Final inspection reveals nearly 900 defects at Scottish Parliament building. Edinburgh's much-celebrated Scottish Parliament building (it won the 10th annual RIBA Stirling prize, the U.K.'s highest architecture award), designed by the late Enric Miralles, was found riddled with design and construction errors when parliament officials conducted a final inspection last month. A leak in the underground parking garage and a loose roof beam in the debating chamber are among 890 defects cited in the inspection report.
Sheet metal is shining, thanks to Gehry influence. The sheet metal market has expanded rapidly, growing 9.7% a year, on average, from 2002 to 2005, when manufacturers chalked up $15 billion in sales to contractors and other customers. Some say the metallic vision of L.A. architect Frank Gehry is partially responsible.
The number of SECB-certified structural engineers reaches 960. In less than two years since its creation, the Structural Engineers Certification Board has certified nearly 1,000 structural engineers nationwide. The SECB was formed by members of several trade groups, including the National Council of Structural Engineers Association, to meet the need for continuing education and qualification in states that do not require licensure for structural engineers. Currently, only 10 states have licensing programs.
