Graphics Fanatics

It's Back! 0% Financing on Canon Wide Format Printers

2012-01-31T13:01:00.000-06:00

Due to popular demand, for a limited time, get zero percent financing on all Canon iPF wide format printers and plotters from A/E Graphics!

You can get a new Canon print/plot system including MFP's with no money down. Choose a 1, 2 or 3 year $1 out term. You own the system at the end of the lease! Just sign and you are on your way to printing bliss.

This is good for the 5 color technical series plotters like the iPF650, iPF655, iPF750, iPF755, iPF815, iPF825 and all of the full color graphics printers including the productive iPF8300s model.

Canon iPF8300s 44" wide 8-color graphics printer

This promotion is good until March 31st. Call Tom Taubenheim toll-free at 877-314-7047 or email here for a free needs analysis.

Update on Canon's buyout of Oce': Squeeze Out Procedure

2012-01-30T07:37:00.000-06:00

This is from a joint press release I learned of from January 25th...from what I understand, this procedure was enevitable as Canon continues to complete the buyout of Oce'.

Tokyo, Japan and Amsterdam, The Netherlands—25 January 2012—Canon Inc. ("Canon") hereby announces that the writ of summons commencing formal statutory buyout proceedings under Dutch law ("squeeze out procedure") to acquire the remaining shares in Océ N.V. ("Océ") was issued by Canon Finance Netherlands B.V., a Canon wholly owned subsidiary in the Netherlands, on 24 January 2012.

In the squeeze out procedure Canon offers a purchase price of € 9.75 per ordinary share in the capital of Océ. This is equal to the purchase price Canon paid for the ordinary shares in Océ that it acquired from Orbis Funds ("Orbis"), a transaction that was announced in a press release on 22 December 2011.

The acquisition of Océ shares from Orbis increased Canon's ownership in Océ to 98.83 percent of the entire issued share capital (including 2.38 percent treasury shares held by Océ and including cumulative preference shares). This percentage allows Océ to delist from NYSE Euronext Amsterdam and Canon to initiate the squeeze out procedure. On 16 January 2012 Océ announced the delisting as per 14 February 2012.

Pursuant to Dutch law Canon Finance Netherlands B.V. initiated the squeeze out procedure by the formal service of the writ of summons against the remaining minority shareholders. Because the shares of Océ are traded in book-entry form through the systems of Euroclear Nederland, the minority shareholders are unknown to Canon. As a consequence thereof the service of the writ of summons will in due course also be announced in a Dutch daily newspaper. The proceedings will be instituted by the Enterprise Section of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal.

A/E Graphics Upgrades Small Format Color Capabilities

2012-01-06T08:05:00.000-06:00

MILWAUKEE, Wis -- A/E Graphics’ Brookfield printing facility located at 4075 North 124th Street has installed new Ricoh high-speed color technology for small format printing, copying and scanning needs.

According to Tom Taubenheim, president of A/E Graphics, “We have seen a growing demand for specialty color needs like booklets, brochures and flyers, and with this new technology, we will be able to print long runs up to size 12”x18” on 110# cover stock. In addition, the added Fiery controller gives us the ability to match the most discriminating color demands and with various color profile tools, we can offer spot-on color to 1200dpi. Another benefit is the ability to hold consistent color throughout a run which is critical for our clients.”

“We are also seeing an increasing need in the marketplace for combination printing of black and white and color documents”, says Taubenheim. “This unit allows us to run high volumes of black and white prints with some color mixed in for a shockingly low color rate.”

A/E Graphics, now in its 35th year of operation, has grown to provide a complete range of document reproduction services, equipment sales and document management services. In addition to its Brookfield location it has a location at 207 E. Buffalo St., Suite 32LL in Milwaukee. Pickup and delivery is available in the metro Milwaukee area. For more information on A/E Graphics, visit their website or call 262-781-7744.

Nuclear Plant Blunder Costs $2.5 Billion

2012-01-05T08:05:00.000-06:00

You can imagine that any construction related to a nuclear power plant is highly risky. After all, a mistake that might cause a minor delay on a normal construction project could be devastatingly dangerous on a nuclear plant.

But sometimes saving money takes precedence over common sense.

The owners of nuclear power plant in Florida determined they could save $15 million by self-managing the replacement of the plant's boiler rather than accepting the bids of either of the two construction firms that have done all of the 34 other nuclear power plant boiler replacements in the United States. Perhaps that frugality is not related to the giant blunder that followed, but that seems unlikely.

Florida Nuclear Power Plant

Even though its bid to manage the entire project was rejected, one of the two bidders, Bechtel, was hired to manage the construction portion of the boiler replacement.

One of Bechtel's managers noticed that the owners, who had hired an engineering firm that was inexperienced in this type of work, were planning to use a substantially different procedure to cut into the retaining wall of the plant than was used in the 34 other boiler replacements. His primary concern was treatment of the steel tendons that run through the 42-inch-thick retaining wall.

The retaining wall is the last line of defense keeping radioactive water from leaking out of the plant. The steel tendons reinforce the wall's strength, and in the 34 previous boiler replacements, the tendons were carefully removed in a particular way before the wall was cut into. For this job, though, the tendons were removed in a different fashion, and the manager was worried.

He sent several emails expressing his concerns to the owners...but they decided to go ahead with the plan.

In October 2009, the hydrodemolition company, which had no experience cutting into nuclear containment walls, began cutting into the wall. Workers soon noticed a crack in the concrete, but they thought perhaps it was already there before they started. Chunks of concrete began falling off, whereas in the other 34 jobs the concrete broke up in small pieces. Soon water unexpectedly began rushing through the wall. Clearly, the job had gone terribly wrong!

The power company states that their management of the job did not lead to the damage, but the bottom line is this: Repairs have already cost $2.5 billion, and the plant may never restart. Quite a high price to pay to save $15 million!

Treasure! Big Behind-the-Walls Finds

2012-01-04T08:05:00.000-06:00

Renovating old buildings and homes can be lucrative business, but in some cases the real treasure is not on the invoice, it's what you find behind the walls you tear down. From cash to guns to suits of armor, here are some stories of treasure unearthed during renovations:

Medici Treasure

The most valuable treasure in this story turned up when workers were renovating an old house in Austria. As you can imagine, a country with such deep history is likely to have all sorts of interesting stuff hidden behind the walls, and this house didn't disappoint: As workers broke through a hidden door that had been bolted shut since long before the current owners moved in, they discovered the torso of a suit of armor and an ancient sculpture. Such things are easily faked, so the homeowners brought them to an expert. The examination revealed that they were authentic treasures that evidently originally had belonged to 15th century Italian statesman Lorenzo Medici. No clue how Lorenzo's stuff got behind the wall of this family house in Austria, but the owners auctioned the items off for 8.8 million Euros, which equals more than $12 million!

15th Century Suit of Armor

Money, Money, Money!

Sure, finding a $12 million suit of armor was cool, but nothing beats finding cold, hard cash stashed in the walls. Bob Kitts, a contractor in Cleveland, was gutting a bathroom in a client's home when he discovered a box nestled between the studs under the medicine cabinet. He pulled it out, popped it open, and couldn't believe his eyes: over $25,000 in 1920s currency! "I almost passed out, it was the ultimate contractor fantasy," Kitts told the Associated Press. The owner rushed home and together they found another box in the bathroom with $100,000, and two more boxes with various valuables. Of course, money does strange things to people: Now Kitts and the homeowner, who was a high school classmate, are arguing about how to split up the dough. In the end the lawyers might be the biggest winners from this treasure hunt!

Kilroy Was Here

Not all behind-the-walls treasure is worth a lot of money, but that doesn't mean it's not amazingly valuable. When workers were peeling old paint off the walls of Morgan Chapel in Bunker Hill, West Virginia, they noticed scribbled writing on the walls. As the old paint flaked off they read a few of the hand-written messages until it hit them: These were messages left by Civil War soldiers who had probably used the old church as a hospital or barracks! The soldiers, both Union and Confederate, covered the walls of the church as high as they could reach. Among the messages: "I should not have written on the walls of the house of God. I would not have done so if it had not already been marked up." Another wrote, "It's not our rebellion," and a third comment read, "Down with traitors, treason and copperheads." The church, built in 1740, was already considered historic, but now its historic value is unquestioned. The West Virginia Episcopal Diocese, which owns the church, is considering how to best preserve the writings.

Kaboom!

Finally, some "treasure" you probably would rather not find when renovating. Workers renovating a house in Dublin, Ireland were cheerfully smashing old walls when something unexpected appeared: A stash of hand grenades! They were old and corroded, and experts suspect they were remains of the personal arsenal of a fighter in Ireland's War of Independence, which ended in 1921 and freed most of Ireland from British rule. You'd think 90-year-old grenades wouldn't be much to worry about, but the neighborhood was evacuated and an army bomb disposal unit was called in to handle the munitions. You can bet the remodelers on that job are glad they didn't swing the sledge hammer one more time!

Amazing Architecture, Restaurant Edition

2012-01-03T08:05:00.000-06:00

Remember climbing into a treehouse when you were a kid? Eighteen lucky diners at a time get to do that again at the Yellow Treehouse Restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand. Check it out.

Redesigning a restaurant is tough. Redesigning one each season is simply amazing! But that's what New York's Park Avenue does -- a new design for each season, facilitated by restaurant design firm AvroKO. Check out the images here.

In the mood for seafood? How about seeing the seafood swim by while you eat? Then you'd love the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant in the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort. The dining room is 16 feet below the sea, and features 180 degree views of the reef and marine life.

Do the pipes running along the ceiling of the space you're designing sometimes get in the way? See how designer Stanley Saitowitz handled them in a San Francisco restaurant called Conduit (yes, the name is significant!)

Italian restaurants often turn to kitsch to attract diners. Not La Nonna restaurant in Mexico City, designed by CheremSerrano. Red bricks dominate this design, but not the way you imagine in an Italian joint.

A/E/C News You Can Use

2011-12-29T08:05:00.000-06:00

Enviro Impact of UW Work Studied

Stevens Point Educational Center Wins Green Award

FLW House in Rockford for Sale

Wausau Health Center to Expand

Sean Malone New FLW Foundation President

$54 million New Marriott for Milwaukee

A/E/C Awards

2011-12-28T08:05:00.000-06:00

Congrats! Milwaukee firm wins 2011 Design Review Award

Racine House and Madison Meeting House named Top Green Projects of 2011

Landscape Architecture Awards Applications sought

Being Green, Floor Edition

2011-12-27T08:05:00.000-06:00

The ECOnights collection from ECOsurfaces is made from recycled tire material and comes in 16 hues. It is designed for retail, commercial, and institutional spaces.

Cork flooring from Globus comes in multiple colors, sizes, and patterns. And the factory is powered entirely by wind power.

Flooring from Elmwood Reclaimed Timber comes from old barns, buildings, and rural structures that are condemned or abandoned. Each board tells a story!

EnviroGlas Epoxy Terrazzo is a poured-in-place flooring that uses recycled glass chips to create a floor so durable it usually lasts the life of the building.

The Rainforest Collection of leather flooring from Ecodomo comes in a floating format in tiles or planks.

Epic Color Doubles its Output Capabilities

2011-12-14T09:05:00.000-06:00

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis -- Epic Color has installed its second Roland wide format printer/cutter to keep up with increasing customer demand.

The printer features proprietary technology for improved print quality while virtually eliminating banding. It also has an integrated cutter to streamline the production process by automatically contour cutting printed graphics. Roland even has international ISO certifications to ensure quality during manufacturing.

According to Dan Schmidt, general manager and co-owner of Epic, “We pride ourselves on providing our customers with the very best marketing materials delivered to them in a timely fashion. We are confident that adding a second Roland printer will help us to continue to exceed our client’s expectations while gaining new clients in the market who may not have used us before.”

Epic Color is a division of A/E Graphics, Inc. and specializes in signs, banners, wall murals, vehicle graphics, point-of-purchase displays, fine art reproduction and graphic design. The company is located at N56 W13525 Silver Spring Drive in Menomonee Falls. Visit their website or contact Erik Bradley, account manager, 414-235-9518 or email him.

A/E Graphics launches ReproConnect, an online planroom, on it's website

2011-12-08T10:43:00.001-06:00

MILWAUKEE, Wis -- A/E Graphics recently partnered with ReproConnect to expand its website, to include an online planroom that can be utilized for digital document processing and distribution of construction projects.

Features of ReproConnect include public and private password protected jobs, planholder and user real-time tracking, integrated email and fax notifications, online viewing of files and downloads. Clients of A/E Graphics utilizing ReproConnect can even customize their planrooms to reflect their brand and image. They can also incorporate a unique domain for the site that can be linked directly from their company’s website. Each online planroom is managed by a trained A/E Graphics administrator.

According to Erik Bradley, account manager with A/E Graphics, “We’ve had architects, engineers and contractors tell us that they how they are greatly benefitting from using this incredibly simple online management tool for their projects. It offers them a single location to keep everything straight. We even have subcontractors who are raving about how easy they can find and order what they need.”

"We are thrilled to be partnering with A/E Graphics to provide simple, yet effective planroom service for their clients says Joseph Szobody, president of ReproConnect. “Construction industry professionals have many options when it comes to document management, distribution, and communication for their projects. We believe they'll love what A/E Graphics now has to offer."

To learn about ReproConnect more and schedule a demonstration, contact Erik Bradley, A/E Graphics Sales Manager, 414-235-9518 or email.

A/E Graphics was founded in 1976. Today, the company has grown to provide a complete range of document reproduction services, equipment sales and document management services to the building trades. It has locations in Brookfield at 4075 North 124th Street and in Milwaukee at 207 E. Buffalo St., Suite 32LL. For more information on A/E Graphics, visit their website or call 262-781-7744.

Just Building a Road? Hardly!

2011-11-09T08:05:00.000-06:00

Road construction is always more complicated than just laying down a ribbon of asphalt, but few road construction jobs approach the complexity of the task facing McHugh Construction: The reconstruction of two-level Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago.

The challenges in the project are daunting. Wacker Drive, which bends around the west and north sides of the Loop, provides access on its lower level to 50 high-rise buildings and intersects on the upper level with 20 other major streets. The columns along the bottom are irregularly spaced to accommodate the adjacent construction, and there's hardly a stretch along the road that doesn't have some curve, driveway entrance, or other complicating element.

The first phase of the construction--rebuilding the stretch of Wacker Drive that runs east and west--was completed nearly a decade ago, in 2002. That job reconstructed over 4,000 feet of double-decker roadway that had been built in the 1920s.

The second phase is reconstructing the north-south section of Wacker. This part, built in 1955, is 2,900 feet long and 134 feet wide.

View on Wacker Dr. looking North with plastic covering the newly poured concrete

Chicago engineering firm Alfred Benesch & Co. designed the rebuilding of 1,800 feet of the second phase. This consists of a series of unequal continuous spans varying form 12 feet to 46.5 feet, with a width of 32 feet. A longitudinal rib runs along each column line. The deck slab between the ribs is 13 inches thick. The modeling was complex, due to the lack of uniformity in the column spacing, the various load requirements (there are enormous concreted planters here and there along the top deck), and the overall geometry of the project. Benesch created 3-D shell elements with LUSAS modeling software to deal with the complexities.

The construction has been equally complex, with crews from McHugh Construction working weekends and double shifts to stay on schedule. For example, virtual armies of workers have descended on the site during those days that concrete for the upper deck is being poured; up to 2,000 cubic yards of concrete have been poured continuously!

Forms being built for the concrete deck on Wacker Dr. looking South

Scheduling is important in any construction job, but the reconstruction of a major urban thoroughfare lined by restaurants, hotels, office buildings, and entertainment venues (including Chicago's famed Civic Opera Building) must have a tighter schedule than most projects. Phase 2 began January 3, 2011 and is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2012.

