MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Architects overwhelmingly agree that people perform better in buildings with abundant natural light. Controlling the natural light, as well as providing it, is an important design concern, according to a new survey conducted by Hanley Wood, a leading media and information company in the construction industry. The survey was sponsored by SAGE, the leading manufacturer of electronically tintable dynamic glass.

More than 99 percent of the nearly 500 architects surveyed believe people perform their jobs or activities better in buildings when exposed to natural light. Additionally, almost 98 percent of architects surveyed felt occupants perform better when they have a view and connection to the outdoors.

When uncontrolled, however, abundant sunlight can adversely affect building occupants as much as it benefits them, with problems such as glare, heat gain and fading. That is a reason why more than 93 percent of architects surveyed also agree that sun control is a significant challenge when designing glass into buildings.

Glass, traditionally a double-edged sword

Traditional approaches to controlling sunlight have frustrated architects who love to design with glass. Controls such as mechanized shades, blinds or exterior louvers may block the sun but also limit exposure to daylight and the view to the outdoors, which are the very reasons why windows are designed into building facades. Consequently, only 39% of architects agree that they are satisfied with options for managing solar control today. Furthermore, 17% of architects pointedly indicate that they are not satisfied with conventional sun control options.

The recent research supports the value proposition of new glazing technologies like dynamic SageGlass, which electronically tints and clears on demand to tame the suns harmful rays without blocking the view to the outdoors.

The survey also found that the use of energy-efficient glass is aligned with a majority of architects green design objectives. Approximately two-thirds of architects surveyed said that they typically design buildings with LEED principles in mind. This viewpoint indicates a growing awareness of sustainable building design practices in the industry over the past 10 years, and bodes well for new glazing technologies that can demonstrate a direct contribution to LEED points and environmental objectives.

The Hanley Wood study validates the SageGlass value proposition and many of the reasons why SageGlass is gaining momentum in the market, said Derek Malmquist, vice president of marketing at SAGE. In addition to energy savings and enhancing sustainability, dynamic glass provides architects and glaziers with a product that uniquely solves the problem of solar control. SageGlass can be controlled to let in exactly the right amount of sunlight to maximize building efficiency without ever having to sacrifice natural light or a connection to the outdoors.

A common misperception in the industry is that dynamic glazing is too expensive for mainstream projects. The survey suggests that attitudes may be changing on this issue. Nearly 75 percent of architects were positive or neutral about the affordability of new technologies like dynamic glass, which is a significant departure from earlier industry perceptions (with one in five architects agreeing or strongly agreeing that dynamic glass is affordable compared to other traditional solar control options).

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Architectural Survey Finds That Architects Have Love/Hate Relationship with the Sun

American Institute of Architects handed out its annual awards to projects showcasing the best innovative design

By Louise Boyle

PUBLISHED: 22:06 EST, 12 June 2012 | UPDATED: 03:24 EST, 13 June 2012

What do Scottsdale, Arizona, Syracuse in upstate New York and the San Juan Islands off Washington have in common? They are all home to some of the most architecturally inspiring addresses in the United States.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has handed out the 2012 Housing Awards to projects at the pinnacle of design, creativity and sustainability.

The jury recognized projects in four categories - custom-built homes for one family, large structures which sleep many individuals in their own apartments and specialized buildings such as community centers.

The ten homes selected were: The Nakahouse, a space-age home in the Hollywood Hills; Relic Rock, a luxury home in Scottsdale, Arizona; The Pierre, a strange stone inspired home in the San Juan Islands off Washington state; The Camelview Village, a futuristic condo complex in Scottsdale, Arizona; Hampden Lane House in Bethesda, Maryland; The Live Work Home in Syracuse, New York; the luxury Carmel residence in Carmel-by-Sea, California; a new Jesuit Community centre in Fairfield, Connecticut; new low-budget homes in San Francisco and new college halls of residence in Houston, Texas.

Otherwordly homestead: Optima Camelview Village is a 700-unit condominium development comprised of eleven buildings linked by bridges in Scottsdale, Arizona

Spiritual setting: The Arizona complex draws inspiration from the surrounding mountains and Native American desert communities

Sit back and relax in your surroundings: A lounge area in the Optima Camelview Village in Scottsdale

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American Institute of Architects hand out awards for best designed homes in the U.S.

