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
| Oct 14, 2011
BD+C Survey on Building Information Modeling: The Good, the Bad, and the Solutions
In a recent survey conducted by Building Design+Construction, more than 75% of respondents indicated they currently use BIM or plan to use it. Respondents were also asked to comment on their experiences with BIM, what they liked and disliked about BIM, and what BIM-related advice they would give to their peers.
| Oct 14, 2011
ACI partners with CRSI to launch new adhesive anchor certification program
Adhesive anchor installer certification required in new ACI 318-11.
| Oct 14, 2011
Midwest construction firms merge as Black and Dew
Merger is aimed at increasing market sector capabilities and building on communication and core contracting competencies.
| Oct 14, 2011
AIA Continuing Education: optimizing moisture protection and air barrier systems
Earn 1.0 AIA/CES learning units by studying this article and passing the online exam.
| Oct 14, 2011
MaxLite receives 2011 Lighting for Tomorrow honorable mention
The judging panel was particularly impressed with the performance of this fixture.
| Oct 12, 2011
BIM Clarification and Codification in a Louisiana Sports Museum
The Louisiana State Sports Hall of Fame celebrates the sporting past, but it took innovative 3D planning and coordination of the future to deliver its contemporary design.
| Oct 12, 2011
Vertical Transportation Systems Reach New Heights
Elevators and escalators have been re-engineered to help building owners reduce energy consumption and move people more efficiently.
| Oct 12, 2011
Building a Double Wall
An aged federal building gets wrapped in a new double wall glass skin.
Office Buildings | Oct 12, 2011
8 Must-know Trends in Office Fitouts
Office designs are adjusting to dramatic changes in employee work habits. Goodbye, cube farm. Hello, bright, open offices with plenty of collaborative space.
| Oct 12, 2011
FMI’s Construction Outlook: Third Quarter 2011 Report
Construction Market Forecast: The general economy is seeing mixed signs.
