Kaiser Borsari Hall will draw 100% of its electricity from a rooftop solar panel array. Photo courtesy Perkins&Will

Mass timber a big part of Western Washington University’s net-zero ambitions

Western Washington University, in Bellingham, Wash., 90 miles from Seattle, is in the process of expanding its ABET-accredited programs for electrical engineering, computer engineering and science, and energy science. As part of that process, the university is building Kaiser Borsari Hall, the 54,000-sf new home for those academic disciplines that will include teaching labs, research labs, classrooms, collaborative spaces, and administrative offices.

Construction Costs

Despite challenges, 2024 construction material prices continue to stabilize

Gordian’s Q2 2024 Quarterly Construction Cost Insights Report indicates that supply chain issues notwithstanding, many commodities are exhibiting price normalization.

University Buildings

Washington University School of Medicine opens one of the world’s largest neuroscience research buildings

In St. Louis’ Cortex Innovation District, Washington University School of Medicine recently opened its new Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building. Designed by CannonDesign and Perkins&Will, the 11-story, 609,000-sf facility is one of the largest neuroscience buildings in the world.

Affordable Housing

General contractor’s keys to a successful affordable housing project

General contractors can have tremendous influence over a project’s success in terms of schedule, budget, and quality. However, to ensure a project is put on this path, there are a few factors that must be considered.

Designers

Steven Burns | Apr 8, 2014

Understanding value billing vs. conventional billing

Every company is a sum of the value it delivers to its clients. What differs from one company to the next is how that value is delivered and perceived. All too often, it is based solely on the fee you charge.

All renderings, plans: courtesy Payette and Northeastern University

Apr 8, 2014

Science, engineering find common ground on the Northeastern University campus [slideshow]

The new Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building is designed to maximize potential of serendipitous meetings between researchers.

Apr 8, 2014

40 Under 40 winners: Meet the contractors

Of the up-and-coming AEC professionals to be named to the class of 2014, nine make their living as contractors.

Wyatt Frantom, Associate and Senior Architectural Designer, Gensler, Los Angeles

Apr 7, 2014

40 Under 40 winners: Meet the architects

Of the up-and-coming AEC professionals to be named 40 Under 40 winners by the editors of Building Design+Construction, 21 make their living in the architecture profession.

Sasha Reed | Apr 3, 2014

Security, accountability, and cloud access: Can you really have it all?

I’ve heard countless stories of conversations between project engineers and IT professionals who can’t come to an agreement on the level of security needed to protect their data while making it more accessible—not only externally, but also internally.

Apr 2, 2014

The new model of healthcare facility management

A growing number of healthcare organizations are moving to an integrated real estate model in an effort to better manage costs, respond to regulatory requirements, and support changes in patient care delivery.

The rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the Old Naval Hospital, Washington, D.C

Apr 2, 2014

8 tips for avoiding thermal bridges in window applications

Aligning thermal breaks and applying air barriers are among the top design and installation tricks recommended by building enclosure experts.

ESIF merges three very specialized components: an ultra-energy efficient workpla

Apr 2, 2014

Check out the stunning research facility just named 2014 Lab of the Year [slideshow]

NREL's Energy Systems Integration Facility takes top honors in R&D Magazine's 48th annual lab design awards.

Apr 1, 2014

Planned global commerce center breaks ground near Phoenix

When completed, PhoenixMart will be one of the largest single-level trade centers in the U.S.

Apr 1, 2014

Paints, coatings and sealants: Choosing products and procedures for best performance

This course covers life cycle assessment, color selection, emissions, durability, resilience, corrosion resistance, specification standards, and other critical aspects of choosing coatings for interior and exterior walls, ceilings, and roofs.