The triple-glazed facade of Christian Kerez's Leutschenbach School in Zurich is emblamatic of the transparency that's currently popular in new school design. It is unknown how, if at all, the elementary school shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, will affect school design going forward.

The Newtown, Connecticut, elementary school shootings on December 14 that killed 20 students and six staff members have prompted many to call for a ban on semi-automatic rifles, or assault weapons.

In the week since the shootings, others have said video games should no longer contain such violent content. And some are urging that access to mental health care be expanded. But schools themselves shouldnt be radically redesigned to fortify against future attacks, according to some architects.

While fortress-like buildings with thick concrete walls, windows with bars, and special security vestibules may be more defensible than what is currently in vogue, they are hardly the kind of places that are optimal for learning. Edmund Einy, a principal at GKKWorks, says that whats been done so far in many urban schools in the name of safetysuch as slapping bars on the windowshas had a pernicious effect on students morale and performance. Einys new Blair International Baccalaureate Middle School, in Pasadena, foregoes bars. But administrators must greet students before they are allowed to go inside, which led GKKWorks to create an entry plaza. Theres not much more we can do, he says. What are we going to do, put kids in prisons?

Mark Simon, a founding partner of Centerbrook Architects and Planners, agrees. I think [bars and other fortifying techniques] send the wrong message to both kids and teachers, he says. Based in Centerbrook, Connecticut, Simon has designed 20 school buildings, including five public elementary schools, though none in Newtown. Buildings tell stories, and when a building is designed that way, it tells you that it doesnt trust you. And kids intuit that theyre not trusted, he says. In fact, Simon adds, improved security can be achieved through a more open layout, like with his King & Low-Heywood Thomas School in Stamford, Connecticut. Its focal point is a large rotunda encircled by offices, so administrators have clear views of the hallways and the comings and goings of students. Simon admitted, though, that the school was more concerned with divorced parents snatching kids, say, than an intruder with rifles.

In recent years, glass has become the material of choice for the walls of many schools, which have cottoned to the idea that students will be more stimulated in rooms bathed in natural light. An exampleaccording to Thomas Mellins, an architectural curatoris Ennead Architects Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Queens, N.Y., where a transparent faade allows close-up views of ballet and other classes. (Mellins exhibition, The Edgeless School: Design for Learning, is on view at New Yorks Center for Architecture through January 19, 2013.)

For his part, Mellins doesnt rule out that the shootings may result in design changes; he just hopes law enforcement talks to architects early in the design process. But, Mellins says, I dont think safety concerns translate into a simple and direct agenda, like build this way, dont build that way.

In a sense, school design has baked-in security concerns ever since the mass school shooting in Columbine, Colorado, in 1999. Doors now routinely lock after the first bell. Metal detectors are also common. Possibly, more steel could be used in doors, but that seems to be sort of in the opposite direction of where schools have been headed, says architect Jerry Waters, of Portland, Oregons Dull Olson Weekes Architects. School buildings make up 70 percent of the firms portfolio. Waters adds, When someone has the intent to kill, Im not sure if architecture can solve that problem.

View post:
After Newtown, Architects Weigh School Design Changes

The street entry of the U.S. consolate in Guangzhou, China, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. It is scheduled to open in May.

The U.S. Department of State has named the architects selected to compete for commissions in its new Design Excellence program. The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), under the direction of Lydia Muniz, chose 11 very different firms from among 88 applicants to design new embassies, consulates, and diplomatic buildings. Nine others were chosen for renovation and rehabilitation projects. Two firms, BNIM and Weiss/Manfredi, made both lists.

Aside from those two, others being considered for new buildings are Ennead Architects; SHoP Architects; Steven Holl Architects; the Miller Hull Partnership; Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects; Moore Ruble Yudell Architects and Planners; Richrd+Bauer; Skidmore, Owings & Merrills San Francisco office; and Studio Gang Architects. The other firms selected to compete for rehabilitation and renovation projects are Architecture Research Office; Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners; CO Architects; Clive Wilkinson Architects; Goody Clancy; Krueck+Sexton Architects; and Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects.

For nearly three decades after the Iran hostage crisis of 197981 and a series of embassy bombings in Africa and the Middle East, the State Department constructed one-size-fits-all buildings in fortified exurban areas. Security, economy, and speed trumped design. But a new era was signaled by such choices as Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) to design the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. The ambitious Design Excellence program, similar to the one at the General Services Administration and, like it, under the directorship of Casey Jones, was launched to symbolize the American values that prevailed after World War II, when embassies were designed by Eero Saarinen, Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer, and Edward Durell Stone.

We are honored to have the potential of extending this legacy, says Marion Weiss, cofounder of Weiss/Manfredi. Our ambition is to amplify the identity of a site that already has a life of its own. The State Departments priorities are evident in the embassy under construction in London by KieranTimberlake. Davis Brody Bond is working on an embassy in Jakarta and is designing another in Mexico City with Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects.

Go here to read the rest:
State Department Names Architects for Design Excellence Program

Reliable Roofing
Call Reliable Roofing for all your roofing needs.

By: crazymarvin1414

Read more:
Reliable Roofing - Video

Irvine Roofing
Irvine Roofer - We have been installing and repairing Irvine roofs since 1978. Call us today for your free quote.

