TELUS Sky tower in Calgary to be first LEED Platinum development in the city

 

Both the 149-meter-tall Vancouver House and the 220-meter-tall TELUS Sky tower contain offices and residences with a mix of uses, and their platforms have access to bicycle and pedestrian walkways. The highest level of Energy and Environmental Design is also held by both. The first LEED Platinum structure in the city is called Vancouver House, and TELUS in Calgary now has the biggest LEED Platinum footprint in North America at 70,725 square meters.

The developers of TELUS Sky are striving to achieve LEED Platinum certification for the office, retail, and art spaces of the building, with the residential levels being targeted for LEED Gold. This will make TELUS Sky the most environmentally sustainable building in Canada over 200 meters in height.

Calgary and Vancouver have started an urban experiment to build a downtown that is extremely dense. While Alberta is centered on a cluster surrounded by low-density housing, the largest city in western Canada built a densely populated core. In either form, both buildings serve as examples of how to approach urban planning from a combination of living and working spaces, fulfilling the community's need for an urban development that is genuinely sustainable and vibrant.

In the brief but fruitful history of urban policy in the city, Vancouver House represents a new chapter. A new urbanist platform with a slender tower that strives to retain view cones through the city while energising the pedestrian street, the tower and base are a new interpretation of the regional typology known as "Vancouverism."

The Granville bridge, a nearby park, and the tower's location at the entry to Vancouver all impose setback requirements on the tower's site. What was left was a tiny triangular site that was almost insufficient for construction. The 30-meter separation from the bridge was intended to be the absolute minimum gap before the structure could expand once it reached a height of 30 meters in the air, which would have allowed BIG to double the floor plate.

As a result, Vancouver House gradually rises from the ground, opening up new views of Vancouver's expansive natural surroundings. What appears to be an absurd gesture is actually a very dynamic building that is influenced by its surroundings.

In Calgary's downtown core, the TELUS Sky tower combines a vibrant mix of living and working areas. Since the car is a central element of Calgary Downtown, its programmatic consistency results in a night-time population decline as individuals head home. By stacking the houses on an office tower, TELUS Sky creates a programmatically diverse complex that is active throughout the day.

Construction Technology Trends for Your Business in 2023

 

The year 2023 is going to be wonderful for building. With the development of technology and the enormous demand for services, only upward movement is possible.

The future of the global construction industry is bright, with prospects in the non-residential, infrastructure, and residential sectors. There are prospects in residential, non-residential, and infrastructure construction, which bodes well for the future of the global construction business. According to a recent survey by Research And Markets, the global construction industry is expected to reach an estimated $10.5 trillion by 2023, and it is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2018 to 2023.  Increased home starts and rising infrastructure because of increased urbanization and population growth are the main factors driving this market's growth.

Emerging trends that have a direct impact on the dynamics of the construction industry include increasing demand for green construction to reduce carbon footprint, bridge lock-up device systems to enhance the life of structures, building information systems for efficient building management, and the use of fiber-reinforced polymer composites for the rehabilitation of aging structures.

The use of robots is changing a number of industries, including medicine and agricultural production. The building business has also been revolutionized by these cutting-edge devices. Robots might help building projects stay on schedule and within budget. However, interested organizations must research which devices are most suited for helping with labor-intensive or time-consuming operations.

• Green Construction

Fossil fuel emissions from the building sector are a key factor in climate change. Nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions connected to energy come from building operations and construction. But as the seriousness of climate change becomes more widely recognized, the building sector is making real efforts to lessen its environmental impact. Leaders in the industry are looking for ways to cut down on demolition waste, use eco-friendly building materials, and use locally sourced building supplies. Clients in the construction industry are also making investments in businesses that offer the environmentally friendly, sustainable practices they want.

• Modular Design

In the construction industry, modular construction is quickly rising to the top as a preferred method of building. A modular structure is created off-site and put together on-site. This method enables more rapid construction, greener construction, and cleverer design. The modular construction method also results in less waste. Building workers can manage inventory and recycle used materials. Additionally, the structures can be relocated or renovated, which lowers the energy and material costs associated with a new project. By 2023, the market for modular construction is expected to be valued up to $157 billion.

• Remote Worksites

While adhering to stringent safety regulations, construction companies managed to remain productive in 2020. While ensuring the safety of employees, consumers, and contractors, mobile construction apps have allowed the sector to grow. Construction organizations are becoming more aware of the importance of mobile access and distant work sites to their bottom line as 2023 draws closer. Remote completion of many building phases can save the builder and the client time and money. Projects will be completed more quickly than ever before because to predicted technical breakthroughs that enable work to be done offshore.