13 June 2012 Last updated at 19:02 ET By James Melik Reporter, Business Daily, BBC World Service

Institutional figures across the eurozone have been scrambling to offer their latest solutions to the financial crisis.

It is a crisis which, in theory, should never have happened, say the figures who helped create it - if the stability and growth pact insisted upon by the then German finance minister, Theo Waigel, had been adhered to at the time of the creation of the euro in 1999.

Business Daily asked some of the architects of the single currency what went wrong, and whether the euro can survive.

Graham Bishop was a member of the European Commission's Maas Committee - preparing the changeover to the single currency - and then the Financial Services Strategy Group.

He insists that had the requirements for sound public finances, embodied in the Maastricht Treaty, been met and fulfilled, the current crisis would not have happened.

"If countries with budget deficits had kept them low, there would not have been a need for the sort of measures we see now," he says.

"But the other problem that we didn't foresee, was that the US would export its subprime mortgages on such a scale and that the government would need to step in."

He says that it is easy to explain monetary union, but that political union is a very different matter.

"There is already a lot of political union through the European Commission, the European Court of Justice, the European Parliament," he notes.

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Architects of the euro reflect on its origins

The University of Houston took another step toward its journey toward a new football stadium on Tuesday when the school officially announced the hiring of PageSoutherlandPage and DLR Group as the stadium's architects.

PageSoutherlandPage, a local firm that has done work with UH before, is the current designer of the new West Dining Hall and the new Cougar Place housing on campus. It was also the architect for the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, which was completed in 2003.

DLR Group has extensive experience with college athletic stadiums, including Florida's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Nebraska's Memorial Stadium. DLR Group also designed LSU's baseball home, Alex Box Stadium.

"Now, this allows us to get into the nitty-gritty of the design," UH athletic director Mack Rhoades said. "With the two firms, I couldn't be more pleased."

Rhoades said the plan is to begin demolition of Robertson Stadium in December and begin work on the new stadium shortly thereafter.

"It is now the starting point; the work will really begin," Rhoades said. "It's exciting to embark on that project."

PageSoutherlandPage will be led by principal in charge Jeffrey Bricker, design principal in charge Lawrence Speck and senior designer David Quenemoen. DLR Group will be led by stadium project manager Don Barnum and lead stadium designer Greg Garlock.

Rhoades said both groups showed great passion for the project. He said UH has told the architects to think "blank canvas" when it comes to design.

"Having a sports stadium that's commensurate with the achievements of the university I think was a big goal of theirs," Bricker said. "One of the main points we made in our interview when we were pursuing this project was that the University of Houston is the public university for the city of Houston. It's hard to get noticed in a city this big. So to do a stadium where you can be noticed in all of that is a goal of ours, and that's the stadium we're going to deliver."

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UH picks architects for new stadium

LONG BEACH, Calif., June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --After successfully completing the Programming and Schematic design phases of the project in collaboration with the Long Beach City College District team, user group and bond management team BCA Architects continues their partnership with the LBCCD to modernize their Nursing and Health Technology building.

Long Beach City College (LBCC) is the home of the nationally recognized nursing program offered by the Health and Technology Department. The Health and Technology building is a three-story building constructed circa 1969. The total enclosed area of the building being modernized is 23,250 square feet. Currently the Nursing Department is preparing students to work in 21st century hospitals in a facility built in 1969 - to maximize the use of the existing spaces and to provide a 21st Century Learning Environment, designed for the specific needs of the Nursing and Health Technology program, the College District and BCA Architects have embarked on converting all existing enclosed areas to support new functional needs of the Department.

Paul Bunton, AIA, President of BCA Architects, said, "BCA is enjoying our partnership with the Long Beach City College and their Bond Management Team to assist in the modernization and expansion of this exciting and progressive program. The students of LBCC will be learning in one of the most state-of-the-art nursing and health technology facilities in the State."

Since 1927, LBCC has been serving the needs of the city of Long Beach and its neighboring districts of Avalon, Lakewood and Signal Hill. Long Beach Community College District is making significant improvements to both of their campuses and implementing construction programs under the Measure E Bond Program, Proposition 1A, Proposition 47, Proposition 55, and State-funded scheduled maintenance projects.

