Skidmore, Owings & Merrill the architecture firm behind the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building is aiming to turn skyscrapers into batteries, according to Interesting Engineering.

The firm has partnered with battery energy storage company Energy Vault to design sustainable building architectures that aim to accelerate carbon payback, the estimated time sustainable energy offsets the pollution from the construction of the project. They estimate it can achieve payback in three to four years.

"What if a building could become a battery?" Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (@SOM_Design) posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. "We've partnered with Energy Vault to optimize its gravity energy storage systemwhere heavy blocks stored high, when released, create energy that can be converted into electricity."

In the video, SOM showcased its "radical ideas," including the Burj Khalifa. It also announced the partnership with Energy Vault to build new buildings "where energy storage becomes an integral and sustainable part of our urban and natural environments, charting the course for a future powered by renewable energy."

"We are extremely pleased to begin this exclusive global partnership with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, a firm with an unparalleled track record in developing some of the world's most remarkable structures," said Robert Piconi, chairman and chief executive officer at Energy Vault, according to Interesting Engineering. "Our strategic partnership with SOM opens a new multi-billion dollar market segment for Energy Vault focused on the future of sustainability in new building design and energy efficiency."

Though the partnership was announced in May 2024, Energy Vault and SOM have been working together for the past year, optimizing skyscraper architecture to include Energy Vault's gravity energy storage systems (GESS) in the skyscrapers in urban environments.

According to Enel Group, the success rate of GESS is 80-85%, meaning very little energy is lost in the gravity transfer. This makes GESS a reliable system of long-term storage when other energy systems, such as coal or wind, are unable to be used.

A test system in Texas found that gravity-generated energy can store 18 hours of energy, providing energy in the event of a power outage.

Also, the environmental impact is less than other forms of energy if using recycled materials or building the system into skyscrapers.

There are also companies using this type of energy in abandoned mines, where dropped sand underground acts as the energy source, eliminating the high costs and space of building new infrastructure. The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis estimates that there are millions of abandoned underground systems in the world.

Investment into GESS could result in a demand for lucrative jobs across the world. It can also provide reliance on energy that doesn't produce global-heating-related weather disasters, such as droughts, wildfires, and hurricanes.

"Since our founding, SOM has pushed the boundaries of architecture and engineering, redefining what buildings can do for cities and communities," said SOM's Adam Semel. "This partnership with Energy Vault is a commitment not only to accelerate the world's transition away from fossil fuels, but also to explore, together, how the architecture of renewable energy can enhance our shared natural landscapes and urban environments."

While there is no timeline for the introduction of this gravity-based technology in skyscrapers, Energy Vault has announced plans for an EVx gravity storage system in China and South Africa to increase their storage needs by 2035.

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Architects behind world's tallest building unveil gravity-based technology that transforms skyscrapers into batteries ... - Yahoo! Voices

swiss pavilion joins nature and culture at expo 2025 osaka

Switzerlands nature and tradition of humanism have become the focus of the Swiss pavilion atExpo 2025 Osaka. Designed byManuel Herz Architects, the proposal envisions a building with a cluster ofplastic-basedspheres that interweave nature and culture, or natural space and manmade space, which are often thought of as separate and discreet. In other words, it is apaviliondeeply embedded in nature that grows into, overgrows, and surrounds the building. Beyond that, the architects seek to create a building with a tiny footprint, the smallest footprint of all previous Swiss pavilions from previous Expos.The lighter the building, the smaller the ecological footprint, the team shares.

all renderings Play-Time Barcelona

The exhibition area of the Swiss Pavilion consists of a double-chamber foil with a supporting structure held at ground level to avoid vertical circulation, elevators, or escalators. Manuel Herz Architects (see morehere) proposes to cover the spheres with plants overgrowing in every direction. We grow the plants in local nurseries so that every kilogram of plant weight corresponds to one kilogram of CO2 removed from the atmosphere,the studio clarifies.Meanwhile, the back-of-house features repurposed modular elements with an eventual afterlife. The foil, and ultimately the entire pavilion, are equally recyclable and will be converted into furniture and other uses onceExpo 2025 Osakaconcludes.

Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

Structurally, the Swiss Pavilion requires a pneumatic shell made of ETFE. This Teflon-like polymeric plastic functions as a hollow chamber supported by a steel structure, allowing pneumatic pressure to be generated only within the building meaning thatno airlocks are required between exterior and interior.The inner and outer skins can be colored differently, creating a darkened interior despite a light appearance on the outside. The ETFE shell is fully recyclable and has a low weight per area. The supporting structure consists of spans bolted together at the intersections to prevent bending.

pneumatic shell made of ETFE

Lightness plays a key role in the scenography byBellprat Partner,who uses light and color as a means of staging. The spectral colors highlight the essence of each space within the Swiss Pavilion, ensuring a continuous narrative thread without words. In the Spheres of Swiss Innovation, visitors not only learn and experience what it takes to make innovation possible in Switzerland (nutrients and magic), but they can also co-create a Future Society with researchers, universities, and other participants, and test the thesis based on implemented examples on site (Living Lab). Visitors can also grab a Swiss innovation seed, allowing it to grow and flourish outside the spheres. Swiss innovations are offered to-go in the shop and the highest Sphere of the pavilion, while a roof-top bar offers scenic views of the bay of Osaka at Expo 2025.