• Use of rented tools

Construction businesses will continue to favor renting equipment or buying old goods over brand-new ones. Both of these options are anticipated construction industry trends for 2023 because they let companies stay current with technology while spending less money. Particularly with rented equipment, building businesses can test whether various devices produce the desired outcomes.

 

 

Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Change Conference (COP27)- November 2022

 

The 27th iteration of the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) is slated for Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, from November 7 to November 18, 2022.

The State of the Climate in Africa 2020 is a report that was published by the World Meteorological Organization and its collaborators.

According to the analysis, up to 118 million severely poor Africans may experience drought, floods, and excessive heat by 2030. This highlights the continent's disproportionate susceptibility. As a result, efforts to reduce poverty and boost the economy would stop, leaving more people in extreme poverty. estimates that by 2030, up to 118 million extremely poor Africans will be vulnerable to drought, floods, and excessive heat, warning of the continent's disproportionate susceptibility. As a result, efforts to reduce poverty and promote economic growth will be hampered, leading to an increase in the number of people living in deep poverty.

According to the report, Sub-Saharan Africa will need to invest between $30 and $50 billion annually, or roughly two to three percent of GDP, in climate adaptation over the course of the next ten years. This amount is sufficient to promote economic growth and job creation while giving priority to a sustainable and green recovery.

The COP27 summit will progress international climate negotiations, spur action, and offer a crucial chance to look at how climate change is affecting Africa.

The Role of Construction in Climate Change

Climate change and global warming are occurring in the modern world at an alarming rate. The extraction of natural resources for building materials uses energy, harms the environment, and contributes to global warming, among other things.

In both industrialized and developing countries, the primary drivers of greenhouse gas emissions and energy use are construction and the built environment. As a result, significant changes must be made in the manner that materials are created, consumed, and energy is conserved. Immediate advice on the use of renewable resources, as well as recycling and reusing building materials, is essential.

Sustainability has lately changed from a trend to a necessity due to the AEC industry's role as one of the primary contributors to climate change. Now there is a real chance for manufacturers, engineers, and architects to actively contribute to improving society.

Recent years have also seen a rise in the need for ecologically friendly building, particularly the development of smart cities.

Even though building and construction-related emissions were significantly decreased in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19-induced global lockout, trends are once more accelerating. Consequently, "emissions will keep rising and contribute to calamitous climate change," the UN said.

Construction and Global Climate Change

• About 40% of the world’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from this industry (WBCSD 2018). The materials utilized, as well as the heating, cooling, and lighting of buildings and infrastructure, are the main sources of these emissions.
• In 2019, CO2 emissions rose to 9.95 GtCO2. When building construction industry emissions are included, the sector is responsible for 38% of all energy-related CO2 emissions.
• To reach net zero carbon building stock by 2050, direct building CO2 emissions must be cut in half by 2030.
• According to UNEP’s annual Emissions Gap Report 2020, the globe is still on track to experience a temperature rise of more than 3°C this century, despite a decline in carbon dioxide emissions in 2020 brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic.
• A recent UN report presents a gloomy picture of the state of the environment, noting that the building industry was responsible for 37% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.

In recent times we have also witnessed a growing demand for environmentally sensitive construction, specifically the creation of Smart Cities

Despite the fact that the Covid-19-induced global lockout drastically reduced building and construction-related emissions in 2020, trends are once again on the rise. According to the UN, this means that “emissions will keep rising and contribute to disastrous climate change.”

 

COP27 and the Road to Sustainability

We must take swift action to reduce carbon emissions, which represent about 40% of world emissions. We must convey this information to countries at COP27 in order to persuade them to pass regulations and other actions that will considerably lower the sector's carbon footprint.

The COP27 summit is a fantastic chance to show support for one another in the face of an existential threat that can only be stopped by well-coordinated action and effective implementation.

The delayed adoption and adaptation of technical improvements in the worldwide construction industry has earned it a bad reputation. The construction industry needs to start promptly tackling society's most challenging environmental and sustainability issues if we want to attain net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

AEC organizations and their leaders need to acquire competencies and skills that can make them more effective and sustainable. There is no right time to do this, the Right Time is Now.

AutoCAD vs SolidWorks: Which is Best?

