Minneapolis public works facility earns LEED Platinum

The Hiawatha Public Works Facility in Minneapolis received LEED Platinum certification, making it the state’s greenest government building. Designed by local firm RSP Architects, the 200-person facility has 32,000 sf of office space and 26,000 sf of shop and interior storage space. The complex also has more than 250,000 sf of yard space for multiple public works divisions, including maintenance, paving construction, sewer maintenance, sewer construction, bridge maintenance, and central stores. The facility occupies the site of 18 existing city buildings—all but two of which were removed; 90% of demolition material was recycled. The new building’s footprint is 43% smaller than the combined footprint of the previous buildings.

New ideas in design and constructability are radically changing how metal systems are used as roofing for commercial and institutional buildings. Behind the investment in these new kinds of expressions and construction approaches is a growing interest in improved performance and reduced environmental impact. Metal roofing systems can cut cooling and heating loads significantly, according to the EPA.

Biophilic Design | Oct 28, 2021

Unlocking the value proposition of ESG in design

It’s time for ESG in design to stop being treated as an add-on of our building projects and become central to the environments we design, say these experts.

Pictured: Boulder Community Health’s West Medical Building, Lafayette, Colo. Photo: 2020 Caleb Tkach

Cladding and Facade Systems | Oct 26, 2021

14 projects recognized by DOE for high-performance building envelope design

The inaugural class of DOE’s Better Buildings Building Envelope Campaign includes a medical office building that uses hybrid vacuum-insulated glass and a net-zero concrete-and-timber community center.

BIPV glass modules can be used with virtually any glass substrate or low-e coating to achieve desired aesthetics. Photo courtesy of Vitro Architectural Glass

Seizing the Daylight with BIPV Glass

Glass has always been an idea generator. Now, it’s also a clean energy generator.

Plans move forward on Central Place Sydney, duel towers with an AI-driven facade system

Glass and Glazing | Sep 30, 2021

Plans move forward on Central Place Sydney, duel towers with an AI-driven façade system

SOM and Fender Katsalidis are designing the project.

The OptiView Narrow, for highlighting specific objects in a space.

Daylighting Designs | Jul 9, 2021

New daylighting diffusers come in three shape options

Solatube introduces its newest technology innovation to its commercial product line, the OptiView Shaping Diffusers.

EV charging port at The Kensington, Boston. Photo:

Multifamily Housing | Jun 23, 2020

11 tips on how to install EV charging stations in multifamily housing

A top sustainability expert gives the whys and wherefores of installing electric vehicle charging posts in your next multifamily enterprise.

Green | Mar 9, 2020

BuroHappold commits to all new building projects achieving net-zero carbon by 2030

The engineering firm also launched a long-term partnership with ILFI.

Reliable Building Systems Increase Net Operating Income by Retaining Tenants

Tenants increasingly expect a well-crafted property that feels unique, authentic, and comfortable—with technologically advanced systems and spaces that optimize performance and encourage collaboration and engagement. The following guidance will help owners and property managers keep tenants happy.