Some characteristics of the project:

The upper deck is designed to last 100 years. It uses a high-performance concrete mix and a latex overlay. It has post-tensioning in two directions to compress the deck and make it stronger.
The second phase is budgeted to cost $366 million; the money is coming from a $31 billion statewide construction program.
The ceiling on the bottom deck was raised by a foot to alleviate the chronic problem of over-size trucks getting stuck underneath.

When this project, which has tangled traffic in Chicago's Loop since it began, is completed, the designers and builders will cheer. But they'll be drowned out by the cheers of motorists who have a smoother, more stable route through downtown.

Written for A/E Graphics, Inc. by Ed Avis of Ed Avis Associates. Comments? Email him.

4 Steps to Filling Your Referral Pipeline

2011-11-08T08:05:00.000-06:00

Referrals are the lifeblood of your business. Whether you're an architect, mason, landscaper, or excavator, you need happy customers telling other people about how great you are. The more that happens, the more new customers you'll get.

Naturally, you need to offer superior service and top customer service in order to generate referrals; if you're not already doing that, don't expect referrals. But even if you are the best designer or plumbing contractor in town, you may not get as many referrals as you deserve. Here are four tips to fill your referral pipeline (in a future blog we'll give you four more):

1) Don't be shy. One of the most effective ways to get referrals is simply to ask your current customers to recommend you. You don't need to do this face-to-face -- just include a line on your invoices, statements, or other regular correspondence that says something like: "We would be honored if you recommended our services to others" or "If you are pleased with our services, please tell others about them." This plants the referral seed in your clients' minds.

2) Do unto others. One of the best ways to encourage clients to recommend your services is to recommend theirs (assuming you respect their work). If a landscape architect snags a new client that you sent his way, you can bet he'll send work your way when the opportunity arises.

3) Make it easy. Make sure your contact information is handy to your clients. Include a business card with each correspondence, hand out magnets or other doodads, advertise regularly...anything to make sure that when someone asks your client for a referral, they think of you quickly and have contact info ready.

4) Ask for feedback. Whenever you finish a project, take time to personally ask your client if everything was done satisfactorily. Obviously, this gives you a chance to fix problems, and this conversation may cement the positive feelings the client is having immediately after reviewing your work. If this conversation goes well, gently hint that you appreciate referrals.

In a future blog post: Four more tips to increase the frequency you hear the magic words, "XYZ client recommended you..."

Being Green

2011-11-07T08:05:00.000-06:00

Ever see those snow fences near highways in rural areas? They contain lots of wood, and Centennial Woods reclaims that lumber and prepares it for builders.

IceStone countertops are made from recycled glass and concrete.

Vast composite masonry pavers are made from up to 95 percent recycled materials.

Fabcon precast Versacore+Green wall systems are made from 58 percent recycled materials.

Amazing Architecture: Retail Edition

2011-11-04T08:05:00.000-05:00

Check out the curves and light in this retail development in Singapore by architecture firm WOHA.

Here's a gorgeous store for Puma, designed by LOT-EK, is built from mobile storage containers.

Ever wonder it's like to shop inside an igloo? Probably not, but this temporary construction clothing store will give you that feeling.

Talk about green! Here's a store in Seoul, Korea, covered in plant life, designed by Mass Studies.

Amazing Apple Store in New York features floating logo.

News You Can Use

2011-11-03T08:05:00.000-05:00

Frank Lloyd Wright home for sale in Milwaukee.

New engineering hall at Marquette University displays the latest in high-tech structural engineering.

Two Madison development commissions meet to iron out overlaps.

Culver's in West Baraboo is green.

Rebid expected in Manitowoc bus transfer station.

A/E/C Awards

2011-11-02T08:05:00.001-05:00

Animal Architecture Awards recognize designs that help humans interact with other species.

Cityscape Awards for Architecture in Emerging Markets honor architects in Abu Dhabi, Singapore, other areas.

Nelson Marlborough Architecture Awards from New Zealand Institute of Architects.

5 Steps to Being Green Beyond Your Work

2011-08-31T06:05:00.000-05:00

Many designers, builders, and subcontractors have made their reputations by designing and building green buildings. LEED designation is highly desirable, after all. But being truly green -- and being able to promote your business as being green -- means more than being green in your work. Your business itself needs to be green! Here are five steps to being green:

1) Form a green committee

A green committee does several things: First, it generates ideas from people on the front lines of your business. They know what's going on, see the supplies being used, know how energy is consumed, etc., and thus are in a great position to suggest ways to improve. Second, starting a green committee shows your employees that you care about their input. This shows that your green recommendations are not just proclamations from on high, that everyone has to work together on being green.

2) Recycled paper goes wide

You surely already use recycled paper in your copier, but these days recycled engineering bond is widely available. Order recycled bond for all your wide-format printers, and ask your reprographics shop to print on recycled paper when they do your plans.

3) Go green "upstream"

Consider your "upstream" environmental impact when you choose suppliers. If you make it clear that you prefer suppliers who have good green practices, you'll influence many to go green. Learn of your suppliers' green preferences by visiting their websites, talking to salespeople and company leaders, and reading industry websites. When you're seeking bids, include a section on the bid form that asks about the bidder's environmental sensibilities.

4) Keep your equipment updated.

Newer equipment is generally more energy efficient than old stuff -- in fact, in many cases the savings in power may eventually pay for the new equipment. Look for EnergyStar ratings on new equipment, but keep in mind that many manufacturers exceed those requirements. Also consider the emissions when you're looking at new equipment -- fumes, heat, and ozone.

5) Think green, paint light

Think green the next time you repaint. Not green paint, of course! Use light colors to save on lighting costs, and use low-VOC paints to reduce the stink. Your employees will thank you.

These five steps are just the tip of the iceberg on how you can create a green business. Being green involves a commitment from the top and on-going effort. But once you've started down the green path, your employees will thank you and your clients will be impressed.

Written for A/E Graphics, Inc. by Ed Avis of Ed Avis Associates. Comments or questions? Email him.

The Intern Advantage: Hiring Interns Can Help Your A/E/C Biz

2011-08-29T06:05:00.000-05:00

You probably had an internship sometime during your career, and it probably helped you advance. But your work as an intern may have helped that employer as much as they helped you. Now that you're on the other side of the desk, perhaps it's time to consider starting an internship program at your firm.

Many design firms, and other firms related to A/E/C, hire interns Some do it simply to help students in the field learn, but there are other benefits to hiring interns:

1) Good interns can actually help you. While all interns require supervision, a talented intern can handle minor design projects or other tasks that may bog down senior people.

2) Managing an intern is good supervisory experience. If you have an employee climbing the ranks who needs experience managing others, put her in charge of an intern. It's great practice.

3) It puts potential future employees into your pipeline. Consider an internship a long interview -- you get to see how a potential employee works, interacts with others, and reacts to your office situation. If he doesn't do well, no sweat because he'll be soon gone. If he does do well, great, you have a future hire.

4) Internship programs build relationships with local colleges. Call your local college's career office and explain your needs. Chances are they'll be thrilled to have a new opportunity for their students.

5) Are you an all-white, all-male firm seeking to diversify? Hiring interns from different backgrounds or ethnic groups is a good way to start changing the homogenous nature of your staff.

6) Interns can bring fresh ideas to your firm. If you've been out of school for a while, you may be surprised at the creativity an intern brings to your team. Tap it!

An internship program is not easy, and you should never think of interns as mere copyboys or file clerks. (Click here for some tips on getting started.) But a solid, well-considered internship program can benefit everyone involved.

Amazing Architecture

2011-08-26T06:05:00.000-05:00

Cardboard Cathedral helps earthquake victims find peace

Architect Susanne Nobis designed and lives in this cool house in Bavaria

Like plants? Then you'll love this house covered with greenery. Architects Samyn and Partners, together with botanical specialist Patrick Blanc, designed this project with amazing plant-covered exterior walls.

This downtown Dusseldorf building by Studio Daniel Liebeskind features flowing curves, a green roofline, and courtyards.

Being Green

2011-08-25T06:05:00.000-05:00

Harvard builds 50th LEED building

Loewen Heatsmart Windows are more energy efficient than normal windows and they filter out much damaging UV radiation.

Wishbone site furnishings are built of durable recycled materials such as milk jugs and pop cans.

Leather floors? Yes, Torlys leather floors are made from 100 percent recycled leather scraps and come with a 25-year warranty.

Greenfiber insulation is made from 85 recycled content and is treated for flame resistance.

A/E/C News You Can Use

2011-08-24T06:05:00.000-05:00

Racine to host Frank Lloyd Wright Artifacts

Naval Architect Designs $3 Million Yacht

Five-Story Building Proposed for Madison

Milwaukee Streetcar Project Finds Support

Milwaukee Getting New Restaurant From Lake Geneva

Last Remaining FLW Hotel to be Renovated

Unique marketing opportunities for your company!

2011-07-28T09:53:00.001-05:00

Our Epic Color division received some press today from the BizTimes regarding our marketing graphic specialty products and services.

Here is what they said on how we can help your business:

Menomonee Falls-based Epic Color, a division of Milwaukee-based A/E Graphics Inc., was founded a year ago in response to more clients needing more outdoor signs and banners. After purchasing the necessary equipment, Epic employees realized they could offer clients an even better marketing opportunity by providing larger than life wall murals, window murals and car wraps.

“The outdoor ink jet printer we purchased allows us to print on just about any materia and cut into any shape we wantl,” said Erik Bradley, director of marketing and sales for Epic Color and A/E Graphics Inc., “We began doing some work recreating historic photographs and other images as wall murals and window clings.”

Epic Color has created wall murals of historic photographs for the Milwaukee Public Museum and custom designed murals for the Ozaukee County Humane Society as well as other companies, Bradley said.

“The possibilities are endless,” he said. “We can print on any material and recreate pretty much any image. We’ve done wall stickers of company logos, customized murals, floor stickers, car wraps and window clings.”

According to Bradley, reproducing larger copies of historical photographs from Milwaukee has been very popular am

Epic even created a customized view for Northwestern Mutual’s Franklin facility, Bradley said.

“They literally had no view outside the window of their fitness center,” Bradley said. “So we created a view for them.”

The view from the fitness center at Northwestern Mutual is a replicated ocean view window cling, courtesy of Epic Color.

“These days everyone is looking for ways to differentiate their company,” Bradley said. “Instead of going with traditional marketing materials we can give them the option to do something a little more unique.”

To see some of Epic Colors' murals and to hear more from Bradley, click on the video interview below.

Contact Erik Bradley for help on your next marketing project at 414-235-9518 or email him.

JUST IN: Free financing on Canon wide format devices!

2011-07-25T08:59:00.000-05:00

Are you interested in a plotter or printer but not have available cash or unsure if you should lease or purchase?

Canon Financial Services (CFS) is offering 0% interest on all new wide format plotter/printer purchases until 9/30/11. Pick your term either 12, 24 or 36 months. The best part is that you can choose to own the machine for only $1 at the end of the term!

So how do you figure your monthly payment? Easy, after you get your total price from A/E Graphics, simply divide the total by the term length and that is how much you pay each month.

There is a $65 documentation fee from CFS for handling the lease paperwork that will be added to your first invoice.

Call me toll-free at 877-314-7047 or email me to learn more, Tom Taubenheim, wide format guru

The new Canon iPF8300s 44" color graphics printer

Canon iPF750 36" color plotter

P.S. You'll love your new printer and the money you saved with A/E Graphics!

Social Media for Architects, Part III: 5 Tips for Maximizing LinkedIn

2011-07-12T07:05:00.018-05:00

Facebook, Twitter, and some other popular social media sites get more attention, but LinkedIn is the most important site for business professionals. Where other sites encourage you to post photos of your latest party and spout off political opinions, LinkedIn is designed for one thing: To help you succeed in business.

LinkedIn profiles of architects are subdued. They have minimal flash, maximum information. Check out the profile of Chris Dunlop and Bettina Mehnert.

Here are five tips to create a winning LinkedIn profile:

1) Focus on reaching potential clients. Rather than just dumping your resume onto your profile (which is possible), use your profile to show potential clients what you can do. Write briefly about what types of problems you solve, the types of clients you work for, and other key introductory characteristics.

2) Make connections. Don't build a profile and wait for business to roll in; it won't. LinkedIn makes it easy to locate potential contacts and request a connection. And once you connect, it shows you your contact's connections so you can attempt to connect with them, and on and on. The goal is a giant web of connections.

3) Give and get testimonials. As advertisers have known for decades, testimonials can be powerful. LinkedIn has a convenient format for adding testimonials to your profile. One of the best ways to get testimonials from trusted clients is to give them one first. Once they see how much you value the relationship, many return the favor.

4) Join LinkedIn groups. Groups on LinkedIn are collections of like-minded individuals. As you can imagine, being in the right groups is a great way to connect with potential partners and clients. There are many architecture groups, including groups sponsored by the AIA, ARCHITECTURE magazine, and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Set the search function to "Groups" to find more. You should also join your local chamber of commerce and other local groups to connect with potential clients in your area.

5) Use "Status Updates" to keep your firm on your clients' radar. Architects can use Status Updates to report on important new projects, new positions, and other such information. Your connections will get an email about your status update (or a periodic email showing the status updates of all of their connections), so a Status Update is a subtle way of reaching out.

Social media can be a lot of fun, but if you're serious about using it to help your business, you must maximize your LinkedIn profile.

Written for A/E Graphics, Inc. by Ed Avis of Ed Avis Associates. Comments or questions? Email him.

Psychology of Architecture: Your Work and the Mind

2011-07-11T07:05:00.021-05:00

Your client asks for high ceilings because she thinks they make her foyer look impressive. But did you know they will also make her a better abstract thinker? Design's effect on the mind has been studied for decades, but several recent studies shed new light.

The study about ceiling height, by professor Joan Meyers-Levy at the Carlson School of Management, showed that high ceilings caused occupants to see the "big picture" view of things rather than small details. Clearly the expanses opened the mind to broader thoughts.

Another study revealed some remarkable effects of color in design. Red interior walls help with detail-oriented tasks; blue helps with creative tasks. Check out the details in Science magazine.

Using psychology in architecture is a big deal in hospital design -- think lots of light, happy colors, easy-to-navigate spaces, all designed with healing in mind. There's even an organization that advocates this type of design, The Center for Health Design.

Taking it a big step further are Susan Lee Painter, PhD, and Constance Forrest, Psy.D., who began their careers as psychologists but migrated to design. Now they run Forrest Painter Design in Venice, California, where they apply their psychology skills to interior, workspace, and landscape design.

"The Design Psychology assessment tools, adapted from clinical and assessment measures, yield the data and insights to choose the color, lighting, texture and arrangement of space for their clients’ residential, office and landscape projects," according the firm's website.

Want to use some psychology in your own design? Designer Maria Lorena Lehman offers five tips in her blog Sensing Architecture: Observe occupant behaviors; review their photos and memorabilia; create a survey or conduct an interview; learn about their struggles; and brainstorm with them.

Bottom line: Remember that your clients will be living or working the spaces you design, and it will affect them every day.

Amazing Architecture

2011-07-08T07:05:00.002-05:00

Shipping containers have been used for all sorts of architectural marvels, but you'll love these five examples, from a 1,000-unit student housing complex in Amsterdam to Container City in London.

The new 33-floor headquarters office tower for CMA CGM in Marseille, France looks like a giant metallic curving arc that accelerates skyward. It was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

The Park Hotel Hyderabad, designed by Skidmore, Owings, Merrill, is a 270-room hotel that combines modern, sustainable design with local traditions. Many of the interior surfaces, with a jewelry concept, reflect local designs and were implemented by local artists and craftsman.

Being Green

2011-07-07T07:05:00.007-05:00

The new Matrixair Solar Air Heating and Ventilation System uses transpired solar technology -- which involves air heated by passive solar panels affixed to the side of a building -- to efficiently heat buildings.

The AIRxpert 7000 monitors indoor air quality in large buildings. It provides ventilation system diagnostics, monitors energy conservation, and keeps tabs on environmental quality.