Swiss innovations are offered to-go in the shop

rooftop-bar

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swiss pavilion to welcome visitors inside spheres engulfed by plants at expo 2025 osaka - Designboom

Photo Credit: Takumi Ota/Nendo

Imagine a home that not only provides shelter but actively helps clean the air. That's exactly what a new house in Japan does, thanks to the world's first carbon-absorbing concrete.

This innovative building material, called CO2-SUICOM, was used to create the block walls of the mountain resort home, located about 70 minutes from Tokyo. By literally sucking planet-heating carbon gas out of the atmosphere, this pollution-eating concrete could be a game-changer for sustainable construction, according to Interesting Engineering.

So how does it work? CO2-SUICOM was conceived through a collaboration between several Japanese companies. They replaced some of the cement in a concrete mix with industrial waste, then added other materials that absorb carbon dioxide.

The result is a concrete that pulls carbon out of the air during production and keeps it locked inside. In fact, the amount of dirty gas absorbed by CO2-SUICOM is enough to make it carbon neutral. That's a big step forward, considering cement production currently generates about 8% of global carbon pollution.

For this house in Japan, the designers at Nendo Studio took the eco-friendly concrete a step further. They used some 2,000 angled blocks stacked into walls that double as "filter screens," with plants nestled between the concrete layers.

To create the perfect balance of light, privacy, and visual appeal, the designers carefully adjusted the angles of the blocks.

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"Ultimately, the design transpires into blocks arranged in a gradient-like pattern," Nendo explains.

The best part? CO2-SUICOM has the same strength as regular concrete. Builders can use it in place of standard mixes, allowing the construction industry to cut pollution without compromising quality. As more buildings start using carbon-absorbing materials, the benefits will really add up.

So, when can you move into your own carbon-eating abode? There's no word yet on when CO2-SUICOM will hit the global market. But with innovations like this, the future of home building looks greener already. Wouldn't it feel amazing to live in a house that's beautiful, functional, and actively cleaning the air you breathe?

One small concrete block, one giant leap for sustainable living. If this carbon-capturing concrete becomes a new construction staple, it'll mean more houses that are chic, comfortable, and planet-friendly.

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Architects construct home with world's first concrete capable of absorbing air pollution: 'The design transpires into ... - The Cool Down

JACKSON, Miss. On Thursday, State Auditor Shad White announced that Special Agents from his office arrested John Jackson, landscape architect and owner of JPA, Inc., on one count of false statements or representations to defraud the government.

Special Agents accused Jackson of submitting invoices to the City of Tutwiler for landscape architect services he never provided. These fraudulent submissions caused a loss to the city of $155,039.15.

This is one of the larger cases weve had this year, so I want to thank the investigators on my team for their diligent work and the prosecutors for being willing to take the case, said State Auditor Shad White.

Jackson faces up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines if convicted. The Mississippi Office of the State Auditor presumes all persons arrested innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Report suspected fraud to the Auditors office online at any time by clicking the red button at http://www.osa.ms.gov or by calling 1-(800)-321-1275 during normal business hours.

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Auditors Office Arrests Landscape Architect Accused of Fraud - Vicksburg Daily News

Museum of History and the Future, Turku building, Architecture contest images, Finland design photos

17 June 2024

Design: Sigge Architects

Location: Turku, southwest Finland

Winner announced for international design competition for worlds first Museum of History and the Future Selected from over 400 entries, leading Finnish architecture practice Sigge Architects has designed the winning scheme for the worlds first Museum of History and the Future in Turku, Finland The competition for the new museum, which is set to be completed in 2029 and is located in the citys harbour, attracted over 400 entries from across the globe Sigge Architects propose a design that sensitively interacts with its waterside location, creating a permeable site where the museum can act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the area

The city of Turku in southwest Finland has announced that Sigge Architects is the winner of an international architecture competition to design the worlds first Museum of History and the Future.

The idea to build a new museum in Turku was first proposed in 2011, when the city was the European Capital of Culture. The museum will be a highly interactive space, with a constantly evolving program of exhibitions showcasing the most creative and innovative scientific research and audio-visual techniques to explore the past and the future. Driven by Turku City Council, the organisers envisage the museum becoming a corner stone of cultural life in the region, with residents able to visit and see new exhibitions frequently throughout the year. The museum will also provide world class space to educate students and a diverse range of skilled jobs for the city.

An international jury of city leaders, trustees and experts appointed by the Finnish Architects Association SAFA selected the winner from over 400 anonymous entries. Sigge Architects, who since entering the competition have merged with another Finnish architecture practice to form Sarc + Sigge, has been awarded 70,000 euros with an additional 105,000 euros distributed to other shortlisted entrants.

Turku, which is Finlands oldest city, is transforming its post-industrial riverside district with a series of projects that are placing music, art and museums at the centre of the citys future as it prepares to celebrate its 800th birthday in 2029. This program of urban renewal is being coupled with an ambitious green agenda that will enable the city to become net zero by 2029 and carbon negative in the 2030s.

Minna Arve, Mayor of the City of Turku and Chair of the architecture competition jury, said: Over the last few years, Turku has built momentum and established a reputation as a thriving cultural city. Sigges design exemplifies the values of our city: experimental, sustainable, open and always looking to the future while cherishing the past. With a range of schemes nearing completion along the banks of river Aura, were excited for the future of Turku as European hub for art, music, museums and food.

