Construction market news was mostly positive last week, with the AIA, AGC, and Census Bureau all seeing an uptick in key metrics. Here's a recap of the top construction market news for the week of September 15, 2013:
CONSTRUCTION SPENDING HITS FOUR-YEAR HIGH IN JULY
According an Associated General Contractors of America analysis of July Census Bureau data, single and multifamily residential spending have been strong, with hospitality, warehouses, and power infrastructure among the hot nonresidential categories. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/construction-spending-hits-four-year-high-july-agc-report
AUGUST HOUSING STARTS REVEAL MULTIFAMILY STILL HEALTHY BUT SINGLE-FAMILY STAGNATING
As analyzed by Auction.com Research, Census Bureau stats for August provided a bit of contrast from the report mentioned above, with single family starting to lag but multifamily remaining at "healthy levels." http://www.bdcnetwork.com/august-housing-starts-reveal-multifamily-still-healthy-single-family-stagnating
AIA SEES UPTICK IN ARCHITECTURE BILLINGS FOR AUGUST
Monthly ABI was 53.8, up from 52.7 in July (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The number has improved in eleven of the past twelve months. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/aia-sees-uptick-architecture-billings-august
U.S. ROOFING DEMAND PREDICTED TO RISE, DRIVEN BY NEW CONSTRUCTION
Aside from asphalt shingles (mostly a residential product), favorable categories include roofing tile, plastics, and metal roofing products. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/us-roofing-demand-predicted-rise-driven-new-construction
43% OF ENERGY LEADERS WILL INVEST MORE IN EFFICIENCY NEXT YEAR
Schneider Electric survey includes responses from people in the business and government sectors. Tracking and analyzing energy-use data and energy audits were the most popular energy management approaches; building automation, efficient lighting, and data center efficiency are mentioned as growth areas. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/forty-three-percent-energy-leaders-will-invest-more-efficiency-next-year-infographic-0
BIG PROJECTS OF NOTE:
* World's first "invisible" tower planned for Seoul, South Korea. "Cloaking" facade made of LED projectors and optical cameras will render the building transparent if desired. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/worlds-first-invisible-tower-planned-south-korea
* BIG and MVVA collaborate on proposal for Pier 6 development at Brooklyn Bridge Park. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/first-look-bigmvva-proposal-pier-6-brooklyn-bridge-park
* Suffolk Downs announces plan to build $1 billion "green" casino in Boston. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/proposed-boston-casino-development-approval-will-depend-partly-sustainability
Related Stories
| Apr 19, 2012
HBD Construction names Steven Meeks vice president
Meeks will provide expertise for the company in its many diverse areas of construction projects including health care, senior living, education and retail.
| Apr 18, 2012
Lafarge moving North American headquarters to Illinois
Lafarge CEO John Stull says the factors in their decision were location in the Midwest and area transportation.
| Apr 18, 2012
Positive conditions persist for Architecture Billings Index
The AIA reported the March ABI score was 50.4, following a mark of 51.0 in February; greatest demand is for commercial building projects.
| Apr 18, 2012
Syska Hennessy re-launches Information and Communication Technology practice
The ICT practice will focus a blend of products including Information Technology, Security, Audiovisual, Building Automation, Fire Life Safety, Medical Communications and Intelligent Building Systems.
| Apr 18, 2012
Perkins+Will designs new complex for Johns Hopkins Hosptial
The Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children’s Center and the Sheikh Zayed Tower create transformative patient-centric care.
| Apr 18, 2012
BBS Architects & Engineers acquires Ward Associates
The merged companies’ on-going project portfolio valued at $220 million.
| Apr 17, 2012
Princeton Review releases “Guide to 322 Green Colleges”
The guide profiles 322 institutions of higher education in the U.S. and Canada that demonstrate notable commitments to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation.
| Apr 17, 2012
FMI report examines federal construction trends
Given the rapid transformations occurring in the federal construction sector, FMI examines the key forces accelerating these changes, as well as their effect on the industry.
| Apr 17, 2012
Freese and Nichols awarded Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award
Freese and Nichols is the only engineering and architecture firm to ever receive this recognition.
| Apr 17, 2012
Miramar College police substation in San Diego receives LEED Platinum
The police substation is the first higher education facility in San Diego County to achieve LEED Platinum Certification, the highest rating possible.
