Archinect - News

Dodge Momentum Index posts 1% increase for October, driven by commercial sector gains

2023-11-07T18:06:00-05:00

The data just released in the Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) reporting for the month of October indicate a 1.0% increase to 181.7 over September’s revised total of 180.3.

The increase was propelled by a 2.0% rise in the commercial component, while the institutional component dropped by 1.4%. Year over year, the DMI came in 8% lower than in October of 2022. The commercial segment was down by 14%, while the institutional segment was up by 7%.

“Heightened momentum in warehouse planning activity supported the commercial side of the Index this month, while muted education planning activity slowed the institutional portion,” Sarah Martin, the Associate Director of Forecasting for Dodge Construction Network, said in a statement. “Overall levels of planning activity remain robust and will support construction spending over the next 12 to 18 months.”

Graphic: Dodge Construction Network

A total of 21 projects valued at $100 million or more entered planning in the month. The largest commercial ...

Boost in institutional planning drives 3% Dodge Momentum Index rise in September

2023-10-06T18:11:00-04:00

September's Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) rose 3% to 182.5 from the revised August reading of 178.0. Over the month, the DMI’s commercial component fell 1%, while the institutional component rose 9%.

The dip in the commercial segment was driven by weaker office planning. On the other hand, the institutional segment was spurred by stronger education, notably life science buildings, and healthcare planning activity. Year over year, the DMI was 5% lower last month than in September 2022. The commercial sector was 12% below last year’s September levels, while the institutional sector was up 12% over the same time period.

“Solid demand for data centers, life science labs, and hospitals supported the uptick in nonresidential planning activity last month,” said Associate Director of Forecasting for Dodge Construction Network, Sarah Martin. “While month-to-month trends can be volatile, year-to-date trends show an overall decrease in commercial planning, offset by more institutional projects en...

Dodge Momentum Index sees 6.5% dip due to double-digit decline in institutional planning

2023-09-08T18:11:00-04:00

The August Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) reading dipped 6.5% to 178 from the revised July reading of 190.3. Over the month, the commercial component of the DMI fell 1.6%, and the institutional component saw a double-digit decline of 14.8%.

The notable contraction in the institutional sector was driven by a deceleration in education, healthcare, and amusement planning activity. Stronger hotel planning made up for weaker office activity resulting in a milder drop in the commercial component. Year over year, the DMI remained 4% higher than in August 2022, with the commercial and institutional sectors up 3% and 7%, respectively.

“Overall activity remains above historical norms, but weaker market fundamentals continue to undermine planning growth,” said Associate Director of Forecasting for Dodge Construction Network, Sarah Martin. “It’s likely that the full year of tightening lending standards and high interest rates has begun to affect institutional planning, which has otherwise been resi...

Take a look inside Seoul's National Assembly Communication Building

2023-06-21T13:55:00-04:00

South Korean firm Haeahn Architecture, alongside New York-based H Architecture, has shared a video and photographs of their National Assembly Communication Building project in Seoul, South Korea.

The nearly 255,686-square-foot structure is located inside the National Assembly complex, the home of South Korea’s national legislature.

Image: Namsun Lee

The complex was planned as an open space that reflects a pluralistic ideology, while also staying in touch with the existing components of the site. To meet the needs of multiple user groups, the architects say the building’s design prioritizes flexibility and expandability.

Image: Namsun Lee

The project site was described as a green space surrounded by lush trees. The firms aimed to preserve this identity by making the building low and on a human scale, ensuring its height would not exceed four stories and be set amongst the trees. The rooftop also reflects these surroundings through the featured green zone.

Image: Namsun Lee

The archit...

Dodge Momentum Index builds on 14-year high with slight jump in July figures

2022-08-08T10:00:00-04:00

The Dodge Momentum Index hit a 14-year high in June and recorded another 2.9% increase in July. The index now stands at 178.7, up from June’s figure of 173.6.