The competition was launched in September 2023, with entrants encouraged to submit ambitious sustainable designs for the new landmark that will act as an anchor for the wider redevelopment of the Linnanniemi district which connects the city to its famous archipelago of more than 40,000 islands.

The Museum of History and the Future is at the heart of the citys plans for its 800th birthday in 2029. This 150,000 sq. ft site, located next to Turku Castle on the banks of the river Aura, will harness the latest experimental presentation methods and scientific research to present Turkus past, present and future to an expected 200,000 visitors a year, alongside Turku residents. The winning entry from Sarc Architects was chosen because of the firms sensitive design, which paid homage to Turkus history while complementing the citys bold redevelopment plans.

Once complete, the museum will act as catalyst for the wider transformation of the port area. Long-term, Turku wants this light-industrial zone to become the citys first arts quarter. The winning design was chosen because it will deliver an open and inclusive museum that broadens the appeal of the waterfront and the surrounding area.

Central to the judges decision was how the design interacts with Turku Castle. Construction on the fortress started in 1280 and today it is the largest medieval building in Finland and a symbol of the city. The winning scheme manages the need for an innovative, bold new building in the area without diminishing Turku Castles role in the city.

The design was also notable for its exceptional sustainability credentials, both in terms of operational and embodied carbon. Between 1990 and 2020 carbon emissions in Turku halved, with the city on track to hit 75 percent reduction by 2025 and climate positive, meaning it will save more emissions than it generates, by the 2030s.

Construction on the museum is expected to start in 2027 and be completed by 2029, with the building opening to the public in 2030.

Pekka Mki, project lead at architecture studio: It is a great joy and honour to win an international architectural competition in my hometown. The aim was to create a museum building that fits in scale and architecture with Turku Castle. The spaces are placed on one level, making the museum building and its surroundings function as a seamless whole.

About Sarc + Sigge SARC Architects, founded in 1965 in Helsinki, and SIGGE Architects Sigge Architects https://sarcsigge.fi/, founded in 1956 in Turku, merged in February this year forming Sarc + Sigge. The merger brings together two critical Finnish architecture firms that have received several architecture awards, both Finnish and international. The company employs 140 architecture professionals and has offices in Helsinki and Turku.

About the city of Turku Founded in 1229, Turku is the oldest city in Finland and the third largest conurbation in the country. The citys official population is just ove r200,000, with around 40,000 students in higher education.

The city has a long-established reputation for world class music, with Turku being home to oldest orchestra in the country, established in 1790. The Turku Philharmonic Orchestra is now being given a new state-of-the-art home along the banks of the River Aura in Music Hall Fuuga, which is under construction and is expected to be complete in 2026. Other cultural developments include Art House Turku, which was opened in 2022, and has provided affordable art studios in a renovated former tobacco factory in the centre of Finlands oldest city. Alongside a rich architectural and cultural history, Turku acts as a gateway to over 40,000 islands, the densest archipelago on the planet. Rich in biodiversity and stunning scenery, the network of islands has long drawn in researchers and nature enthusiasts.

The citys sustainability plans include deploying low-carbon construction techniques, the electrification of public transport, utilising sewage and waste to generate energy and extensive planting of biodiversity. As of 2022, the per person greenhouse gas emissions averaged 7.67 tonnes for Turku residents, versus the average in Finland of around 10 tonnes.

Museum of History and the Future, Turku, Finland images / information received 170624

Location: Turku, Finland, northern Europe

Turku Architecture Competition

Turku Architecture

Syvlahti Education Centre, Turku, south west Finland Design: Verstas Architects photograph : kuvio.com Syvlahti Education Centre Turku

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Comments / photos for the Museum of History and the Future, Turku, Finland designed by Sigge Architects page welcome

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Image: Archinect

When is an architect not an architect? In the fourth part of Archinect In-Depth: Licensure, we explore the proliferation of the title 'architect' in cases beyond the built environment, most notably in the technology sector through terms such as 'software architect' or 'IT architect.' Are such titles legal? Who has responsibility for monitoring their use or misuse? What does their use say about the value of architect the noun versus architect the title?

As the second article in our ongoing Archinect In-Depth: Licensure series explored, the title architect has been protected through legislation in the United States for over 100 years. To present yourself as an architect without first obtaining the necessary license for doing so is a violation of state laws across the US, as architecture students and graduates are often warned.

Stepping outside the profession, however, we see that the title architect has long been appropriated beyond this core context. In the political arena, Henry Kissinger is commonly referred to as an architect of US foreign policy, while George W. Bush nicknamed his electoral strategist Karl Rove 'The Architect.' Historians refer to toppled leaders as being the architects of their own downfall while self-help gurus remind us all that we are the architects of our own destiny.

Nobody would think of accusing Kissinger, Rove, or their commentators of misusing the title architect in this fashion. In the information and technology sectors, however, our topic evokes stronger reactions.

For decades, the title architect has been used by individuals in the fields of information and technology to describe their roles. Followers of our previous Archinect In-Depth: Artificial Intelligence series, for example, will be familiar with the architect and TED founder Richard Saul Wurman, who coined the field Information Architecture as the latter half of the 20th century saw an explosion in humankinds ability to generate, collect, and access information and data. Wurman further published a book titled Information Architects in 1996, offering definitions for the title 'information architect' as: the individual who organizes the patterns inherent in data, making the complex clear, a person who creates the structure or map of information which allows others to find their personal paths to knowledge, and the emerging 21st-century professional occupation addressing the needs of the age focused upon clarity, human understanding and the science of the organization of information.

