The construction industry is responsible for a significant amount of waste, with over 75% of construction debris not being repurposed or recycled, contributing to 30% of extracted natural resources and 25% of global solid waste. The market for construction and demolition waste management is expected to reach over $271 billion by 2028. To tackle this issue, innovation throughout the design, manufacturing, and construction processes is crucial. Designing for deconstruction allows for buildings to be more easily disassembled and materials reused, as demonstrated historically by structures like the Eiffel Tower and the Crystal Palace. Modular manufacturing and reducing factory waste can also lessen the environmental impact. Successful circular architecture requires comprehensive planning for a building’s lifecycle, including its afterlife, to ensure materials can be effectively reused. Companies like Kingspan are leading the way by developing methods to repurpose materials, such as reusing mineral fiber and foam from insulated panels. Achieving zero waste in construction demands significant effort and collaboration across the industry, moving beyond simple recycling to more sustainable practices.
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Location: Jacksonville, FL
Product: EQUITONE (Fiber Cement)
General Contractor: William A. Randolph, Inc.
Architect: DLR Group
A permit was issued on August 2, 2023, for the construction of an eight-story, 252-room hotel at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, with a project cost of $49.5 million. The hotel and conference center, located at the new entrance to the Mayo Clinic campus, will begin construction this summer, with completion expected in 2025. Announced as a $70 million project in 2021, the hotel will offer premium accommodations and amenities, including a pool, fitness center, restaurant, and indoor and outdoor meeting spaces. This will be the second hotel on the Mayo Clinic campus, joining another hotel that opened in 2021. MillerClapperton is fabricating and installing approximately 24,200 square feet of Fiber Cement for this project.
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In the early 2000s, an abandoned rail line in Manhattan, once a symbol of the city’s freight train era, was on the verge of demolition. However, a group of visionary residents saw potential in the neglected space, advocating for its transformation into a public green space, now known as the High Line. This project’s success sparked a “High Line Effect,” inspiring other American cities to repurpose outdated railways, roadways, and industrial sites into parks and community spaces. These projects, such as The Underline in Miami, Buffalo Bayou in Houston, Rail Park in Philadelphia, and 11th Street Bridge Park in Washington, DC, aim to drive economic revitalization while prioritizing equity and community engagement. However, the rapid gentrification observed around the High Line underscores the need for inclusive planning to prevent displacement of marginalized communities. By embedding equity and community needs from the outset, these initiatives strive to create sustainable and inclusive public spaces that repair social and economic injustices.
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Quinn Evans, the recipient of the AIA’s 2024 Architecture Firm Award, successfully modernized the Michigan State Capitol using Autodesk technology while preserving its historic elements. The firm utilized laser scanning, scan-to-BIM methods, and digital twins to create detailed digital models of the building, ensuring the retention of critical design information. This technology facilitates efficient documentation and restoration efforts, critical in preserving historic sites against natural disasters and decay. The modernization project at the Capitol, first completed in 1878, included exterior restorations and interior upgrades, maintaining its Victorian character and operational excellence. Through Autodesk Revit, Autodesk ReCap Pro, and Autodesk Construction Cloud, Quinn Evans leveraged digital twins to monitor and maintain building systems. Such advancements highlight the essential role of technology in preserving cultural heritage while modernizing historic landmarks.
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Recommendation: Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture
The latest edition of “Architizer: The World’s Best Architecture” celebrates contemporary architecture globally and is now available for purchase. This edition features Ema Peter’s award-winning photography of Studio VDGA’s House of Courtyards, showcasing the integration of courtyards and strategic natural light management. Ema Peter, renowned for her architectural photography, captures the essence of designs, conveying their stories and vitality. Her work transcends borders, elevating architectural firms through her images. The book highlights the role of technology and photography in preserving and promoting architectural excellence, emphasizing their importance in documenting and communicating complex design concepts.
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