Incorporate Corporated Branding in your Office Space InterMedia Case Study by OTJ Architects

By: OTJ Architects

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Incorporate Corporated Branding in your Office Space InterMedia Case Study by OTJ Architects - Video

Architects, or at least successful ones, are masters of manipulating how we use the space around us--with potentially big human ramifications. A thoughtfully designed office space, for example, impacts not only the way people work but, by extension, how they feel about their jobs.

So how do these designers do when it comes to designing their own abodes? Not bad, judging by an upcoming installation that gives a voyeuristic look into several famous architects homes. Where Architects Live is a life-sized exhibit of re-created living rooms and entryways belonging to some of the worlds most acclaimed architects, including David Chipperfield, Zaha Hadid, and Daniel Libeskind. It will be on display at Salone del Mobile in Milan this April.

While color palettes and the size of the homes vary, there are a few striking commonalities: Rooms are as spare and filled with light as youd expect from a bunch of modern architects (to wit: Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas's floor-to-ceiling shelving is practically bare), and Eames, Prouv, and Le Corbusier chairs can be spotted throughout.

At the same time, distinct design sensibilities bubble to the top. In Zaha Hadids London studio, her dining room table is covered in curvaceous, futuristic knickknacks; David Chipperfields spartan home office echoes the sharp lines and right angles of the buildings he designs--evidence that these designers practice what they preach.

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Peek Inside The Homes Of 8 Starchitects

A planned $80 million project in Carmel would bring a retirement community, apartments and retail to a stretch of Main Street near U.S. 31.

Representatives of developer Edward Rose & Sons on Monday introduced their designs to the Carmel City Council, whose approval is needed to clear zoning hurdles.

The plans call for 422 luxury apartments; a retirement community with a mix of independent living, assisted and memory care; and townhomes for sale and rent. There also will be retail space, surface and garage parking and an area for a future hotel.

Steve Hardin, an attorney for Edward Rose, told the council that the developer aims to start construction on the infrastructure in the first quarter of 2015, with the buildings to follow later in the year.

The apartments will be built in three phases over three years, he said, while the retirement community is expected to be finished by the end of 2016.

Based in Michigan, Edward Rose has a regional office in Indianapolis. The company specializes in real estate development as well as property management, and would serve as the eventual landlord for the apartments and retirement community.

If plans are approved, the intersection of Main and Old Meridian streets will be decidedly different by 2015. Developer Keystone Realty is seeking approval to build Sophia Pointe, a five-story mixed-use development with as many as 200 apartments across from The District.

On the southwest side of the development, Grand Boulevard will be extended to Main from its existing roundabout with Old Meridian.

The two developments would be situated not far from U.S. 31, a largely commercial corridor thats been designated for high-density office use. But the immediate area has a mix of uses, including apartments, retail and schools.

Its a great fit for the Old Meridian District, said Councilwoman Sue Finkam. This project offers a lot of amenities that residents of that area would like to have.

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Carmel considers $80 million development

It expects the increase in retail space through new stores and renovation will help drive its sales up to Bt8 billion in six years from Bt2.97 billion last year.

About Bt2.7 billion will be spent to renovate Fashion Island, Terminal 21 and The Promenade over three years.

At least three new stores will be launched in Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen and Nakhon Si Thammarat, while major tourism destinations such as Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Phuket are being evaluated as prospective future locations, Prasert Sriuranpong, executive |director of the retail development arm of Land and Houses, the country's leading housing developer, said yesterday.

The company is investing long term to cash in on the trend towards economic prosperity of the country, especially with the rapid urbanisation in the provinces and the coming to fruition of the Asean Economic Community next year.

''Even though the country has suffered from the prolonged political tensions, the economy still shows strong fundamentals with continuous growth in the future. This is optimistic for our investment,'' he said.

The stores in the two northeastern provinces of Nakhon Ratchasima, known as Korat, and Khon Kaen will require Bt5 billion each. Korat will be operating first in early 2016 on a 52-rai site, followed by Khon Kaen later in the year on 55 rai. Both will have retail space of 70,000 square metres and will be named Terminal 21, after the company's successful retail centre in Bangkok.

The Nakhon Sri Thammarat property will be located on 41 rai. The firm has prepared Bt3 billion for construction, but details on its concept and name are pending deeper study of local lifestyles. The province shows clear potential with a growing rubber industry.

Korat is the gateway to the Northeast and Khon Kaen the capital of upper Isaan.

They boast a combined population of 4.6 million people with greater spending power. Infrastructure will also be improved, especially in Korat, which will be reached by two-rail trains and bullet trains. Korat will grow exponentially in the future, similar to Bangkok.

Recently, Central Group revealed plans for a CentralPlaza as the biggest store in Korat. Construction of the shopping complex occupying 52 rai outside the city centre will cost Bt7 billion with completion scheduled in early 2016. Currently, The Mall is the big player in Korat.

