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How to select parking bollards to increase driver awareness and pedestrian safety
October 16, 2019
Despite being so necessary and ubiquitous in our communities, we design parking lots for their utilitarian function—building them for capacity instead of safety and aesthetics. Rarely do they receive the attention given to building interiors and facades. Effective parking lot design takes into account pedestrian safety, as well as efficient vehicle storage—which can be a rarity in many North American cities. In this post, we’ll look at a range of bollard-style barriers to help ensure optimal vehicle and pedestrian flow.
PLAZA Large-Format Acoustic Panels are changing the rules of metal ceilings in a BIG way. Monolithic look, #acoustic performance, easy installation, and best of all — long-term stability.
October 14, 2019
Monolithic look, acoustic performance, easy installation, and best of all - long-term stability. Plaza large-format acoustic panels by Hunter Douglas Ceilings & Walls are engineered with a lightweight perforated aluminum construction and an innovative honeycomb core, so panels remain ultra-flat.
RF Waves and Shielding for MRI Applications
October 9, 2019
Previous posts that I have written have mostly dealt with shielding gamma and neutron radiation, however there are other forms of radiation that should be shielded in certain situation. Radio Frequency (RF) waves are a form of electromagnetic waves produced by electronic devices and networks such as cell phones or radio towers. These waves can cause interference with other sensitive electronic devices. RF and electromagnetic waves can be shielded by enclosing an area with conductive material and electronically grounding the shield. This is also commonly known as a Faraday Cage. The effectiveness of the shield will depend on the material used, thickness of the material, and what frequency the waves that need to shield are.
Sustainable architecture: how to help prevent bird strikes
October 7, 2019
The statistics sound like something from an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Every year in the United States, more than one billion birds die flying into buildings. Yes, one billion. In fact, one of every ten adult breeding birds succumb in this manner, and because 100 eggs are usually needed to produce one adult breeding bird, that’s like losing 100 birds each time one adult breeding strikes a building.
The Daylighting Difference: Biophilic Design
October 4, 2019
In an urban age when most waking hours are spent indoors, Biophilic design strives to satisfy the innate human tendency to hunt for and associate with the natural ingredients for human health and survival. People have evolved to instinctively associate with the natural features and processes that, though no longer as relevant to survival, contribute to their livelihood and well-being – and few things were and continue to be as integral to human health as the sun. The sun a source of both light and warmth, we have become biologically encoded to seek out its rays; and more than that, our body also relies on the sun to stimulate Vitamin D production and regulate the body’s daily rhythms.
Boon Edam’s just-released security survey highlights the impact and challenges of tailgating
October 2, 2019
Boon Edam Inc., a global leader in security entrances and architectural revolving doors, announced the results of a recent survey regarding the risks and security threats associated with tailgating. A majority of the respondents, made up of security professionals, believe that tailgating remains a critical threat and does not seem to be abating.
Dark Sky Compliance
September 30, 2019
Protect and preserve the night time environment and minimize light pollution. Many municipalities and local communities have been working to help reduce the amount of light pollution by encouraging the use of dark-sky compliant lighting fixtures. Many of TerraCast ® Products' lighting fixtures have the dark-sky compliant options!
CEU: Ceiling that perform - how decorative ceilings tiles can do so much more than look beautiful
September 27, 2019
If there’s one topic that’s resonating across the interior design industry right now, it’s acoustics. With the open office plan firmly established as the go-to approach to workplace design, people are waking up to the fact that acoustics and privacy were often overlooked or not addressed comprehensively enough. This CEU will explore various characteristics and benefits of decorative ceilings that specifiers should (re)consider for their next commercial interiors projects, including acoustical properties, durability, sustainability, aesthetics and historic renovations.
Terracotta Rainscreen Facades give Durham County Human Services Complex an urban presence
September 25, 2019
The Durham County Human Services Complex in Durham, NC is designed as a courtyard building using Terracotta Rainscreen Facades to give the building an urban presence while the internalized courtyard is a hidden gem within the urban setting.
