Category: Design and Construction

Higher Ed Facility Investments Jump 26%, but Campus Challenges Remain

In a “seismic shift,” higher education institutions upped their facility reinvestment game by more than 26% year-over-year in 2023, according to a new report from Gordian. The 11th edition of the “State of Facilities in Higher Education” report reveals the significant facility investments over the past year have reduced the spending shortfall to 34%, closing the […]

State Farm Stadium: Star Player for Men’s March Madness Final Four

Glendale, Arizona’s State Farm Stadium, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, is about 10 miles from downtown Phoenix and will be the home of the ultimate thrill of victory and the agony of defeat for the remaining four teams of March Madness, as the NCAA Basketball Men’s Final Four and championship games will be held […]

Experts Call for Mandating Indoor Air Quality in Public Buildings

In a new scientific paper, a global group of experts has called for mandating indoor air quality (IAQ) in public buildings and presented a blueprint for national standards. The group is headed by Professor Lidia Morawska, a distinguished professor at Australia’s Queensland University of Technology and vice chancellor fellow at the U.K.’s University of Surrey. […]

Want Workers to Return to the Office? Modernize Your Space

As businesses struggle to navigate the hybrid work era, tech firm Cisco has released a new report detailing how the reality of the in-office experience compares to employee expectations around the globe. The report also explores how employers are investing in artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool for workplace collaboration and productivity. “Making the […]

Designing Workplaces that Promote Mental Well-Being

Designing indoor spaces that promote mental well-being in the workplace is more than a trend; it is a crucial step toward cultivating a productive and content workforce. Here’s how thoughtful design can create visually appealing and emotionally supportive workspaces, enhancing overall employee well-being. Why Design for Well-Being Our surroundings play a pivotal role in our […]

Energy Group Slams International Code Council Over Model Building Rules

On March 18, the International Code Council’s (ICC) board of directors made determinations on a series of appeals to the draft 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), thus finalizing the latest model code that sets minimum energy efficiency requirements for new commercial and residential buildings. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a nonprofit […]

The Need for Strong Wi-Fi Networks at Convention Centers

Convention center Wi-Fi networks must support tens of thousands of wireless devices and a multitude of technologies. The hundreds of venues in the United States typically accommodate several thousand attendees, whether they are there for a business conference, cheer competition, fishing expo, or other major event. Why It Matters Modern convention centers and other large-scale […]

5 Benefits of Using Building Information Modeling in Facility Construction

Building information modeling (BIM), a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility, creates a shared knowledge resource for information, making it easier for facilities managers to make decisions, according to the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG). The WBDG notes that while some might think of BIM as just 3D modeling and […]

DOE Announces $425M for Green Manufacturing in Coal Communities

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $425 million in funding to help reduce industrial emissions and advance clean energy manufacturing in coal communities across the country. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and managed by the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), the Advanced Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program will support small […]

Make Your Facility GFCI-Compliant for Safety’s Sake

Facilities professionals involved with the new construction and renovation of commercial, industrial, educational, and governmental properties should be familiar with ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and their importance. Understanding and using GFCIs can help protect against electrocution and reduce the chances of fires, overheating, and destruction of wire insulation.   What Are GFCIs? According to the […]