AIA, Gilbane, DBIA, and USGBC released major reports last week. Here's a roundup of the latest market news for the nonresidential construction industry.
DESIGN-BUILD PROJECT DELIVERY HOLDS STEADY AT NEARLY 40% OF NONRESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
About 80% of military work is now design-build. Over 40% of commercial and healthcare work, ditto. DBIA study. Read the report
NONRESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION FINALLY GAINING MOMENTUM: GILBANE SUMMER ECON REPORT
Growth predicted for second half of 2013 and into 2014. Availability of skilled workers and increasing materials prices will be an issue. Lenders still cautious. Read the report
SLUGGISH GAINS IN ARCHITECT COMPENSATION DUE TO WEAKNESS IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR: AIA SURVEY
Average annual staff compensation increases from 2011 to 2013 were only a bit more than 1%. Bigger firms pay more in general. Read the report
USGBC JOINS FORCES WITH GREEN SPORTS ALLIANCE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE VENUES
Pro and collegiate sports embracing LEED. 25 venues currently certified. Alliance includes more than 180 pro and collegiate sports teams and venues. Read the report
Related Stories
| Feb 5, 2014
7 towers that define the 'skinny skyscraper' boom [slideshow]
Recent advancements in structural design, combined with the loosening of density and zoning requirements, has opened the door for the so-called "superslim skyscraper."
| Feb 4, 2014
World's fifth 'living building' certified at Smith College [slideshow]
The Bechtel Environmental Classroom utilizes solar power, composting toilets, and an energy recovery system, among other sustainable strategies, to meet the rigorous performance requirements of the Living Building Challenge.
| Feb 4, 2014
Must see: Student housing complex made with recycled shipping containers
Architect Christian Salvati's new structure is just the first step in bringing shipping container construction to New Haven, Conn.
| Jan 31, 2014
Trump Hotel Collections announces luxury hotel for Rio de Janeiro
The 13-story, 171-guestroom Trump Rio will be Trump Hotel Collection’s first property in South America and the only luxury hotel in the neighborhood when it opens in 2016.
| Jan 31, 2014
LEGO, Google partner to develop 3D modeling tool for LEGO structures
The free tool, called Build, allows Chrome users to create virtual 3D structures using any shape and color in the LEGO catalog.
| Jan 31, 2014
Ultra-modern McDonald's restaurant voted one of world's best new buildings
This McDonald's, which is combined with a fuel station and recreation areas, was awarded the Best Commercial Building of the Year by architecture website ArchDaily.
| Jan 31, 2014
6 considerations for rehabbing student union buildings
Most colleges and universities feel pressure to offer the latest amenities in order to attract and retain the best and brightest students. While hauling in the bulldozer to create modern facilities is attractive in some regards, deciding to renovate can be just as effective and, in some cases, even preferable to new construction.
| Jan 30, 2014
Mayors of 10 metros unite to cut building-related climate pollution
Organizers say combined initiative could cut as much climate-change pollution as generated by 1 million cars every year, and lower energy bills by nearly $1 billion annually.
| Jan 30, 2014
See how architects at NBBJ are using computational design to calculate the best views on projects [video]
In an ideal world, every office employee would have a beautiful view from his or her desk. While no one can make that happen in real life, computational design can help architects maximize views from every angle.
| Jan 30, 2014
The evolving workplace: One designer's inspiration board
"Open office" has been a major buzzword for decades, and like any buzzword, some of the novelty has worn off. I don't believe we will abandon the open office, but I do think we need to focus on providing a dynamic mix of open and closed spaces.