In the decades since, the title architect has only proliferated across the information and technology sector. Today, the sector is awash with titles following the formula of an X architect be it an IT architect, software architect, systems architect, domain architect, enterprise architect, security architect, solutions architect, applications architect, process architect, and so on. Depending on the organization or sub-sector, each title will come with its own job description. As a generalization, however, these positions are largely responsible for the design of software tools, platforms, and their associated hardware, commonly tasked with designing software solutions, developing technical standards, troubleshooting, and coordinating subcomponents within a larger system.

If you step outside targeted AEC job boards such as Archinect Jobs, the prevalence of the term architect in the IT ecosystem becomes clear. On LinkedIn, a search for IT architect returns over 11,000 results, while Indeed returns over 5000. At the time of writing, in June 2024, OpenAI is recruiting several Solutions Architects in San Francisco, as is Amazon in Seattle. The State of Utah is recruiting an IT Architect while First Citizens Bank is recruiting an Infrastructure Architect. The trend is also visible in companies familiar to the licensed architect. Adobe, for example, is currently hiring a Systems Design Architect in Austin, while Autodesks open roles include a Software Architect in San Francisco and both a Security Architect and Authorization Platform Architect in Portland.

Architects (the AEC ones) are not happy. On the Archinect Forum, threads on the use of the title by the IT industry often evoke substantial debate and discussion. One thread, whose title Architect - Whose name is it anyway? inspired this articles own title, amassed 46 comments. Another, named Title of Architect - Reclaiming it and protecting it has amassed 76 comments. An earlier article in the Archinect In-Depth: Licensure series, meanwhile, spawned a debate on the topic in the comments section.

Specific complaints and objections vary depending on the commentator. Some architects believe that those in the information and technology industry who use the title architect in their job title are breaking the law. Others believe that such use is technically legal, but undermines the value of the core architecture profession, confuses the public on what an architect is, and even confuses fellow architects when reading job adverts and salary ranges. When it comes to allocating blame, meanwhile, we see similar variations. Some blame NCARB while others blame state licensing boards. Some blame the AIA while others blame the tech industry itself.

Some of these concerns are easier to address than others. As our previous article established, protection of the title architect is born out of state-by-state legislation. Neither the AIA nor NCARB have responsibility for enforcing such protection. Instead, responsibility for protecting the title falls to the various state architecture/professional boards, who are charged with enforcing the laws passed by legislators across each individual state. If an individual in California seeks to report another for misusing the title architect, for example, it is the California Architects Board who will receive and process the complaint, before deciding whether or not to take action on behalf of the State of California.

This is not to say that NCARB does not also weigh in on the situation. NCARBs Board of Directors reserves the right to take disciplinary action against an individual independent of state licensing boards if NCARB deems the individual to have engaged in violation of NCARBs standards of professional conduct, including the ARE Candidate Agreement. NCARB maintains a public record of the individuals they have reprimanded which, as of June 2024, contains nine individuals, all of whom have been deemed to have violated the ARE Candidate Agreement. However, the list does not include details on whether the misconduct is related to a misuse of title or an unrelated violation.

To investigate whether or not titles such as software architect are indeed a violation of state laws on the protection of title, I wrote to all 55 licensing jurisdictions across the United States, namely each of the 50 US states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands.

The same question was sent to each: In the state of [X], does the protection of use of the title architect extend beyond matters of the design and construction of buildings? For example, would the board feel entitled to take action against an individual working on the design of software who labels themselves a software architect, IT architect, or Information Architect, labels which are common in the technology sector?

At the time of publication, 26 jurisdictions have responded. Of those, 14 referred me to their states statutes without directly answering the question in an affirming or dissenting manner, with some noting that their board was unable to provide an opinion or legal advisory on the statutes. Of the remaining 12 boards, 11 told me that the protection of title did not extend beyond the design and construction of buildings and that they would not feel entitled to take action against holders of titles such as software architect. One final board told me they recommend a software architect instead be called a software designer, but that their board "has the authority to grant exceptions."

While the protection of title is primarily a matter for each individual jurisdiction, I also asked NCARB for its view on the proliferation of the title architect beyond the AEC industry, including whether such use posed a danger of undermining the profession or, conversely, if NCARB believed the titles use in the IT sector was recognizably different from its use in the AEC sector in the eyes of the public.

While I know it remains an irritant to some that the use of the term architect is being applied in all types of contexts, there is no legal violation unless it misleads the public, NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong told me in response. An IT architect is clearly not a building designer, nor is the architect of a political campaign or any other similar reference. Basically, the word is in the public domain; holding oneself out as an architect who designs buildings, when unlicensed, is illegal and can be prosecuted by jurisdictional officials.

As an aside, the position adopted by the state boards and NCARB aligns with that taken by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) in the United Kingdom, where the title architect is also protected by law. The term architect is sometimes used in a way that is unconnected with the built environment, for example software architect is increasingly used within the IT industry, ARB notes on its website. Given the effort it takes to earn the right to use the title, we can understand why its use by any unregistered individual can cause concern. When investigating title misuse, we consider the likely degree of harm as well as the likelihood of the public being misled. We prioritize our resources and aim to take proportionate action so the greatest harm is tackled most robustly.

