What Is the PRiSM Design App and How Does It Work The PRiSM (Precision Manufactured Housing) design app is a free, open-source digital tool developed by the Mayor of London in partnership with architecture firm Bryden Wood and consultancy Cast. It was created to address the pressing housing demand in London by streamlining the design […]
The Architectural Vision Behind Expressive University Buildings University buildings serve more than a functional purpose. They represent the identity, values, and aspirations of the institutions they house. When a university building design successfully expresses the mission of its occupants, it becomes a landmark that shapes campus culture for generations. The Mori Hosseini Student Union at
Modern construction projects are increasingly defined by the connected lighting systems that serve both illumination and data communication functions. Electrical contractors, general contractors, and consulting engineers for new construction and renovation projects now face a rapidly evolving landscape where luminaires are no longer simple light fixtures but become intelligent network nodes. Connected lighting technologies bring
Understanding Connected Lighting Systems in Modern Commercial Construction Light-emitting diode (LED) technology has become the standard source of illumination in both residential and commercial buildings. As LED adoption reached near-universal levels, a new paradigm has emerged: connected lighting systems (CLS). These systems integrate network interfaces, sensors, and distributed intelligence into luminaires, transforming them from simple
The construction industry stands at a pivotal moment where sustainable building practices are moving from aspirational goals to proven, replicable models that building professionals can implement today. The recently opened Catalyst building in Spokane, Washington, demonstrates what is possible when industry leaders collaborate on net-zero carbon stadium construction and extend those principles to commercial office
The Case for Touch-Free Restroom Systems in Commercial Facilities Public restrooms in convention centers, sports venues, and conference facilities experience some of the highest traffic of any commercial building space. The Pasadena Convention Center, a 130,000-square-foot facility built around a historic 1932 civic auditorium, recently undertook a comprehensive restroom modernization program that replaced traditional fixtures
When it comes to commercial building performance, few elements are as overlooked yet as critical as the hardware and gasketing systems for door openings. The small details in door hardware, from thresholds and automatic door bottoms to adhesive strips and gasketing profiles, play an outsized role in a building’s long-term sustainability, energy efficiency, and code
Architect Valentino Gareri has proposed a modular treehouse school concept that reimagines educational building design for a post-pandemic world. The design, which uses cross-laminated timber construction arranged in a circular two-ring massing, creates an educational environment where indoor and outdoor spaces are integrated rather than separated. The concept responds directly to the need for schools
Closure solutions have become a defining element of commercial architecture, influencing everything from building security to aesthetic expression. Architects and specifiers increasingly turn to advanced rolling doors, grilles, and specialty closure products that balance performance requirements with design intent. The evolution of these systems reflects broader shifts in commercial construction toward greater durability, energy efficiency,
When McDonald’s opened its net-zero energy restaurant at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, it marked a significant milestone in sustainable quick-service building design. Designed by Ross Barney Architects, the 8,000-square-foot flagship aims to be the first net-zero energy quick-service restaurant in the United States, demonstrating that even the most energy-intensive commercial building types
