelop its historic Clayton University Center located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The 24-month project will encompass both the renovation and preservation of the existing Clayton University Center, while maintaining the historic nuances of the building. Key project elements include the delivery of utility upgrades, inclusive of new electrical service, mechanical systems and equipment, as well as the installation of a full fire protection system. Gathering spaces, offices, meeting rooms and lounge areas will undergo renovations and all doors, windows and the slate and copper roofing systems will be … Read more

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