Misusing the title in connection to the built environment and architectural services is a high risk, ARB adds. However the Act acknowledges there are uses of the term that would not constitute a breach (naval architect, landscape architect and golf-course architect), and experience tells us most people are unlikely to be misled by the use of the title in a purely IT or financial context. Nonetheless, we consider every case on its own merits and should, for example, an IT architect offer CAD services we would consider action.

The consensus among NCARB, the ARB, the state boards who directly addressed our question, and our reading of the statutes that other states referred us to, is that the technology sectors use of titles such as software architect does not breach laws protecting the title architect. To understand this dynamic, there is merit in reflecting once again on the history of how such protection emerged. When states enacted statutes protecting the title architect their stated aim was to protect the health and safety of the public through ensuring that the act of architecture was performed by competent persons. It is through this lens that state legislators carefully define the terms architect and practice of architecture, and through which state architecture boards assess whether an individual using the word architect in their job title runs the risk of undermining public health and safety through building design.

While the wording of statutes inevitably varies across states, the general consensus is this: an individual representing themselves to the public as an architect for the purpose of advertising their qualification to design and oversee the construction of a building must hold a license to do so. Beyond this specific arena of the design and construction of the built environment, a person will not be reprimanded by the state if their use of the word architect does not risk misleading the public into believing that they are a licensed architect in the context of the built environment.

Ultimately, the question of whether or not someone violates this law is in the hands of the legal system, interpreting laws written and voted upon not by the AIA, NCARB, or state boards, but by state legislators. As the laws are currently written, state boards do not appear convinced that such laws permit them to enforce the protection of title in a context beyond the design and construction of the built environment and into realms such as finance, technology, or the organization of information.

Since the first laws protecting the title architect were passed in Illinois in 1897, the value of the word itself has undergone somewhat of a divergence. Practicioners then and now feel that the value of the title architect is in a state of decline, bemoaning displacement by contractors and paraprofessionals on one side, and lower fees from clients on the other. However, the value of the noun architect, the abstracted individual who designs and guides a plan or undertaking, only appears to have increased in a world of ever-more-complex systems, in need of ever-more-coordinated design, be it information, data, finance, politics, or software platforms.

Licensed architects calling for the protection of their title to extend beyond the built environment to encompass the technology industry therefore must reason with the uncomfortable reality that, by dollar value, their software architect adversaries have the upper hand. Would such energy be better spent articulating a value for the profession that stretches beyond the possessive use of a title that is gradually slipping away from its grasp?

A note to readers: in addition to debate over the use of the title architect beyond the AEC industry, a tangential debate exists within the architecture community on the use of architect-adjacent words such as architectural designer and intern architect. This topic will be addressed at a later date in Archinect In-Depth: Licensure. In the meantime, let us know your thoughts on both topics in the comments section below.

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Architect: Whose Title Is It Anyway? | Features - Archinect

Air conditioning repair operations inundated with calls as heat indexes rise

Updated: 6:48 PM EDT Jun 20, 2024

LITTLE BIT. ALL RIGHT KEVIN, THANK YOU. SO NOT QUITE AS BAD BUT STILL A PRETTY HOT ONE OUT THERE TODAY. AND SOME PEOPLE HAVE EVEN BEEN WORKING OUTSIDE IN THESE HIGHER TEMPERATURES AND THE HUMIDITY ALL WEEK LONG. YEAH. THEY HAVE NO CHOICE. RIGHT. AND ITS NOT OVER YET. WLWT NEWS HOLMES BRIAN HAMRICK LIVE TONIGHT WITH THE STORY IN BRYAN. SOME SAY WORKING OUTSIDE THE PAST FEW DAYS HAS BEEN DOWNRIGHT BRUTAL. YEAH, SHEREE. WELL, THE HEAT INDEX IS HITTING SOME OF THE HIGHEST NUMBERS OF THE YEAR THIS WEEK, AND THE HEAT WAVE? WELL, THATS MAKING ONE JOB HOTTER THAN ITS BEEN IN A LONG TIME. AND MORE THAN ONE WAY. JEFF KNICELY HAS ONE OF THE HOTTEST JOBS IN TOWN. WERE WORKING OUT IN THE HEAT, NOT BECAUSE HE WORKS IN THE SUN. ITS BEEN PRETTY BRUTAL, OR THAT HE INTENDS HE GOES TO PLACES WHERE THE AIR CONDITIONERS ARE BROKE. ITS BECAUSE HE FIXES THEM. HES THE LEAD TECHNICIAN WITH NICELYS HEATING AND COOLING. ITS HOT. ITS EVERYBODYS. YOU KNOW, THEIR HOUSES ARE HOT, SO THEYRE CALLING IN, UM, AND THEY NEED IT NOW. UM, SO, YEAH, WERE GETTING FLOODED. AND IN A HEAT WAVE, NO JOB IS HOTTER OR MORE POPULAR. THANK YOU FOR CALLING NICELYS. THIS IS BILL. ITS VERY BUSY. YES, THE PHONES RINGING OFF THE HOOK. BACK AT THE NICELEY HEADQUARTERS, DIANA NICELY SAYS, CHANGING THE FILTER REGULARLY IS A KEY. AND YOU CAN ALWAYS TELL WHEN YOU CAN STILL SEE LIGHT. UM, ITS STILL GOOD THAT ONE. OBVIOUSLY, IF YOU HOLD IT UP, YOU CANT SEE, LIKE THE ECLIPSE THROUGH THERE. THERE YOU GO. MEANWHILE, ONE OF THOSE EMERGENCY CALLS ABOUT AN AILING AC UNIT IS FROM SCOTT GUMBLE. JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE IN THE TRI STATE. AND MIND GOES OUT AT THE THE WORST TIME FOR THE MECHANICAL MEDICAL TEAM GOES TO WORK AND BEFORE LONG. I HAD PREPARED FOR DOOM AND GLOOM NEWS. SO ILL TAKE IT. WILL LIVE CORRECT. PATIENT WILL LIVE. YEAH. ANOTHER AC UNIT BROUGHT BACK FROM THE BRINK WITH A JOB THATS REALLY HOT. BUT A RESULT THATS VERY COOL. YEAH. NOW, NO MATTER WHO YOU CALL, RIGHT NOW, THE FOLKS ARE SO BUSY, YOU MIGHT WAIT A DAY OR TWO DAYS OR EVEN 3 OR 4, DEPENDING ON WHAT THE ISSUE IS. MEANWHILE, YOU CAN CHECK THOSE FILTERS AND ALSO MAKE SURE YOUR UNIT CAN BREATHE BY MAKING SURE THERES NOTHING LIKE LEAVES OR CLIPPINGS THATS CLOGGING THE AIR FLOW HERE.

