Examining three advances in construction and building design technology
We’re hearing lots about advances in construction and building design technology, but much of them are still in their infancy. So what are the pros actually using?
That’s a wrap: Taking a look at Sto Corp.’s top social media posts of 2021
Here are our top social media posts from each month (so far) of 2021.
Who does what? Defining five key roles in the building design and commercial real estate industries
There is a plethora of roles of professionals in the architecture, engineering and construction industries as well as in commercial real estate, and it can be tough for the outsider looking in to determine who does what.
Wearable technology in construction: Bringing new to the tried and true
Wearable technology for construction professionals looks to help the industry make some leaps in terms of productivity and safety.
How are digital twins being used in the built environment?
The building design, construction and urban planning, and property management sectors are using digital twins to their advantage.
Attracting young people to the construction labor market
With a well-known labor shortage and retirements looming, the construction industry needs to attract more young people. Recruitment and retention have been a struggle.
The legacy of the Olympics’ buildings and infrastructure
With the Tokyo Olympics set to start next week, there are a host of logistical issues, including construction and infrastructure challenges, that accompany such a massive event.
What could construction on Mars look like?
With more spacecraft on Mars than any other planet that isn’t earth, it’s safe to say humanity’s curiosity with the red planet isn’t going away anytime soon. So, what could construction on Mars look like?
Restoration and energy retrofits present opportunities for older buildings
While massive overhauls and adaptive reuse projects are often the most newsworthy, restoration measures and energy retrofits can go a long way for existing buildings.
What is industrialized construction?
In efforts to ramp up efficiency, reduce waste, and address skilled labor shortages, industrialized construction may be the answer. This approach shifts on-site work away from the jobsite where building components are produced in a factory off-site and shipped to the jobsite.
Construction materials shortage and pricing pose problem
Construction materials shortages and pricing fluctuations as a result of the pandemic are a continuing challenge for the industry. As supply chains are impacted, shortages are expected well into the year.
How early actions by the Biden administration are affecting the construction industry
With the dust barely settled on last week’s inauguration, some early actions by President Joe Biden are having impacts on the construction industry.
2021 construction outlook: Signs of positivity showing
With the dark days of 2020 behind us, there is some optimism ahead for the construction industry in 2021.
Exploring diversity in the construction industry
With skilled labor shortage being a constant hurdle, exploring options to include diversity in construction industry is a must. But the battle is very much uphill.
The evolution of the building envelope
The building envelope refers to all of the elements of the outer shell of a building and is what keeps us safe from the elements. Humanity has come a long way from our prehistoric days of structures constructed of boulders, branches and grass to complex building science that has us living in comfort today.
Exploring disaster relief housing
Disaster relief architecture has played an important role in rebuilding lost structures and also for constructing temporary buildings for immediate and longer-term housing needs.
Understanding the generation gap in the construction industry
The construction industry is no stranger to the generation gap in today’s workforce. As Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Y, with their varying strengths, upbringings and communication styles are all squeezed onto a construction site, unique challenges are presented.
How building codes are evolving to encourage environmentally-friendly construction
Today’s building codes are still legal minimums required by state law, established to keep structures and their occupants safe. As such, green building design and construction practices are not necessarily built in.
How sustainable campus design affects students and operators
Potential students have no shortage of choices for post-secondary education, and ensuring sustainability is part of the campus culture and design is increasingly top of mind.
Examining 3D printing in construction
No matter how you look at it, the buzz around 3D printing in construction is louder than ever.
The design-bid-build process versus the design-build process
The design-bid-build process (DBB) is a traditional practice used in the United States, where the owner of the project has separate contracts with a designer and contractors for the construction of a project. Alternatively, the design-build process is where the design and construction services are all managed through a single contractor.
Advancing the careers of women in architecture and construction
Historically, it hasn’t been easy for women climbing career ladders in the architecture and construction industries, but leaps are being made and successes celebrated as we move towards an equitable and successful future.
How EPDs work with the LEED ratings system
EPDs can now garner credits under the LEED v4.1 ratings system, giving building product specifiers a tool to further enhance green building initiatives.
What is an EPD, and how is one created?
Putting the definition of an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) into layman’s terms is a bit of a challenge, with a plethora acronyms to get one’s head around.
Circular economy in building design and construction
There is ample buzz surrounding the term circular economy of late. Also referred to as circularity, the building design and construction industries are looking at reshaping operations to apply this new way of thinking, which appears on the surface a monumental task.
Using recycled building materials
Using recycled building materials or materials that contain recycled content is a straightforward step to sustainability for building designers and construction professionals.
Reducing embodied carbon in building materials
Reducing the operational carbon output of buildings has long been an important topic of discussion, but drilling down even further, the architecture, engineering and construction industries are now turning an eye to embodied carbon. Embodied carbon of building materials refers the amount of carbon that is emitted to produce and transport building materials before they hit the jobsite.