 

We'll explore a comparison between AutoCAD and SolidWorks in this article. While SolidWorks is a three-dimensional (3d) modeling mechanical designing software that is only compatible with the operating system Microsoft Windows, AutoCAD is a computer-aided two-dimensional (2d) and three-dimensional (3d) designing and drafting software that is compatible with both Microsoft Windows and macOS. Both of them can be used for engineering design, building projects, and graphics creation. Engineers and professionals from various trades utilize these two programs for a variety of professional tasks. You can easily distinguish SolidWorks software from AutoCAD software in this post. To better comprehend AutoCAD software and SolidWorks software, we shall talk about all elements of these two programs.

The 3D modeling community of today has access to a vast range of 3D modeling software, with updates released yearly and new and improved forms of software for each purpose imaginable. However, the top manufacturers of 3D modeling software, namely Dassault Systems and Autodesk, continue to hold the majority of the market share. We compare SolidWorks, and AutoCAD in depth. This information should aid you in making the best CAD software selection possible.

Comparison Between AutoCAD and SolidWorks Software

Many design professionals are very familiar with AutoCAD software, and engineering students are also very familiar with it. These students begin their learning of design with AutoCAD software, but SolidWorks enters the learner's knowledge when they start to lean toward learning three-dimensional (3d) modeling. Therefore, the fundamental requirements for using any piece of software vary. Both pieces of software are used for academic and professional endeavors.

What is AutoCAD?

As was already noted, the CAD program AutoCAD is intended for use by interior designers, architects, and engineers. Instead of the former way of making technical drawings by hand-drafting them, it is now usual practice in the industry to use a computerized tool to create a digital version of your design.

Users using AutoCAD can produce a wide variety of 2D and 3D designs and drawings. Using some basic capabilities like copy and paste, form, position, and size, these drawings may be created and modified much more quickly and easily. It has a wide range of applications in numerous industries, including greeting cards, fine art, architecture, and design.

What is SolidWorks?

One of the most widely used CAD applications by professionals worldwide is SolidWorks. It has an astonishing selection of capabilities that enable users to construct any shape imaginable. It has a reputation for being relatively simple to use and straightforward to learn, making it a 3D CAD tool that is approachable for users of all ability levels.

Simulation, motion, assembly, ScanTo3D, and photo rendering are just a few of its numerous functions. What is the purpose of SolidWorks? SolidWorks can be utilized in a wide range of industries, including but not limited to those in the automotive, electronics, medical, defense, and transportation sectors.

AutoCAD Features

• 3D Modeling and Visualization
• AutoCAD Mobile App
• Command Line
• Data Extraction
• Data Linking
• DWG and Image References
• Dynamic Blocks
• Geographic Location and Online Maps
• Import 3D Models
• Multifunctional Grips
• Parametric Constraints
• PDF and DGN Import/Export/Underlay
• Photo Studio
• Revision Clouds
• Sheet Set Manager
• Solid, Surface, and Mesh Modeling

SolidWorks features

• 3D Solid Modeling
• Advanced Surface Design
• Advanced Surface Flattening
• Automatic Drawing View Creation and Update
• Bill of Materials (BOM)
• CAD Dimensioning, Tolerancing, and Annotations
• CAD Import/Export
• CAD Productivity Tools – SOLIDWORKS Utilities
• CAD Search
• CAD Standards Checking (Design Checker) and Drawing Comparison
• Conceptual Design
• Conceptual Design
• Large Assembly Design
• Mold Design
• Piping and Tubing Design
• Plastic and Cast Part Design Direct Model Editing

 

Which Industry?

With the introduction of toolkits like AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD Architecture, and AutoCAD Electrical throughout the years, as well as the inclusion of AutoCAD 3D modeling capabilities, AutoCAD has evolved from its original purpose as software for 2D architectural and construction design.

On the other hand, SolidWorks was initially intended to be a tool for 3D product modeling, mechanical part design, and simulation. It didn't begin to delve into the world of architecture and other engineering features until much later.

AutoCAD Software

• Architectural and construction design
• Civil and structural engineering

SolidWorks Software

• Electronic, electrical, and technology design
• Mechanical parts and assembly design
• Automotive and aerospace design

Final Thoughts

You may now more clearly comprehend the key distinctions between SolidWorks CAD software and AutoCAD software after carefully reading this article from beginning to end, and you can make excellent use of them in your designing or modeling projects. After reading this post, picking one of them will be a lot simpler for you, and this software will provide you a growing number of advantages.

 

How 3D rendering services help architects see buildings

 

Today, we'll look at the many stages of a new project and how architects use 3D rendering services. Architects need a broad range of abilities to carry out their duties. A good architect must draw out their concepts and offer detailed architectural design designs. They must simultaneously make sure that their designs comply with the safety regulations and the laws of physics.