Air conditioning repair operations inundated with calls as heat indexes rise

Updated: 6:48 PM EDT Jun 20, 2024

The heat index is hitting some of the highest numbers of the year this week, and the other figures on the rise are the ones that count broken air conditioners.Heating and cooling repair operations are inundated with calls. So many that the wait times are beginning to stack up far more than usual at most places.It might not all be today. It might be a couple of days out, Diana Niceley with Niceley Heating and Cooling said. "Just because we're in this dangerous heat wave."This week, it's exploded. As soon as the temperature's cranked up, so do the calls, Niceley said. Its hot for everybody, their houses are hot, so they're calling in, and they need it now. Were getting flooded.One of those who made an emergency call because of an air conditioner that wasnt working was Scott Gumble.Just like everyone else in the tri-state, mine goes out the worst time, Gumble said.His AC unit could be repaired in less than an hour. I had prepared for doom and gloom news, Gumble said. But, the patient will live.The best tips are to check the filter and make sure nothing is blocking the airflow around the outside unit.

The heat index is hitting some of the highest numbers of the year this week, and the other figures on the rise are the ones that count broken air conditioners.

Heating and cooling repair operations are inundated with calls. So many that the wait times are beginning to stack up far more than usual at most places.

It might not all be today. It might be a couple of days out, Diana Niceley with Niceley Heating and Cooling said. "Just because we're in this dangerous heat wave."

This week, it's exploded. As soon as the temperature's cranked up, so do the calls, Niceley said. Its hot for everybody, their houses are hot, so they're calling in, and they need it now. Were getting flooded.

One of those who made an emergency call because of an air conditioner that wasnt working was Scott Gumble.

Just like everyone else in the tri-state, mine goes out the worst time, Gumble said.

His AC unit could be repaired in less than an hour.

I had prepared for doom and gloom news, Gumble said. But, the patient will live.

The best tips are to check the filter and make sure nothing is blocking the airflow around the outside unit.

Read the rest here:
Air conditioning repair operations inundated with calls as heat indexes rise - WLWT Cincinnati

Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical (Hiller), one of Tennessees largest providers of residential and commercial plumbing, HVAC, and electrical service and repair, was honored with Ruuds 2023 Top Pro Partner Award. This award marks Hillers ninth consecutive recognition, beginning in 2015.

Since the 1800s, Ruud, a major manufacturer of HVAC systems, has been at the forefront of heating and cooling system development and innovation. Each year,Ruud evaluates contractors, naming Pro Partners that deliver the highest standards of excellence in installation and service of HVAC equipment. This designation is determined based on quality of work, verified customer feedback, and volume of exceptional installations and repairs.

In 2015, Hiller received their first Pro Partner award, ranking first among 20 contractors selected from a pool of national businesses. Each year since, Hiller has been named among the best-of-the-best. The 2023 award, which was announced at a reception in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 30th, was Hillers ninth consecutive Pro Partner award.

We are so proud to have been honored with our ninth Ruud Pro Partner Award this year, remarked Jimmy Hiller, founder and CEO of Hiller Plumbing, Heating,Cooling & Electrical. Like Hiller, Ruud is extremely committed to superior product installations, service, and maintenance. Their equipment helps us ensure that each family we serve is comfortable and happy in their homes for years to come. We are extremely honored, he continued, To have earned an award that recognizes our parallel commitment to superior installation and ongoing service and repair on these systems.

More:
Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical Receives Ninth Consecutive Ruud Top Pro Partner Award - PHCPPros

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Air conditioners are key to keeping your home cool and comfortable, but finding the right one can be difficult. Theres a lot of technical terminology and jargon that goes along with shopping for an AC that can make it challenging to figure out which ones are better than others.

To simplify the process, weve researched the best air conditioner brands and closely compared product specifications, prices, and extra features. Read on for our top recommendations for AC brands.

We spent hundreds of hours researching the HVAC industry to rank brands against each other. Here are the best air conditioning brands according to our rating methodology:

Compare our top-recommended air conditioning brands of 2024 below.