The Renovation of Building C - Nursing and Health Technology building project is expected to be complete in the fall of 2014.

BCA Architects partners with clients on a mission to achieve excellence in design. Since 1989, BCA strives to strengthen communities through projects to: design facilities, help define partnerships, locate financing, and save energy or present alternate delivery methods. BCA goes above and beyond the task at hand to ensure their clients succeed. http://www.bcaarchitects.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rachel Del Fierro (925) 785-1435 or RachelD@BCAarchitects.com

This press release was issued through eReleases Press Release Distribution. For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

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BCA Architects Selected to Modernize Long Beach City College Nursing and Health Technology Building

Local architects win Calif. Design Firm of Year June 11th, 2012, 4:54 pm posted by Jon Lansner Architectural designerLPA Inc. has beennamed California Design Firm of theYear byeditors of Engineering News-Record.

The industry tracker noted that in the past year, LPA with 200 employees at offices in Irvine, San Diego and Roseville saw revenues climb 11% to $48.2 million, a notable accomplishment in a still-tough architecturalmarket.

Engineering News-Record also wrote:

What also sets LPA apart is its deep green character. For example, more than 80% of its 200 employees are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professionals. We are creating a new model for the industry, says Dan Heinfeld, president. Weve become an integrated design firm that uses sustainability to lead the design process in which solving problems is valued over chasing fashion.

Some of 47-year-old LPAs local work and click on images above for larger views of these projects:

HOUSING TRENDS

INDUSTRY NEWS

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Local architects win 'Calif. Design Firm of Year'

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The American Society of Landscape Architects has elevated 33 members to the ASLA Council of Fellows for 2012. Fellowship is among the highest honors the ASLA bestows on members and recognizes the contributions of these individuals to their profession and society at large based on their works, leadership and management, knowledge, and service. The Fellows-elect will be recognized at the 2012 ASLA Annual Meeting & Expo, September 28October 1 in Phoenix.

The designation of Fellow is conferred on individuals in recognition of exceptional accomplishments over a sustained period of time. Individuals considered for this distinction must be members of ASLA in good standing for at least ten years and must be recommended to the Council of Fellows by the Executive Committee of their local chapter, the Executive Committee of ASLA, or the Executive Committee of the Council of Fellows.

Gerdo P. Aquino, ASLA SWA Los Angeles

Gerdo Aquino was nominated by the Southern California Chapter in the Works Category. In addition to his many design accomplishmentshe has revitalized wetlands and vacant and unusable urban spaces throughout the worldhe is an accomplished lecturer, professor, and author. He established the SWA Los Angeles office in 2005 and has since expanded the practice into Asia. His involvement in the firm's projects begins at their inception and continues through final completion. His long list of national and regional awards is a testament to his close stewardship. He also strives to elevate the social well-being and health of communities through landscapes that conserve and filter water to maintain ecological balance. He holds a BLA from the University of Florida and MLA from the Harvard GSD.

Julia M. Badenhope, ASLA Iowa State University Ames, Iowa

Julia Badenhope was nominated by the Iowa Chapter in the Knowledge Category. She is an associate professor and director of Iowa's Living Roadways Community Visioning Program at Iowa State. She integrates teaching, research, and outreach in the statewide community design assistance program she directs, and her efforts have been recognized by both the American Planning Association and Federal Highways Administration with their highest national awards. Notably, she has been able to bring both funds and design talent to the state's smaller, often-underserved communities. She integrates poly-disciplinary collaboration and inspires grassroots design even as she adeptly publishes, mentors, and advises. She earned her BS in agriculture from the University of Tennessee and MLA from the Harvard GSD.

David Jay Berkson, ASLA SWA Group Laguna Beach, Calif.

David Berkson was nominated by the Southern California Chapter in the Works Category. He designs places that have meaning as well as function and contain a strong accessible experience. He demonstrates that the quality of our surroundings directly influences the quality of our lives. His focus on the interplay of contextual forces is like that of a weaver of fine tapestry. He is an intellectual, a consummate collaborator, and master multi-disciplinary team weaver. Mr. Berkson harbors a private passion for making special places in the public realm. His decade-long effort to plan the replenishment of Beverly Hills trees was just one of the many legacies he has bestowed on Southern California. His BFA is from Tufts and MLA from the Harvard GSD.

