"Life imposes things on you that you can’t control, but you still have the choice of how you’re going to live through this."

— Celine Dion

Why do you think so many amazing quotes focus on "choices"? It's probably because we're constantly faced with decisions in life, especially when it comes to things that are completely beyond our control. Take Celine Dion, for example. You'd think someone like her wouldn't have to worry about things she can't control, but that's not the case. No matter who you are or what your status is, everyone has aspects of their life that are out of their control. The key is to choose how we navigate through any challenges that come our way. We can't escape the things we can't control, so let's accept them, move on, and make the most out of life.

— Wayne Jensen

Presented by: Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc.

DIG INTO THIS ONE

In this generation-defining self-help guide, a superstar blogger cuts through the crap to show us how to stop trying to be positive all the time so that we can truly become better, happier people.

Currently in the news

Construction starts tumble as megaprojects, manufacturing falter

In addition, the Architecture Billings Index, a measure of future construction work, posted its lowest score since December 2020.

Total construction starts fell 6% in September to a rate of $1.2 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Year-to-date construction starts through September were 3% behind last year's pace. The decline follows two months of gains, indicating a return to the trend of fluctuating growth. Richard Branch, chief economist for Dodge Construction Network, stated that risks are increasing for the construction sector, including higher rates, energy costs, and political uncertainty. The American Institute of Architects' Architecture Billings Index also showed a decline in business conditions for architecture firms. Nonresidential starts dropped 4% in September, with manufacturing activity down 13%. Institutional starts fell by 8%, but commercial starts increased by 6%. Nonbuilding construction starts decreased by 9%, with highway and bridge starts down 15% and environmental public works down 29%. Residential building starts declined by 6%, with multifamily starts dropping 17%.

Construction’s manufacturing boom: Mapping the biggest facilities underway in the US

Construction Dive tracks top projects in semiconductors, EV batteries, food, cars, and consumer goods. Spending on manufacturing has increased since the CHIPS Act was signed in August 2022. Projects include chip fabrication plants, EV battery factories, and consumer goods. The US is gaining ground in manufacturing with over $516 billion in private company investment. Recent projects include Wolfspeed's manufacturing center in North Carolina and Joby Aviation's facility in Ohio. Notable wins include contracts for the John Palmour Manufacturing Center, a BMW EV plant, an ICL manufacturing facility, and SK Food Group's facility. Manufacturing construction spending increased 65.5% in 12 months. The CHIPS Act provides $52.7 billion for semiconductor research, development, manufacturing, and workforce development. Several $1 billion or more projects are in the pipeline.

8 ways to protect against jobsite theft

Tips to boost the effectiveness of your construction site security and reduce your risk of theft.

Time and money are crucial in construction. Theft is the biggest threat, causing $1 billion in losses each year. Jobsite theft has increased since the pandemic, affecting contractors across North America. The most commonly stolen items are tools, heavy construction equipment, and building materials. The average cost of theft is $5,865, and recovery rates are low. This leads to project delays, additional costs, and higher insurance premiums. Protecting against theft is essential, and here are eight best practices: permanently marking tools, strategically parking equipment, installing temporary fencing, and using motion-triggered lighting.

Penn State names manager for $700M stadium upgrade

Barton Malow, AECOM Hunt, and Alexander Building Construction will oversee the renovation of the second-largest stadium in the country.

A joint venture of Barton Malow, AECOM Hunt, and Alexander Building Construction Co. will manage the $700 million renovation of Penn State University's Beaver Stadium. The project, set to begin in January 2025, will focus on rebuilding the west side of the stadium while maintaining its traditional seating style and adding club and lodge seats and suites. Other improvements include circulation, restrooms, concessions, Wi-Fi, accessibility, and code upgrades. The project is expected to be completed before the 2027 football season. Winterization measures will also be implemented to allow for games in freezing temperatures. The project will be funded solely by intercollegiate athletics funds and not tuition or educational budget funds. Other universities, such as Nebraska and Central Florida, are also working on upgrades to their sports facilities.

NYC project looks to support climate law with building inspection tech

The AI-powered technology under development detects leaks from building exteriors through robots and drone scans.

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering are using drones, robots, and AI to inspect building exteriors for leaks. They received a $1 million award from the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to support their work. The project aims to comply with New York City's Local Law 97, which requires large buildings to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. Inadequately maintained building exteriors contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and require more energy for heating and cooling. The technology being developed at NYU uses robots and drones to detect leaks and collect data, which is then analyzed by AI-powered software. This approach allows for more inspections and saves time, especially in hard-to-reach locations. The project also involves a collaboration between academia and the city. The team plans to develop an autonomous robotic data collection system equipped with various sensors and use drones to capture thermal and color data of building exteriors. They will also inspect schools owned by the Archdiocese of New York to study adoption barriers and opportunities for the technology.

Increase your profitability

Beyond superstition, the 13th floor also holds a money-making opportunity

This taboo level in buildings from condos to offices is often relegated to storing HVAC and mechanical equipment, but it doesn’t need to be that way, says engineer Johnathan Meade.

Johnathan Meade, the COO of Meade Engineering, discusses the omission of the 13th floor in building designs due to superstition. This practice has been common in the real estate industry for years, but it has faced pushback from municipalities. Meade explains that the decision to exclude the 13th floor is often driven by the building's owner and impacts various design disciplines. Altering the 13th floor requires modifications to accommodate mechanical equipment, which can affect the overall design and efficiency of the building. The superstition surrounding the 13th floor can also lead to financial losses for condominiums or hotels located on that floor. Meade argues that these design decisions based on superstition may not always be logical or efficient.

DIRECTION OF THE BUSINESS

Future scientific workplaces will be adaptable and flexible

The next generation of research labs will embrace new technologies and new ways of working.

Scientific workplaces are outdated and need to be updated to be more adaptable and flexible. The future of scientific workplaces will involve cloud-based computing, AI cobots, and digital-twin technology. Modular and agile workplace solutions are important in adapting to evolving team needs. Traditional labs are focused on individual research, while modular labs are designed to accommodate various research needs. Modular construction offers benefits such as quick reconfiguration and reduced carbon emissions. Collaboration and multidisciplinary teams are becoming more important in scientific workplaces. Well-designed environments and face-to-face communication are crucial for innovation. Flexible and sustainable lab spaces are necessary for future advancements.

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