Climate Change Bill Would Create Green Building Jobs
from Builder
As many as 270,000 design and construction jobs could be created or saved if building-related provisions in the American Clean Energy Security Act become law. That’s according to a recent analysis of the legislation by the American Institute of Architects, conducted at the prompting of Senate majority leader Harry Reid. The AIA study specifically examined two key provisions in the act: The Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods (GREEN) program and the State Energy and Environment Development (SEED) program. More

Three Trends to Watch That May Affect Your Firm
from the Architectural Record
Looking ahead by projecting major industry trends can help firms avoid being fatally blindsided by future events. Better yet, anticipating what’s coming can reveal new opportunities for profitable work. Architectural Record examines three developing trends that design firms should begin preparing for. More

Development Shines Light on Solar Energy Generating Plastics
from Inhabitat
A team of University of Washington researchers has overcome a major hurdle to making plastic solar cells a reality by creating a way to study plastic cell structure at the nano-level. The team’s findings could significantly speed up the plastic cell development process. Some day the cells could be placed in purses or backpacks to charge small electronic devices like cell phones and mp3 players. More

Tourism Venture Offers Cutting-edge Architecture Rentals
from Springwise
Living Architecture hopes to offer holiday renters the experience of living, eating and sleeping in a space designed using outstanding architectural practices. Toward that end, it has commissioned established and emerging world-class architects to build houses around the United Kingdom that will be available for holiday rentals beginning in the spring of 2010. Offering a sort of high-end “demo” along with an educational experience, the homes are targeted to high-end consumers looking for new experiences. More

Remodelers Modestly More Optimistic in Second Quarter
from Nation's Building News
Optimism among remodelers about the state of the nation’s remodeling market grew modestly in this year’s second quarter, according to the NAHB Remodeling Market Index (RMI), with their perceptions of current market conditions rising to 38.1, from 34.5 in the first quarter, and future expectations climbing from 30 to 34.2. “With more calls from home owners and more projects under way, remodelers are seeing better activity in their businesses,” said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Greg Miedema, CGR, CGB, CAPS, CGP, a remodeler from Tucson, Ariz. “Although remodeling jobs are still harder to find, home owners are showing more interest in remodeling spending.” More

Integrating Security in Hospital Emergency Departments
from Contract Magazine
Security requirements in medical facilities are often at odds with providing a calm, non-threatening environment, where patients come for treatment and healing. The emergency department (ED) is a great example of this. Security in the emergency department isn’t just about locks and metal detectors. It is an integrated approach to the design to reduce stress and gain control by patients and caregivers alike. More

Japan’s Otake House Showcases Sleek Passive Solar Design
from Inhabitat
This sleek modern hilltop residence was designed by Japan-based architecture firm Suppose Design Office to make optimal use of passive solar building principles. Every aspect of the residence’s innovative design has been carefully considered to make the best use of available sunlight and natural ventilation, demonstrating how efficient building practices can inform and give shape to elegant modern architecture. More

Winners Named for AIA's National Healthcare Design Awards
from Interior Design
Three healthcare facilities that tackle aesthetic, civic, urban and social concerns through design have been honored by the American Institute of Architects Academy of Architecture for Health with this year's National Healthcare Design Awards. More