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 Architecture Billings Index Drops to its Lowest Level EverEmblematic of the various struggling sectors in the overall economy, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dropped two points in March and fell to its lowest level since the survey's inception in 1995.As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI shows an approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the March ABI rating dropped to 39.7, following its steep 9-point decline in February (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The inquiries for new projects score was 48.0, also the lowest mark for the survey. "We've seen an 11-point fall-off in the first quarter of the year and the prognosis for commercial construction later this year is not favorable at this point," said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. "Aside from historically low project demand, all regions are showing very poor business conditions. This is not likely to reverse itself anytime soon." design directory AIA > Architecture Organizations added by Levent OZLER |
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 Zaha Hadid Wins Competition to Develop Design for Proposed Museum in VilniusA jury of six members today announced that Zaha Hadid, London, has won the architectural competition to develop a design for a proposed museum in Vilnius, Lithuania.The architectural competition is part of a feasibility study undertaken by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and The State Hermitage Museum. The directors of both institutions participated in the jury selection process. In addition to Zaha Hadid Daniel Libeskind, New York, and Massimiliano Fuksas, Rome, submitted designs for the proposed project. "The creation of the new center of contemporary and media art in Vilnius would be an important phenomenon in European cultural life," said Mikhail Piotrovsky, Director of the State Hermitage Museum. "We are honored that The State Hermitage Museum is participating in such a significant undertaking. The project in Vilnius would be an excellent complement to the programme we have recently developed exhibiting contemporary art at the Hermitage." more Zaha Hadid Wins Competition to Develop Design for Proposed Museum in Vilnius design directory Zaha Hadid > Architecture Companies added by Levent OZLER |
 PLANYC 2030: New York City Green Building CompetitionThe Third New York City Green Building Competition seeks projects and ideas that promote the New York City as the pre-eminent cultural and sustainable urban epicenter.Design projects are encouraged that integrate whole-building principles, employ the tenets of green building construction and end-of-life considerations, anticipate post-occupancy concerns, and complement the community in which they reside. "Green building is now in the mainstream here with visionary and innovative construction projects gaining a full head of steam all over the city," Regional Administrator Steinberg said. "This competition helps create more visible examples of building green in the mosaic of everyday city life." "Promoting energy efficiency and environmentally friendly design in both old and new buildings is critical to our future, and the core of PlaNYC, our long-term plan for a sustainable New York" said Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor of the City of New York "I am happy to announce once again that New York City will be holding a green building contest to highlight those who to create a greener future for New York through smart and innovative design." competition (ended) current design competitions more info www.nyc... (465) design directory Sustainable Design Awards added by Levent OZLER |
 Winners Announced for Premier's Sustainability AwardsVictorian businesses and groups have been recognised for their work tackling climate change through the Premier's Sustainability Awards.Premier John Brumby presented the winners with their Sustainability Awards at a ceremony at Crown Palladium in Melbourne. "The aim of these awards is to recognise Victorian businesses and groups that are reducing their environmental footprint and using resources in innovative ways," Mr Brumby said. "The five winners are standout examples of sustainability in action and I hope that other organisations will follow their lead as best practice examples in their respective fields." Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the Brumby Government is committed to supporting Victorians who demonstrate innovation in tackling climate change through sustainable projects and these awards recognise their commitment. more Winners Announced for Premier's Sustainability Awards added by Levent OZLER |
 Office Design Can Affect Productivity, Study ShowsThe physical design of workplaces around the world has long been a point of humour and frustration for employees, depending on their outlook, but new research suggests that different office designs can significantly help or hinder productivity in the workplace.Tim Welsh, an assistant professor in the faculty of kinesiology at the University of Calgary, recently published an article in the Journal of Human Movement Science based on an experiment he carried out with graduate students that shows the design of office workspaces and proximity to co-workers, can play a big role in how much - or how little - you get done in an average day. "You can't ignore the social benefits of having an open environment where people just feel better like they're not locked into a little closet," says Welsh, "but when you're actually looking at performing tasks, having other people performing tasks around you creates the opportunity for these interference effects to develop." more www.can... (148) added by Levent OZLER |
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