Let's first establish what 3D rendering and modeling are different from one another. The procedure that follows 3D modeling is 3D rendering, which is the straightforward solution.

So let's take a closer look at the definition of 3D rendering. The key distinction between 3D modeling and rendering will next be covered in depth.

What is 3D Rendering?

Similar to photography or filmmaking, 3D rendering is a creative process that entails setting up light and aesthetics before creating images. The 3D Rendering scenes, in contrast to camera-captured photos, are entirely the artist's imagination and include everything that can be seen in a 3D rendering produced by the software. Each rendering starts out as a 3D model, which consists of a collection of flat geometric forms connected in three dimensions. Polygons are the name for these forms. Any digital 3D model's foundation is made up of these fundamental geometries, which are modified and built using computer software.

Objective

• Helps real estate agents show properties to customers
• Enables better design-related decisions before construction
• Facilitates marketing, design analysis and facilitates presentations
• Still displays ideas in rendering, 3D moves through animations, virtual tours, floor plans, etc.

What is 3D Modeling?

Both 3D modeling and rendering are two distinct stages of an entire process to create a 3D model.

Objective

• Enables better project planning
• Shows if there will be any possible interference between building systems
• Visualizes schematic structures before construction
• Detects any issues before installation to eliminate major system collisions

How 3D Rendering Services Are Used by Architects

In the process of making 3D models, technical drawings are frequently used for CAD design.

The best friend of the architect is 3D rendering. It offers them the ability to precisely portray what they are thinking. Additionally, the designer can evaluate his work by building a 3D model. With its built-in quality control system, 3D rendering has evolved into a fundamental design tool that makes sure every corner of a building is carefully considered before it is developed.

Virtual reality (VR) technology is already being used by architecture studios as technology advances. This improves the architects' capacity to explain their ideas to clients and contractors.

Designers and architects can easily visualize a design room with the help of cad drawings and sketches. On the contrary, it can be quite difficult for an average person to imagine a plan and design just from CAD drawings. This is where 3D architectural renderings come into place to bridge this gap. Right from the planning stage 3D architectural visualization can help in visualizing planned projects and changes to be incorporated. 3D architectural renderings architectural rendering gives the flexibility of exploring new design perspectives and making precise modifications in a jiffy.

3D architectural visualization allows for a significant reduction in the amount of rework that occurs during construction in the absence of virtual technology. Because of 3D rendering services, real estate marketing and sales have increased dramatically. Architectural firms and real estate developers are using photorealistic 3D rendering images to display designs in the form of 3D House plans, floor plans, interior, and exterior renderings, and so on, instead of polystyrene (thermocol) 3d blueprints and models.

Learn 6 Essential Skills for Every Construction Project Managers

 

The project manager is one of the keys to successful building projects. In order to ensure a project's success, construction managers must take on a variety of duties, from managing administrative work and coordinating with customers and other stakeholders to making sure all projects are finished on schedule and within the allocated budget.

It’s an extremely lucrative role within the construction field. That’s why there are over 234,665 construction managers currently employed in the United States. But not everyone possesses the necessary abilities to oversee a building project. These are some of the top qualities every construction project manager requires, so if you're thinking about becoming one or are a business owner looking to hire the best individual to oversee your building projects, read on.

Impactful Communication

Project managers spend the majority of their time talking with stakeholders right from the outset of a project. As a project manager, communication will probably take up the majority of your time. Because of this, having strong communication skills is one of the most important characteristics of a successful construction project manager.

Poor communication can cause jobs to stall or go too slowly, which can result in incomplete work and missed deadlines, which can harm your abilities and reputation as a construction project manager. A key component of effective communication is knowing how to approach others and build trusting rapport with stakeholders and other employees. Furthermore, it calls for articulating your goals for a project in detail. All you have to do is consider the message you want to convey and the manner in which you want to deliver it.

Negotiating techniques

As a construction project manager, you may anticipate taking part in a variety of negotiations, from dealing with suppliers to resolving team disputes. In order to ensure that everyone's goals are properly aligned, you must be a skilled negotiator who can keep everyone happy.

As a project manager for construction, there are some things like budget, resources, and timeframes that you simply cannot avoid discussing. These subjects may frequently get pretty delicate, therefore you must have the discernment to know when you must be persuading enough to avoid going too far and jeopardizing any connections.

Leadership

You must possess strong leadership qualities to succeed as a project manager. By mentoring, inspiring, and directing your coworkers to make sure that all projects are finished on time, you can show off those abilities.

