Autodesk agrees to acquire Horizontal Systems

Autodesk, Inc. signed a definitive agreement to acquire Horizontal Systems, a provider of innovative cloud-based Building Information Modeling (BIM) collaboration solutions for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in Autodesk’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 (which ends on Jan. 31, 2012). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Horizontal Systems technology is expected help accelerate Autodesk 360 for BIM capabilities by allowing multi-discipline teams to more easily communicate and synchronize information--helping reduce waste and errors during the design and construction of AEC projects and leading to faster, more efficient project delivery.

The acquisition of Horizontal Systems will help accelerate the movement of BIM to the cloud by providing users with the ability to more easily access and coordinate multi-discipline project data wherever and whenever it is needed throughout the entire project lifecycle. BD+C

The Portland, Ore., City Council recently voted unanimously to require all new residential and mixed-use buildings to be ready for electric vehicle charging. The move amends Portland’s zoning laws to require all new multi-dwelling and mixed-use development of five or more units with onsite parking to provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Morrow High School Ellenwood, Georgia, by Perkins and Will The curving, S-shaped classroom building follows the ridge that runs across the greenfield site, reducing impact on its wetlands.

K-12 Schools | Feb 18, 2023

Atlanta suburb opens $85 million serpentine-shaped high school designed by Perkins&Will

In Ellenwood, Ga., a southeast suburb of Atlanta, Perkins and Will has partnered with Clayton County Public Schools and MEJA Construction to create a $85 million secondary school. Morrow High School, which opened in fall 2022, serves more than 2,200 students in Clayton County, a community with students from over 30 countries.

First Americans Museum (FAM) in Oklahoma City

Museums | Feb 17, 2023

First Americans Museum uses design metaphors of natural elements to honor native worldview

First Americans Museum (FAM) in Oklahoma City honors the 39 tribes in Oklahoma today, reflecting their history through design metaphors of nature’s elements of earth, wind, water, and fire. The design concept includes multiple circles suggested by arcs, reflecting the native tradition of a circular worldview that encompasses the cycle of life, the seasons, and the rotation of the earth.

J. Brett Blanton was the 12th Architect of the Capitol, serving 2020-2023. Photo: AOC.gov

Architects | Feb 17, 2023

Architect of the Capitol fired by President Biden after strong bipartisan criticism

Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton was let go this week following alleged abuse of authority, misuse of government property, and wasted taxpayer money.

Qianhai Prisma Towers by BIG Bjarke Ingels Group Rendering Atchain

High-rise Construction | Feb 15, 2023

Bjarke Ingels' 'leaning towers' concept wins Qianhai Prisma Towers design competition

A pair of sloped high-rises—a 300-meter residential tower and a 250-meter office tower—highlight the Qianhai Prisma Towers development in Qianhai, Shenzhen, China. BIG recently won the design competition for the project.

Senior Living Design | Feb 15, 2023

Passive House affordable senior housing project opens in Boston

Work on Phase Three C of The Anne M. Lynch Homes at Old Colony, a 55-apartment midrise building in Boston that stands out for its use of Passive House design principles, was recently completed. Designed by The Architectural Team (TAT), the four-story structure was informed throughout by Passive House principles and standards.

Designers | Feb 13, 2023

Hoffmann Architects + Engineers Establishes Diversity Advancement Scholarship Fund

Hoffmann Architects + Engineers, a design firm specializing in the rehabilitation of building exteriors, contributed $25,000 to fund the Hoffmann Diversity Advancement Scholarship, administered through the Connecticut Architecture Foundation. The fund provides scholarships for students from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups who are seeking degrees in architecture or engineering.

Smyrna Ready Mix corporate headquarters EOA Architects DRP Construction Photo courtesy EOA Architects

Office Buildings | Feb 12, 2023

Smyrna Ready Mix’s new office HQ mimics the patterns in the company’s onsite stone quarry

Designed by EOA Architects to showcase various concrete processes and applications, Smyrna Ready Mix's new office headquarters features vertical layering that mimics the patterns in the company’s stone quarry, located on the opposite end of the campus site. The building’s glass and concrete bands are meant to mirror the quarry’s natural contours and striations.