7 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 15, 2020

1. Latest addition to Fermilab campus about to begin construction (BD+C) 
"That team’s concept scales back the building to two floors, and includes more lab space. What emerges are “hybrid labs” that, essentially, remove the walls separating labs and offices for the purposes of colocation and collaboration."

2. Is there really a glass box paradox? (The Durst Organization) 
"First and foremost, OBP is a building designed for people. Productivity, wellness, and providing optimal conditions for work to occur, were all drivers of the design of the building. The mechanical systems and envelope were designed to efficiently support those goals. The authors provide some good ideas for how to modify a façade to make it more energy efficient."

3. McShane Construction begins work on Gilbert, Ariz., multifamily development (BD+C) 
"Springs at Cooley Station will feature 276 apartment units spread across 14 acres and 10 garden-style buildings. The wood-frame buildings will rise two and three stories and feature a stucco and brick exterior."

4. Energy efficiency considerations for operating buildings amid a pandemic (SSR) 
"During these times building owners and operators should remain focused on verifying their building systems are functioning properly and maintenance routines are kept on schedule."

5. What concessions are office landlords offering to hold onto tenants as demand falters? (National Real Estate Investor)
"Recent reports have shown office landlords have been more willing to offer tenants additional perks to get them to commit."

6. What contractors should be telling owners about shifting to offsite construction (Construction Dive)
"Some construction companies are in a unique position as long-time, trusted partners to a developer, but even contractors that are relatively new to a relationship might want to direct the owner toward a method of building that can deliver quality, consistency and time and cost benefits — sometimes. How should you start that conversation with the owner, and what are the most important aspects of going modular to cover? Here are the key points to convey to owners."

7. Miami company introduces 'virtual coworking' (Bisnow)
"A number of coworking operators are experimenting with their formats. CommonDesk is offering virtual memberships for $75 to $150 that offer access to Slack channels and virtual happy hours and lunch-and-learn events. WeWork is piloting a program in New York that allows people to book workspaces by the hour or day. It's also allowing members to work out of any location, rather than a fixed location, for no additional cost."