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Siam Retail keeps faith in Thailand with Bt20 bn stake over 6 years

Horsham, PA (PRWEB) March 05, 2014

Dan Kerr, president of Philadelphia-area mechanical construction, service, and energy services firm Burns Mechanical, is serving on the jury of the annual student architectural engineering competition held by the Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI) of ASCE, the American Society of Civil Engineers.

The AEI initiated the student competition specifically for accredited architectural engineering programs to showcase the value of collaboration, competition, and peer review, all of which are important in the development of designs in the professional world. A grant provided by the Charles Pankow Foundation has helped to make the competition possible.

Im very flattered to have the opportunity to rub elbows with future construction industry giants, said Kerr, a graduate of Penn States architectural engineering program.

Teams of students will present their work at the AEI National Student Conference later this month at Drexel University in Philadelphia.

The jury consists of the following professionals:

Structural: David W. Bernhardt, P.E.; Lindsay L. Hu, P.E., LEED AP Integration: Eric Cole, AIA, LEED AP; Charles DeLisio, AIA, P.E, LEED AP Mechanical: Dan Kerr, P.E.; Joseph Dilenno, P.E., LEED AP BD+C Construction: Gregory Dunkle, LEED AP, CCM; Shane A. Boyer

About Burns Mechanical

Burns Mechanical is a leading commercial mechanical contracting firm, serving the greater Philadelphia area providing construction and service for some of the region's most prestigious projects. Its target market of ongoing and completed contracting and service projects includes healthcare and pharmaceutical facilities, high-rise and high-end office complexes, data centers, manufacturing and research facilities, commercial marketplaces, and institutions.

Founded in 1998, Burns is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PPL Corporation. For more information, visit http://www.burnsmechanical.com or call 215-674-9000.

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Dan Kerr of Burns Mechanical Serving On Jury for Architectural Engineering Student Competition

Peterborough This Week

PETERBOROUGH -- Dr. Jenny Ingram still wants to see the former YMCA building in downtown Peterborough redeveloped, she's just not the right person for the job.

After spending seven years investigating the historic building's potential to house a mix of commercial and residential space with a group of like-minded individuals, she put it up for sale in January. While her dreams for the property haven't changed, she realized the group didn't have the right skill set to see the project through.

At the same time, she has more work-related responsibilities on her plate, she says.

"The biggest thing that's changed for me, is that the geriatrics services that I work in were not available then," she says. "Over the last seven years the Local Health Integrated Networks and government have invested heavily in community-based geriatric services, and they require my attention."

READ MORE: Owner put her 'heart and soul into vision for former YMCA building

Last summer and fall she says an outside group was interested in helping the team working on the building with the redevelopment. She says the team came close to settling on a plan to move forward, which included rebuilding a portion that didn't require maintaining heritage features. While she didn't get into detail, the outside group wasn't interested and she began talking with realtors in December.

Still, she says the building can support residential and commercial space. She hopes to see a developer take on the project and bring the building up to its full potential.

"It's important to the city and it's important to the community at large," she says.

The 107,600-square-foot building, located at George and Murray streets, is listed for $1,475,000. While she bought the building from the YMCA for $1, she says she's not looking to make any money from the sale.

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Architectural landmark deserves responsible developer: Seller

(March 6, 2014) The weather in Indiana is causing massive amounts of home problems, from flooding to broken pipes. That means restoration companies are very busy.

We are drying out the structure of this house from a frozen pipe near Greenwood. The pipe busted and flooded this entire house from top to bottom. It caused probably 40 thousand dollars damage, said Kenny Cochran, the CEO of Moore Restoration.

According to Cochran, most home water damage doesnt come from heavy rain or melting snowbroken water pipes are usually the culprit.

Many water pipes are inside exterior walls, close to the cold temperatures. So without good insulation, they can freeze, he said. Then, when they start to thaw out, they expand and rupture, and theyll flood a whole house, a building a school or a hospital. Weve done all kinds of commercial work over the last 90 days. We are open 24/7, 365 days of the year.

In the case of the Greenwood home, it was a second-floor pipe that split in the main bathroom. The pipes were in the exterior wall, exposed to the cold weather and wind. The water even flooded through the floor.

I expected to find some water up in the light fixture on the first floor. And sure enough the water from the busted bathroom pipe leaked into the next levels light fixtures, said Scott Montgomery, director of emergency services at Moore Restoration.

The family of the flooded home will have to stay elsewhere for two to three months, but at least insurance is covering it. The best money-saving tip after flooding, is dont hire someone coming to your door offering their services. Then can take your money and take you for a ride.

Its best to know the restoration company that you are working with. Do a little research with the Better Business Bureau, Angies List, places like that to know they are an established, reputable company and not a fly-by-night place working out of the back of a station wagon, Cochran said.

