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Architecture Firm Billings Decline Sharply in June
from AIA
 After three months of holding steady, the ongoing slowdown in business conditions at architecture firms accelerated again in June. The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score fell to 37.7, its lowest point since February, indicating that the downturn may be more deeply entrenched than anticipated. Business conditions remained weak in all regions of the country in June. For the third month in a row, billings showed their largest drops at firms with an institutional specialization. Business conditions at residential firms have moderated since the all-time low score recorded last December, but continue to indicate a decline in billings.
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How Sustainable Design Influences Social Change
from InformeDesign
InformeDesign® has released a new issue of Implications that showcases three projects by students at the Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia, that seek to influence social change by improving design processes, reducing wasteful resource use, and eliminating harmful outputs. More
Motel 6 Has Designs on Your Business
from BusinessWeek
The budget lodging chain hired a designer of cruise ships and airline cabins to spruce up its look and lure in newly cash-conscious travelers. Designers were briefed to keep construction costs low and to create rooms that could appeal to the broad cross0section of society, from tourists to traveling executives. So far, the reaction has been enthusiastic. More
The Bathroom Reinvented
from Dwell
Ecologist Brent Bucknum, principal of Hyphae Design Lab in Oakland, California, shares the ABC's of re-routing a home's waste water (greywater) to sustainably irrigate gardens and other green spaces. He takes us from his live/work space in Oakland to several residential sites around Berkeley that feature greywater systems in various stages of completion. More
Is East Asia's Vertical Retail Model Wave of Future for U.S.?
from Contract Magazine
Vertical retailing—building retail destinations higher instead of wider—has long been a success in cities like Hong Kong and Shanghai, but the trend has yet to catch on in the
United States. However, given the country's growing population and dwindling pool of developable land in major cities, the time may be just right for the nation's metropolises to jump on the bandwagon, or so believes Charles Chan, president of commercial real estate brokerage firm Harvest International.
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A Message from ASID
Summertime's Here and Internet Scams are on the Rise.
Please be very cautious of e-mail communications inquiring about specific design services and requesting detailed payment options and/or instructions. Several ASID members have received such e-mails. Subsequent communications often contain a lot of convincing detail, ask that you charge their credit card, make a payment and retain a portion as a deposit for your work. Please don't fall prey to this attempt to defraud you.
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National Governor's Association Adopts AIA Policy of Carbon Neutrality by 2030
from HealthCare Design Magazine
As part of their comprehensive national Energy Conservation and Improved Energy Efficiency policy, the National Association of Governors (NGA) has adopted the promotion of carbon neutral new and renovated buildings by 2030 as outlined by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). This adoption by the nation’s governors follows the U.S. Conference of Mayors unanimous adoption of AIA's carbon neutral building policy in 2006 and the National Association of Counties announcing their support for the policy in 2007. More
BuildingGreen Launches LEEDuser
from Kitchen & Bath Business
In response to the need for comprehensive help with the LEED rating systems, BuildingGreen has developed LEEDuser, a new online-based tool. LEEDuser was developed by BuildingGreen with the support of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to assist users of LEED 2009. It serves projects using the five recently launched LEED 2009 rating systems (New Construction, Core & Shell, Schools, Commercial Interiors and Existing Buildings Operations & Maintenance). LEEDuser’s goal is to demystify LEED and facilitate certification while supporting projects in achieving the highest possible environmental goals. More
Weighing Visibility and Privacy in the Workplace
from Fast Company
At the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, the prom dress served as an inspiration for creating office privacy: allow some visibility, but not too much. Although collaboration is a key to innovation, not all social exchanges are useful or creative. Finding a way to balance the need for visibility and privacy has led to some creative office designs. More
BMW's Stunning Energy-Efficient Production Plant
from Inhabitat
In 2003 BMW set out a design competition for a new building and distribution center located in Munich, Germany. The results were more than grand; not only is the new BMW Welt aesthetically pleasing with its sinuous curves and gleaming façade, but it was also consciously designed to save energy in its production of cars through efficient solar heating and natural ventilation systems. More
PRODUCT SHOWCASE:
More ways to be LEED efficient and accumulate points
Prime quality Duro-design Cork and Bamboo flooring are environmentally friendly renewable resources as they are harvested with minimum impact on nature. They not only contribute to add beauty, design and value to your trendy projects.
They contribute to:
LEED 2.0 MR Credit 6
LEED 2.0 EQ Credit 4.01
The only Cork and Bamboo flooring available in 54 colors! More info
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PRODUCT SHOWCASE:
StonePeak Ceramics' Cappuccino Series
 Variation in the shades and movement in the pattern characterize Cappuccino, a glazed collection whose warm colors are an all-time favorite. While perfect for residential use, this line has an added anti-slip ingredient which makes it suitable for high-traffic applications, where increased durability and slip resistance are important.
More info
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PRODUCT SHOWCASE:
BRADLEY’S FUSION® PARTITIONS PROVIDE UPSCALE STYLE
Bradley's Fusion® restroom partitions combine cool stainless steel with the warmth of natural granite for an impressive and elegant finish in high-end restroom applications. Featuring genuine granite pilasters and partition panels with stainless steel (or optional baked enamel) doors, Fusion partitions add to Bradley's 'decorative high-end commercia' restroom products. More info
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PRODUCT SHOWCASE:
ECO™ by Cosentino
ECO™ by Cosentino announces it has been awarded silver level Cradle to Cradle Certification and has been recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council for contributing towards five to nine credits in the LEED certification system. ECO™ by Cosentino is an innovative new line of eco-friendly countertop and surfacing material composed of 75% recycled material. For more information visit www.ecobycosentino.com
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DuroDesign Inc.
