1. Japan’s Tokyo Toilet project looks to improve the perception of public restrooms (BD+C)
"Five toilet locations, including two from Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban, have already opened on July 31 and Aug. 7. Shigeru Ban’s designs, located in Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park and Haru-No-Ogawa Community Park, feature an all glass design that allows people to see from the outside if the restroom is clean, as well as if anyone is currently inside."
2. Existing laws may be restricting efforts to cut carbon emissions (BD+C)
"For example, the town of Brookline, Mass., enacted at ban on natural gas and oil heating systems and cooking appliances using fossil fuels in new buildings. But, the state’s attorney general overturned the law, citing the town’s lack of authority to create their own building permitting rules or to control the piping installed in buildings."
3. How has shopping changed over the past 100 years? A look at the evolution of retail (Stantec)
"From malls and big-box stores to online delivery and mall redevelopment: Here’s how the retail landscape has evolved—and where it’s likely headed."
4. Retail Rent Collections Increased in July (Globe St.)
"July rent collections for retail properties increased nearly 15% compared to June and 36% compared to May."
5. 'The Nature Of The Mall Is Changing' As Simon, Brookfield Eye Converting Anchors To Industrial (Bisnow)
"Dead malls have been viewed as attractive targets for industrial conversion projects in recent years, but now the retail-to-industrial conversion trend is expanding to shopping centers that are merely wounded, but still alive."
6. CEO Paul Layne Reorients Howard Hughes Towards Suburbia (Commercial Observer)
"His focus on master-planned suburban communities is proving prescient during the pandemic."
Related Stories
Market Data | Jan 18, 2017
Fraud and risk incidents on the rise for construction, engineering, and infrastructure businesses
Seven of the 10 executives in the sector surveyed in the report said their company fell victim to fraud in the past year.
Market Data | Jan 18, 2017
Architecture Billings Index ends year on positive note
Architecture firms close 2016 with the strongest performance of the year.
Market Data | Jan 12, 2017
73% of construction firms plan to expand their payrolls in 2017
However, many firms remain worried about the availability of qualified workers.
Market Data | Jan 9, 2017
Trump market impact prompts surge in optimism for U.S. engineering firm leaders
The boost in firm leader optimism extends across almost the entire engineering marketplace.
Market Data | Jan 5, 2017
Nonresidential spending thrives in strong November spending report
Many construction firms have reported that they remain busy but have become concerned that work could dry up in certain markets in 2017 or 2018, says Anirban Basu, ABC Chief Economist.
Market Data | Dec 21, 2016
Architecture Billings Index up slightly in November
New design contracts also return to positive levels, signifying future growth in construction activity.
Market Data | Dec 21, 2016
Will housing adjust to an aging population?
New Joint Center report projects 66% increase in senior heads of households by 2035.
Market Data | Dec 13, 2016
ABC predicts modest growth for 2017 nonresidential construction sector; warns of vulnerability for contractor
“The U.S. economy continues to expand amid a weak global economy and, despite risks to the construction industry, nonresidential spending should expand 3.5 percent in 2017,” says ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu.
Market Data | Dec 2, 2016
Nonresidential construction spending gains momentum
Nonresidential spending is now 2.6 percent higher than at the same time one year ago.
Market Data | Nov 30, 2016
Marcum Commercial Construction Index reports industry outlook has shifted; more change expected
Overall nonresidential construction spending in September totaled $690.5 billion, down a slight 0.7 percent from a year earlier.