Harmonium linoleum flooring is made from 95 percent natural materials, such as linseed oil, flax seed, wood, and limestone. Plus, 73 percent of these materials are rapidly renewable.

Huvco tubular skylights bring natural sunlight into interiors of small buildings and homes. They're a great way to provide natural light into spaces that cannot be lit by traditional skylights.

Are trusty photovoltaics reaching new heights? Photovoltaic installations surpassed 14 gigawatts of generating capacity worldwide in 2010.

A/E/C News You Can Use

2011-07-06T07:05:00.003-05:00

Milwaukee Soldiers' Home on endangered list.

Watertown church gets $1 million-plus renovation.

Schlitz Brewhouse building to come down.

Milwaukee architect, preservationist, passes at 53.

Wauwatosa condo developer seeks change in plans.

Wisconsin bank to renovate branches.

Social Media for Architects, Part 2: The Blog

2011-04-29T08:10:00.011-05:00

You probably already know how much people enjoy talking to architects. Even people with no relation at all to design fields have opinions and preferences regarding architecture that they discuss with you at parties, right? You can turn that fascination into potential new clients through a blog.

Check out the blog of TMS Architects in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It's a mix of commentary, news tidbits, photos, and other items related to the New England architecture scene. A similar example comes from HMC Architects, which has several offices in California.

So how do you get started? A little planning helps. First, decide on frequency. The experts say consistency is more important than frequency, but frequency matters, too. "I typically don't recommend less than once or twice a week because then you become lost in the noise of others who post more frequently," says social media consultant Jason Falls. "Your content needs to stand out, but if it does, then once a week becomes an event of anticipation for your audience."

Next, decide what to blog. Your audience is probably already reading the newspaper, so don't regurgitate what they read there...unless you have your own spin on it. Other ideas include a "behind the scenes" look at your firm (How we designed such-and-such building); commentary about the design community in your city or state; or Q&As with a firm principal, client, or local planning authority.

If your firm specializes in a particular niche, you may want to blog about that. For example, HMN Architects in Overland Park, Kansas, does a lot of healthcare design. Their blog covers issues related to hospital design and major healthcare issues in general.

The ideas are limitless, but whatever topic you blog about, try not to irritate potential clients. If you have strong political views or hate your local NFL franchise, save those thoughts for your personal blog.

Next, think about the tools. Wordpress is the most popular tool for creating a blog. It's simple to launch a blog with Wordpress, and the basic package is free. The free features include stats to see how many people are reading, and fun "themes" to make your blog look good.

"Wordpress.com is 100 percent free and takes 10 minutes to set up once you pick your theme," says Jacob Morgan, an expert on social CRM and social customer strategies for Chess Media Group. There are more sophisticated packages -- Falls suggests Compendium if you care about keyword searching -- but wordpress is a great place to start.

Finally, consider marketing. Add a link to your blog from your website, note your blog on any other social media sites you use (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.), and include a link to your blog if you comment on other people's blogs.

For more useful tips, check out this fun blog entry about architect blogs.

Written for A/E Graphics, Inc. by Ed Avis of Ed Avis Associates. Comments or questions? Email him.

Architects, the New Humanitarians

2011-04-28T08:10:00.001-05:00

The notion that architecture can change the world is not new -- which architect hasn't dreamed of creating a structure that inspires, protects, and enhances lives? But that notion is lately taking on new strength. As the world suffers from catastrophes nature-made and man-made, many architects are heeding the call to help.

Consider Architecture for Humanity, a non-profit design services firm that brings design and construction expertise to communities in need. Architecture for Humanity can be found in hotspots around the world, from Haiti to Japan to Africa.

What differentiates Architecture for Humanity from some other organizations that help rebuild disaster-stricken areas is that they generally plan long-term. In a recent interview on CBS News, Cameron Sinclair, one of the founders of the organization, said:

"Our architects and designers don't fly in on weekend trips, they live in the villages and towns from 9 to 18 months. They become part of the community and begin to understand the nuances of how to make the biggest impact with the budget they have. Recently we were asked to build a series of schools in a country emerging out of a bloody civil conflict. By listening to the community we realized they didn't need schools, they needed a school system, complete with teachers, curriculum and facility support. It was obvious to our team that the first thing that was needed was not a classroom but a teacher training facility and staff housing near existing remote schools."

Of course, Architecture for Humanity is not the only organization promoting the social value of architecture.

Hasim Sarkis, a professor at Harvard's Graduate School of Design, espouses the social value of architecture in his work and classroom.

“For about five or six years,’’ Sarkis said in an interview in the Boston Globe, “there’s been pressure from architecture students. How can they be socially committed? they say. How can architecture be a larger social project?"

Sarkis shows his students that good architecture and socially good architecture are not contradictory. Great design can be applied to modest projects.

For example, Sarkis designed a cluster of 84 apartments for fisherman in Lebanon. The spaces are modest and affordable, but the design makes them bright, practical, and uplifting.

Another example of architecture serving the social good is a project that will give homes to 50 Thai orphans, designed by the Norwegian firm Tyin Tegnestue. The orphan's homes, dubbed Butterfly Houses, provide private spaces within a community setting.

Butterfly Houses

"We have searched for a deeper meaning in our profession, and find it in building projects for people that really benefit from improved physical surroundings," says architect Andreas Gjertsen in an interview on CNN.

Amazing Architecture

2011-04-27T08:10:00.003-05:00

The Pillars of Hercules have risen again! Spanish architect Rafael de la Hoz designed this double-towered office and retail building in Bay of Algeciras in Cadiz, Spain. The 20-story buildings, designed to honor the legendary Pillars of Hercules, are the tallest buildings in Andalusia.

Check out this very cool house designed by Antonio Cardillo. Built in Melbourne, Australia, the home was inspired by Roman ruins and offers amazing views.

Architecture in Motion: The headquarters for Vodaphone in Porto, Portugal is an architectural splendor that matches the brand's slogan, Life in Motion. Designed by Barbosa Guimaraes Arquitectos, the white-and-glass structure seems to spill to the ground.

Being Green

2011-04-26T08:10:00.001-05:00

Everyone knows about compact fluourescent bulbs, but another high-efficiency option is LED lighting. Viribright LED bulbs last almost 20,000 hours, use 80 percent less energy, and are available for commercial and residential use.

An attic fan is a great way to keep an entire house cooler. Now homeowners can use solar power to run the fan, with the Solar Aire solar-powered attic fan system. The system cools up to 1,500 square feet in the summer and vents moisture year around.

Tired of housewrap? Try ZIP System roof and wall sheathing, which includes built-in protective overlays that eliminate the need for housewrap or felt. Not only is it easier to install, but it helps ensure an energy-efficient structure.

Hot water heaters can consume a lot of energy. The NEXT Hybrid hot water heater from A.O. Smith uses two heating technologies to maximize efficiency. It uses a heat transfer process with a secondary heat exchanger to capture the heated flue gas and route it back through the tank to extract additional heat.

A/E/C News You Can Use

2011-04-25T08:10:00.004-05:00

Great Taliesin photos acquired by Wisconsin Historical Society

Green building in Wisconsin is focus of documentary

Milwaukee museum looks at "organic" side of Frank Lloyd Wright

Monona Terrace design lecture series expands beyond Wright this year

New Walmart designed for Milwaukee

First-ever "Effectiveness Awards" announced

Eduardo Souto de Moura wins Pritzker Architecture Prize

Social Media for Architects

2011-03-09T08:05:00.022-06:00

Sure, most architecture firms already have decent websites, and many even have Facebook pages. But innovative firms take their social media strategy much further.

For example, several thousand architects now connect with others in the field through Architizer. This free social networking site, built exclusively for architects and related professionals, allows firms to upload their projects and helps them seek new clients.

Blogging is another growing way for A/E/C firms to connect. A firm's blog can focus on the local building industry or some wider niche. The idea is to share your thoughts, ideas, concerns, whatever, with people who are interested--including potential clients. Blogs are easy to set up and inexpensive (many services are free). Check out Wordpress and Blogger.

Architecture firm Barefoot & Gilles writes about the local property development scene in its blog. In contrast, JDS Architects blogs about a broad range of cultural issues.

Do blogs help a firm land new work? Read this article about how architect Larry Lane got international exposure when he blogged about the collapse of the roof of the Dallas Cowboys practice field.

Many consumer-oriented social media tools can also be applied to architecture. For example, have you considered using Groupon to promote your firm? In Groupon deals, the business offers some service at a discount--usually half off--to the public. Groupon emails details of the offer to thousands of people who have signed up to get the emails. Those who want it buy the "Groupon," and the business and Groupon split the money. (So basically you end up providing some service for one quarter of your normal fee, but you can limit the deal and it does bring new clients in the door).

Groupon has many competitors, including DealOn, Town Hog, and Bloomspot.

These are just a few of the social media tools an A/E/C firm can use. We'll feature more in future issues of this newsletter, so stay tuned!

Written for A/E Graphics, Inc. by Ed Avis of Ed Avis Associates. Comments or questions? Email him.

Urgent Architecture: The Essential Role of Post-Disaster Design

2011-03-08T08:05:00.017-06:00

Did you know that floods, tornadoes, and landslides affect every state in the United States? And that more than 300 major natural catastrophes occur around the world every year? It's no surprise, then, that architects who deal with the urgent design and construction needs of devastated communities are currently front and center.

The first architects affecting a disaster scene practice what is called urgent architecture--the design of structures that can be used immediately after a disaster. Project Urgent Architecture aims to gather the knowledge of architects and structural engineers who have faced the challenge of designing these structures, and pass that knowledge on to local artisans who can build these structures where they are needed.

"Urgent architecture should not wait until the next disaster strikes to seek solutions to communities' post-disaster shelter needs," the organization says.

So what does urgent architecture look like? Imagine a field of high-tech, but rather simple looking, tents. These structures obviously provide immediate shelter, but perhaps more importantly they provide a sense of security and community to people who have suddenly been forced out of their homes.

Post-disaster Shelter Tents

The next step is equally important. Once the debris is cleared and the aid workers have left, someone has to rebuild the devastated community. The emerging field called postcatastrophe reconstruction deals with this situation.

Consider the destruction in Haiti after the earthquake in January 2010. Port-au-Prince was a densely populated city before it was nearly wiped out by the earthquake. The housing and other structures would take decades to rebuild under normal conditions, but a group of students from the Schack Institute of Real Estate at New York University who have been studying postcatastrophe construction, is working on speed that up. The students are analyzing the infrastructure, transportation needs, housing and social patterns, and land ownership issues. The students also are assisting a project that trains locals to work in design and construction, and they are working on a 16,000-acre housing project north of Port-au-Prince.

Hopefully post-disaster construction ultimately leads to design that can withstand earthquakes, hurricanes, and other disasters. Consider this fact: The earthquake that killed 316,000 people in Haiti was far less severe than the earthquake that shook populous areas of Chile a few weeks later, but the Chilean earthquake killed only 500 people. The difference? Superior building design and construction.

Amazing Architecture

2011-03-07T08:05:00.014-06:00

Salvador Dali was an amazing artist, so it's no surprise a museum in St. Petersburg, Florida dedicated to his artwork is also amazing. The museum, designed by HOK, features a hurricane resistant design, a geodesic glass exterior, and a helical staircase.

Libraries aren't just for bookworms. The Surry Hills Library and Community Center in Sydney, Australia received the Australian Institute of Architects' National Award for Public Architecture. Designed by the firm Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp, the library is an amazing glass construction that rises above a park.

Surry Hills Library and Community Center

Residential architecture can be amazing, too. Just check out the Integral House in Toronto. Designed by Brigitte Shim and Howard Sutcliffe of Shim Sutcliffe, the house includes a private concert hall.

The World's Best Health Building? According to the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona, it's the Brain and Mind Research Institute - Youth Mental Health Building in Australia. Designed by BVN Architecture in Sydney.

Being Green

2011-03-04T08:05:00.002-06:00

Solar Power Tiles: Solar panels are nothing new, but now a house can sport solar panels built right into the roofing tiles. The Solé Power Tile, from US Tile, combines flexible solar power technology with a premium roofing tile.

Recycled Rubber Flooring: Old tires litter America; CERES PVC-Free Flooring uses old tires to make CERES Recycled Rubber flooring that is durable, non-slip, and insulating.

Green Campus Building: A million bucks from the U.S. Department of Energy's Commercial Building Partnership program will help the University of Utah retrofit a 1970 building in the College of Architecture and Planning. The goal? A "net zero" building.

Ancient Green: Locally sourced materials? Long life? Architecture that blends into the environment? No, these aren't new green ideas. They're characteristics of most old castles in Europe! These structures were "green" way before it was cool to be green, and can teach modern architects a thing or two about sustainability.

A/E/C News You Can Use

2011-03-03T14:05:00.001-06:00

Woodson Art Museum in Wausau offers a variety of design programs. Read about them here.

Plan now to attend the AIA Wisconsin convention in May. More info here.

Three Wisconsin architects named Fellows of the AIA. Learn more here.

Billings Index jumps two points in December: Details here.

A/E/C Awards

2011-03-03T11:57:00.000-06:00

Design firm Hoffman LLC, based in Appleton, is recognized for its work on senior housing.

Are you among the best? Here's a list of architecture contests in 2011.

Xerox to no longer sell Wide-Format Products

2011-03-02T12:35:00.000-06:00

I heard yesterday that Xerox announced it will cease selling it's wide format products in the USA and Canada by the end of 2011. We ran Xerox equipment in our repro offices in earlier times like the Xerox models 2080, 2010, 2020, Versatec Laser Plotter and the disappointing Max200 redline toner based machine. In fact, if you would like it for parts, let me know.

The bottom line to this story is that while a strong small format player particularly in the color arena, Xerox was not able to gain momentum over the last 5-10 years with their products and was really the odd man out so to speak. Océ was and still is the oldest and largest wide format equipment manufacturer in the world. Their products are in over 60% of architectural, engineering and construction companies...and for a couple good reasons: dependability and reliability.

To learn more about Océ products, especially for those that have Xerox equipment that will need to be replaced, contact me at 414-254-2848 or email me, Tom Taubenheim.

We Are Open For Business!

2011-02-03T08:55:00.000-06:00

A/E Graphics survived the Blizzard of 2011 and are ready to work for you! You will have a lot of parking space here at our Waukesha area office and our deliveries are on time. Check out these pictures of the snow banks. You can't even see our building! You can still see the great outstanding sign that Epic Color Group did for us a couple months ago, Tom.

A/E Graphics is Closed Today!

2011-02-02T12:16:00.000-06:00

Due to the Blizzard Warning, Civil Alert and safety of our employees here in Wisconsin, A/E Graphics will not be open today. You may still email us or send any of our locations files here. You can also visit our 24/7 planroom here.

Thank you and we look forward to serving you on Thursday! Tom

Digital Music a Failure? What About Digital Plans?

2011-01-26T08:05:00.006-06:00

In a FoxNews.com article today, there was a piece on digital music having reached it's peak in sales and further decreases in profits for the music industry. They key line in the article to me is the "profits lost from the inevitable conversion.." from CD's or other "hard copy" mediums to "digital". Now think about "hard copy" plans and spec books and how the impact of digital files has had on A/E Graphics and the reprographics industry.

There are many similarities between digital music and digital plans and the fact of the matter is, leading companies like A/E Graphics provide a valuable service to clients looking for what is the best way to distribute or obtain documents. It may be hard copies for some, digital for others or a mix of both. They might want a full set of documents, just the plans and no spec book or partials. We don't discriminate, but rather offer clients what they demand and what is most convenient for them.

While it has been understandable to many for the cost of making a "hard copy" print out of something, it has been a little difficult justifying "digital" charges to clients. Why charge anything? Well, of course we are performing a service no matter if it is tangible or not. There are significant costs to progressive repro offices like ours for handling digital files like doing scans of hard copies, uploading or downloading files (which can take hours) from various collaboration websites, ftp's, online planrooms, emailing files, burning files to CD's, DVD's, portable hard drives or the newest craze: dropping files onto flash drives.

