New home starts rose again, matching a 17 year high. Through September 1.37 million new homes were started, up 5.4% for the same time period in 2002. www.census.gov/indicator/www/newresconst.pdf

ASCE released a “2003 Progress Report for America’s Infrastructure” warning that the continuing decline in American infrastructure is as real a threat as terrorist attacks. The report estimates that the cost for infrastructure renewal is $1.6 trillion over five years. www.asce.org/reportcard

Building Down instead of Up. An October 14 Newsweek article highlights Tokyo’s plans to build underground office buildings and infrastructure while turning the surface into increasing green space in order to relieve some of the most crowded conditions on the planet. http://www.msnbc.com/news/978188.asp

A 101 story 1667 foot tall skyscraper in Taipei became the world’s tallest building in October. Built in an active seismic zone, it was designed to absorb earthquakes of greater than 7 on the Richter scale. It also features the world’s fastest elevators that run up to 37 mph.

The 70 story Four Seasons Hotel in Miami has quietly become the tallest building south of Atlanta. The interior features an 80 foot waterfall, with penthouses available for $3 million.

“Live Work Skyline Street,” an exhibition of NYC’s Planning Department’s master urban design vision for economic revitalization throughout the city is currently showing at AIA’s New Center for Architecture at 538 LaGuardia Place. The exhibit features a 3D model of the city.

NYC and the EPA have announced a sustainable design competition for various building categories incorporating unique energy and water saving ideas. Entries must be submitted by Jan.15. www.nyc.gov/html/moec/html/competition.html

The 2003 National Design Build awards announced in October include Flagler Street Bridge in Miami, FL; Chattahoochee Water Treatment Plant in Atlanta, GA; Carolina Bays Parkway in Myrtle Beach, SC; and Blue Grass Airport Baggage Screening Area in Lexington, KY among others.
http://www.dbia.org/

Adobe now has a fully functioning trial version of Acrobat 6.0 available for free download. This includes the ability to create PDFs from AutoCAD: www.adobe.com/products/acrobatpro/tryout.html

 

 

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