AIA report: Greater collaboration, stiffer competition among top trends in architecture

Developed in conjunction with the Greenway Group, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has made the AIA Foresight Report available for free download to AIA members at AIA National Convention and Design Exposition – June 20th through 22nd.

The 34-page report highlights key trends in the architecture marketplace and their impact on business and growth. It is intended to provide original research that applies to the current and future practice of architecture focusing on the areas of sustainability, advances in building performance, changes in project delivery and the evolution of technology.

Key findings include:

Stiffer competition in the design services marketplace is here to stay due to recession pressure
New markets and a growing base of talent for the A/E/C industry due to the rise of emerging economies, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa
Greater collaboration among design, engineering and construction disciplines
Increasing push for measuring the effect and benefit of design strategies and providing building performance data
Rise in alternative and complementary services being offered by architecture firms
Strong market for green products and design

Available as a free digital download for AIA Members, the AIA Foresight Report will also be available for purchase by non-members, firms, and clients as digital files for $24.99 and print files for $34.99. Download or purchase the report at http://www.aia.org/practicing/AIAB099351.

About The American Institute of Architects

Founded in 1857, members of the American Institute of Architects consistently work to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public well-being. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders, and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

The average age of a main instructional school building in the United States is 49 years, according to a survey by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). About 38% of schools were built before 1970. Roughly half of the schools surveyed have undergone a major building renovation or addition.

MFPRO+ Research | Feb 28, 2024

New download: BD+C's 2023 Multifamily Amenities report

New research from Building Design+Construction and Multifamily Pro+ highlights the 127 top amenities that developers, property owners, architects, contractors, and builders are providing in today’s apartment, condominium, student housing, and senior living communities.

The Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) in Virginia Beach, Va., used LIDAR and BIM technology to develop precise building and equipment data for a planned expansion of its Central Environmental Laboratory. Photo courtesy CDM Smith

AEC Tech | Feb 28, 2024

How to harness LIDAR and BIM technology for precise building data, equipment needs

By following the Scan to Point Cloud + Point Cloud to BIM process, organizations can leverage the power of LIDAR and BIM technology at the same time. This optimizes the documentation of existing building conditions, functions, and equipment needs as a current condition and as a starting point for future physical plant expansion projects.

Data Centers | Feb 28, 2024

What’s next for data center design in 2024

Nuclear power, direct-to-chip liquid cooling, and data centers as learning destinations are among the emerging design trends in the data center sector, according to Scott Hays, Sector Leader, Sustainable Design, with HED.

Windows and Doors | Feb 28, 2024

DOE launches $2 million prize to advance cost-effective, energy-efficient commercial windows

The U.S. Department of Energy launched the American-Made Building Envelope Innovation Prize—Secondary Glazing Systems. The program will offer up to $2 million to encourage production of high-performance, cost-effective commercial windows.

AEC Innovators | Feb 28, 2024

How Suffolk Construction identifies ConTech and PropTech startups for investment, adoption

Contractor giant Suffolk Construction has invested in 27 ConTech and PropTech companies since 2019 through its Suffolk Technologies venture capital firm. Parker Mundt, Suffolk Technologies’ Vice President–Platforms, recently spoke with Building Design+Construction about his company’s investment strategy.

View of the Colburn Center at the Colburn School from Hill Street and 2nd Street intersection. Courtesy Frank O. Gehry & Gehry Partners, LLP

Performing Arts Centers | Feb 27, 2024

Frank Gehry-designed expansion of the Colburn School performing arts center set to break ground

In April, the Colburn School, an institute for music and dance education and performance, will break ground on a 100,000-sf expansion designed by architect Frank Gehry. Located in downtown Los Angeles, the performing arts center will join the neighboring Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Grand by Gehry, forming the largest concentration of Gehry-designed buildings in the world.

Gordian’s Q1 2024 Quarterly Construction Cost Insights Report

Construction Costs | Feb 27, 2024

Experts see construction material prices stabilizing in 2024

Gordian’s Q1 2024 Quarterly Construction Cost Insights Report brings good news: Although there are some materials whose prices have continued to show volatility, costs at a macro level are returning to a level of stability, suggesting predictable historical price escalation factors.