No results were found.

Many factors determine which air conditioner is right for your home. Weve highlighted some of the most important things to look for.

Installing an air conditioner requires you to work closely with a company, so youll want to ensure theres plenty of customer support available. Take note of whether a brand offers a direct phone line or customer support via live chat or mobile app. The more means of communication, the better. Additionally, read customer reviews on popular review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This will help you get a realistic idea of what its like to deal with each brands network of contractors and customer service representatives.

Intelligent cooling is another way to say smart-home integration. For a more convenient and optimized system, find brands that offer smart-home options that allow you to control and adjust your air conditioner from your smartphone. These features often let you connect the AC to other parts of your homes HVAC system and control the system through voice commands.

A noticeable noise level is a common complaint for ACs. You certainly dont want a unit that might disrupt your sleep or bother your house guests or pets.

We advise checking the noise level of the AC units that interest you. Currently, air conditioners can be as quiet as 50 to 60 dB. We recommend looking for ACs under 70 dB. To give you a better idea of how loud this is, check out the following breakdown from Purdue Universitys Chemistry Department:

When shopping forAC units, its important to know which type you need. There are six main types ofair conditionersystems, and each meets different needs. Learn about each type below to determine which kind you need:

Any air conditioner that uses a variable-speed compressor is a serious plus. Though a variable-speed AC system costs more up-front, the investment is worth it because it lowers your energy bills and increases your homes value. These units dont cycle on and off like traditional air conditioners. Instead, they adjust the air handlers speed to match your homes cooling needs, resulting in increased comfort, reduced humidity, higher efficiency, and quieter performance.

Some air conditioners have longer warranties than others. Additionally, some AC warranties only cover certain parts of the unit, such as the compressor, while others may include entire unit replacement. Check the manufacturers website for information and see if the brands network of installers will include a workmanship warranty.

The HVAC industry uses various ratings and metrics to determine a products efficiency, but the two most important ones for an AC unit are its SEER rating and ENERGY STARcertification.

Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings measure an AC units efficiency. The ratio reflects an ACs cooling output over a typical cooling season divided by the energy it uses in watt-hours. Your units efficiency could be lower depending on your homes conditions, such as insulation and windows. Any SEER rating above 13 is considered good. The average rating is 16, and anything above 20 is top-of-the-line. Units below 13 are likely low-quality.

An AC unit with ENERGY STARcertification meets federally mandated guidelines regarding energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. ENERGY STARrequires all of its certified central air conditioners and heat pumps to have a SEER rating of at least 15.

The best air conditioner brand depends on your preferences, budget, and home layout. We find Lennox to be one of the best AC brands due to its high SEER ratings, smart home capabilities, and SunSource technology. However, Carrier offers more intelligent cooling options, and York builds some of the most durable and quietest ACs.

We recommend getting at least three quotes from different AC brands to compare costs, warranties, and additional features. Use our tool below to request free quotes from reputable HVAC installers near you.

Whether Trane or Carrier is better depends on your individual preferences and home. However, we found that Carrier is generally better, given its focus on smart home integration and its assortment of air purifiers and humidity control products.

Yes, HVAC brand matters for a few reasons, namely due to warranties. Some brands also charge a premium because of their name and reputation while lesser-known brands might offer a similar product at a more affordable rate.

Your AC unit should last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and care.

A new AC system costs an average of $5,000 to $6,000. However, this price varies based on your homes layout, additional features such as air purification and smart thermostats, brand name, and installation fees.

The end of winter is the best time to buy an air conditioner. Retailers have a high supply of air conditioning units during winter, but homeowners often arent thinking about replacing or repairing their AC units during this time. The decrease in demand means prices and installation costs are lower.

We researched dozens of HVAC brands to determine which ones offer the best air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning products. We then crafted a rating system based on each brands mid-tier and high-end product offerings.

We analyzed each companys product specifications, SEER ratings, AFUE ratings, and their best available sound rating. We also ensured that each brand offers ENERGY STAR-certified products. In addition, we closely analyzed each companys warranties to ensure their product and labor guarantees match or exceed industry standards.

Finally, we assessed the manufacturers years of experience and customer reputation on popular review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. We also checked whether the brand fulfills the high-end and luxury needs of Architectural Digest readers, such as smart-home integration options, solar-powered capabilities, and home comfort control products such as air purifiers and humidity control.

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What Are The Best Air Conditioner Brands? | 2024 Guide - Architectural Digest

By Aran McCarthy

In recent years, the landscape of healthcare infrastructure has undergone a significant transformation. With the closure of many hospitals and the relocation of medical professionals, were seeing a growing need for enhanced access to healthcare across the United States. A study from Drexel University noted that a substantial portion of the U.S. population residing in the suburbs lacked health insurance and experienced difficulties accessing care. The renewed importance of providing accessible healthcare has prompted a number of innovative solutions to address this growing demand. One such method gaining traction is the adaptive reuse of former retail buildings, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution to fulfill community needs.

Prior to the pandemic, healthcare systems were already grappling with the challenge of decentralizing services and enhancing accessibility to localized caregivers. Rising lease costs and the need for cost-effective solutions fueled the consolidation of outpatient practices. However, the onset of the pandemic accelerated this trend, intensifying the pressure to expedite these efforts. With a stark downturn in big box real estate due to the lack of in-person traffic, a unique real estate opportunity arose for healthcare systems to repurpose these spaces into medical facilities, providing a ready-made solution to their growing needs. Adaptive reuse of former retail buildings offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to better fulfill community demands and is continuing to gain traction today.

