Progress on two major European skyscrapers may not represent the green shoots of economic recovery, but they help lighten the gloom. In London, pile work is due to start mid-month on the 310-m-tall "Shard," planned as Europe�s second-tallest building. And workers in Frankfurt are beginning to mobilize the planned Tower 185. Photo: Vivico Real Estate Workers begin mobilizing for Frankfurt Tower 185. Photo: London Bridge Quarter Ltd. If London's 310-m-tall "Shard" moves forward, it could Europe's second tallest building. With Middle Eastern backing, London Bridge Quarter Ltd., recently signed a construction contract with local Mace Ltd. for the estimated $1.5-billion
A new study casts doubt on whether the target energy-efficiency reductions often cited in legislation and other calls for mandatory reductions are economically feasible. The study, released by Herndon, Va.-based NAIOP, a commercial real estate development association, found that although significant energy efficiencies can be achieved, reaching a 30% reduction above the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers’ 90.1-2004 standard is "not feasible" and would exceed a 10-year payback. The standard is usually the benchmark cited by lawmakers and other officials. The study, conducted by ConSol, a California-based energy-modeling firm, used a building energy-simulation program to compare
In an effort to move forward quickly with stimulus funds, federal agencies targeted to receive construction funds for buildings will focus heavily on greening existing inventory and pushing projects with designs in place. While the specific definition of "shovel-ready" remains uncertain, it’s clear from the bill that speed is the order of the day. The General Services Administration will see $5.55 billion in funds from the bill with a major emphasis placed on green building. As a result, projects that upgrade existing facilities will trump new construction. While $750 million would go to federal buildings, such as U.S. courthouses, and
A structural designer may soon be selected for a planned 50-m-tall representation of a white horse, which, if realized, would be taller than the Statue of Liberty, sans pedestal. The horse, if constructed, would “overlook” the London-Channel Tunnel Railroad and a new real estate development in Kent, 30 km east of London. The nonprofit Ebbsfleet Landmark Project Ltd. recently chose artist Mark Wallinger’s horse concept and has committed $1.5 million to advance the project through design. Futurecity Ltd., London, is managing implementation, including selection of a structural firm. Photo: Ebbs Fleet
Construction of the future tallest building in Latin America, the 300-meter-tall Torre Costanera in Santiago, Chile, is on hold “temporarily,” says the developer. The frame now is up 23 stories, reports the structural engineer. Locally based Cencosud SA announced on Jan. 28 it was halting work on the 70-story concrete frame. Work had stopped earlier on the surrounding mixed-use Costanera Center. The developer cites the weak economy as the reason, saying the current work pace is not justifi ed if the development is not “profitable.” Rendering: Pelli Clarke Pelli Chilean job includes 300-m-tall tower. Photo: Rene Lagos Assoc. The frame
Roof construction of the $720 million London 2012 Olympic stadium began in late January when the first section went up and the Olympic Delivery Authority claims to be on track. All venues in the east London Olympic Park are on schedule, claims ODA. But the global banking crisis is spoiling its party. The ODA can’t secure as much private funding towards the $13.3 billion overall construction budget as forecast. Stadium construction project for London Olympics remains on time. The Olympic Village, a public private partnership, is worst hit. Funding negotiations for Village construction with Australia-based Lend Lease Corporation “are continuing,”
To get the world’s tallest building to stretch beyond 800 meters (slide-1), workers jacked, in eight lifts, a steel-pipe pinnacle from a lifting apparatus within the steel spire (slide-2). Crews are expected to finish the cladding, including the spire’s cover (slide-3), several months before the projected fall finish. Slide Show
The reconstituted committee charged with developing the nation’s first green building standard met for the first time on Jan. 27 in Chicago at the winter meeting of the standard’s lead developer, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers Inc. The two-year-old committee stopped work in the fall after ASHRAE decided the panel needed broader industry representation. The new Standard 189 committee has 34 voting members, up from 21. The committee includes more representation from owners, the steel sector and construction, said Kent Peterson, chief engineer of P2S Engineering, Long Beach, Calif., and the panel’s new chair. Panel
Sustainable features of the Vancouver convention center expansion go beyond daylighting controls, some natural ventilation, the 2.4-hectare green roof with 400,000 plants and grasses and restoration of 200 ft of shoreline and 1,500 ft of marine habitat. There also is a “blackwater” wastewater treatment and reuse system, for plant irrigation and toilets, connected to a roof-top stormwater management and reuse system. Slide Show Photo: LMN Architects Green roof can be irrigated using building’s treated water. Related Links: Stupendous Setting Is Crummy Site Habitat Apron Cooked Up To Mitigate Impact on Marine Life The building, going for a LEED Gold rating,
The foundation engineer calls the $8.2-million artificial reef—the marine habitat apron—the most unusual element of the Vancouver convention center expansion project. “I know of nothing else like it, anywhere,” says Ryan MacPherson, project engineer for WorleyParsons Westmar Consulting Engineers, North Vancouver. “It’s very successful.” Marine life is already growing. Slide Show Photo: LMN Architects Marine habitat apron, an artificial reef, is attached to the marine platform. Precast was placed by barge-mounted cranes. Related Links: Stupendous Setting Is Crummy Site Water Treatment and Reuse Reduces Use of Potable Water The 400-meter-long apron resembles long stadium bleachers, consisting of 86 bays of
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