Ed #3 ‘Normal’ published an excerpt from Ignacio G. Galán’s Interview with Jim LeBrecht about the recently released documentary, 'Crip Camp' exploring his experience at Camp Jened, a summer camp for people with disabilities aka a "crip camp" not a "straight camp". These issues are personal... View full entry
After a months-long investigation, OSHA has cited and fined 11 firms in connection with the October 2019 partial collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans. The agency has proposed fines totaling $315,536, and all companies have 15 days to contest the monetary fines and citations. — Construction Dive
According to Construction Dive, the following firms have been cited by OSHA: Heaslip Engineering LLC drew the largest fine, $154,214, and the only willful citation among the group. Suncoast Projects LLC, dba Hub Steel, based in Groveland, Florida, had the second-highest total... View full entry
The UAE has officially proposed that the World Expo 2020 Dubai be moved. They have put forward a potential start date of October 1, 2021, in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
The request was made in a letter addressed to Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, secretary general of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).
— Esquire Middle East
After hinting at a potential one-year delay of the Expo 2020 Dubai last week in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE government has now reportedly proposed the new start date of October 1, 2021 and end date of March 31, 2022. The Bureau International des Expositions confirmed that it... View full entry
One developer who spoke anonymously to discuss a sensitive issue, said he was uncomfortable requiring construction workers to leave their homes and come to sites that can be crowded and unsanitary. Others are trying to strike a balance between business interests, housing needs and public health. — The New York Times
The New York Times reporter C. J.Hughes surveys how a recent executive order calling for a halt in most construction projects from New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo has been interpreted across project sites in New York City. The order carves out exceptions for “essential” building... View full entry
Sarah M. Whiting, the new dean at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, has announced that she will be stepping back from her administrative duties temporarily in order to undergo cancer treatment. Previously on Archinect: “Deans List: Sarah Whiting on Taking The Helm of... View full entry
The American Institute of Architects Los Angeles (AIA |LA) chapter has been asked by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to aid the city in its efforts to expand the growing #OperationPPE initiative that has taken root in the city. Initiated by a team led by University of Southern California... View full entry
The president of the Royal Institute of British Architects has stepped down after an undisclosed “serious incident” prompted an investigation by the Charity Commission.
Alan Jones emailed members of the institute’s governing council to say that a "matter had arisen in his personal life” and that he needed to "take some time out." He added that he was "grateful for the strong support I have from my wife and family."
— The Times
A serious incident, according to the Charity Commission, The Times reports, is one that could cause harm to a charity's beneficiaries, staff, volunteers or others. It involves a loss of money or assets, or damage to property, or can even cause harm to the charity's work or reputation. View full entry
In case you haven't checked out Archinect's Pinterest boards in a while, we have compiled ten recently pinned images from outstanding projects on various Archinect Firm and People profiles. (Tip: use the handy FOLLOW feature to easily keep up-to-date with all your favorite Archinect profiles.)... View full entry
Toronto-based LuxMea Studio has combined artificial intelligence (AI), computational design, and 3D printing to develop the Nuo 3D Mask. The mask is custom tailored to each user with the help of AI to fit any head shape. On its Kickstarter page, the team writes: "[We] started to wonder, what if... View full entry
Architecture firms Weber Thompson of Seattle and MZA of Bellevue are helping supply face shields and goggles to fight the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic locally.
Over a two-week period, Weber Thompson plans to print 100 bands — the rigid plastic piece to which the clear face shield attaches to protect the wearer. The bands will be delivered to Seattle Makers, which will attach them and distribute the shields.
— Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce
According to the Seattle DJC, the group's goal is to provide 5,000 shields for "local hospitals, essential businesses and facilities, homeless shelter workers, and others fighting COVID-19. Weber Thompson is using their 3D printer to create the bands for the face shields, each takes... View full entry
California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued renewed guidance instructing that the state’s construction sites can remain open for the time being as long as social distancing guidelines are being followed. Politico reports that Newsom reiterated his intention to keep the state’s... View full entry
Across the country, design communities have mobilized to assist in the effort to fill supply gaps in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers operating on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, Archinect reported on efforts at Princeton, Cornell, and... View full entry
The latest International Construction Cost Index has just been released, and the top spots don't really come as a big surprise: London, New York, Hong Kong, Geneva, and San Francisco are the planet's most expensive cities for construction. Compiled by design and consultancy organization Arcadis... View full entry
Work on the giant Battersea Power Station redevelopment site will not restart until the end of April at the earliest.
Construction was paused last week on the scheme where Mace and Sir Robert McAlpine are main contractors on phase two and three.
But an update from Battersea Power Station Development Company boss Simon Murphy has clarified the client’s position.
— Construction Enquirer
As COVID-19 health precautions are being tightened in the UK, London's in-progress Battersea Power Station megadevelopment also just extended its temporary site closure through the end of April. The delay impacts construction progress on the $11 billion project master-planned by Rafael... View full entry
One Los Angeles city councilman, now out of office, admitted last week that he accepted envelopes of cash from a businessman in casino bathrooms. [...]
Yet another council member allegedly sought a $500,000 cash bribe from a real estate developer, according to a plea deal struck between federal investigators and a political fundraiser who admitted collecting much of the money in a paper bag.
— Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times reporters David Zahniser and Emily Alpert Reyes shed light on the growing number of municipal corruption scandals in Los Angeles. A probe by the Federal Bureau of Investigations has revealed the degree to which real estate development plays a role in feeding “pay-to-play”... View full entry
