Minneapolis’ attempt to curtail EIFS cladding is causing pushback from architects and builders

2023-07-24T18:37:00-04:00

These kinds of guidelines cite “sustainability,” but miss a larger point about housing in Minneapolis. While it’s true that some types of texture and massing look “cheaper” than others, there are legitimate questions about whether or not newer types of building materials — EIFS, metal cladding, and the like — are more climate friendly and affordable than other materials that seem more traditional.

EIFS (aka “synthetic stucco” or “Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems”) are but one material in the proposed bans put forth by city planning officials in Minneapolis recently in an attempt to formalize a set of 2014 guidelines.

EIFS capabilities have advanced beyond a widely-known early design flaw, namely their proneness to water infiltration, and could now be an inexpensive but vital weapon for builders in the effort to deliver housing rapidly to the city’s beleaguered market.

Editor's Picks #359

2014-03-19T12:34:00-04:00

The latest edition of ShowCase: featured Casa H by Bojaus Arquitectura. Located in a typical suburban area near Madrid, the proximity of the houses that surround the plot lead Bojaus Arquitectura to develop a system of voids, deep windows and patios which would allow large openings without neglecting the equally important need of privacy.

Plus, the tenth edition of Screen/Print: highlighted: "Utopia" published by Zawia a multi-national collaboration based in Egypt. Specifically, Amale Andraos’ piece, "Visionary Urbanism and Its Agency" which dissects five myths long associated with a concept she calls "Visionary Urbanism".

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The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) have committed themselves to timely passage of the National Design Services Act (NDSA), which will give architecture students the same relief from crushing student loan debt, which is already granted young lawyers, doctors and others – in return for community...

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Minneapolis’ attempt to curtail EIFS cladding is causing pushback from architects and builders

Editor's Picks #359