Christopher Brown, ASLA SmithGroupJJR Phoenix

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ASLA Honors 33 Outstanding Members with Fellowship

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Posted June 11, 2012

BALTIMORE -- Hammond Wilson Architects, an award winning architecture firm in Annapolis, Md., has selected Vitamin as agency of record for its rebranding initiative. Vitamin is handling the development of the firm's new logo, brand messaging, identity collateral, website, and look book. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 1976, Hammond Wilson Architects is noted for its creative approach to waterfront and historic building sites and its successful leadership of these projects throughout design and construction. For more than 30 years, the firm has designed homes and unique commercial buildings on and around the Chesapeake Bay.

Leo A. Wilson, AIA, LEED AP, principal of Hammond Wilson said, "There is a fresh look to Vitamin's work that appeals to us, and that freshness is grounded in a methodical and thorough approach to understanding our business. Our recent leadership succession provided us with the opportunity to reflect on what it is that we really provide to our clients, and with Vitamin, we are hoping to communicate our tradition and our capabilities both succinctly and memorably."

"With Vitamin's experience in brand marketing for architecture firms, and Hammond Wilson's timeless aesthetic and appreciation for the art of design, we're a perfect partnership," said Amanda Karfakis, president and CEO of Vitamin. "Our collaboration is the development of a unique brand message coupled with a timeless aesthetic that will resonate with peers and clientele alike. We can't wait to show the world."

Vitamin has deep vertical experience in the architecture industry, having partnered with firms, including:

GWWO Architects Weineck & Associates NIKA Architects and Engineers Marshall Craft Associates

About Vitamin

Vitamin, the "Cure for the Common Brand," is the mid-Atlantic's first boutique design-web-public relations firm focused on nourishing brands through a best practices, all-in-house approach to creating cohesive identity, print, interactive and PR programs. Vitamin's client list includes regional and national companies in diverse fields, including built industry, banking, education, healthcare, restaurant/ hospitality, non-profit and search/staffing. Vitamin is certified MBE/DBE by the Maryland Department of Transportation.

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Hammond Wilson Architects Names Vitamin Agency of Record

MONTREAL, June 11, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Last May 8th, Canada Council for the Arts and Architecture Canada were awarded one of twelve Governor General's Medals in Architecture 2012 with the Kitcisakik Mission of Emergency Architects of Canada (EAC) and Architect and Project Manager, Guillaume Lvesque. Described as an original and innovative initiative and although this is an unconventional architectural project, the jury recognised the value and importance of the mission, "At its essence, and with great power, it incorporates the most fundamental aspect of architecture: to transform and enhance human life. Project participants have responded to real and urgent needs and they applied their technical skills with energy and enthusiasm. We hope that similar initiatives are under way." The medal will be presented later this year at Rideau Hall.

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, had the following to say regarding this year's selection: "The recipients of the Governor General's Medals in Architecture 2012 have distinguished themselves as Canada's visionary architects. The works they have designed are places where communities are forged, where memories are made and where identity is created..." This review certainly echoes the Kitcisakik Mission whereby Emergency Architects of Canada and the Frontiers Foundation following the lead of Guillaume Lvesque, used their knowledge and professionalism to improve Kitcisakik aboriginal homes located outside the reserve. Produced in close collaboration with the Anishnabe (Algonquin) nation, the project has and continues to develop skills, confidence and autonomy of individuals while intervention focuses on the improvement of living conditions, child health, overcrowding in housing, materials recovery, self-sufficiency in wood needs, sustainable forest management and knowledge transfer. Descriptions, images and photos of the Kitcisakik project are available at http://www.raic.org.

For Emergency Architects Canada, this medal solicits a feeling of pride and accomplishment. It also marks a renewed appreciation for the Algonquin community of Kitcisakik and their workers. Even more, this affirmation from the National Order foreshadows the possibility of supporting many other Aboriginal communities in Canada who live in conditions similar to those of the Kitcisakik.

