Today’s building codes are still legal minimums required by state law, established to keep structures and their occupants safe. As such, green building design and construction practices are not necessarily built in.
The design-bid-build process (DBB) is a traditional practice used in the United States, where the owner of the project has separate contracts with a designer and contractors for the construction of a project. Alternatively, the design-build process is where the design and construction services are all managed through a single contractor.
Using recycled building materials or materials that contain recycled content is a straightforward step to sustainability for building designers and construction professionals.
Reducing the operational carbon output of buildings has long been an important topic of discussion, but drilling down even further, the architecture, engineering and construction industries are now turning an eye to embodied carbon. Embodied carbon of building materials refers the amount of carbon that is emitted to produce and transport building materials before they hit the jobsite.
The construction industry is suffering a labor shortage with little end in sight. Robots in construction may present some solutions while raising the bar for productivity.
While the technology has been a boon for design professionals, virtual reality in construction is also making waves. Quality, safety and collaboration are key areas where construction professionals are benefiting.
Rethinking public space design during a pandemic
Exploring disaster relief housing
Glass exteriors in commercial buildings: Four incredible buildings with glass facades
Accessible building design: Making buildings better for all
Blurring lines between indoor and outdoor design in commercial buildings