“Commercial planning in July was led by an increase in data center, office and warehouse projects, while fewer education and healthcare projects drove the institutional component lower,” the latest report reads. “Compared to July 2021, the Momentum Index was 8%. The commercial component was 15% higher, while the institutional component was 3% lower than a year ago.”

Graphic: Dodge Construction Network

The index mentioned 14 projects carrying values of $100 million or more being recorded in July. Among them, new projects in Sacramento, Miami, and suburban D.C. were the biggest commercial heavy hitters. Three institutional projects, including Blair + Mui Dowd’s $500 million Vanderbilt University Medical Center expansion, also topped the $100 million threshold.

Dodge Construction Network has said it will watch closely to see if t...

Dodge Momentum Index rises an additional 7% in May, indicating secure construction sector amidst uncertain economy

2022-06-08T15:11:00-04:00

The Dodge Momentum Index rose 7% in May to 176.2, up from the revised April reading of 165.2. The institutional component of the Index rose 9% and commercial planning rose 6%.

May’s increase pushed the level of planning above the most recent cyclical high set in November 2021. Last month, commercial planning was led by an increase in office and hotel projects. Institutional developments were driven by an increase in education and healthcare projects entering planning. The Index is 17% higher in May 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, with commercial planning up 24% and institutional planning 8% higher than a year ago.

A total of 19 projects with a value of $100 million or more entered planning in May. The leading commercial projects were the $333 million Bitcoin Mining Facility in Corsicana, Texas and the $300 million Gun Lake Hotel and Resort in Wayland, Michigan. The leading institutional projects were the $250 million Drexel University life sciences building in Philadelphi...

Dodge Momentum Index continues upward trend with 6% increase of nonresidential projects in planning in April

2022-05-06T16:51:00-04:00

The Dodge Momentum Index continues to rise, with a 6% increase in April, taking it to 164.8, up from the revised March reading of 155. Commercial planning rose 9%, while institutional planning moved 2% higher.

This gain in April has moved the Dodge Momentum Index just 5% short of the all-time high set in the fall of 2021. The main driver has been the commercial sector, which has been carried by a growing number of data center, warehouse, and hotel projects in planning. The gain in institutional planning is due to an increase in education, healthcare, and recreation projects. Compared to April 2021, the index is 17% higher in April 2022, with commercial planning up 15% and institutional planning 22% higher.

25 projects with a value of $100 million or more entered planning in April. The leading commercial projects were the $208 million Colo 1 data center in Ashburn, Virginia and the $150 million QTS data center in Fort Worth, Texas. The leading institutional projects were the $300 mi...

Dodge Momentum Index yields another 4% increase in March

2022-04-08T13:43:00-04:00

The Dodge Momentum Index moved up another 4% in March to 166.9 from the revised February reading of 160.3. Last month, commercial planning rose 7%, while institutional planning fell by less than one percent.

Commercial planning in March was just slightly lower than the all-time high set in October 2021. However, this component of the Momentum Index has been much more volatile than institutional planning due to the presence or absence of large projects month-to-month. Compared to March 2021, the overall index was 17% higher in March 2022, with institutional planning up 23% over the year and commercial planning up 14%.

Previously on Archinect: Dodge Momentum Index recovers in February following 3-month stretch of decline

A total of 21 projects with a value of $100 million or more entered planning in March. The leading commercial projects were the $923 million third phase of the Atlas Power data center in Williston, North Dakota, and the $325 million Seaport San Diego Block F in San Di...

Dodge Momentum Index recovers in February following 3-month stretch of decline

2022-03-08T15:37:00-05:00

In February, the Dodge Momentum Index increased 4% to 158.2 from the revised January reading of 151.9, marking a rebound from three consecutive monthly declines that followed a 14-year high in October 2021. Last month, institutional planning rose 9% and commercial planning moved 1% higher.

The Dodge Construction Network attributes much of February’s gain to the sizable jump in the institutional sectors, in which more education and healthcare projects entered planning. Gains in commercial planning are due to office and warehouse projects. Compared to February 2021, the overall Momentum Index was 11% higher during the same time this year. Institutional planning was up 37%, while commercial planning was down 1% on a year-over-year basis.