You need fast and reliable hardware, updated software that can work with a ton of different file types, virus protection, high band-width, dedicated broadband and most importantly, expert professionals that understand how to complete the project correctly, as fast as possible and with a smile.

Here is the article and I welcome your comments, Tom

Digital music is great, right? The music industry disagrees.

One of the first litmus tests for our transition into the digital world, record company executives are now worried that the digital music business may have already peaked.

According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, the overall music market shrank another 9 percent in 2010, filling out a year of persistent decline.

While digital music sales did rise 6 percent last year, the rate of increase in digital revenue has also steadily declined and presents a worrying trend -- digital sales may max out at $5 billion this year, billions short of the profits lost from the inevitable conversion to the medium of ones and zeros.

“Music’s first digital decade is behind us and what do we have?” Forrester Research analyst Mark Mulligan told the New York Times. “Not a lot of progress.”

“We are at one of the most worrying stages yet for the industry,” he continued. “As things stand now, digital music has failed.”

Some executives think otherwise, believing that the long-term strategy of stamping out piracy will eventually help lift revenues once again, especially in developing nations like South Korea.

Read more on digital music’s future at the New York Times.

This article is from FoxNews.com

Export Architecture: Even Small American Firms Look Overseas to Survive

2011-01-25T08:05:00.001-06:00

Think America imports too much from around the world? Well, many architecture firms are tipping the balance by exporting their expertise for design projects overseas.

Designing buildings in foreign countries is certainly nothing new, but American firms have pursued international work much more aggressively since the recession hammered the U.S. market. And it's not just the giant firms reaching overseas. Consider the Archiventure Group, a four-person, Denver-based firm that specializes in resorts and golf clubs. Work is slow in Denver, so now the firm is designing a golf resort in India.

Medium-sized Heller-Manus Architects in San Francisco had no foreign work four years ago, but now does nearly half its work for Chinese clients. Among its Chinese projects is the central business district of Guangzhou.

Central business district of Guangzhou

Why are American firms finding working overseas? The answer is a combination of two factors: First, many other countries, particularly in Asia, are enjoying a building boom; and second, in many cases American architectural expertise is valued more than local knowledge.

There are several strategies to expanding internationally. Some firms partner with existing, local firms; others buy local firms; and some start their own, freestanding offices. Which strategy works depends on the country in question and the size of the firms involved.

Naturally, there are pitfalls to international work. Some firms report not getting paid promptly (who wants collection hassles 2,000 miles away?), while others struggle with local customs are regulations. And you can't forget the travel expense! Burkett Design in Denver, which has an office in Dubai and also works in Sudan, racks up $40,000 a year in travel, founder Amy Burkett says.

Despite those issues, architecture is sure to continue as one of America's fastest growing exports.

Space Architecture: International Not Far Enough?

2011-01-24T08:05:00.007-06:00

Sure, lots of firms are finding work overseas, but that's not enough for others. Space architecture--the design of buildings for the moon and other planets and orbiting spacecraft--is a bona fide field with unlimited growth potential!

Consider the fact that Virgin Galactic dedicated its "spaceport" in New Mexico in October, and 390 future "astronauts" have plunked down deposits on the $200,000 tickets for few minutes of space flight. The spaceport, which is basically an ultra-modern airport, was designed by Foster + Partners in London. And Virgin Galactic is only one of many players in the field of private spaceflight--SpaceX already has NASA and Air Force contracts for its rockets and space vehicles.

Spaceport

Space architecture won't stop at the spaceport, of course. Many existing projects, such as the International Space Station, contain designed living and working spaces. The future holds much more--habitations on the moon and Mars, for example. Do you think the design of such things is the stuff of science fiction lovers tinkering in the garage? Think again: The International Astronautical Congress, now in its 62nd year, had a special section titled "Space Architecture: Exploration and Tourism" in its 2010 meeting in Prague. Furthermore, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics has a committee devoted to the design of the structures and living spaces related to space travel, the Space Architecture Technical Committee. "Architects and industrial designers are now fully involved in the world of space," according to the SATC website.

Space architecture has a long history, though active participation of architects and designers began with the design of NASA's Skylab in 1968. The engineers working on Skylab, which was an orbiting laboratory, wanted a windowless workspace; industrial designer Raymond Loewy insisted on a window so the astronauts could observe the Earth from space. Many more architects and designers worked on the International Space Station, and today a growing number of them work on all aspects of space travel, from vehicles to orbiting structures to planetary homes.

U.S. architecture billings highest since Nov '07

2011-01-21T10:36:00.000-06:00

NEW YORK, Jan 19 (Reuters) - An index of spending on U.S. architecture services, a leading indicator of nonresidential construction activity, reached its best level since November 2007 last month, suggesting a U.S. building recovery is gaining traction, an architects' trade group said on Wednesday.

The December architecture billings index rose more than 2 points last month to 54.2, from 52.0, reflecting increasing demand for design services, according to the American Institute of Architects.

A separate index of new project inquiries was up 1.2 points to 62.6, on a scale where any number above 50 indicates rising demand.

"This is more promising news that the design and construction industry is continuing to move toward a recovery," said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker.

The billings index is considered an indicator of construction activity nine to 12 months in the future, and is widely tracked by companies that generate sales from the construction sector.

Most diversified industrial companies get at least some revenue from nonresidential construction, selling machinery used for erecting buildings or components such as elevators or electrical and cooling systems.

* December ABI up 2.2 pts to 54.2

* Inquiries index up 1.2 pts to 62.6

* Construction industry moving toward recovery

(Reporting by Nick Zieminski)

Amazing Architecture

2011-01-21T08:05:00.004-06:00

Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health

The brain is a complicated thing, and Frank Gehry's design for the Cleveland Clinic's Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas does the brain justice. The marvelously convoluted design makes passers by think they're walking by the Ripley's Believe it or Not building, but the work going on inside--on Alzheimer's and other cognitive diseases--is totally believeable.

Water inspires a lot of architecture. The latest example is the London Aquatics Center, now being built for the 2012 Olympics. Designed by English architect Zaha Hadid, the building takes its swooping shape from the river beside it and the aquatics inside it. Says Hadid: “The architectural concept of the Aquatic Center is inspired by the fluid geometry of water in motion, creating spaces and a surrounding environment in sympathy with the river landscape.”

Loft apartments are popular, but the wide-open space can be intimidating. Not in the briefcase house. This loft in Chicago has a giant modular "room" that occupants can move and reform as needed. Designed by Bureau Spectacular in Chicago, the modular room is considered a "house within a house"; it's big enough for the owner to sleep in.

Being Green

2011-01-20T08:05:00.001-06:00

Seal in Efficiency: Southwall Technologies and Dow Corning have partnered to create new "Heat Mirror" film and sealants for large glass buildings. The new products create the industry's lightest weight and most energy-efficient multi-cavity insulating glass for large projects.

Arc College Aims for Zero: The University of Utah is aiming for a zero carbon footprint in the renovation of its architecture building. The 1970s building is loaded with opportunities to improve efficiency, so the renovation will save energy and teach students green technologies.

Self-Adhesive Housewrap: WrapShield SA from VapoShield is a self-adhesive, vapor-permeable housewrap. The fact that it's self-adhesive means many fewer fastener penetrations are required, it doesn't flap in the wind, and it's very airtight.

Recessed Light Covers: Slow the energy leak from canned lights by installing Tenmat fire-resistant light covers. The FF Recessed Light Protection Covers stop airflow in and out, and keep the can light away from the insulation. They are designed for CFL lights only.

A/E/C News You Can Use

2011-01-19T08:05:00.004-06:00

Milwaukee Art Museum Celebrates Architecture. In honor of the 10th birithday of its Santiago Calatrava-designed addition, the Milwaukee Art Museum is focusing several exhibits on architecture in 2011. A/E Graphics is proud to have provided the document printing and management services for this global landmark.

More Architectural Art News. Do you like viewing photos of architecture? You'll be glad to learn the Art Institute of Chicago has acquired the collection of famed architectural photographer Richard Nickel.

Billings Up: The AIA reports that the U.S. architectural billings index reached 52 in November 2010, its highest point since 2007.

Madison-based Quarra Stone Picked: Natural stone supplier Quarra Stone has been tapped for three high-profile projects: the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka, the New York State Capitol in Albany, and the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia.

10 Best Architecture Books: Looking for something good to read? Check out this list of the best books on architecture published in 2010.

A/E/C Awards

2011-01-18T08:05:00.005-06:00

Wisconsin Woman in Construction: Tracey Schnick, a senior associate at AG Architecture in Wauwatosa, was named the Wisconsin Woman in Construction for 2010 by Wisconsin Builder magazine.

Wisconsin Log Home Maker Honored: Expedition Log Homes LLC in Sheboygan earned the 2011 Excellence in Home Design Award from the Log Home Council.

Kansas City Firm Wins AIA Award: BNIM Architects was awarded the 2011 AIA Architecture Firm Award.

Not Your Typical Dormroom

2010-11-11T08:05:00.026-06:00

Remember the cramped, drab dorm room you shared with three other students during your freshman year? Well, it's history. Many of today's college students enjoy the best work of architects around the world.

Check out "The Sponge" on the campus of MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts, otherwise known as Simmons Hall. Designed by architect Steven Holl, the 350-bed dorm includes a theatre, cafe, and terraces. Large openings throughout the building serve as "lungs," circulating natural light and air. And each dorm room has nine working windows!

Simmons Hall

Another non-Animal House student residence is State Street Village on the campus of the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Helmut Jahn designed this high-tech complex that includes six U-shaped structures built from steel, concrete, and glass. Jahn designed what he calls the "ultimate" dorm by adding A/V lounges with plasma TVs and a laundry room that alerts students via the web when their load is done. Bet those students aren't bringing the laundry home to mom!

State Street Village

Of course, American students have nothing on the Europeans when it comes to fancy dorm living. Check out the Bikuben Student Residence in Copenhagen, which is designed to encourage student interaction by connecting all the dorm rooms and common areas in a double spiral around an atrium. Another architecturally significant dorm is found at Ljubljana University in Slovenia. This 2006 building features communal leisure and teaching spaces on the first floor and 56 residential rooms on the second and third floors. The student units are arranged around central service "cores" that contain bathrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms. Privacy of the bedrooms is assured by a series of folding, perforated, aluminum panels.

Makes you want to return to school, doesn't it?

Written for A/E Graphics, Inc. by Ed Avis of Ed Avis Associates. Comments or questions? Email him.

Giants on the March

2010-11-10T08:02:00.022-06:00

Biomorphism--using natural shapes to inspire design--has a long history in architecture, but has it ever reached these heights? Check out the Land of the Giants, humanoid shaped electricity pylons designed by Choi-Shine studio in Massachusetts.

Land of the Giants

The giant marching humans were designed for Landsnet, the power transmission company in Iceland. Though they have not been built yet, they did win the Boston Society of Architects Unbuilt Architecture Award for 2010.

The giants aren't limited to one shape. With minor alterations to the basic frame they can be positioned to "climb" a hillside, crouch, turn to look at a nearby town, or interact with one another. And they come in male and female versions.

Way smaller, but possibly more influential, are some recent biomorphic designs for solar panels. Leaves are natural solar panels, and highly efficient ones, so why are solar panels always an unleaflike square? For ease of manufacturing and installation, presumably, but at least one design firm is using the natural advantages of leaf design to build new solar panels. The round shape of lily pads, for example, makes them ideal for floating in sunny locations unbothered by competing trees or shrubs. ZM Architects in Scotland is using that concept for their new giant floating solar cells designed for the River Clyde in Glasgow. The solar lily pads are not yet built, but the design includes small motors that gently turn the panels to gather the most sun and cables that tether the panels to shore and transfer the gathered electricity.

Want to immerse yourself in biomorphism? Check out the trio of books by Alejandro Bahamon and Patricia Perez that examine the influence of botany, geology, and biology on architecture.

Written for A/E Graphics, Inc. by Ed Avis of Ed Avis Associates. Comments or questions? Email him.

Amazing Architecture

2010-11-09T08:05:00.001-06:00

Airports seem to bring out the best in architects. Check out the new terminal building at Sabiha Gokcen Airport in Istanbul. Designed by Tekeli-Sisa Arhcitectural Partnership, the terminal features seven arched bays that provide spaciousness for the passengers and a wavy view for passers-by.

Pupils in Monkseaton High School in Great Britain always face the teacher: The award-winning school building features triangular classrooms with the teacher's space in the point. "I realized we had to step away from the rows of desks and 'chalk and talk' method of lesson delivery associated with typical institutional classroom designs," explained Ian Lancastle-Smith of London's Devereux Architects.

A new building for an engineering school better be pretty cool, huh? Devereux Architects designed this one, too, and it is pretty cool. Designed for the National University of Ireland in Galway, the building is designed to "put engineering on display." Among its many features is a "climate wall," which due to its orientation provides cooling in summer and heat in winter.

Being Green

2010-11-08T08:03:00.002-06:00

The value of shade--Ever wonder how much a shade tree planted in front of a house matters? Now you can estimate its effect with the Tree Benefit Estimator, developed by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.

Green as trees--Think recycled wood is green? Sure, but how about unmilled logs? That's what Roald Gundersen, owner of Whole Trees Architecture and Construction in Stoddard, Wisconsin uses.

Green blocks--Well, they're not really green colored, but the Pozzotive concrete blocks from Kingston Block & Masonry Supply are made from 30 percent postconsumer recycled glass and 50 percent postconsumer recycled masonry aggregate.

Mobile power--power generators are sometimes the loudest, smelliest pieces of equipment on construction sites. Not any more: Generators from Mobile Solar Power generate up to 18.71 kilowatt hours per day using just the sun.

A/E/C News You Can Use

2010-11-05T08:03:00.002-05:00

St. Paul's Catholic Center expanding: Designs for a new $45 million, 14-story facility at St. Paul's University Catholic Center were unveiled in late October.

Architecture Billings Index looking good: The Architecture Billings Index compiled by the American Institute of Architects was recorded at 50.4 in September, the first positive score (a score greater than 50) in two years.

Landscape architects doing well, too: More than half of the landscape architects responding to a survey from the American Society of Landscape Architects reported steady or increased billable hours and inquiries for new work.

AIA is honored: The American Institute of Architects was named the 2010 Organization of the Year by the International Association for Public Participation.

Architecture on display: 200 projects from New York-based architects are on display in a Greenwich Village subway station.

A/E/C Awards

2010-11-04T07:05:00.004-05:00

Architect named Distinguished Alum: Maryann Baird, a retired associate professor of interior architecture at UW-Stevens Point was honored by the University of Wisconsin-Stout

Global Design Awards: The Urban Land Institute honored five firms in their 2010 competition

A/E Graphics Canon iPF Series Printer Cartridge Recycling

2010-10-28T09:52:00.000-05:00

Have a Canon iPF series plotter or printer? A/E Graphics along with Canon USA is offering the iPF Cartridge Recycling Program. Here are some options for you:

Local recycling..iPF Cartridges are made of common plastic material making local recycling and local energy recovery possible. When local recycling is utilized, environmental impacts associated with the transportation of cartridges are reduced.
A/E Graphics..For customers that have no local recycling or would like to reduce their expenses, they can contact us to pick them up and we will recycle them for you.
Canon..For those with no local recycling or not a customer of ours, you can send your used cartridges prepaid to: Canon Virginia, Inc., Attn: LFP Ink Tank Recycling, 120 Enterprise Dr., Newport News, VA 23603

13 Direct Benefits of Canon iPF Inkjet Plotters

2010-09-13T08:05:00.005-05:00

Here are 13 benefits of Canon iPF650 and iPF750 series inkjet plotters:

Get a couple plots PER MINUTE
Print from a USB or network cable connection
Enjoy peace and quiet. You'll barely hear the plotter operate.
Easily print CAD, PDF,TIF, DWF or CPC files from Windows 7, 64 bit operating systems
Load up to a 500' roll in the machine for lower costs and less paper curl
Automatic loading of the paper from the top of the machine without moving it!
Print quality is quite remarkable
Large ink tanks, a single print head and maintenance cassette lower operating print costs
Save paper! The unit has an ink subtank so it will keep on printing when you need a new ink cartridge. No more half printed sheets that go to waste!
The system automatically keeps it's ink system in top condition by doing scheduled ink checks
This machine has the smallest footprint in it's class and it is EnergyStar rated. Cool and friendly too!
Get a free 1 year, on-site warranty!!!
Finally, I saved the best for last. Wouldn't it be nice if you could test drive a new inkjet plotter to make sure you actually like it? For a limited time, you can take advantage of Canon's Try and Buy Promotion from A/E Graphics.