Created by Architecture Canada, the Governor General's Medals in Architecture contribute to the advancement of the discipline and practice of architecture, in addition to increasing public awareness of the crucial cultural role of architecture in Canadian society. These awards are administered jointly by the Arts Council of Canada, which contributes to the publication produced in honour of the winners and administers the award process.

Emergency Architects Canada is a non-governmental organization recognized as a charity since its founding in Quebec in October 2007. It joins forces with the international consolidation of Emergency Architects, which was founded in France in 2001. Chaired by architect Yves Langevin, the founding partners are the Ordre des architectes du Qubec and the Socit d'habitation du Qubec. By grouping these building professionals, Emergency Architects Canada fulfils its mission to provide support to populations affected by natural, technological or human crises by providing specific expertise in prevention, risk management and management of sustainable reconstruction.

Emergency Architects Canada 4000 St-Ambroise st. suite 278 Montreal (Quebec) H4C 2C7 http://www.architectesurgence.ca 5148681SOS (1767)

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Emergency Architects Canada's Kitcisakik Mission: Recipient of the Governor General's Medals in Architecture

UNION CITY, Ind., June 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --This month, Dan Hackett, CEO and president of Frank Miller Lumber, and Criswell Davis, architectural marketing manager at Frank Miller, will embark on an international trade mission, covering markets in Singapore, Australia and Japan. Frank Miller intends to use the excursion to highlight its growth into a thriving, global enterprise.

During the trip, Hackett and Davis will meet with many of Frank Miller's international clients, attend an American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) conference, and build relationships with architects and designers.

Singapore will be their first stop, where Hackett and Davis will attend the AHEC 17th Southeast Asia & Greater China Convention, the theme of which is "American Hardwood and Green Design: Life Cycle Assessment and the True Environmental Impact of Material Choice." During the convention they will have the chance to network with members of many different Asian trade associations and institutions, including The China National Furniture Association, the Malaysian Furniture Industry Council, The Singapore Furniture Industries Council, and the Singapore Institute of Architects, among others. The American Hardwood Export Council, with which Frank Miller is closely associated and a member of, is the leading international trade association of the U.S. hardwood industry.

Hackett and Davis will then travel to Perth, Australia, to visit with a customer who has organized a large architectural presentation featuring Davis as the keynote speaker, with many members of the Australian Institute of Architects in attendance. Hackett and Davis will also travel with their customer, giving presentations about Frank Miller quartersawn hardwoods to manufacturers and builders. They will also travel to Sydney to visit with another large distributor, giving presentations about quartersawn hardwoods around New South Wales and in Canberra, Australia's capital. The design of Canberra by American architect Walter Burley Griffin was, in part, influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and his Prairie Style, which often incorporates quartersawn white oak.

"Frank Miller Lumber is a relatively small niche hardwood manufacturer with a very large international profile," said Davis. "Manufacturers and distributors around the globe are more interested than ever in how to set themselves apart from one another through unique product lines."

The final part of the trip will have Hackett and Davis traveling from Sydney to Japan, where they will travel extensively with their largest distributor. They will visit key manufacturers in Takayama, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Tokyo to try to learn more about each one and strengthen Frank Miller Lumber's relationships with its customers.

In the 1980s, Frank Miller's growing relationships with Japanese furniture manufacturers encouraged the company to significantly increase its quartersawn hardwood production. Thirty years later, Frank Miller is now one of the few providers in the world capable of producing hardwood in this manner, and one of the largest producers of quartersawn hardwoods in the world.

"As many already know, our products are specified by architects and designers around the world in high-end commercial and residential construction," said Hackett. "This trip will further cement Frank Miller Lumber's position in the world community of distributors, manufacturers, designers and architects."

About Frank Miller Lumber (www.frankmiller.com)

Frank Miller helps architects and designers realize the elegance and durability of quartersawn hardwoods in the most distinctive architectural endeavors. Established in 1903 and located in Union City, Indiana, Frank Miller produces exceptionally fine quartersawn and plain sawn hardwoods for manufacturers of fine furniture, cabinets, architectural millwork and flooring. Frank Miller's quartersawn products are used in high-end commercial and residential construction around the globe where there is a significant architectural/design element to the project's cabinets, millwork and flooring.

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Frank Miller Lumber to Meet Architects, Designers, and Customers in Japan, Singapore and Australia