How the MBCC Group Emerged from BASF Construction Chemicals: A New Chapter for Building Material Innovation When a global chemical giant restructures its construction division, the ripple effects reach every corner of the building industry. In October 2020, the BASF Construction Chemicals business completed its transition into an independent entity now known as MBCC Group, […]
When Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) took on the challenge of revitalizing the 100-year-old Cook County Hospital in Chicago, they faced a question that resonates with building professionals everywhere: how do you preserve a historic landmark while giving it a viable new future? The Beaux-Arts building, completed in 1914 and vacant since 2002, had deteriorated
Building professionals have long sought materials that combine strength, sustainability, and adaptability. Chitin, the natural polymer found in insect exoskeletons, crustacean shells, and fungal cell walls, is emerging as a candidate that meets all three criteria in ways that conventional building materials cannot match. A 2020 study led by Javier Fernandez at the Singapore University
Heatherwick Studio Reveals the Cove: A New Model for Resilient Waterfront Development Heatherwick Studio has unveiled plans for the Cove, a two-buildi…
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
Moisture infiltration in wood-frame buildings with low-slope roofs remains one of the most persistent and costly challenges in modern construction. When three separate wood-frame structures in the northern United States showed signs of moisture damage in their roof assemblies within a decade of completion, an independent architectural and engineering consulting firm was brought in to
Moisture Management in Wood-Frame Roof Assemblies: Vapor Retarder Strategies for Building Professionals When three wood-frame structures in the northern United States showed evidence of moisture infiltration in their roof areas, an independent architectural and engineering consulting firm investigated each case. All three buildings had been constructed within the previous 10 years and shared similar design
The American Wood Council (AWC) is one of the most influential organizations shaping how wood is used in construction across the United States. When the AWC appointed Jackson Morrill as its new president and CEO in 2020, succeeding Robert Glowinski after more than 40 years of service, the move signaled continuity and ambition for an
Understanding Stucco Cladding as a Building Envelope Material Stucco cladding has been employed in building construction for centuries, valued for its fire resistance, durability, and aesthetic versatility. Modern stucco systems consist of cementitious plaster applied over metal lath or directly onto masonry substrates, creating a monolithic exterior finish that can last decades when properly specified