Here is how the Canon Try and Buy Promotion from A/E Graphics works:

Order a new Canon iPF750 plotter from us to try out in your office at NO CHARGE. The system includes 90ml starter inks (just add paper and more ink if you need it). If you are not satisfied with the machine within the first 30 days, simply return it to us. It is that simple! Delivery restrictions may apply, but unlikely.

Call me, Tom Taubenheim, for more details at 414-254-2848 or email me.

Canon iPF750 36" Plotter

A/E Graphics is an authorized Canon sales and servicing dealer. What sets us apart? Our friendly, trained folks that respect your business, personnel and facility. We are passionate about our products and our clients that use them.

You can buy a plotter from anyone, but the installation, training and ongoing support by professionals you can trust is immeasurable.

13 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Plotter

2010-09-10T08:05:00.060-05:00

So how do you know when it's time for a new plotter? Ask yourself these 13 questions to find out:

Can you walk to the other end of the building, grab a cup of coffee, stop and share a story with a co-worker, walk back to your plotter and the printer is still printing your first plot?
When you send a print, do you stand and massage the plotter hoping it actually prints the whole plot rather than getting an error right before it finishes the sheet? (oh the days of parallel ports and 16MB of RAM)
Is your plotter so loud that when it runs you think you might have lost some of your hearing?
Are you struggling to plot from new computers and software?
Do your prints have so much curl they want to roll back up because of that little 50 yard roll you are changing all the time, or better yet, you are manually feeding in cut sheets of paper one sheet at a time?
Do you have to load rolls of paper from the back of your machine constantly moving the unit it in and out of position?
Are your plots coming out fuzzy with a lack of readable detail?
Are you spending too much money for those tiny ink jet cartridges you seem to always have to clean or replace?
Has your plotter ever run out of ink at 5pm when you are try to get out that rush print for a meeting and you have no extra cartridges on hand and your machine won't work without one?
Have you had a blank sheet of paper print because your inks dried out in your plotter?
Would you like a plotter that takes up less space than your current machine?
Is your maintenance plan being discontinued for your plotter?
Have you thought about getting a new plotter but not sure what fits your needs?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, it is likely you can benefit from a new plotter. Canon iPF series inkjet plotters have solutions to all of these questions, and for a limited time, you can take advantage of Canon's Try and Buy Promotion from A/E Graphics.

Here is how the Canon Try and Buy Promotion from A/E Graphics works:

Order a new Canon iPF750 plotter from us to try out in your office at NO CHARGE. The system includes 90ml starter inks (just add paper and more ink if you need it). If you are not satisfied with the machine within the first 30 days, simply return it to us. It is that simple! Delivery restrictions may apply, but unlikely.

Call me, Tom Taubenheim, for more details at 414-254-2848 or email me.

Canon iPF750 36" Plotter

Architecture on the Red Carpet

2010-08-27T13:15:00.004-05:00

Have you seen Inception, the semi-successful summer movie about stealing industrial secrets? The star of the film is supposedly Leonardo DiCaprio, but what everyone is really watching is the architecture! The premise of the movie, as well as it can be understood, deals with imagined dreamworlds that trap victims in mazes of streets and buildings. I won't give away any more details, but the architecture of the dreamworlds is the star.

Architecture has starred in many other films, sometimes as the lead and other times in a supporting role. Consider the blockbuster Titanic. The ill-fated ship and its flawed design surely helped the film win the Oscar for best visual effects. The latest Transformers movie is now being filmed on the streets of Chicago, and architecture plays a key role as the oversized toys rumble down the Magnificent Mile. A vacant lot on the west side of Chicago's Loop was used for an architecture dressing room -- it was chock full of chunks of buildings (made of foam, of course) awaiting their cues.

Sometimes the architecture in the film is made up--such as in Inception--but often it's real. Frank Lloyd Wright's famous Ennis-Brown House was used in Bladerunner, for example, and William Lamb's Empire State Building played a major supporting role in King Kong, of course.

Ennis-Brown House

Architects themselves have starred in many movies, too. Who can forget Tom Selleck's architect character Peter Marshall in Three Men and a Baby? One of Marshall's most memorable lines: "I'm an architect, for Christ's sake: I build 50-story skyscrapers, I assemble cities of the future. I can certainly put together a goddamn diaper!"

High-Speed Rail Stations: High-Flying Design

2010-08-27T07:15:00.020-05:00

The $8 billion federal high-speed rail plan could mark the rebirth of rail travel, and it could present big opportunities for architects to design new rail stations.

The Center for Design Excellence is hot on concept. Read about their upcoming High-Speed Rail Conference. The conference will discuss rail station architecture, transit-related development, and other related topics.

Some designers are not waiting for the stimulus funds to show up.

In Philadelphia, a group of graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania created a detailed plan for a high-speed rail corridor in the Northeast. The students' plan, which would cut travel times between New York and Boston by 20 minutes, is much more ambitious than Amtrak's own plan, which would trim 4 minutes from the trip. "Amtrak's new plan leaves you with a really good early-20th-century rail system," said Robert Yaro, one of the professors who taught the students in the School of Design's department of city and regional planning.

Philadelphia Rail Plan

In the Midwest, the Chicago Architectural Club encouraged architects to look ahead with a contest to design that city's rail hub. Four architects from Thompson Ventullet Steinback & Associates won that prize with a design that resembles a high-tech airline terminal with undulating roofs.

Chicago Rail Hub design from Thompson Ventullet Steinback & Associates

In Florida, preliminary work has begun on a high-speed rail line between Tampa and Orlando. The project will create 11,000 jobs at its peak.

This hot topic will dominate architecture news for decades.

We welcome your comments on our blog about high speed rail.

Amazing Architecture

2010-08-26T13:15:00.005-05:00

Cincinnati's newest building will be its tallest, too: The 41-story Great American Tower at Queen City Square, which will feature a giant "tiara" on top, will open in January.

Clinging to a hillside: When someone tells an architect that the slip of hillside land with great views he wants is "unbuildable," the challenge is irresistible. Check out how architect Scott Lee met that challenge.

How did they build that? Medieval European castles draw millions of tourists, but builders of the newest castle in France hope their project reveals how those fortresses were built. They are using only authentic period methods, materials, and tools to build their castle, and the result is an amazing view into a long-past era.

Being Green

2010-08-26T07:15:00.004-05:00

Cradle-to-Cradle -- A/E/C pros can quickly identify products that are designed to be reused or recycled--called cradle-to-cradle--through the GreenWizard searchable database. The official Cradle-to-Cradle certification was developed by MBDC consulting firm. The GreenSpec guide from BuildingGreen is a more general online database of green products.

Insurers rebuild green -- Fireman's Fund and Lexington Insurance Co. have launched programs that allow property owners to rebuild destroyed homes using green technology, even if it costs more than the value in stated in the policy.

Bamboo dimensional wood -- Bamboo has long been considered a sustainable, renewable wood product. Now it's available in an engineered lumber product from Cali Bamboo

Like a blanket -- Wool insulation is an all-natural way to keep a house toasty all winter. Check out the new wool products from Black Mountain USA.

A/E/C News to Use

2010-08-25T13:15:00.003-05:00

Billings up -- Good news for the A/E/C industry: the AIA's Architectural Billings Index for July was the highest it's been since January 2008.

Roots to homes -- Looking for an innovative way to build a home? Try fashioning one out of the roots of trees. Read about this method developed by professors at the University of Tel Aviv.

Green Bay architect goes extreme -- In July, Jim LaPlant, owner of LaPlant Architecture LLC in Green Bay, designed a home for the TV show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

First architecture program in S.D. -- South Dakotans seeking to become architects can get an architecture degree in their own state for the first time, now that South Dakota State University has launched an architecture program.

A/E/C Awards

2010-08-25T07:15:00.004-05:00

More on small homes -- a tiny house designed by architect Bill Yudlitz in Bayfield, Wisconsin won an AIA Honor Award.

Second sun -- a giant sun-like yellow ball designed by Meghan Funk and Lyndsay Pepple won the Chicago Architectural Club's Chicago Prize Competition. The theme for the competition was Mine the Gap, and the idea was to design something to fill the hole created for 150-story condo tower on the lakefront that hasn't yet been built.

Green awards -- two firms shared the One Prize: Competition for Creating Productive Green Spaces in Cities: AGENCY Architecture LLC and a joint entry from Thread Collective and TheGreenest.net.

College Students Think Paper is Still Essential

2010-08-02T13:21:00.000-05:00

Most college students in a new nationwide poll rank themselves as environmentally conscious and two-thirds believe going paperless helps the environment, but they draw the line at electronic copies for key documents – especially when it comes to college diplomas.
The nationwide poll found that while college juniors and seniors believe going paperless helps the environment, fewer than 30 percent would give up printed books, magazines and newspapers, photos or official documents. And nearly 70 percent said the idea of receiving an electronic copy of their diplomas either bothered them or they considered it so terrible that they hated it. Only 4 percent of the respondents said they would “love” the idea of a paperless college diploma at graduation.

“This is hardly a superfluous scrap of paper,” one of the respondents said. “Doggone it, I’ve worked my butt off in school, and I want a piece of paper on my wall to prove it.”

The nationwide survey was conducted by Eric Mower and Associates and commissioned by Domtar, one of North America’s leading paper companies. Researchers contacted 420 college juniors and seniors nationwide between April 16 to 20 to ask them their views on what they could do to protect the environment and personal paper usage. The survey has a margin of error of 5 percentage points.

“A document like a college diploma should be handed to the graduate in paper,” said one student. “It is something that people take great pride in and want to show to people, frame and hold in their hands.”

“While it’s important to use paper responsibly, there are also myths about paper that should be dispelled. There will always be times when a substitute won’t do, because paper is simply more convenient, more effective and more meaningful,” said Lewis Fix, Vice President of Brand Management and Sustainable Product Development at Domtar. “Business gets done on paper, people learn on paper, love is declared on paper and rights are guaranteed on paper. Even students who identify themselves as environmentally conscious recognize the importance of paper.”

The survey also found that:

· When it comes to studying at school, 52 percent of students like materials on paper. Twentythree percent report they prefer hard copies of most notes and professors also print out class materials. Another 29 percent of students said that while they like hard copies, their professors tend to send out electronic copies.

· Students clearly prefer paper copies of key documents. Less than a third of the students want electronic copies of their legal contracts (29 percent), real estate deeds (25 percent), marriage licenses (23 percent), birth certificates (17 percent), passports (15 percent) or drivers’ licenses (12 percent).

· College juniors and seniors identified the top four ways they personally display environmental consciousness include turning off power when electronic devices aren’t being used (81 percent), recycling (75 percent), using less water (54 percent) and doing only full loads of laundry or hanging clothes to dry (53 percent). Thirty-six percent say they are “going paperless” to display their environmental consciousness, ranking it fifth in the survey.

· Less than 30 percent would give up printed books, magazines and newspapers, photos or official documents. However, more than 60 percent of students would be comfortable going paperless with bank statements, class schedules/grade reports and bills.

“The survey shows that college students are certainly concerned about the planet’s future, and want to take steps to reduce their impact – we find that very encouraging,” Fix said. “It’s also interesting that even with all of the electronic options available to today’s youth that paper is still important - whether in the classroom as the medium for their education – or on the wall as a symbol of years of hard work and dedication.”

“Something could always go wrong with electronics,” one student said of their reason for wanting a printed diploma. “Diplomas are important mementos.”

“Getting a diploma over an email makes it seem so much less official,” commented another student in the survey. “You worked for it like mad, and gave the school thousands of dollars, the least they could do for you is give you that piece of paper.”

As part of the survey, students were asked how they typically send personal notes at an important moment to someone they really care about. Thirty-one percent said they write it on paper, because it’s more meaningful and the recipient would appreciate it more. A note on paper beat out a phone call (27 percent), text (22 percent) and email (20 percent).

When it comes to landing a job after graduation, 47 percent of students say they will send out resumes electronically, while 27 percent report they will send out both electronic and paper resumes and 17 percent say they prefer to send their resumes on paper. “It was interesting to see the weight students place on using paper for documents that are important to them – everything from their college diploma to textbooks to personal notes to key people in their lives,” Fix said. “For some reason when it comes to their resume – a critical first step in building a career, the largest share of students plan to use email to reach potential employers. Based on how they react to a document on paper, they may want to rethink relying solely on electronic copies of their resumes.”

Domtar invests in projects to increase forest certification and reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Because of this, Domtar has earned the support of respected environmental organizations. More than three-fourths of the energy used at Domtar mills comes from renewable, carbon neutral sources, and Domtar has cut green house gas emissions by 33 percent since 2002 – far exceeding the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol.

“Domtar is at the forefront of the responsible use of paper in part because the future of our business is linked to a healthy environment and the availability of both virgin and recycled fiber. We’re not just a paper company, we’re a sustainable paper company,” Fix says. “Students should not feel guilty about using our paper, because paper is a plant based product that is renewable, sustainable and recycled with ease.”

I found this from a Domtar News Release, Montreal and Fort Mill, May 25, 2010. I think the same thought can be applied to other important documents like design and build plans, particularly those in color, that are essential to the design and construction of a building. What do you think?

How Small Can You Go? Microhomes are BIG

2010-07-13T14:20:00.030-05:00

What's the biggest thing in residential architecture? It's also the smallest -- microhomes. Microhomes, which are generally smaller than 500 square feet, appeal to folks who don't think bigger is always better.

One advantage of microhomes is lower cost, naturally. The cost of microhomes varies widely, but with less materials and a smaller footprint, they are much more affordable than a conventional residence.

But probably more important are non-economic features. Microhomes attract buyers who want to consume less resources. People who appreciate a simpler lifestyle, or who like living closer to nature, or who generally want to affect the earth as little as possible, buy and build microhomes.

Not only do these homes take up less space, but most are built with an array of "green" features that reduce the long-term cost of ownership substantially. After all, it's a lot easier to heat and cool a 300-square-foot house with sustainable technology than it is to do that with a mini-mansion. And some of them, such as this home from Tiny Texas Houses, are built with salvaged construction materials.

Home from Tiny Texas Houses

What are some common features of microhomes?

Good use of light - lots of windows, skylights, and porches bring in the light, and plenty of mirrors on the walls distribute it.

Simple designs -- leave out the fancy amenities and anything else that wastes space or materials. Space for the sake of space is a turnoff to microhome buyers.

Smart storage -- under the bed, in the ceiling, above the cabinets -- any space that just collects dust in a conventional house is turned into storage in a microhome.

Modularity -- some microhomes are designed with modular components so they can be expanded as families grow.

Moveability -- many microhomes are designed to be mobile, such as this one from Tumbleweed Tiny House Company.

Mobile microhome from Tumbleweed Tiny House Company

Pre-fab, repurposed, or stickbuilt -- Microhomes can be made in a factory; they can be assembled from recycled storage containers; or, probably most common, they can be built from the ground up.

Want to learn more? Click here and here and here.

Written for A/E Graphics by Ed Avis of Ed Avis Associates. Email him.

