Interview with Tim Carl at HGA Architects on Greater MSP Business
The faade says 1929 classic elegance but the theater inside says 2014 and beyond. Northrop Auditorium on the University of Minnesota campus has undergone a million-dollar renovation that...
By: GREATER MSP
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Interview with Tim Carl at HGA Architects on Greater MSP Business - Video
Synchronon - The Architects of Bliss
Synchronon 12/2014.
By: TheSynchronon
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Synchronon - The Architects of Bliss - Video
Back in September, we reported on Vo Trong Nghia Architects' ongoing effort to produce a suitable home for Vietnam's poor. The latest iteration of the firm's low-cost S House sees the prototype home refined, and the prefabricated dwelling now sports a more stable structure, and an impressive on-site build time of just three hours.
Completed in November and installed in Ho Chi Minh City, the S House 3 has just one large interior space inside that measures 31.6 sq m (340 sq ft). Whereas the previous S House was built from a pre-cast concrete frame bolted together with steel fixings, this newest version comprises a lightweight steel framework, cement board cladding, and a reinforced concrete foundation.
"The aim of this serial project is to provide stable but lightweight, permanent but affordable homes for low-income earners in a harsh tropical climate," says Vo Trong Nghia Architects. "Although there are many local challenges such as weak ground condition, frequent typhoon and potential earthquake, the structure is stable enough to withstand natural disasters."
As was the case with its predecessor, the S House 3 features a small gap between its roof and walls, and several operable windows to encourage ventilation. Though it weighs 1,200 kg (2,645 lb), individual components are designed to be no more than 60 kg (132 lb), in order to allow easier transportation via shipping container or small boat.
Once on-site, it should take builders only around three hours to assemble the S House, and Vo Trong Nghia Architects reports that occupants will be able to maintain and repair it with relative ease.
We're awaiting confirmation from Vo Trong Nghia Architects on the expected cost of this model, though as the stated goal of the S House project is to produce an affordable home for poor Vietnamese, and the previous S House iteration cost just US$4,000, it should be relatively affordable. On that note, the firm hopes to eventually start selling the homes all over Vietnam, South East Asia, and elsewhere, including India and African countries.
Some work still remains for the project though, and there will be at least one further version of the S House before it hits the market.
Source: Vo Trong Nghia Architects
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Latest S House prototype can be assembled in just 3 hours
Photo by Jordi Surroca via David Closes Architects
The dilapidated religious complex of Sant Francesc in Santpedor, Spain was in such bad shape that in 2000 the site's convent was demolished by the state, with only a modest church left standing. The roof of the remaining structure, which was built by Franciscan monks between 1721 and 1729, had fallen in, and the vaults of the chapel and the nave had sunk. By the time the Spanish architect David Closes began work on it, the ceiling of the church has crumbled so much that the building's arresting interior was flooded with natural light, an unintentional improvement that the architect decided to model his renovation around. The complicated reconstruction of the fragile early 18th-century church, along with a new glass addition and a major renovation of the interiors, took seven years.
Closes added a pair of skylights, and windows were created from holes and collapsed parts of the building. The architect wanted to keep the church's "historical wounds" on display. "Rather than reconstructing the church, the intervention consolidated the old fabric" and "clearly distinguished the new elements from the original ones," he writes. Contrasting mightily with the old stones, a dramatic glass addition was attached to the exterior of the building, so as not to interrupt the spatial qualities of the nearly three-century-old chapel.
The updated building is now used as a cultural center and auditorium. "The intervention preserves the historical heritage of the building and simultaneously adds new values which highlight and singularize the ancient church in a contemporary way," the architect explains. Photos, below:
Photo by Jordi Surroca via David Closes Architects
Photo by Jordi Surroca via David Closes Architects
Photo by Jordi Surroca via David Closes Architects
Photo by Jordi Surroca via David Closes Architects
Photo by Jordi Surroca via David Closes Architects
Photo by Jordi Surroca via David Closes Architects
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Renovations: Crumbling Church's Glassy Addition Displays its 'Wounds'
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Coastal Metal Service | Manufacturers of steel siding and ...
Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated (LCCI) is shipping architectural precast concrete wall panels to the Naval Facility (NAVFAC), Mayport, Florida.
LEEBCOR SERVICES, LLC contracted Leesburg Concrete Company, Inc. to produce the exterior precast concrete wall panels along with precast concrete floor to floor stairs, stair landings, interior stair shaft and elevator shaft walls, and dumpster enclosure for the P425 LCS Logistics Support Facility, Naval Station Mayport Building Project.
