Environmental studies building highlights sustainability in every design element

It makes sense that a building dedicated to environmental studies would focus on sustainability as much as the new Center for Environmental Studies at Bishop O’Dowd high school does. The 5,500-sf laboratory, designed by Siegel & Strain, includes two laboratory classroom spaces that expand onto a large outdoor patio overlooking San Francisco Bay.

The LEED Platinum and Zero Net Energy Verified building minimizes energy use via its site orientation. South-facing clerestory windows are protected from unwanted solar gain by a deep overhang. A large porch shades the west end of the building and wraps around the structure to the north to cover the outdoor classroom.

Interior shot of the environmental studies building at Bishop O'Dowd high school David Wakely.

A 4,300-gallon cistern that collects rainwater for toilet flushing and irrigation and low-flow water fixtures have reduced potable water by 60% over baseline water usage. The building materials used were natural, non-toxic, renewable, and recycled.

National nonresidential construction spending increased 0.1% in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. Spending is up 18% over the past 12 months. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.07 trillion in June.

K-12 Schools | Jul 31, 2023

Austin’s new Rosedale School serves students with special needs aged 3 to 22

In Austin, the Rosedale School has opened for students with special needs aged 3 to 22. The new facility features sensory rooms, fully accessible playgrounds and gardens, community meeting spaces, and an on-site clinic. The school serves 100 learners with special needs from across Austin Independent School District (ISD).

Market Data | Jul 24, 2023

Leading economists call for 2% increase in building construction spending in 2024

Following a 19.7% surge in spending for commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings in 2023, leading construction industry economists expect spending growth to come back to earth in 2024, according to the July 2023 AIA Consensus Construction Forecast Panel.

School Construction | Jun 29, 2023

K-12 school construction: 5 ways strong community relations can lead to success

When constructing a K-12 school, building positive relationships with the community—including students, parents, school staff and residents—is critical to the success of the project. Here are five ways Skanska puts the community first when building K-12 schools in the Pacific Northwest.

Standards | Jun 26, 2023

New Wi-Fi standard boosts indoor navigation, tracking accuracy in buildings

The recently released Wi-Fi standard, IEEE 802.11az enables more refined and accurate indoor location capabilities. As technology manufacturers incorporate the new standard in various devices, it will enable buildings, including malls, arenas, and stadiums, to provide new wayfinding and tracking features.

Engineers | Jun 14, 2023

The high cost of low maintenance

Walter P Moore’s Javier Balma, PhD, PE, SE, and Webb Wright, PE, identify the primary causes of engineering failures, define proactive versus reactive maintenance, recognize the reasons for deferred maintenance, and identify the financial and safety risks related to deferred maintenance.

Childs are playing with play clay in classroom

K-12 Schools | Jun 5, 2023

How to achieve cost-effective kindergarten classrooms

Educational architect Robin Randall shares realistic advice about the challenges of adding developmentally appropriate, play-based kindergarten classrooms while respecting budget limitations.

K-12 Schools | May 30, 2023

K-12 school sector trends for 2023

Budgeting and political pressures aside, the K-12 school building sector continues to evolve. Security remains a primary objective, as does offering students more varied career options.