Keeping the Flames at Bay

2010-07-13T10:20:00.000-05:00

The U.S. Fire Administration estimates there were 417,000 residential fires in 2008, causing billions of dollars in damage. There may be a limit to what an architect can do to prevent fires, but there is much one can do to limit the damage from a fire. After the fires in San Diego County in 2003, researchers discovered that houses that had been built or remodeled following a stricter fire and building code suffered only a third the damage of other homes.

Today there are more ways than ever to design with fire damage reduction in mind. Some ideas:

-- Non-combustible roofing and siding helps prevent fires from spreading from nearby homes. One interesting fire-retardant roofing product is shingles made from recycled rubber tires -- paired with a fire-resistant underlay barrier, this assembly is one of the few synthetic roofing materials to get UL's Class A fire rating.

These shingles are available from EcoStar

-- Many fires start on decks. Grills left burning when the party ends, embers from brush fires, or leaf burning getting out of hand can all ignite a deck. Consider specifying a Class A fire rated decking material instead of the usual wood materials. AmeraDeck's composite materials are one option.

-- Residential fire sprinklers can extinguish small fires and contain large fires. But who wants those clunky sprinkler heads in the living room? No one -- so consider something sleeker, like Tyco's Rapid Response Residential Concealed Sprinkler System. This type of system can lower the homeowner's insurance.

-- Steel beats heat nearly every time. If you're designing a home near a potential wildfire area, consider steel-framed windows with heat-resistant coating. Check out products like this from SaftiFirst.

Written for A/E Graphics by Ed Avis of Ed Avis Associates. Email him.

Amazing Architecture

2010-07-13T06:20:00.003-05:00

World Cup architecture: Check out the new 15-story luxurious Green Point stadium built for the World Cup, one of five new stadiums built for the Cup.

Balconies like never before: The computer-located undulating balconies on Chicago's new Aqua Building make the building shimmer. Aqua, designed by Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects, is the world's tallest building designed by a woman.

Better than a donut shop? The Los Angeles Police Department's new headquarters is an award-winning 10-story building designed by Daniel, Mann, Johnson & Mendenhall (DMJM)/Roth Sheppard Designs.

Written for A/E Graphics by Ed Avis of Ed Avis Associates. Email him.

Being Green

2010-07-12T14:20:00.001-05:00

Innovations in green building continue to roll in...

Leaky lots: Using permeable pavement is a great way to reduce the deleterious environmental effects of large parking lots.

Deep heat: Geothermal heating and cooling can save up to 70 percent of utility costs related to those functions, and thousands of structures, found everywhere from New York City to farms, are using this earth-friendly technology these days.

Refloored: Do you ever imagine being able to build with the giant trees felled from America's virgin forests a hundred years ago? You can access that wood all over again by reclaiming flooring, beams, and other wooden structural elements from old buildings. Check out the website of Pioneer Millworks, which includes fascinating stories about where the wood came from.

Written for A/E Graphics by Ed Avis of Ed Avis Associates. Email him.

AEC News to Use

2010-07-12T10:20:00.000-05:00

Architects looking ahead: Architects John Maple and Manuel Oncina discuss where the market has slowed, and where it is bucking the recession.

RIP David Dillson, renowned architecture critic for The Dallas Morning News.

Sustainable Building in Haiti: The Architecture for Humanity Design Fellow will help rebuild earthquake-shattered Haiti.

Tomorrow's architects thinking green: University of Florida students designed a solar-powered home.

New Degree: NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego has launched a B.S. in Construction Management Degree program.

AEC Awards

2010-07-12T06:20:00.000-05:00

Milwaukee local award: Two professors win the 2010 National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Prize for Creative Integration of Practice and Education in the Academy.

Milwaukee Mayor's Design Awards: Hotel of the Arts and Tonic Tavern are two of the 23 projects honored.

Prtizker Architecture Prize: Two Japanese architects win the honor.

AIA Top Green Buildings: Special No. 9 House in New Orleans' storm-ravaged Lower Ninth Ward is one of 10 top LEED buildings of 2010.

Buckminster Fuller Award: Operation Hope in Zimbabwe balances plant growth and the needs of herding animals.

Color CAD document workflows are time and cost efficient

2010-07-08T09:47:00.000-05:00

Color CAD systems are widely in place today, and construction documentation and designs created in CAD are created natively in color,which can readily increase the quality and detail in conceptual designs for estimating, bidding, and preconstruction activities. Compared with the upfront costs required to implement BIM, including software, computing hardware, staffing, and training, color CAD documentation workflows can be implemented more quickly and with less overhead.

From the Lyra Research White Paper called "Color Construction Documents: A Simple Way to Reduce Costs".

Color CAD documents are underutilized in construction

2010-07-08T09:10:00.001-05:00

Despite the potential return and minimal investment requirements, color CAD documentation techniques are generally underutilized in building projects.

From the Lyra Research White Paper called "Color Construction Documents: A Simple Way to Reduce Costs".

The value of color CAD printing is high, while cost is negligible

2010-07-08T06:25:00.001-05:00

On a per project basis, the value of color CAD printing is high,while the cost is negligible relative to the return in savings from comprehensive color workflows that Building Information Modeling (BIM) and/or color CAD designs enable.

From the Lyra Research White Paper called "Color Construction Documents: A Simple Way to Reduce Costs".

$1 spent in color plans can yield $4 in project savings

2010-07-07T16:18:00.000-05:00

Relative to the cost of color printing, the improvements in collaboration gained through reduced estimation contingencies, requests for information and change orders can readily exceed a 4:1 ratio, in which each incremental dollar invested in color printing can yield $4 in savings for a given project.

From the Lyra Research White Paper called "Color Construction Documents: A Simple Way to Reduce Costs".

Could the use of color construction plans have saved a million dollars?

2010-06-30T08:50:00.000-05:00

Nalley Valley bridge error poorly handled, DOT chief says

From The News Tribune, Published: 06/29/10 8:59 am, Updated: 06/29/10 6:36 am

The [Washington] state transportation secretary said Monday she and her staff could have done a better job communicating on the complicated Nalley Valley Viaduct project and acknowledged that a nearly $1 million mistake that went public over the weekend has hurt the credibility of her department.

“I know we missed some steps” in the design review process, Department of Transportation chief Paula Hammond told The News Tribune. She added that the blame for designing and building an off-ramp in the wrong place “goes up and down the agency.”

Officials say its will cost $890,000 to fix the misplaced ramp from eastbound state Route 16, which will connect to elevated bridges and cross the highway to Sprague Avenue. Work began Friday, attracting the notice of the public and news media.

DOT officials say it won’t delay completion of the westbound portion of the viaduct project, slated for fall 2011.

“We have tried very hard as an agency to make sure accountability works both ways,” Hammond said. “You tell the good and you tell the bad. This obviously is something we have not done right. And it is something we are going to fix.”

Project staff have continually said the Nalley Valley viaduct project was proceeding smoothly, was ahead of schedule and had no major problems other than expected traffic congestion. The project, for now, is largely focused on the westbound side of the highway.

On June 3, Hammond and Kevin Dayton, administrator for the Olympic region which includes Pierce County, met with News Tribune reporters and editors to talk about the project and its progress.

No mention was made of the design mistake on the eastbound side.

“I totally forgot about it,” Hammond said by way of apology Monday during a telephone conference call with the newspaper. She said she thought the misplaced ramp, which she first learned about last November, had been fixed.

“That’s bad on me,” she said. “It’s a sizeable amount of money and we don’t take it lightly.”

The DOT secretary reports directly to Gov. Chris Gregoire, and Hammond said the governor asked her why news of the design error and fix was such a surprise to the public.

A spokesman for the governor told the newspaper Monday that the governor had no comment and referred questions to Hammond.

Contacted Monday, Sen. Jim Kastama, who sits on the Senate Transportation Committee, said he wasn’t aware of the engineering problem prior to this weekend’s reports.

He said his staff met recently with the project coordinator for an update on the viaduct work and no issues were raised.

The Puyallup Democrat said he doesn’t believe anyone on the committee was aware of the mistake because the committee chairwoman, Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, did not know about it, according to her staff.

Kastama said he would hope the Senate and House transportation committees would be informed about significant cost overruns, even if they can be contained within a project’s reserve fund, because legislators have financial oversight of DOT.

“The number of documents that me and my staff received was pretty extensive, and none of it included this,” he said. “I hope that if you’re going to give an extensive review of a project, it would include warts and all.”

Kastama said he thinks the situation “warrants further investigation. My hope is that anything we learn from this is applied systematically.”

At the state Transportation Commission, administrator Reema Griffith, said she also heard of the problems over the weekend, but noted the commission no longer oversees DOT. The Legislature gave that job to the governor in 2005.

Griffith noted the commission still cares about fiscal accountability, and that its members are independent and frank about transportation issues.

She said the group’s next meeting is scheduled for July 13-14.

“Maybe it is something to talk about,” Griffith said.

COMPLICATIONS

Hammond and Dayton outlined Monday a number of factors that contributed to the breakdown in the design review process and internal communication.

Two design teams were working on the viaduct project: one for the westbound lanes and one for the yet-to-be-bid eastbound lanes.

Back in 2007-08, the eastbound team made a change to its design to add a third lane of traffic between Union and Sprague avenues – an exit-only lane that would lead to the Sprague ramp.

The westbound team, however, was unaware of the addition of a third lane. They went ahead and built the eastbound ramp, Dayton said, with the hope of speeding up the reopening of the Sprague exit by at least two years.

About that time, Hammond said the project manager also died unexpectedly in an accident, causing an emotional disruption on both teams.

In addition, engineers were transferred from the Nalley Valley project to the Fife HOV-lane project on Interstate 5 in an effort to meet a deadline for federal stimulus money there.

“The result is we weren’t doing the check, check and double checks.” Hammond said. “The people going about checking missed it.”

In November, Dayton said design engineers were inspecting when they found the new off ramp was 12 feet out of alignment with the proposed exit lane.

The design teams looked at a number of fixes, including moving the entire ramp or reconfiguring the lane of traffic.

Dayton said the least costly fix was to solve “a horizontal problem with a vertical solution” by making the ramp grade steeper. He said the project contractor, Atkins Construction, signed off on the change on June 18.

QUIETLY MENTIONED

At the time the error was originally discovered last winter, the department did mention the design problem publicly, although not in great detail.

For one thing, the item in the December quarterly update on the project’s website, www.tacomatraffic.com, didn’t mention the cost. Nor did it mention the magnitude of the problem, which Dayton did in an interview with The News Tribune on Saturday. He told the paper this was the first time in his 27-year career that a design mistake was actually built and had to be torn out.

The December update read:

“In order to accommodate the future eastbound lane, a portion of the (Sprague Avenue ramp) that was built on this project will need to be removed and reconstructed with revised grades. This will require reconstructing approximately 700 feet of the ramp pavement and lowering portions of the retaining walls that have already been built. The project office is working with the contractor to add the revised ramp work to this project without impacting the project’s overall schedule. The cost to complete the work will be managed within current project funds.”

Was that December update adequate public notice?

“In retrospect, no,” Hammond said Monday.

Since the design mistake was uncovered, Dayton said the department has instituted an independent construction office to review project contracts. He also plans monthly meetings with his project teams.

Asked if there would be any disciplinary action, Hammond said a total review is still under way.

“If we found someone who blatantly disregarded their responsibilities then I would say, totally,” she said. “In this case so far there have been a series of events and missteps” and there may not be one person to blame.

The cost for the fix will come out of the $164 million project’s contingency fund to cover unexpected problems or design changes.

With the ramp fix, Dayton said the project will have used $3.3 million of its $6.2 million contingency fund.

Staff writer Matt Misterek contributed to this report.

Read more: The News Tribune-DOT Goof Mishandled Story

A/E Graphics Receives 2010 Océ Premier Partner Plus Achievement Award

2010-06-17T16:08:00.000-05:00

BROOKFIELD, Wis. – A/E Graphics, Inc. recently received the 2010 Océ Premier Partner Plus Achievement Award for outstanding achievements and exceptional success in the Océ Wide Format Partner Community. The recognition was given by the Executive Director of Channel Sales, Océ North America.

According to Tom Taubenheim, President of A/E Graphics, “We are honored that Océ selected us to receive this prestigious award because it is only given to companies who maintain the highest industry standards in equipment sales and service, document reproduction, presentation, distribution and management.”

A/E Graphics specializes in a broad range of wide format printers/plotters and supplies, all of which are backed-up by the knowledge and resources of Océ as a leading company in the industry. A/E Graphics was founded in 1976. Today, they have grown to provide a complete range of document reproduction services, signs and banners, equipment sales and document management services to the building trades, advertising and marketing agencies. It has locations in Brookfield at 4075 North 124th Street and Milwaukee at 207 E. Buffalo St., Suite 32LL. For more information on A/E Graphics, visit their website at www.aegraphics.com or call Tom Taubenheim at (877) 314-7047.

Concordia to build baseball stadium in Mequon

2010-06-16T08:35:00.000-05:00

Concordia University of Wisconsin plans to build a $3.5 million baseball stadium on its campus at 12800 N. Lake Shore Dr. in Mequon. The plans for the stadium were approved recently by the Mequon Common Council. The stadium will have 2,000 seats, lights and a press box.

Concordia’s men’s baseball team will play at the stadium. It could also be used by a team from the Wooden Bat League, which feature college baseball players.

The Wooden Bat League team would be owned by James Kacmarcik, the president of Grafton-based Kapco Metal Stampings Inc. Kacmarcik pledged $1 million to the baseball stadium project.

Concordia needs to raise an additional $2.5 million for the stadium.

This is an outstanding campus. I had a chance to attend a business breakfast at Concordia recently and take a tour of Concordia's new environmental building designed by Groth Design Group. What a great place to learn with some spectacular views on the bluff of Lake Michigan. ~ Tom

Story by the BizTimes-Milwaukee

New Canon imagePROGRAF Models Receive Five-Star Exceptional Rating

2010-06-16T08:09:00.000-05:00

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, has received a five-star “Exceptional” rating for its new 44-inch imagePROGRAF iPF8300, 24-inch imagePROGRAF iPF6350 and the iPF6300 large format printers, from industry analysts BERTL Inc. Launched in March 2010, the new imagePROGRAF models received the highest possible rating from BERTL by delivering outstanding quality across its 11 rating categories including five-star ratings in image quality, price and security.

“The five-star rating from BERTL, Inc., recognizes the significant investment Canon has made in developing technologies that make the new imagePROGRAF models an ideal solution for the photography, graphic arts and photography markets,” said Jim Rosetta, vice president and general manger, Imaging Systems Group, Canon U.S.A. “The new imagePROGRAF iPF8300, iPF6350 and iPF6300 large-format printers have demonstrated the image quality, value and functionality that customers require to advance their businesses and meet the most exacting customer standards.”

To deliver improved overall image quality, the new Canon imagePROGRAF models feature a revolutionary 12-Color LUCIA EX pigment ink set increasing the achievable color gamut by approximately 20 percent from previous imagePROGRAF 12 color models. Additionally, to better meet the needs of the professional print market, the new models feature a reinforced mechanical structure to enable precise ink placement for improved text and line accuracy, making the new devices a powerful proofing solution.

To fully capitalize on the dynamic color range of the new LUCIA EX ink set, each new imagePROGRAF model employs two advanced one-inch print heads, each featuring 2,560 nozzles per color and outputting a super-fine four picoliter (pl) droplet at a full 2400x1200 dots-per-inch resolution (dpi) to reproduce details with extraordinary accuracy and clarity. Paired with enhanced plug-ins and new, High-Precision Printing Modes, the new imagePROGRAF models provide an extremely high level of photographic and proofing-quality prints.

BERTL, an independent analyst firm and testing lab, reviews current product lines and new product introductions bestowing the five-star rating to devices that deliver extraordinary performance throughout the testing process. BERTL’s testing criteria addresses 11 categories: Build Quality, Network Administration, Security, Workflow, Finish, Ease of Use, Media Handling, Printing, Image Quality, Features, and Price.