As more healthcare systems consider outpatient consolidation efforts in former commercial spaces, there are several key considerations to evaluate before committing to an adaptive reuse approach and site.

One of the primary advantages of repurposing former retail spaces for healthcare facilities is the speed to market. A traditional new building project can take years, whereas adaptive reuse may take several months, depending on the projects scale. Unlike new construction, which can be labor and resource intensive, adaptive reuse projects can leverage existing infrastructure, significantly reducing construction timelines. This transformation is also a sustainable way to repurpose existing buildings while reducing material waste and consumption.

These projects can also offer inherent advantages when it comes to zoning and local permit approvals. Former retail spaces are frequently situated in established commercial zones, streamlining the permitting process and minimizing regulatory hurdles. Without needing to disturb the land by creating added parking or site elements, the land development approval process can be substantially simplified (although local zoning approvals should be researched in advance to avoid any unexpected obstacles). Additionally, these locations are often already recognizable and accessible to local communities, fostering a sense of familiarity and convenience for patients.

Repurposing existing buildings also typically incurs lower long-term rent costs compared to building from the ground up. Landlords recognize the stability of healthcare tenants, and can offer competitive leases for their empty commercial propertiesa solution that ultimately benefits both parties. This financial advantage makes adaptive reuse projects a more sustainable option for healthcare systems, allowing them to allocate additional resources toward patient care rather than overhead expenses.

While retail-to-healthcare adaptive reuse presents numerous benefits, several considerations must be addressed prior to signing a lease to ensure a successful bottom line. This underscores the importance of involving relevant professionals from the onset. These experts can help conduct the necessary due diligence during the scouting phase and help to determine the scope of the project.

Site selection plays a crucial role in determining the viability of a location. Factors such as entire costs, compatibility with adjacent practices, and lengthy lease terms must be carefully evaluated to mitigate financial risks. Attractive rent with lower cost-per-square-foot and a larger tenant improvement subsidy is just one metric. In actuality, we have observed that these costs have a disproportionate impact when selecting real estate, as other unanticipated expenses and hurdles may appear during renovation. Therefore, design professionals should be involved in the site selection process in order to determine the structural benefits and pitfalls associated with a building, especially when it comes to specialty practices. Professionals can further consult on location planning with key elements such as patient experience in arrival, parking, wayfinding and use of the building, the ability of the loading dock to support updated needs, or space for adjacent expansion and long-term flexibility.

As an example, we recently worked on several multi-floor projects that require careful consideration to accommodate large, heavy equipment. Before committing to a lease, it is important to ensure the floor structure can handle the vibration and weight of specialized equipment, such as advanced imaging. In contrast, for the Hackensack Meridian Health and Wellness Center at Eatontown, we transformed a former Toys R Us retail building into a multi-practice ambulatory care facility. This layout provided the ideal structure for the outpatient facility, with an expansive footprint and tall ceilings, all built on a sturdy first floor.

Due to the fact that each structure comes with its own set of benefits and challenges, from utilities to structural constraints, the most successful retail-to-ambulatory conversion projects are ones with a strong understanding of the limitations from the start in order to avoid unexpected costs during the renovation process. Moreover, its essential to consider the unique needs of healthcare providers and caregivers. While standardization offers efficiency, customization may be necessary to accommodate specific workflows and patient preferences. Balancing these requirements while optimizing space utilization requires careful planning and stakeholder engagement. Bringing on design professionals early in the planning phase is critical to identify challenges in advance and proactively develop solutions.

To get ahead of the potential pitfalls of adaptive reuse and set the renovation project up for success, you must engage experts with the requisite knowledge for successful execution. Design, project management, and construction teams with experience in healthcare facility conversions can navigate the complexities of such projects effectively. While cost considerations are important, prioritizing expertise over budgetary constraints is crucial to achieving desirable outcomes. Expectations of costs associated with design and construction must be influenced by real-world knowledge, factoring in challenges with lead times, accounting for inflation, labor supply and subcontractor availability, in addition to experience, ongoing fluctuations in material availability, and labor pricing. Too often, budgets are set based on previous project knowledge, not factoring in the changes in construction and design costs, market conditions or industry trends.

Multi-practice outpatient suites require immense planning, especially considering the number of walls needed to create an abundance of exam rooms compared to an in-patient suite. With the increased amount of architectural and planning time needed, costs also rise. By aligning expectations and embracing innovation, stakeholders can collaborate effectively to maximize the potential of adaptive reuse projects.

Its clear that the adaptive reuse of former retail facilities will remain prevalent in the coming years, and presents a compelling opportunity to enhance healthcare accessibility for communities across the United States. This solution affords property owners, healthcare systems, and design professionals with the ability to leverage existing infrastructure while minimizing construction timelines and regulatory hurdles. This strategy serves not only to increase the accessibility of health services in the areas in which they operate, but also provides a model and means of accommodating the growing demand for accessible healthcare environments nationwide, ultimately yielding spaces that are more holistically ingrained in the lives of the people they serve.

Aran McCarthy, AIA, NCARB, is President of FCA.

Read more:
Transforming Former Retail Spaces into Outpatient Facilities - Healthcare Construction and Operations News