Additionally, effective leaders foster a culture of open communication and pleasant working conditions. Efficiency can be increased when your coworkers or colleagues feel that they are actively participating and having an impact while working on projects. Delegating duties, establishing objectives or successes, and routinely assessing your team's performance are additional ways you can support their development. Additionally, you need to acknowledge and cherish their contributions to let them know that you value what they have to say.

Technical Expertise

A successful construction project manager needs technical know-how to finish projects in addition to soft capabilities. Technically knowledgeable project managers are better able to communicate with their employees and comprehend any dangers or emergencies.

Attending school, accumulating a number of years of significant work experience, and obtaining professional licensure are the best ways to acquire this talent. Getting a Florida general contractor licence is not too difficult if you live there. It acts as evidence of your eligibility.

Additionally, you need to be well-versed in the latest construction software developments, building methods, and building materials that are accessible in the market. Nowadays, having a rudimentary knowledge of the sector is insufficient to succeed as a project manager.

Time management

Learning how to manage your time should be very crucial given the nature of project management in the construction industry. You will be able to finish projects successfully if you are competent at managing multiple schedules and know when to expect any difficulties.

One of the key reasons why building projects fail is poor planning. To enhance your time management abilities, it would be beneficial to construct a comprehensive and well-detailed project plan. This document should outline your project's goals, the demands of your company, and the actions and materials you'll need to get the job done on time.

Team management

When working on a project, a team-oriented construction project manager makes sure that all team members are effectively collaborating. These abilities can be used by skilled managers to assist their teams in developing and working toward a common objective. Allowing employees to freely contribute and express their opinions in support of your project is a terrific way to foster a sense of teamwork.

Utilising BIM To Its Full Potential to Promote Sustainability in Construction

 

One of the most significant job-producing sectors in the global economy is the construction industry. According to research by the European Commission, it is also one of the biggest trash producers, with present construction practises accounting for a third of global waste and at least 40% of carbon emissions.

The UK is currently facing a housing shortage

This number, however, is at odds with the fact that there is now a housing crisis in the UK. According to a National Housing Federation forecast, England will require 340,000 new houses by 2031, including 145,000 affordable ones. However, the present rate of construction is substantially below this modest estimate for necessary new construction.

The demolitions that take place concurrently with new construction both offset the net positive number of new residences and, in some situations, make way for them. When a building is being demolished, important resources like steel, aluminium, stone, and copper frequently wind up in landfills, especially when there are time restrictions. Instead of being harvested from these waste items, resources are being extracted fresh from the Earth.

Sustainability in construction

This strategy won't work indefinitely. Reusing or repurposing construction and demolition waste for retrofits, renovations, or new construction is becoming more popular as more nations, cities, and companies commit to achieving a net zero emission output by 2050. This practise is a component of the "circular economy," which advocates using already-available materials in the built environment.

A 2020 Club of Rome research on Finland, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden found that moving to a more circular construction sector would result in the creation of almost one million new employment and a two-thirds reduction in the carbon emissions of those nations.

Utilising BIM to help eliminate waste and build sustainability in construction

The use of processes like scan-to-BIM to help reduce waste and prepare for a building's long-term regenerative future is one of the most important ways that construction professionals can move toward this future. Using 3D laser scanners or mobile mappers, essential data is collected as point clouds and converted into a BIM output.

Information on thermal performance, power use, energy emissions, and even the effects that the building has on nearby wind and weather systems is typically included in a model that is operating on appropriate software.

The benefit of BIM also extends over the whole lifecycle of a building because it is a shared resource. Here, complete insight into how construction is developing in comparison to design intent and identifying areas where reused materials can be used with the least amount of waste feasible are important benefits. Costs and project schedules are kept under control thanks to this degree of precision and preparation.

In order to plan a new building that would work in harmony with its surroundings, laser scanning tools and modeling software aid in site assessment and surveying.

It improves coordination and reduces waste and rework significantly throughout the actual construction process.

The advantages of scan-to-BIM

The maintenance and retrofit phases of a building's lifecycle benefit greatly from scan-to-BIM because it produces a completely accurate as-built model of the structure that can be used as baseline information. From urban planners, civil engineers, architects, and surveyors to the people who will live in or utilise these buildings in a generation, everyone in the construction sector benefits when the BIM process is implemented.

3D laser scanners and software with scan-to-BIM capability are crucial tools that will enable sustainability in construction and help the construction industry reach the goal of net zero by 2050 thanks to the amount of waste it reduces, the design foresight it permits, the cross-sector collaboration it enables, and the new business it can win for ambitious early adopters.