A/E Graphics is a Canon authorized Sales and Servicing dealer. We also run the new iPF8300 at our Epic Color Group division for top quality prints for our clients. Contact us for plotters, printers, service and supplies like paper, ink and toner.

Tear it Down or Redo it?

2010-05-14T05:24:00.006-05:00

Concrete slab towers built from the mid-50s through the early 90s tend to be very energy inefficient. These buildings often leak - if not water, then air. And they were usually not built with the idea of preventing heat gain in the summer or heat loss in the winter, thus requiring over-sized HVAC systems as a critical aspect of maintaining occupant comfort.

Energy efficiency simply did not make it to the top of the list. Now of course it does. For every new energy-efficient structure being built we have hundreds of as-built, very inefficient buildings already in use. In the past, the most common resolution would be demolition and new construction.

Now the approaches are varied for many reasons, not the least of which is the economy. Retrofitting, renovation, recladding and re-skinning have made a big comeback, but with brand new nuances. In fact, renovations account for a very large proportion of all current construction projects. We are talking about buildings of all sizes and types too - not just residential, but commercial, industrial, government, and skyscrapers as well.

Why now? Real estate is relatively cheap. Office rents are not high enough to justify new buildings. At the same time, competition is strong to rent more desirable spaces. Owners are looking for cost-effective ways to upgrade and increase the value of their buildings. Retrofitting a typical office building can save up to $100 sq. ft. and also save a year or more in construction time over new construction.

There are also sometimes zoning restrictions which are grandfathered into an existing building, but would disappear for new construction. Finally, renovation is considered more sustainable. By retrofitting with up-to-date products, technologies and systems, a typical building can realize significant energy efficiencies - a priority for reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs.

The projects can range from simple, mostly cosmetic changes to stripping a building down to the frame and replacing almost everything except the foundation. Most are somewhere in-between these extremes.

McGraw-Hill Construction has projected that major green retrofit projects could more than triple in the US by 2014 - to up to $15.1 billion.

In January, Wisconsin was chosen as one of six states to develop action plans to improve energy efficiency in existing buildings.

In April, Milwaukee, Madison and Racine were announced as joint winners of a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) “Retrofit Ramp-Up” grant. The Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation submitted the joint proposal resulting in an award totaling $20 million for a program to retrofit homes and businesses to improve their energy efficiency.

More Ways to Skin It

2010-05-13T12:18:00.002-05:00

The current buzzword is re-skinning, which takes re-cladding way beyond a simple facelift. The skin or envelope of the building is obviously a critical piece in the search for energy efficiency. So the question becomes how to take an existing building and re-skin it in a way that makes the building more livable as well as cheaper to operate.

For example, adding a new thermal cover can help reverse concrete’s tendency to trap heat in the summer and release it during the winter. But more than just adding insulation, an integral part of a re-skinning project can also include efficient windows, better daylighting, incorporating solar, and new mechanical sytems, as well as an enhanced appearance.

Re-skinning can also be used to house up-to-date pipes, ducts, and/or cables. Running these up the side of a building with a new ‘skin’ hiding the resulting mess, can be much more cost effective than installing them in more conventional ways.

Re-Skinning Projects

2010-05-13T06:22:00.002-05:00

The recently announced 2010 ZEROprize Re-Skinning Awards sponsored by the United Nations Habitat and Zerofootprint honored a wide spectrum of projects around the world.

This project photo that immediately grabs attention is that of LAVA, an Australian design firm, which worked with ARUP to create the façade of the visually outstanding Water Cube at the Beijing Olympics.

LAVA has proposed re-skinning a Sydney university tower which was previously voted Sydney’s ugliest building. The UTS tower, constructed in the 1960s, has issues typical of buildings of that era.

A cost-effective, lightweight, stretchy, translucent, high performance composite mesh material is stretched over a lightweight steel frame to totally envelope the existing building. The membrane interacts with the environment on a number of levels - acting as a high-performance micro-climate, generating energy with photovoltaic cells, collecting rain water, improving daylighting, and could include embedded LEDs for a variety of purposes while using available convective energy to power the tower's natural ventilation.

As can be imagined, the proposal has stirred up a lot of controversy. It is quite unlikely to be implemented, but the technology developed by LAVA is being considered for a variety of other projects around the world.

Other projects honored were perhaps less visually spectacular, but nonetheless innovative. This derelict aging, industrial building in San Francisco was refurbished by Aidlin Darling Architects. The skin is perforated with small holes designed to allow light and air to pass through new windows hidden behind it. This perforated barrier controls solar heat gain while enabling cross-ventilation of the interior. A 30kW solar array covers the upper roof area and harvests approximately 70% of the building’s annual electricity use. This building received Gold LEED certification.

This German bank’s façade was refurbished without interrupting on-going services over a period of three years. The result has improved energy performance by 64% and the bank has received ‘Green Building’ certification.

The GSA is re-skinning the 35 year old Edith Green/Wendell Wyatt Federal Building in downtown Portland, Oregon as a symbolic project to showcase the transformation of a problem building into a high-performance one. A $133 million facelift designed by SERA architects, includes replacing leaky, single-paned windows. Each side of the concrete behemoth will receive a different treatment to take advantage of natural light, heat and cooling. It includes a green wall along the South side, consisting of protruding "fins" covered in vines and other vegetation to block heat in the summer and capture light in the winter. As well as the energy work, structural improvements are being made to resist earthquake or bomb damage and electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems are all being replaced.

The iconic Empire State Building is in the midst of a renovation which will add triple-paned windows, insulated radiator shields and mechanical updates. A $500 million facelift aimed at attracting larger corporate occupants (at higher rents) was already underway. The energy retrofit is expected to add $20 million to the cost and yield $4.4 million annual energy savings.

Johnson Controls, a Milwaukee based company that won the contract to oversee energy improvements to the building, used a computer model to establish which of more than 60 suggested improvements would be most cost effective. In the end eight were chosen.

Toronto’s First Canadian Place, the tallest office building in Canada, is being re-clad, primarily for safety reasons after a marble panel fell from the façade and others appeared ready to fail. The marble, which will be recycled, is being replaced by fretted glass spandrel panels which attempt to give it a similar appearance to the original marble. The project also improves energy efficiency and aims for LEED certification.

It's Not All Roses

2010-05-12T12:20:00.005-05:00

Some projects, particularly glass re-clads of masonry buildings, are not greeted with universal acclaim. Critics often bemoan the loss of distinctive and historic architectural features. Re-skinning can also sometimes be done as cheaply as possible with no regard for esthetics.

Sometimes it is simply a matter of beauty being in the eye of the beholder. For instance, look at the UTS Tower in Sydney, Australia featured above…some find the proposal stunning in a positive way and others think it would be a blight on the landscape.

This re-skinning of a historic 1920s building by Gensler in NYC drew much criticism…while others approve.

Blair Kamin in his ChicagoTribune blog recently featured the Anti-Cruelty Society Building, another early 80s building in dire need of some updating, but stuck in controversy over what it should look like.

What is Ugly?

2010-05-12T08:25:00.002-05:00

In addition to different strokes for different folks, clearly our tastes in architecture as a society change over time. What might have been considered beautiful when built may now be ugly. And if it survives long enough, it might be considered beautiful again in decades to come.

Taking architectural criticism to an extreme, a British city plans to tear down a building because it’s too ugly. A few year ago a nationwide poll resulted in a Bournemouth resort building known as the IMAX to be voted off the island so to speak. The town of Bournemouth has now voted to purchase the building for around $12 million in order to demolish it.

In the US it might be marketed as the country’s ugliest building and used to draw visitors!

This site is a place for Brits to vent their feelings about what they perceive as bad architecture. Sometimes vulgar but worth a few laughs and indeed, one must agree with some of the summaries.

AEC News to Use

2010-05-11T14:25:00.001-05:00

Transit bill dies without vote in Senate

They say we are through the recession

High speed rail…but it will take 40 years

Interesting look at how well the US Embassy in Haiti performed during the earthquake

Feds start two net-zero projects..this one and this one search ‘net zero buildings’

A public interview with Frank Gehry in Chicago – comments on LEED

An interview with Kenneth Yeang about green skyscrapers

World Expo began May 1 in Shanghai but has drawn little attention in the US. If you’ve always wanted to see China, this may be the time to do so.

Britain’s exhibition at the World Expo: the seed cathedral is somewhat reminiscent of a porcupine.

50th Anniversary for Brasilia leaves architect 'sad' - the city fell short of his egalitarian vision. Oscar Niemeyer, at 102 years old, is still drafting and imagining projects in Rio de Janeiro. And a new project for Niemeyer:

Tunnel converted into a museum in Italy

An excellent and moving documentary about IM Pei’s building of a museum in his native Suzhou can be seen here through June. Well worth the time!

Hard times hit Star architects as well

The ArcelorMittal Orbit tower, which is slated to sit next to the city's Olympic stadium, is almost sure to be the symbol of the London games. It's certain to be a show-stopper -- 115 meters (380 feet) of tangled red steel that will be hard to ignore.

The tower has provoked endless debate since the design was unveiled at the end of March. The structure will remain after the games are over. The Times of London compared Anish Kapoor's monument to a ‘mangled rollercoaster’

Libeskind New Theatre in Dublin opens

Gehry chosen for Eisenhower memorial, with an understated design

SANAA partners win 2010 Pritzker

SANAA’s work includes the New Museum of Contemporary Art in NYC

Beirut’s new Mirror tower uses more than 30,000 facets each carefully oriented to create reflections of city monuments. The building’s envelope consists of two distinct layers. The outer envelope has sliding panels made of perforated sheet metal with mirror polish finishing. It reflects, protects and lets views and light pass all at the same time.

The exterior skin is clad in Ductal which becomes completely open at times, or perforated by different patterns, permitting light to cross and draw beautiful shadows. The outer structural envelope is separated by a corridor from the inner glazed façade.

AEC Events

2010-05-11T13:24:00.000-05:00

May 10 – 14: 2010 Lightfair – Las Vegas
May 12 – 14: Construct 2010 – Philadelphia

May 20 – 21: AEC Technology Strategies – Las Vegas

June 9 – 11: Innovation in AEC – University Park, PA

June 10 – 12: AIA National Convention – Miami

June 14 – 16: NeoCon World Trade Fair – Chicago

June 26 – 28: Go Green Expo – Atlanta

July 14 – 16: Daylighting Buildings – Harvard

Océ helps customers achieve sustainable competitive advantage by improving IT

2010-05-05T12:34:00.001-05:00

Sustainability expertise singled out in Green IT awards

Océ withstood the fierce challenge of international competition and recently landed a ‘Green IT’ award, reflecting the company’s efforts to help customers drive their business by adopting world-leading sustainability measures.

‘Deserving recognition’, Océ nominated in two categories
Described as a company ‘deserving recognition’, Océ’s international expertise in making a significant contribution to improving the IT industry’s environmental performance has been singled out in the UK government-backed Green IT Awards 2010. Océ, an international leader in digital document management and delivery, scooped the ‘Editor’s Choice’ accolade at a black-tie event before 200 guests and VIPs at the Prince Albert Suite, London Zoo. Voters among the publication’s 70,000 readership had also nominated Océ for the Green IT Magazine Product of the Year (the Océ PlotWave® printing system) and the Recycling Scheme of the Year (Caring by Nature).
A company that builds in sustainability and delivers solutions for customers
Brian Wall, Editor of Green IT magazine, commended Océ for its sustainability ethos, which he pointed out had been a corporate cornerstone long before the environment became fashionable. At the awards ceremony, he said: “Océ is a company that builds in sustainability, and its staff apply that to how they deliver solutions to their customers. Océ deserves recognition and, in this case, the accolade of ‘Editor’s Choice’.”
Focused on creating stakeholder value
Computer and software companies, including giants like Microsoft and Dell, as well as other digital print manufacturers, were among those who also made it through to the finals. But Océ was the only winner in the ‘Editor’s Choice’ category. Green IT awards acknowledge the “outstanding environmental products, suppliers and projects of 2009”, as well as highlight companies and teams that have made a “significant contribution to improving the IT industry’s environmental performance”.

Océ’s Caring by Nature Program involves a series of initiatives that underlines its commitment to sustainability. Océ is focused on creating value for all stakeholders by realizing profitable, sustainable growth. Its strategy is aimed at optimizing business processes, strengthening its product portfolio and boosting distribution power. Océ’s green ethos involves providing innovative print and document management products and services for professional environments, while acting as a responsible corporate citizen.

Sustainability initiatives developed across the world
Examples of Océ’s own sustainability work include:

•Launching Océ Green Services to support eco-friendly management services
•Ten companies achieving ISO 140001 accreditation
•Reducing the CO2 footprint of its products. Cutting emissions of ozone, dust, toner and noise are integral to Océ product development
•Scaling down electricity consumption at Océ UK headquarters by 23% in a year
•Reducing paper consumption by 650 tons at an R&D department in Germany
•Setting up ‘green awards’. For instance, Océ North America Wide Format Printing Systems division hosted the ‘Green Reprographer of the Year’ Award
•Organizing the Océ Sustainability Week, a campaign providing employees with information about how they can make a positive impact on the environment
•Being featured by the Carbon Disclosure Project as part of its approach to climate change disclosure

A system producing virtually no ozone emissions
The Océ PlotWave 300 large format monochrome printer was launched last summer. It has a much smaller footprint than its predecessors, and has a number of green features, such as purpose-built patented Océ Radiant Fusing technology that provides the most efficient way to fuse toner onto paper. The system also uses a catalytic convertor system so that virtually no ozone emissions are produced.

Integrating sustainability into offering becomes a key priority
Bron Curley, Managing Director of Océ UK Ltd, said: “It’s a recognized fact that a strong performance in sustainability contributes to operational efficiency as well as generating stronger product propositions and a more powerful market image. It is no coincidence that Océ embraced sustainability as part of its core proposition decades ago. Indeed, it is in the DNA of our company that has a long and proud history stretching back more than 130 years. Integrating sustainability into our offering has become one of our key priorities. We recognize our corporate duty to actively help manage our customers’ environment.”

The key sponsor of the Green IT Awards was the Department of Energy and Climate Change, responsible for UK energy policy and for tackling global climate change on behalf of the UK.

Information from Océ Global website: Venlo, The Netherlands, April 29, 2010

Canon now holds 84.65% of Océ ordinary shares

2010-03-25T22:15:00.000-05:00

The Canon purchase of Océ is now official. This is from a press release from Océ-USA on March 20, 2010.

Reference is made to the press release of 28 January 2010, in which Canon Inc. ("Canon") and its subsidiary Canon Finance Netherlands B.V. (the "Offeror") and Océ N.V. ("Océ") jointly announced that the Offeror is making a fully self-funded public cash offer (the "Offer") for all the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Océ (the "Ordinary Shares") at an offer price of EUR 8.60 per Ordinary Share and the press release of 4 March 2010, in which the Offeror declared the Offer unconditional (gestand gedaan).

Post-acceptance period

10,297,246 Ordinary Shares were tendered for acceptance under the Offer during the postacceptance period (na-aanmeldingstermijn) that ended on 19 March 2010 at 17:30 hours CET (the "Post-Acceptance Closing Date"). The Ordinary Shares tendered under the Offer during the post-acceptance period represent 11.79% of the Ordinary Shares (including Océ's treasury shares) and have an aggregated value of EUR 88,556,315.60.

Including the Ordinary Shares that were acquired in the market during the post-acceptance period, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by or tendered to the Offeror as of the Post-Acceptance Closing Date amounts to 73,934,429 Ordinary Shares, which represent 84.65% of the total number of Ordinary Shares (including Océ's treasury shares).

The total number of shares held by or tendered to the Offeror (including Océ's financing preference shares) as of the Post-Acceptance Closing Date represents approximately 87.51% of the total issued share capital of Océ (including Océ's treasury shares).

