Construction
Rob McManamy
DEWALT shifts to solve jobsite WiFi woes

Yesterday, DEWALT, accompanied by Procore, announced their new WiFi Mesh, which promises to increase wireless connectivity on the jobsite. We talked to two DEWALT executives about the new product — here's what they had to say.

DEWALT shifts to solve jobsite WiFi woes
Architecture + Design
Rob McManamy
Data-driven design propelling collaboration

"Data-driven design" suggests an impersonal, robotic process that replaces human creativity with cold numbers. But at our latest BuildIdeas Breakfast, we learned from IBM Watson and Detroit Mercy Hospital that it can mean greater customer satisfaction.

Data-driven design propelling collaboration
Business
Rob McManamy
Hawaii, Vermont, RI see clean energy surge

Despite wavering venture investment, the clean energy market is still growing from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Here, the annual Clean Energy Trust Challenge gives us a welcome opportunity to check in on multiple, vibrant efforts to implement power innovation.

Hawaii, Vermont, RI see clean energy surge
Cities
Rob McManamy
Cities, data drive BW Summit conversations

If cities will yield the richest data upon which tomorrow's most consequential decisions will be based, then it is no surprise they were a recurring topic at last week's BuiltWorlds Summit. To see some of the actionable insights that were shared, read on.

Cities, data drive BW Summit conversations
Architecture + Design
Rob McManamy
Obamas unveil Presidential Center design

Just days after the former First Lady urged architects not to neglect inner cities, she and her husband came home to Chicago this week to reveal their vision for a $500-million community hub that they hope will reinvigorate a long-struggling community.   

Obamas unveil Presidential Center design

VOA

Still Shopping, Stantec adds MWH Global

Still Shopping, Stantec adds MWH Global

For Canada's highly acquistive Stantec, perhaps the 115th time will be the charm. Last week, just a month after announcing plans to acquire Chicago architect VOA, the Edmonton, Alberta-based giant has made an even bigger splash in the global water market.

4D Modeling Guides Residence Hall Enclosure

4D Modeling Guides Residence Hall Enclosure

A high-profile design-build residence hall at the University of Chicago is on schedule for students to move in this summer, thanks in part to the daily use of 4D modeling throughout the project. Mortenson's Joel Sandridge tracks the progress.

Growing Its U.S. footprint, Stantec adds VOA

Growing Its U.S. footprint, Stantec adds VOA

One of Chicago's AEC icons may soon vanish, at least in name. In a bid to bolster its U.S. building practice, Canadian design giant Stantec has announced plans to acquire architect VOA, a firm recently on a roll with prominent local projects.

, ,

With latest vote, force now strong behind Lucas Museum

, ,
With latest vote, force now strong behind Lucas Museum

The Force apparently is now with the proposed Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Chicago, where a City Council vote has put the controversial, $400-million, privately funded lakefront project on track to break ground next spring. 

Time is now for Urban Eco-Systems activism, says expert panel

Time is now for Urban Eco-Systems activism, says expert panel

At the latest SmartWorlds "salon", our trio of top advisors took the stage together for the first time, sparking a fascinating discussion of cities' place in Nature. They also urged us all to BE the change we want to see. 

, ,

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in faux urban style

, ,
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in faux urban style

At least in Florida, the simulated city is the new place to be. But its manufactured urban vitality shows only the best of what cities have to offer. VOA's Richard Reep suggests that may be enough to satisfy many tourists.

,

Chicago team wins CIRT-ACE Mentor Nationals

,
Chicago team wins CIRT-ACE Mentor Nationals

Earlier this week, the Construction Industry Round Table hosted presentations from the three finalist high school teams at the 9th Annual CIRT-ACE Mentor Program National Design Competition in Washington DC. Mentored by VOA, Chicago's Team #1 emerged the winner. Here are the details.

Bio-what? Biophilia's impact on architecture and design

Bio-what? Biophilia's impact on architecture and design

It's Earth Week, so what better time to look at how biophilia is influencing design? No, not Bjork's last album. Biophilia is the love of life, so it rests on the notion that humans innately respond positively to nature and the outdoors. Yet we spend 90% of our time indoors. VOA's Susan Heinking suggests how the built environment can help.

Google+ Google+