Previously on Archinect: Dodge Momentum Index continues to fall into January

A total of 22 projects with a value of $100 million or more entered planning in February. The leading institutional projects were a $500 million first phase of the OC Vibe rec...

Dodge Momentum Index continues to fall into January

2022-02-14T13:15:00-05:00

The Dodge Momentum Index has continued to fall in January, yielding a 7% decline to a four-month low of 152.9 from the revised December reading of 163.7. Commercial planning fell 9% and institutional planning fell 1%.

Previously on Archinect: Dodge Momentum Index declines in November, remains near 14-year high

Last year, the Dodge Momentum Index reached levels not seen in nearly 14 years, rising 21% from 2020. The recent stretch of declines has been attributed to rising costs, logistical problems, and skilled labor shortages. However, despite this decrease, the dollar value of projects in planning remains strong, especially for education, warehouse, and healthcare projects.

January 2022 Dodge Momentum Index. Graphic: Dodge Construction Network

A total of 13 projects with a value of $100 million or more entered planning in January. The leading institutional projects were a $400 million hospital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and the $320 million Ascension Seton Medical Tower in Austin, Texas....

Dodge Momentum Index declines in November, remains near 14-year high

2021-12-10T13:53:00-05:00

The latest edition of the Dodge Momentum Index indicates a 4% decrease in November from October. Commercial planning fell 8% while institutional planning moved 5% higher.

The value of nonresidential building projects continues to move in a sawtooth pattern, in which month-by-month measures alternate between gains and losses. Despite this, the Momentum Index remains near a 14-year high. As reported in Dodge Construction Network’s newest release, the index was 44% higher in November 2021 compared to November 2020. In addition, the commercial planning component was 45% higher and institutional planning was 41% higher.

Previously on Archinect: Non-residential projects in planning are at a 14-year high, according to new analysis

Since the start of the pandemic, nonresidential building projects entering planning have been more volatile, which is likely due to higher prices and shortage of labor.

A total of 10 projects with a value of $100 million or more entered planning in November. Th...

Non-residential projects in planning are at a 14-year high, according to new analysis

2021-11-08T11:50:00-05:00

Non-residential building projects entering planning stage across the United States are showing strong signs of recovery, according to data from Dodge Construction Network. The latest iteration of the Dodge Momentum Index notes a 10% increase in non-residential building projects in planning through October 2021, breaking down into a 14% rise in commercial project planning, and a 3% rise in institutional project planning.

Following poor levels of activity throughout the summer of 2021, the value of non-residential building projects entering planning stage has now surged to the highest level in 14 years in the Dodge Momentum Index. The index is now 47% higher than this time last year, with commercial planning sitting 59% higher, and institutional planning 26% higher. Dodge believes the increases are being driven by higher planning activity for warehouses, offices, and healthcare structures.

Non-residential projects in planning are at their highest point in nearly 14 years on the Dod...

CDC to build nation's "most advanced" infectious disease lab in Atlanta

2020-07-01T13:00:00-04:00

A new 160,000-square-foot High Containment Continuity Laboratory (HCCL) facility is heading to Atlanta, where the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is planning to construction the nation's most advanced infectious disease research center.

According to Building Design + Construction, the new, facility will be part of the CDC’s 2025 Masterplan at the Roybal Campus in Atlanta. The multi-story research building will increase the CDC’s research capacity to sustain its diagnostic mission and will support its public health mission by helping communities prepare for, detect, and respond to consequences of public health hazards. The HCCL building will be a Biosafety Level-4 (BSL-4) facility and accommodate approximately 80 laboratory researchers.

The CDC has selected Flad Architects, Page Southerland Page, and WSP to design the HCCL building. McCarthy Building Companies will function as Construction Manager as constructor (CMc).