By: John McGraw

Go here to read the rest:
Irvine Roofing - Video

Roofing Edmonton | Edmonton Roofing Consultants | 780 666-4601
edmontonroofingconsultants.com Choice Roofing Consultants 10060 Jasper avenue Tower 1, Suite 2020-1 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3R8 Phone 780 666-4601 Choice roofing consultants is Edmonton #39;s premier roofing companies which offers service excellence and quality workmanship, Roofing services include a free assessment of your current roof to identify problem areas an check for areas that may be prone to leaking as well we will give you a comprehensive estimate that will break down the costs in an easy to read format. Many types of roofing can be installed such as metal roofing, flat roofing, roofing shingles are more common but please ask us about the availability of wooden shakes and clay roofing materials. Call us now to get started with your no pressure estimate!

By: Connor Hansen

The rest is here:
Roofing Edmonton | Edmonton Roofing Consultants | 780 666-4601 - Video

Welch #39;s Quality Builders and Roofing
Welch #39;s Quality Builders and Roofing - created at animoto.com

By: MySuperNova SEO

Original post:
Welch's Quality Builders and Roofing - Video

TPO Flat Roofing. J. Montes Inc. Roofing Systems of Hampton Roads
A lot of factors go into making an energy efficient roofing system .TPO (Thermoplastic polyolefin) is a great option for the old black rubber roofs. The insulation alone adds an R-9 to the overall roof. On a hot summer day a roof installed with highly reflective materials can reduce the surface temperature as much as 60 degrees.The right amount of insulation helps keep your building cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

By: Jon Montes

Read the original post:
TPO Flat Roofing. J. Montes Inc. Roofing Systems of Hampton Roads - Video

Pride Of Roofing
49 Dacre Crescent, South Ockendon, Essex, RM15 4TT, http://www.yell.com

By: yell

View post:
Pride Of Roofing - Video

Shoreline Wa Roofing - Roofers Shoreline Wa - Bruce #39;s Roofing - Free Estimates
Shoreline Wa Roofing - Roofers Shoreline Wa - Bruce #39;s Roofing has been serving the Greater Puget Sound Region since 1971. We specialize in Residential and Light Commercial re-roofs (complete removal, installation cleanup). Our installations range from Architectural Composition to "Old Growth" Cedar Shake and Snap-Loc Metal. Since we have over 40 years experience in working with a wide range of roofing materials, we provide our customers firsthand knowledge as to what impact the type and style a new roof will have on their home. We can also work with you and your insurance dealing with storm damage to your roof. Bruce #39;s Roofing has been in business for over 40 years for many reasons: Quality Service, Value and Customer Satisfaction, we get the job done right at an affordable price. Serving the following areas: Auburn Wa, Kirkland Wa, Redmond Wa, Seattle Wa, Bellevue Wa, Everett Wa, Puyallup Wa, Lynnwood Wa, Bothell Wa, Shoreline Wa, Monroe Wa, Algona Wa, Brier Wa, Burien Wa, Carnation Wa, Covington Wa, Des Moines Wa, Duvall Wa, Edmonds Wa, Fall City, Federal Way Wa, Kent Wa, Lake Forest Park Wa, Maple Vally Wa, Marysville Wa, Mill Creek Wa, Milton Wa, Mukilteo Wa, North Bend Wa, Pacific Wa, Renton Wa, Sammamish Wa, Sea Tac Wa, Snohomish Wa, Snoqualmie Wa, Sumner Wa, Tukwila Wa, Woodinville Wa, Bonney Lake Wa, Orting Wa, Lake Tapps Wa, Enumclaw Wa, Tacoma Wa, Gig Harbor Wa, University Place Wa, Lakewood Wa, Graham Wa, Kenmore Wa, Fife Wa http://www.brucesroofing.com 1 (360) 825 ...

By: BrucesRoofing

Here is the original post:
Shoreline Wa Roofing - Roofers Shoreline Wa - Bruce's Roofing - Free Estimates - Video

Roofers Shoreline Wa - Shoreline Wa Roofing - Bruce #39;s Roofing - Free Estimates
Shoreline Wa Roofing - Roofers Shoreline Wa - Bruce #39;s Roofing has been serving the Greater Puget Sound Region since 1971. We specialize in Residential and Light Commercial re-roofs (complete removal, installation cleanup). Our installations range from Architectural Composition to "Old Growth" Cedar Shake and Snap-Loc Metal. Since we have over 40 years experience in working with a wide range of roofing materials, we provide our customers firsthand knowledge as to what impact the type and style a new roof will have on their home. We can also work with you and your insurance dealing with storm damage to your roof. Bruce #39;s Roofing has been in business for over 40 years for many reasons: Quality Service, Value and Customer Satisfaction, we get the job done right at an affordable price. Serving the following areas: Auburn Wa, Kirkland Wa, Redmond Wa, Seattle Wa, Bellevue Wa, Everett Wa, Puyallup Wa, Lynnwood Wa, Bothell Wa, Shoreline Wa, Monroe Wa, Algona Wa, Brier Wa, Burien Wa, Carnation Wa, Covington Wa, Des Moines Wa, Duvall Wa, Edmonds Wa, Fall City, Federal Way Wa, Kent Wa, Lake Forest Park Wa, Maple Vally Wa, Marysville Wa, Mill Creek Wa, Milton Wa, Mukilteo Wa, North Bend Wa, Pacific Wa, Renton Wa, Sammamish Wa, Sea Tac Wa, Snohomish Wa, Snoqualmie Wa, Sumner Wa, Tukwila Wa, Woodinville Wa, Bonney Lake Wa, Orting Wa, Lake Tapps Wa, Enumclaw Wa, Tacoma Wa, Gig Harbor Wa, University Place Wa, Lakewood Wa, Graham Wa, Kenmore Wa, Fife Wa http://www.brucesroofing.com 1 (360) 825 ...

By: BrucesRoofing

More:
Roofers Shoreline Wa - Shoreline Wa Roofing - Bruce's Roofing - Free Estimates - Video