The Department of Energy breaks ground on the Princeton Plasma Innovation Center

In Princeton, N.J., the U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) has broken ground on the Princeton Plasma Innovation Center (PPIC), a state-of-the-art office and laboratory building. Designed and constructed by SmithGroup, the $109.7 million facility will provide space for research supporting PPPL’s expanded mission into microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences.

Government Buildings

New federal buildings must be all-electric by 2030

A new Biden Administration rule bans the use of fossil fuels in new federal buildings beginning in 2030. The announcement came despite longstanding opposition to the rule by the natural gas industry.

Legislation

Bill would mandate solar panels on public buildings in New York City

A recently introduced bill in the New York City Council would mandate solar panel installations on the roofs of all city-owned buildings. The legislation would require 100 MW of solar photovoltaic systems be installed on public buildings by the end of 2025.

Products and Materials

Top building products for February 2024

BD+C Editors break down February's top 15 building products, from custom-engineered glass bridges to washroom accessories.

Government Buildings

The halls of lawmakers, judges, and politicians demand a mix of functionality and awe-inspiring design. For an oasis of productivity on behalf of your nation’s people within the government’s budget, thinking outside the box is a requirement.

Union Terminal, Cincinnati. Photo: Dacoslett via Wikimedia Commons

Jun 25, 2014

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Spring House, Cincinnati’s Union Terminal among 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2014

The National Trust for Historic Preservation released its annual list of 11 Most Endangered Historical Sites in the United States for 2014.

Using 3D printing, Arup engineers were able to design and fabricate this lightwe

Jun 18, 2014

Arup uses 3D printing to fabricate one-of-a-kind structural steel components

The firm's research shows that 3D printing has the potential to reduce costs, cut waste, and slash the carbon footprint of the construction sector.

Jun 16, 2014

6 U.S. cities at the forefront of innovation districts

A new Brookings Institution study records the emergence of “competitive places that are also cool spaces.”

Jun 12, 2014

Austrian university develops 'inflatable' concrete dome method

Constructing a concrete dome is a costly process, but this may change soon. A team from the Vienna University of Technology has developed a method that allows concrete domes to form with the use of air and steel cables instead of expensive, timber supporting structures.

BD+C Staff | Jun 11, 2014

Bill signing signals approval to revitalize New Orleans’ convention center corridor

A plan to revitalize New Orleans' Convention Center moves forward after Louisiana governor signs bill.

Jun 11, 2014

5 ways Herman Miller's new office concept rethinks the traditional workplace

Today's technologies allow us to work anywhere. So why come to an office at all? Herman Miller has an answer.

Jun 11, 2014

Koolhaas’ OMA teams with chemical company to study link between color and economy

Dutch company AkzoNobel is partnering with Rem Koolhaas' firm OMA to study how the application of colorful paints and coatings can affect a city's economic development.

Jun 9, 2014

Green Building Initiative launches Green Globes for Sustainable Interiors program

The new program focuses exclusively on the sustainable design and construction of interior spaces in nonresidential buildings and can be pursued by both building owners and individual lessees of commercial spaces.

The city of Buffalo hired a team of professionals to execute assessments for mor

Smart Buildings | Jun 8, 2014

Big Data: How one city took control of its facility assets with data

Over the past few years, Buffalo has developed a cutting-edge facility management program to ensure it's utilizing its facilities and operations as efficiently, effectively, and sustainably as possible.

Photo: Paul Sableman via Wikimedia Commons

Jun 2, 2014

Parking structures group launches LEED-type program for parking garages

The Green Parking Council, an affiliate of the International Parking Institute, has launched the Green Garage Certification program, the parking industry equivalent of LEED certification.