NEH announces $13.2 million in grants for cultural infrastructure

2018-08-10T18:04:00-04:00

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has just announced $13.2 million in grants for cultural infrastructure. 29 U.S. cultural institutions were awarded with matching grants including libraries, museums, archives, colleges, universities, historic sites, scholarly associations, and other cultural institutions which build institutional capacity for long-term sustainability. The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation was among those awarded, receiving a grant of $576,106.

OMA's first scientific building, Lab City, to open in September

2017-08-31T14:58:00-04:00

OMA’s first scientific building—laboratory and engineering school, Lab City CentraleSupélec in Paris Saclay, has been completed and will open to students this September.

The university, which is now one of the most prestigious French grandes écoles specialized in engineering, was formed in 2015 by a merger between Ecole Centrale Paris and Supélec. CentraleSupélec's new building is part of a 22ha campus located at the heart of the future district Joliot-Curie, for which OMA has developed the masterplan, placing the university alongside research institutes and major tech companies.

Photograph by Vitor Oliveira, Courtesy of OMA

The public areas of the school are treated as urban tissue—streets, terraces and center square are fully day-lit through a large translucent roof. Grided independent blocks house laboratories and classrooms, and as they increase in height, their roof terraces provide open workspaces for students and views to the heart of the structure.

Photograph by Philippe Ru...

The Berggruen Institute unveils Herzog & de Meuron's masterplan for new Scholars' Campus in L.A.

2017-08-24T14:20:00-04:00

Plans for The Berggruen Institute's new Scholars' Campus in Los Angeles are shaping up. Most recently, the Institute unveiled the project masterplan designed by Herzog & de Meuron, who is working in collaboration with Michel Desvigne Paysagiste and Inessa Hansch Architecte, and executive architect Gensler.

Atop the Santa Monica Mountains, the linear masterplan aims to respond to the Institute's desire to respect and restore the landscape of its 447-acre site, as well as create a private educational forum for top scholars and thought leaders to interact. The plan also calls for preserving approximately 415 of the 447 acres for open space.

The main feature of the plan is a horizontal, rectangular building dubbed as the Frame, which, from afar, appears to float above the site. Hovering at 12 feet above the ground, the single-story Frame contains a large, central courtyard garden that shows off views of the surrounding landscape. Inside, the bu...

A helping hand: Glasgow School of Art receives detailed Mackintosh Building sketches from Ph.D. alumnus, as restoration plan progresses

2015-09-08T18:40:00-04:00

Prospects look promising right now for the Glasgow School of Art as their plan to restore the historic Mackintosh Building from a devastating fire last May pieces itself together. After months of debate about whether to restore or replace the Mackintosh, locally based Page\Park Architects won the competition to work with the school in restoring the structure this past March.

Most recently, the GSA received a gift of 22 architectural drawings of the Mackintosh Building, meticulously drawn and donated by Professor George Cairns from the QUT Business School in Brisbane. They're considered to be the most comprehensive drawings of the building in existence.

George Cairns' drawing of the East Wing Staircase.

Perhaps this was a stroke of luck for the school. Cairns first created the drawings while working toward his Ph.D. at GSA's Mackintosh School of Architecture during the early 1990s. The A1-size drawings, which are mostly drawn at a 1:100 scale, depict the Mackintosh as it was completed i...

Increasing demand for education, healthcare, and government buildings bolsters Architectural Billings Index

2015-07-22T13:33:00-04:00

According to the AIA, while the demand for multi-family housing has slowed, many other design sectors, especially those related to institutional facilities, have prompted a significant increase in the architectural billings index, from 51.9 in May to 55.7 in June. To provide perspective, the meaning of these figures is based on a median of 50.

A figure below 50 indicates a decline in average billings, while a figure above is a sign of expansion. The rapid uptick is echoed in the new projects inquiry index, which has currently rocketed to 63.4, up from 61.1 in May. Regionally, the Midwest is currently the hottest place for growth, with an average of 57.2, while the Northeast is trending gently upward with an ABI of 50.4.