Preventative maintenance for smoke and fire curtains
September 23, 2019
Smoke and fire curtains are a critical component of any fire and life safety system, but since they’re generally out of sight during normal day-to-day operations, it can be easy for them to become out of mind. However, in the event of an emergency, you need to know that they are going to work. Not to mention, maintaining and showing documentation of testing may be required by local fire departments and insurance providers.
Linetec adds Bordeaux Anodize to its palette of architectural aluminum finish options
September 20, 2019
Linetec continues to grow its expansive palette with the introduction of Bordeaux Anodize. This new color is available as another of Linetec’s proprietary finishes for architectural aluminum products. As the name describes, the hue leans toward rich burgundy tones and is created using organic tin and copper metals in the anodizing process. “Architects appreciate this unique, bold, earthy finish for a wide range of projects: from eye-catching modern designs to historic restoration projects,” said Linetec’s marketing manager Tammy Schroeder, LEED® Green Associate.
Techstyle® Ceilings: redefining what's possible
September 18, 2019
One panel structure with thousands of design possibilities. There’s more to Techstyle than typical wall-to-wall grid installations. A full range of trim products enables the same basic panel structure to take on countless creative forms.
11 Shower remodeling mistakes you don't want to make
September 16, 2019
This article gives you practical shower remodeling tips to reduce mistakes to save you time, money and aggravation. So, let’s look at 11 shower remodeling mistakes you don’t need to make.
Cellulose Fiberboard – how does it REALLY measure up against Maxxon's Gyp-Crete®?
September 13, 2019
Cost has long been a deciding factor for decision makers in the construction industry. Many gypsum underlayment system alternatives, including fiberboard systems, boast a lower price point, but how do they really measure up?
Tuffline - the entrance systems that are tougher than all the rest
September 11, 2019
When it comes to sports, athletes and fans are tough. Our 350/500 Tuffline™ Entrances are a complete system of door, frame, and hardware, designed and engineered to create total performance for stadiums, arenas, and more. Heavy traffic? Totally tough!
Pathway Illuminance: Hard-Wired vs. Solar Bollard Light Fixtures
September 9, 2019
Considerations when installing outdoor bollard lights. Bollard lights are short posts that provide landscape lighting along pathways and other outdoor locations. They offer safety for pedestrians and accentuate the beauty of a site. Light bollards are useful where lamp standards would be impractical or undesirable. Their low profile minimizes light pollution while preventing accidents by illuminating people and pathways.
Is glass going out of style?
September 6, 2019
Glass has been used as the portal to the outdoors for centuries. But times are changing.
In a world where we are becoming more aware of the environmental effects of structures and people’s changing needs, architects and other industry professionals are concerned that glass no longer adequately addresses these key building factors:
- Daylighting
- Energy Efficiency
- Aesthetics
- Safety & Privacy
The daylighting difference: student health & learning
September 4, 2019
Children need sunlight; and because most children and adolescents spend the majority of their daylight hours in school, it’s important that students have access to sunlight by incorporating daylighting systems into classroom design. Exposure to natural light not only contributes to a student’s physical well-being by boosting their daily intake of Vitamin D, but also enriches their mental health by regulating the Circadian Rhythm and the release of influential hormones that, for adolescents in particular, can be difficult to manage on their own. Studies show these students sleep better, think more positively, concentrate longer, and miss fewer days of school due to illness. Studies also show that happier, healthier children perform better academically; and by diffusing daylight through halls and classrooms, schools can improve test scores, support student well-being, reallocate saved energy costs for school supplies and other needs, and promote sustainability.
New ACOUSTIBuilt™ Seamless Ceilings from Armstrong look like drywall, perform like an acoustical ceiling
September 2, 2019
New seamless ceiling provides performance benefits of both Armstrong® Total Acoustics® and Sustain® portfolios.
Elevated designs begin with the best paint
August 30, 2019
Lay the foundation for refined design by using the right paint for your project. As a design professional, you are particular about every aspect of your project. The space speaks to you, and you develop just the right combination of form, texture and light by choosing the right furniture, linens and light fixtures. Color comes into play as you create a symphony of sorts, directing all of the elements in your design to work together.