You should also get a detailed price quote in writing before work begins. But keep in mind, some de-construction may have to take place to fully assess damage. The company should also check for mold and prevent it from forming. And just because things feel dry doesnt mean they are. Its a process to make sure there is proper drying.

Typically well dry out a structure in three to five days, after a major water loss. Thats why we have big air movers, said Cochran.

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How to fix your flooded home

Photo: ThisDay

President Goodluck Jonathan.

Barely 24 hours after a sweeping sack in the aviation sector, President Goodluck Jonathan Wednesday dropped the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi from his cabinet.

This is just as 11 new ministers were sworn in by the president.

Though Abdullahi was absent at the swearing in ceremony, Jonathan nonetheless announced his replacement.

Dr Tamuno Danagogo from Rivers State, replaced Bolaji Abdullahi as Sports Minister.

Senator. Muhammadu Musiliu Obanikoro (Lagos), is the new Minister of State Defence.

Mohammed Wakil (Borno), Minister of State for Power, Alhaji Abduljelili Adesiyan (Osun), Minister of Police Affairs, and Ambassador Aminu Wali (Kano), Minister of Foreign Affairs

Also, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi (Akwa Ibom), is the new Minister of Land and Housing, Lawrencia Laraba Mallam (Kaduna State), Minister of Environment.

Minister of state for Agriculture is Hajia Asabe Asmau Ahmed (Niger), Gen. Aliyu Gusau (Zamfara), Minister of Defence, Boni Haruna (Adamawa), Minister of Youth Development, while Dr Khaliru Alhassan (Sokoto State),is the new Minister of State for Health.

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Nigeria: Jonathan Drops Bolaji Abdullahi, Swears in 11 New Ministers

Madison's $30 million transformation of its central library has been named a 2014 Project of the Year by the Wisconsin chapter of the American Public Works Association, and also is in the running for a top prize from the national organization.

Tyler Smith, chairman of the Wisconsin chapter's awards committee, on Thursday confirmed the library project's top selection in the contest's structural division, calling it "an awesome project" that stood a good chance of also getting national honors when those are announced likely later this month.

The chapter award recognizes excellence in both the administration of public projects and in the quality of collaboration that took place between a project's managing agency, design team and contractor.

Opened to the public on Sept. 21 after 22 months of work, the redesigned space at 201 W. Mifflin St. is both a renovation and an expansion of the former 1965 central branch of the city's library system.

Designed by architects Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle of Minneapolis and Potter Lawson, Inc., of Madison, with Madison-based J.H. Findorff & Son as general contractor, the library was rebuilt to offer much more than just a renewed space to house books.

Noteworthy features include 20 new conference rooms, specially designed space for children and teens, a new art gallery and a community room with built-in audio and visual equipment for workshops, meetings and hands-on classes. The building also has a media lab where library patrons can receive training on software and other technology tools.

"The multiple amenities and 21st century appeal of the renovated library make it more than a place to check out books and study," Findorff's Amanda Byrd said in a statement announcing the award. "It has transformed into an accessible community treasure for generations to come."

Sustainability also was designed into the project's deconstruction and construction phases, with LEED Gold certification long identified as a goal. Elements aimed at reducing waste and saving energy included the building's 10,000-square-foot sedum-covered roof -- sedum is a flowering plant -- with solar panels.

In addition, all the wood products in the building came from forests certified as sustainably managed, Findorff said, with flooring made mostly with recycled tires installed throughout the building. Indoor air quality was protected by paints, sealants and adhesives containing limited volatile organic compounds.

With offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Findorff employs on average 500 construction workers and tradepeople to complete about $300 million in construction annually, Byrd said.

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Madison Central Library remodeling named top public works project in Wisconsin

Sandra Hermiston & Lynda Steele, CTV Vancouver Published Wednesday, March 5, 2014 6:00AM PST Last Updated Wednesday, March 5, 2014 7:26PM PST

While some BC Hydro customers have fought tooth and nail against getting smart meters at their homes, a North Vancouver man has spent years battling the utility giant just to get his installed.

Stephen Stalbergs electricity meter is in an odd location, high up on the side of his house.

Apparently the previous owner raised this house put the basement in and the meter never got brought down, said Stalberg.

It wasnt an issue until BC Hydro wanted to install a smart meter. The first contractor called to Stalbergs home told him the meter was too high, and he did not have a ladder. As well, the contractor said the siding of the house was too close to the meter so the installation couldnt be complete.

BC Hydro said it would send a tradesman out, but a year later nothing had been done.

Then Stalberg got a surprise in the mail, a letter saying he was delaying the process and would be charged $35 a month for refusing a smart meter.

"I've been phoning once a month, they just say they're on their way," he said.

Hopeful, Stalberg took down the siding on the house last September and left a ladder out for workers. But after 18 months, he was fed up and called Steele on Your Side.

Consumer reporter Lynda Steele took the issue to BC Hydro on his behalf.

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BC Hydro customer in different kind of smart meter battle