Brothers Kirk Rouse and Shawn Thomas, V.P.s of the family owned business worked very closely prior to reaching a firm agreement with LEEBCOR SERVICES and the U.S. Navy to examine the strict and aggressive manufacturing and delivery schedule which is required. The exterior panels are multi-integral color/ multi-textured to include a grey masonry texture accent cast with aggregate in to the lower portion of the panel, adobe buff in two of the upper sections cast with granite chips, blockouts, white sills and reveals. We wanted to be certain we had thoroughly reviewed all the necessary processes, like the sandblasting to expose cast-in aggregates, for example, to capture accurate productions times for each, said Kirk Rouse prior to making the required timetable commitment. Trucks hauling the precast wall panels are now steadily rolling down the highway and the panel installation is well underway.
LCCI produces precast concrete in their Leesburg, Florida NPCA certified plant. They specialize in precast concrete and metal fabrication. Leesburg Concrete is proud of their continued diversification expansion and success.
Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated
Family owned and operated since 1983, Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated was first a leading manufacturer of precast concrete steps decks, walkways, landings, and ADA compliant modular precast concrete wheelchair ramps, with steel guard rails, and handrails, as well as architectural precast cladding panels and precast concrete stairs. LCCI also offers a wide array of custom precast product options. We Take Pride in exceeding our customers expectations stated Kirk Rouse, Vice President of LCCI. This American, family-owned company demonstrates a philosophy of quality and innovation.
Leesburg Concrete Company, Incorporated is focused on meeting the needs of commercial building construction and renovation projects. Their experienced staff provides turnkey service, and it only takes one call to find the solution to your building needs. For more information visit their website at http://www.leesburgconcrete.com, (800) 882-4177, or KRouse@leesburgconcrete.com.
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Trucks are Rolling, Mayport NAVFAC P425 LCS Building Project is Underway
TOKYO Shinzo Abe took office Wednesday for a third term as Japan's prime minister, appointing a former military officer as his defense minister but keeping the other members of his previous Cabinet.
Parliament re-elected Abe after his Liberal Democratic Party won a renewed mandate in a Dec. 14 snap election that the prime minister said was needed for him to carry out further economic and political reforms.
Abe said economic recovery is vital to achieving his key policy goals such as stronger national security and carrying out the most drastic reforms of the economy since World War II.
"My commitment to protecting public safety, lives and happiness is unchanged," Abe said in a late night news conference "We must, of course, deal with many issues, but nothing can be accomplished without a strong economy."
Gen Nakatani, Abe's new defense minister, headed the Defense Agency in 2001-2002 under former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, before it won full-fledged ministry status. A graduate of the National Defense Academy, he attained a rank of first lieutenant before leaving the military.
Nakatani favors a stronger role for the military, which is constrained by the country's commitment to pacifism under the constitution drafted by the American occupation forces following Japan's defeat in World War II.
Nakatani said Abe specifically asked him to tackle "national security in order to protect Japanese territory, the people's lives and properties."
This time, "I feel more strongly about my responsibility," he said. "Japan's security environment has changed, and we must fortify our national security."
Nakatani's predecessor, Akinori Eto, was one of several ministers whose political funding reports were questioned by opposition lawmakers during the recent parliamentary session. Two resigned their Cabinet posts but were re-elected anyway.
Abe favors revising the constitution as part of his effort to fortify Japan's military, after already revising policies to allow the defense forces to aid allies if they come under attack under a policy dubbed "collective self-defense." Analysts said Abe likely wanted a stronger figure to help handle anticipated fierce questioning over defense-related issues in upcoming parliamentary debates.
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Japan parliament preparing to re-elect Abe as prime minister
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appointed a former soldier and security veteran as his new defense minister, as he prepares to push through legislation to toughen the countrys military stance amid a dispute with China.
Gen Nakatani, 57, was appointed to the post today, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters in Tokyo. All other cabinet members will remain in their current posts, Suga said.
He served as head of the defense agency in 2001-2002 before it was upgraded to a ministry in 2007. He was the first former military official to reach that position, having served for about five years in the Ground Self-Defense Force before entering politics.
He is a former member of the self-defense forces, so he understands security from the ground level and he has been closely involved in policy issues, said Tetsuo Kotani, senior research fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs in Tokyo. I wouldnt categorize him either as a hawk or a dove. I would say hes a realist.