Robots on the Move

2010-03-19T20:59:00.000-05:00

Will we all one day simply be robot ‘handlers’? That image could bring many varied responses, from excitement, chilling, boring, etc… Well have no fear, at least it’s not anytime in the immediate future. Most ‘thinking’ robotics are still in infancy, but what can be called ‘useful’ robotics is definitely on the rapid increase.

Advances in social robots have been in the news because they tend to be most glamorous, but a lot is happening behind the scenes with robotics more specific to our industry as well.

There are now more than an estimated million industrial robots in service around the globe. For the ‘just in time’ world in which we leave, they have been superbly useful for specific repetitive tasks, such as welding, painting, ironing, assembly, pick and place, palletizing, product inspection, and testing. Of course, the line between robotics and just plain machinery is sometimes difficult to draw.

That may be changing. While certainly not there yet, we are making mini steps closer to Luke Skywalker’s trusty, multifunctional, semi-sentient R2-D2. The implications for construction could get interesting.

More complex tasks and/or those with more variability are now being addressed. ‘vision’ is increasing in importance to allow robots to distinguish differences in materials or objects and subsequently adjust behavior – even if it is just the way it grips or handles an object.

Robots or robotics may increasingly be used where preciseness and speed are at a premium, especially if the industry experiences labor shortages. In many applications, an emphasis is being placed on the use of robots to free humans from hazardous, noisy, strenuous tasks, or in conditions intolerable to a human.

The US has over two million miles of aging water mains. Robots could be used to repair them at much less expense than human crews, and might even prevent the need to replace thousands of miles of pipe.

Remote-operated machines, such as the drones being used currently in Afghanistan by the military, could have substantial benefits to the construction industry. Imagine dangerous tasks being accomplished at multiple sites remotely from a central location.

That proverbial tip of the iceberg isn’t even visible yet!

This is a prototype wearable half-robotic device designed for carpentry workers. Experiments find marked reduction in arm muscle fatigue.

Pole-climbing serpentine robots designed to take the place of construction workers tasked with dangerous jobs such as inspecting high-rises or underwater bridge piers were created at Virginia Tech.

Search and rescue robots were tested at RoboCup 2009. Credit: Image from TU Graz

Robot built a complex brick wall on a NY Street traffic island

Rise, a wall-climbing robot built at Stanford University could carry supplies and materials straight up.

Recession-the Mother of Innovation?

2010-03-18T14:26:00.001-05:00

“Lower productivity yields a seemingly endless cycle of cost escalation out of all proportion to the rest of the economy. Higher cost in turn produces relentless pressure on quality. Lower quality threatens not only the artistic soul of the craft that we live for, but it undermines our efforts to form architecture about a deep and pervasive environmental ethic that is economically sustainable for us all.” - Stephen Kieran, FAIA Kieran Timberlake

The recession is truly painful for us all. We know it will end someday and times will get better, but how do we make sure our companies are still standing when all is said and done?

When projects are plentiful we are often too busy to stop and think about how to innovate or do anything better. When projects are scarce we are sometimes too scared and/or frantic to do it.

By definition an innovator must lead, not follow. Learn from others but create your own way. If you do everything just like your competitor, what is it that sets you apart?

We tend to hire people like ourselves because that is more comfortable, but for innovation, it’s important to get ideas and opinions from others - other generations, different educations, diverse backgrounds - perhaps even from outside our industry. Let someone look at procedures and problems with fresh eyes and less pre-conceived notions. What they see may surprise you.

An interesting example of successful innovation in a different industry is Progressive Insurance’s ‘name your price’ campaign. By all accounts this solution addressed a sore point with the general public and as a result has been very successful.

In our industry a somewhat whimsical example of getting creative is the designer in Seattle who opened a ‘5 cents – ask an architectural question’ booth at a farmer’s market. The response has been interesting and garnered national media attention…as well as some jobs.

What are the sore points in your business? What makes a potential client turn away and go somewhere else? What makes an existing client not come back to you for their next project? The most common answer is ‘dollars.’ If this is true (and it is probably only partially true), then perhaps it is time to look at what constitutes your costs. How can you be more productive? Can you streamline processes or use new technology to deliver a quality result for less?

Where are places we may fail - poor communication, overrun budgets, missed deadlines, shoddy scheduling, or lack of customer service? We have an increasing number of tools to help us become more productive but in order for any of these tools to make a difference, the company ‘culture’ must be committed to them and the end result must be clear in our minds. It’s about way more than technology.

Can your firm become ‘the experts’ in a new process or technology? There are also global issues like sustainability and energy independence, water and natural resources, security, and demographic changes, as well as more ‘local’ issues to consider - renovation, commoditization, project funding, immigration and social Issues such as affordable housing.

Above all, we can’t forget the ‘better’ in our quest for better, faster, cheaper. Can you quantify the ‘better’ enough that a client will be willing to pay more for that ‘better?’

The recession will force some changes and pave the way for others. What we do with those changes will determine the future – of our companies and our industry as a whole.

As always, your comments are welcome! Tom

Focus on Innovation

2010-03-18T12:22:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of BubbleDeck? Chances are it will be coming soon to a project near you. BubbleDeck is a patented concrete decking technology which embeds hollow plastic balls surrounded by reinforcement in concrete. The resulting slab is considerably lighter than traditional while maintaining maximum strength. It allows for large cantilevers and larger spans with fewer columns in a broad spectrum of applications. Additionally, BubbleDeck qualifies for LEED points.

Dozens of projects, including high-rises, have been completed using this patented technology in Europe over the last decade - but it is relatively new here. A few projects in Canada, including an Ecole Polytechnique building in Montreal and an addition to the Children’s and Women’s Health Centre in Vancouver have used BubbleDeck, while projects in Miami, California, and Wisconsin are reportedly about to begin.

A highrise completed in the Netherlands using BubbleDeck technology. More views of the construction process here.

A bubbledeck panel is lifted into place. Inset shows a closer look at the technology.

More information about this technology can be found here or contact John Hausman directly.

For technical information, Dan Windorski, PE of Madison: 608-245-1975.

Learning from the Young

2010-03-18T09:18:00.002-05:00

Youth may not have experience but can sometimes offer wisdom from a unique perspective. Michael Hara is a Graduate Student at the University of Minnesota:

“I think that the obvious answer is that buildings must become symbiotic with the world they inhabit; in other words, we need to figure out a way to not only reduce the amount of energy buildings consume, but also a way to contribute to the health and well being of the planet. Symbiosis is a two way relationship, and in order to create a healthy relationship between the booming population of the earth and their necessary habitats, we must begin to think about architecture in this way.

However, I think it cannot be stressed enough that sustainability is not the end or the goal, but rather an integral and subsequently proportional part of the way architects design. The problem with most current “Green” building is its inherent inability to look like anything other than a building that is trying to be sustainable. It is important that we, as architects, do not sacrifice the ability to create emotional, evocative, and powerful spaces in lieu of environmental performance. We must continue to develop and hone our abilities in the other realms of design alongside sustainability in order to retain the other powerful effects architecture can engender.”

Productivity: The Trees in the Forest

2010-03-17T16:19:00.001-05:00

The cliché is to not forget the forest for the trees. But it’s also important to not forget that each tree in the forest has its own importance. At A/E Graphics, we understand that each of our clients has unique needs, so we have created a broad range of productivity-oriented services to assist you in becoming as efficient as possible. The most efficient way to cut costs is…well, to become more efficient!

One of BIM’s attractions is the ability to better communicate, thereby preventing mistakes or misunderstandings up front in a project. You’ve probably seen the analytical graphs showing that early mistakes clearly tend to snowball. The earlier in a project’s lifecycle you prevent mistakes, the more dollars are saved.

As a communication tool, nothing beats color. BIM documents tend to be quite complex. Quite simply, color helps to maintain the clarity you need in order to prevent errors. The ability to economically add color is now astonishingly easy.

And if you need to make a point with BIG color, we can help there too. Fast and cost effective, color signage of all types can be produced on a wide variety of media customized to meet your application. Yes, we install signage too!

Documents, whether paper or digital, are the lifeblood of our industry. Sometimes we forget that fact, but just lose the current revision of a current project, and memory floods back. Whenever analysis about lost productivity is made, missing or incorrect documents are always close to the top of the list of woe.

Planroom technology has come a long way in a short time. Revision control is just one, albeit important, aspect of what is available. If you haven’t checked out new technologies and new possibilities lately, now may be the time to become familiar with how efficiently your documents can be managed and consider what that efficiency can mean to your firm’s productivity.

Our expertise lies not only in handling and processing documents, but perhaps more importantly in understanding your business and creating customized solutions to help increase your efficiency.

Some of our services you may use every day. But others you may not have realized are available, or of what value they might be to you. If you have a problem, we just may have a solution.

We deliver…in more ways than one.

Please add a comment to this post. Thank you! Tom

A/E/C News to Use

2010-03-17T14:59:00.000-05:00

Embassy rendering: U.S. State Department / Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations

Designed by KieranTimberlake, the new US embassy in London will break ground in 2013. While less bunkerlike than recent embassy design, it is nonetheless controversial. In Britain, it is being called the American Castle. Conspicuously ‘green’, it will be wrapped on three sides in ETFE -- a transparent polymer and the same flexible material used on the outside of the Water Cube swimming arena for the 2008 Beijing Olympics - that will not only shade the building but also hold flexible solar panels and yet allow daylighting.

NREL has released a new version of its IMBY (in My Back Yard) tool to estimate solar and wind resources at specific locations along with performance, payback, and cost information.

An interesting article on the opportunities for interior sustainability options in the current economy. "Recently, changes in legislation and emerging technologies have driven an increase in tenant sub-metering within high-rise buildings. This has led to the creation of more triple-net leases, in which tenants are assigned their own meters and pay only for the energy and water they actually use. This not only provides a motivation for each tenant to conserve resources and reap the cost savings, but also benefits landlords by enabling them to offer all tenants a fairer deal. " In addition to becoming more environmentally aware, tenants have a financial incentive. Also - "Perhaps one of the biggest challenges with greening interiors is that the average office space lease lasts five to 10 years, while the payback period for some energy efficiency strategies may be longer."

Discussion of advantages and potential dis-advantages of white roofs

How Calatrava 'marries' engineering and biolog: "Americans seem to believe that infrastructure should be as invisible and utilitarian as possible," says Fisher. "The idea that you could actually love infrastructure and find symbolic and expressive meaning in it is a huge contribution that Calatrava's made."

Ron Arad about the future of Industrial Design: "The only reason to do something, is if you believe it can be done better than before."

The Burj is up. Eight more designs already preparing to vie for title of tallest - most in the MidEast, two in Asia, and one in Miami. Info about the Miami project here.

On the other hand, Roger Lewis of the Washington Post predicts smaller will be bigger.

Out of work designers getting creative and/or getting out of the business....at least for now.

An update on synthesizing 3D from photos.

Fast's list of innovative architecture.

Chinese Folly Re-visited...Eighth Wonder of the World?

2010-03-16T05:18:00.005-05:00

Last year we looked at this amazing sight of a toppled Chinese building:

Disgruntled homeowners were upset when the fallen building was dismantled.

Several people have recently been convicted of criminal neglect in the high-rise that toppled over while under construction, and more detail has come to light regarding the cause of the catastrophe.

“Investigation results showed the building collapse was caused by foundations being undermined by a combination of dug-out soil being piled 10 m high against one side and the digging of a 4.6-m-deep underground car park on the other.”

Thanks to Mark Mathu and John Jaeckel of HNTB for bringing the updated information to our attention. And, just to leave you smiling, Mark's favorite quote from an early article about the collapse, “Construction of the building has been halted pending an investigation…”

A/E/C Events

2010-03-15T05:27:00.000-05:00

March 17 – 20: AGC Convention – Orlando

March 18 – 21: Architectural Digest Home Design Show – NYC

March 24 – 26: Globe 2010 – Vancouver, BC

April 7 – 8: Global Construction Summit – NYC

April 11 – 16: Light+Building 2010 – Frankfurt, Germany

April 28 - 29: AIA Wisconsin Convention – Madison

May 4 – 6: LED Lighting Institute – Troy, NY

May 5 – 7: Nanotech in Cement and Concrete – Irvine, CA

May 10 – 14: 2010 Lightfair – Las Vegas

May 12 – 14: Construct 2010 – Philadelphia

May 20 – 21: AEC Technology Strategies – Las Vegas

June 9 – 11: Innovation in AEC – University Park, PA

June 10 – 12: AIA National Convention – Miami

June 14 – 16: NeoCon World Trade Fair – Chicago

Océ Launches First Single Footprint System for Wide Format Color and B/W

2010-03-02T05:23:00.001-06:00

New Océ ColorWave 300 Multifunction Printer Cuts Space Requirements and Cost of Wide Format Printing.

Océ, an international leader in digital document management and delivery, announced the North American launch of the Océ ColorWave® 300, the world's first single footprint multifunction system that can print, copy and scan wide format documents in both color and black & white.

Saves space and investment costs

Companies no longer have to invest in separate systems for large format color and black & white documents. The new Océ ColorWave 300 multifunction printer is a true single footprint system for printing, copying and scanning. It is perfect for businesses with limited space as only one system is needed instead of two to print in both color and black & white, thereby saving floor space. It offers architects, engineering, construction and commercial printing companies an ideal alternative to conventional wide format toner systems.

Printing, copying and scanning – in color and black and white

Businesses can print, copy and scan color and black & white wide format documents on the Océ ColorWave 300 multifunction printer. It is the first system with a truly integrated scanner, meaning all functions can be controlled from one simple user panel, and there is only one IP address to maintain. Unique Océ technologies, like Océ Image Logic® and Océ Dynamic Switching, ensure first-time-right results. The powerful controller swiftly handles the most popular file formats – HPGL/2, PDF, DWF, and JPEG – without sacrificing speed. Users can print and scan documents via a USB flash drive.

Helps businesses print sustainably

This system offers an economical way to add color to enhance technical documents and produce color promotional materials. It delivers the ease of use and workflow efficiency of an Océ black & white system and the versatility of a color printer. As it is based on thermal inkjet technology, the system does not produce any ozone, dust or odors.

Contact Chuck Henika for more information on this brand new technology available from A/E Graphics at 262-781-7744.

Canon’s Bid for Océ Continues

2010-02-24T15:48:00.000-06:00

Last month Canon’s bid for Océ was said to be in jeopardy after Hermes Focus Asset Management Ltd, which controls 3.3 percent shares of Océ, publicly stated it was “concerned that the offer terms do not represent a fair sharing of value between the shareholders of Canon and those of Océ” and they wouldn’t tender their shares.

Last week the business press reported that Canon is sticking with their offer of 8.60 euros ($11.83) per share. Masaki Nakaoka, chief executive of Canon’s office- imaging products operations was quoted saying the offer “is reasonable.”

Océ continues to work through corporate details announcing shareholders have adopted proposed resolutions in connection with the offer.

Konica Minolta and Océ have announced that they will terminate their strategic agreement which included imaging R&D and sales and marketing:

Konica Minolta and Oce will terminate the joint development and commercialization activities of cut-sheet type monochrome and colour output systems for the production printing market undertaken by both companies under the joint development agreement.

For the time being, Konica Minolta will continue to supply its office printing systems to Oce on an OEM basis from its entire production line, and both Konica Minolta and Oce will continue to supply production printing systems to each other on an OEM basis, under the OEM sales agreement. Also, both companies will continue to supply consumables and parts and offer after-sales service for products already in the market.

Jim Hamilton of InfoTrends writes at InfoBlog, “The development relationship is over, and once the acquisition closes we can expect to see Canon products replacing the Konica Minolta offerings in the Océ product line.”

By Adam Dewitz, The Digital Nirvana, on February 15th, 2010

Thanks to Biswanath Todi of Pinnacle Infotech, Inc. for the lead to this story.