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The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) has published a 65-page document containing a wealth of tools, tips, and resources aimed at architecture students. The “Digital Resources” tool was compiled by the AIAS Design and Technology Task Force, and is described as “a tool for... View full entry
This post is brought to you by Microsol Resources On April 14, 2021, Microsol Resources is doing a spotlight on the latest innovations in construction and design at TECH Perspectives. This is a continuation of our TECH Perspectives conferences and now hosted online and brings together thought... View full entry
While the concept of space tourism may sound ludicrous, plans to launch people into space as a vacation vs. a vocation are well underway.
Orbital Assembly, a large space construction company, announced this year in a virtual event on its YouTube channel that it was on track to begin construction on the world’s (er, galaxy’s) first space hotel by 2026 [...].
— The Washington Post
Scale comparison between the planned Voyager Space Station (200 meters/656 feet in overall diameter) and the existing International Space Station (73 meters/240 feet long and 109 meters/358 feet wide). Image courtesy of Orbital Assembly. View full entry
Clubhouse is a new invite-only audio-chat social networking application. The company describes its platform as a place "where people around the world come together to talk, listen and learn from each other in real-time." It has been exploding recently. Elon Musk popped into this comedy show... View full entry
Richard Branson's Virgin Hyperloop endeavor appears to be picking up some momentum with recent announcements of the first human passenger test and plans for a $500 million Hyperloop Certification Center in West Virginia. Now the company unveiled a new concept video that adds a bit more visual... View full entry
Universal Studios Japan plans to open its $580 million Nintendo attraction on Feb. 4, finally debuting a long-delayed effort to introduce Mario and other beloved characters to real-world theme park visitors.
Super Nintendo World, built on the existing Universal Studios Japan site, is envisioned as a life-sized replica of Nintendo Co.’s most popular games with rides, shops and walk-through activities.
— Bloomberg
Bloomberg reports that a Mario Kart ride inside a recreation of Bowser's Castle would be one of Super Nintendo World's first attractions. Image courtesy of Nintendo. The ambitious half-billion dollar theme park was originally scheduled to open last summer, but the global coronavirus outbreak... View full entry
Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) researcher Junyong Zhu in co-collaboration with colleagues from the University of Maryland and University of Colorado, have developed a transparent wood material that may be the window of tomorrow. Researchers found that transparent wood has the potential to outperform glass currently used in construction. — USDA Forest Service
The abstract of the researchers' paper A Clear, Strong, and Thermally Insulated Transparent Wood for Energy Efficient Windows points out that besides its energy-efficient qualities, transparent wood is a "sustainable material, with low carbon emissions and scaling capabilities due to its... View full entry
While Nevada's slow election vote counting has inspired countless memes over the weekend, a new speed milestone was reached in the state when humans successfully traveled in a hyperloop pod for the first time. Promotional video of the first hyperloop passenger test. Video via Virgin Hyperloop on... View full entry
Icon, an Austin, Texas-based developer of construction technologies, received funding to research and develop a space-based construction system that could support future exploration of the moon. It has engaged two architecture firms as partners for the project: Denmark-based BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group and New York City-based SEArch+. — Construction Dive
Related on Archinect: Construction tech developer ICON secures $35M in funding, BIG among investors View full entry
In most recent years, architecture & design firms have invested more and more money into technology. Though the consensus amongst the industry is that these investments are necessary, questions often arise: Am I do I making good use of my investment? How do I measure ROI? And certainly, how do I... View full entry
Virgin Hyperloop One announced its plan to build a $500 million certification center to advance its vision of the future of high-speed transportation in West Virginia. The state will serve as a locus for testing, developing, and validating the technology that underpins the still-theoretical hyperloop system. — The Verge
In a statement, Richard Branson's company Virgin Hyperloop expressed hope that the new West Virginia Hyperloop Certification Center, combined with unusual bipartisan political momentum, "will pave the way for the certification of hyperloop systems in the US and around the world — the first... View full entry
A study conducted by Javier Fernandez and colleagues from Singapore University of Technology and Design provides research that the bioinspired material, chitin, would be a viable building material for Mars inhabitation and tool production. Fernandez shares with Universe... View full entry
According to Infrastructure, Technology and Mayors' Priorities for confronting a Health, Economic and Societal Crisis, a new U.S. conference of Mayors (USCM) study conducted in partnership with Siemens USA by The Harris Poll, the majority of mayors believe that investing in infrastructure is... View full entry
Walkable Plans is a Pittsburg-based "floor plan projection center" that allows users to project their architectural designs unto the company's facility floor. The 1:1 scale projection enables designers and their clients to review designs at full size, providing a more immersive design experience. View full entry
PLP Architecture is designing a new "smart headquarters" for Yandex, the Russian tech qiant, in the Gagarinsky District of Moscow. The 170,000-square-meter campus will enable staff to have a singular space for work, recreation, and inspiration, according to the architects. The titanium-clad... View full entry