The replacement of Akinori Eto, who was criticized in parliament in October over alleged financial impropriety, comes as Abe seeks to pass a series of bills to back up his reinterpretation of the pacifist constitution. Polls show the change, which allows Japan to defend other countries, is unpopular with the public.
Shinzo Abe, president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), center, is applauded as he is re-elected Japan's prime minister at the lower house of the Diet in Tokyo on Dec. 24, 2014. Close
Shinzo Abe, president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), center, is applauded as he... Read More
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Shinzo Abe, president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), center, is applauded as he is re-elected Japan's prime minister at the lower house of the Diet in Tokyo on Dec. 24, 2014.
This is to ensure the security of the Japanese people, Nakatani wrote on his website on the legislation. The understanding and support of the people is needed above all.
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Abe Brings in Former Soldier Nakatani as Defense Minister
By Elaine Kurtenbach The Associated Press
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrives at his official residence in Tokyo Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014. Japan was preparing Wednesday to name Abe to his next term in office following his party's victory in a Dec. 14 snap election. Abe's Cabinet disbanded early in the day as a ritual first step. The parliament was to convene in the afternoon to elect Abe as prime minister. Abe is due to then appoint a new cabinet. (AP Photo/Kyodo News)
TOKYO Japans parliament re-elected Shinzo Abe on Wednesday to serve another term as prime minister after his party won a snap election earlier this month.
Abe won 328 votes out of the 470 cast by lawmakers in a special session of the lower house Wednesday. Since the ruling Liberal Democrats hold only two lower house seats, two other lawmakers also cast votes for Abe.
Following a similar vote by the upper house, Abe will name his cabinet, replacing only his defence minister. The cabinet members are then to be presented in a formal ceremony to Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace.
The victory by the ruling Liberal Democrats and their coalition partner the Komei Party was viewed as an endorsement by the public of Abes strategies for reviving Japans stagnant economy, despite a record low turnout.
Former Defence Minister Akinori Eto was among cabinet ministers appointed in a reshuffle in early September. He was one of several ministers whose political funding reports were questioned by opposition lawmakers during the recent parliamentary session. Two resigned their cabinet posts but were re-elected anyway.
The questions over political finance pulled Abes popularity ratings lower and were likely a factor in his decision to call the snap election.
Analysts said Etos handling of the questions was seen as too weak, and that Abe planned to appoint a stronger figure to help handle anticipated fierce questioning over defence-related issues in the next years parliamentary debate.
Local media said Gen Nakatani was viewed as the likely replacement for Eto. Nakatani served as defence minister under former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and supports a stronger role for Japans military, which is constrained by the countrys commitment to pacifism under the constitution drafted by the American occupation forces following Japans defeat in World War II.
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Japan parliament re-elects Abe as prime minister
A recent engine room fire aboard one of its cruise ships is expected to reduce earnings for the fourth quarter of 2014 and first quarter of 2015 earnings by about 5 cents a share in each period, Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said this week.
The estimated financial impact on earnings excludes insurance proceeds, Norwegian said in a news release.
On Dec. 11 the Insignia cruise ship operated by Norwegian's premium cruise brand Oceania Cruises experienced a fire in its engine room while docked in St. Lucia during a 10-day cruise.
The incident resulted in the cancellation of the remainder of the cruise that had departed San Juan, Puerto Rico on Dec. 7.
The 684-passenger Insignia was taken out of service and Norwegian said it expects repairs to take about nine weeks.
Cruises cancelled because of the repairs include a 24-day voyage scheduled to depart Miami on Dec. 17 and the first three legs of the ship's Around the World in 180 Days cruise, set to leave Miami on Jan. 10.
A modified world cruise will now sail on March 22, departing from Singapore, Norwegian said.
"We understand how disappointing this news must be to our valued guests and we extend our sincere appreciation for their cooperation and understanding," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian president and CEO.
Despite the expected earnings hit, Norwegian said it's reiterating its prior full-year 2014 adjusted earnings per-share guidance of $2.28 to $2.32, which had excluded results of its acquisition of Oceania's former parent Prestige Cruises International, Inc. which closed in the fourth quarter. It also excluded the financial impacts from the engine fire incident.
Norwegian is the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises and together the three brands operate 21 ships that visit more than 430 destinations worldwide.
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Norwegian estimates impact of Insignia cruise ship fire
