Letters

Regarding "Industry workhorses keep the lead" [BD&C, November, p. 36], much of the text highlights a message being touted by AISC about steel frames in the multistory residential market without equal weight to the dominant structural system preferred throughout the U.S. Concrete towers are going up in droves. The reasons for this continued dominance go beyond what is described in the article. For instance, a concrete frame structure does not require awkward story-high trusses to achieve low floor-to-floor heights.

A flat-plate concrete frame allows complete open flexibility for plenum concerns, since there are no joists or beams to interfere. In addition, both exterior and interior surfaces of the structure often double as finish surfaces. There are also characteristics of a concrete frame that are very important to residents of these buildings.

A concrete frame provides the security of an inherently fire-resistant material, while providing the comfort of superior vibration control and sound isolation. Here in California, we have seen a tremendous growth in high-rise residential cast-in-place concrete structures. A completely monolithic structural frame is an additional comfort for these residents and building owners.

Thomas Tietz, AIA, Western Regional Manager Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, Brea, Calif.

Editor's note: The article covered advances in steel, concrete, and other materials.

I found myself smiling wryly at some of your observations ["Three keys to successful projects," BD&C, November, p. 5] — especially about feeling so confident, yet so "wet behind the ears" right out of school; the vital role played by a good mentor; and the new reality of how important a savvy client (in this case, Arlington County, Va.) can be.

The mass exodus of talent in built-environment industries has begun, and fewer people are entering these fields than are leaving them. In that environment, mentors become much more important. Who will they be? Where will they be to turn to when more "whippersnappers" enter the field, discover themselves in deep water (or red ink), and need help — in a much less forgiving environment than [in the early 70s]?

I'd also love to see [more] about how much value a savvy client brings to a project. I've mentioned this several times over drinks during happy hour at various conferences and shows, and there is always a chorus of knowing looks and nods. We all know intuitively that really good clients are not just great to work with, they make us (and themselves) money. Isn't it about time that someone other than the star shops (celebrity firms) knew that?

Larry Vanderburgh, Director of Training & Instruction BOMI Institute Arnold, Md.

Of the three "lessons" you cite , the first is the most compelling. The combination of mixed use at a transit station is a blockbuster planning solution. Alone, either one is powerful; combined, [they are] unmatchable for reducing sprawl, road congestion, and commuting costs, and for encouraging [cluster] development, alternatives to automobile use, and joint use of infrastructure.

Preston H. Haskell, Chairman, The Haskell Co. Jacksonville, Fla.

It's a great story to revisit an old project after so many years and find that it is not only a success, but also relevant to today's environment. There are many cities facing the same issues, and your editorial provides a good background for better understanding of how to get things done through collaborative teamwork. I think you are right on target.

Larry D. Self, FAIA , Vice Chairman Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum St. Louis

The editorial is right on target. As you know, the Pentagon Renovation Program's approach to project delivery is the Integrated Project Team approach (you use the term Building Team), with our multi-discipline execution team, the prime contractor, tenants, local/state government members, and anyone else necessary to make decisions and solve problems real time residing in the same construction trailer.

The benefits and payback have been tremendous in allowing us to deliver per our charter of being on cost (usually under cost), on schedule, and (in the case of renovating the Pentagon) built for the next 50 years.

Michael R Sullivan, Acting Program Manager Pentagon Renovation Program Arlington, Va.

Excellent editorial. It tells the story simply and directly. Also, it is the future. There is no more suburbia. We will be living in either a rural or urban environment. Mixed use has always been the answer, but we need good planning, design, and legislation to accomplish this.

Barry Bannett, AIA, CEO The Bannett Group Cherry Hill, N.J.