Originally published on September 18, 2017 by BNP Media through the Building Enclosure Blog. The debate about whether or not to build on floodplains will always follow flooding disasters. LEED and other sustainable design certification systems encourage teams to locate development above certain floodplains. However, referencing this information is not something architects and engineers do everyday. Do you know how to determine if your project is in a flood hazard area? In the digital age, it is very easy to….
Read MoreEnergy Use Intensity (EUI) in Simple Terms
Originally published on August 17, 2017 by BNP Media through the Building Enclosure Blog. Energy use intensity – or EUI. It has been called “the miles per gallon rating of the building industry,” but many design and construction professionals are not entirely sure how EUI is defined and what its utility is with regard to project. Below is a primer to help get anyone started. Energy Use Intensity (EUI) Energy Use Intensity (EUI) can be defined as the….
Read MoreApplets for Energy and Environmental Design
Originally published on July 10, 2017 by BNP Media through the Building Enclosure Blog. Newsflash: There are a lot of great (and free) online resources for design professionals. When I am having exchanges about energy and environmental design analysis with colleagues and students, it seems like I am constantly referring them to any number of small, accessible online utility programs for performing simple – yet highly sophisticated – functions. Some would refer to these small programs as applets. Below, I have….
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The Future of Parks in Indianapolis Part II
The City of Indianapolis is climbing economically although there are many areas for improvement. Knowing this, I find myself both concerned – and more importantly – optimistic about the future of parks and public spaces in Indianapolis. Indianapolis has a large and uniquely historic city park system, which includes 210 parks and 11,464 total acres, 125 playgrounds, 155 sports fields, and 130 miles of trails. The number of parks, acreage, programs, and facilities in Indianapolis is encouraging, however, how we….
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Broad Ripple Canal Esplanade Opens with a ‘Quack’
Late last month, on a picture perfect, cooler than usual Sunday afternoon, the Village of Broad Ripple celebrated the official opening of the Canal Esplanade – a dream that neighborhood advocate Tom Healy says began nearly 30 years ago. The desire for improvements and enhancements to the Central Canal began in the late 80s, and countless studies and designs have been considered during that time. A 2010 study by Browning Day was built on past studies and work by the….
Read MoreWhy Fitwel? Good Health = Good Business
Originally published on June 21, 2017 by BNP Media through the Building Enclosure Blog. Over the past century, advances in infrastructure and the quality of the built environment have contributed to a drastic reduction in infectious diseases in the U.S. However, a coinciding shift toward a more sedentary lifestyle for a majority of Americans has spurred a similarly sharp increase in chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes – which are now among the most common, costly, and….
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Open Space and the Public Realm on a University Campus
Imagine you are walking along the path of your routine commute from point A to point B. What does it look like? Why did you choose that path to your destination? Is it safe? Is it inviting? Is it scenic? As designers, we incorporate our stakeholders’ comments and our expertise of landscape architecture to create a vision that captures a space’s sense of purpose, beauty and function. We believe that in addition to a college or university’s architectural components, the….
Read MoreEffective Insulation R-Values in Steel vs. Wood Framing Types
Also published on May 29, 2017 by BNP Media through the Building Enclosure Blog. . The value of continuous insulation is a source of contention among some building design and construction professionals. Increasingly stringent energy code requirements are calling for minimal amounts of continuous insulation that some claim are prohibitively expensive, structurally complicated, or marginally impactful versus increased cavity insulation. Professionals are generally aware of the potential for thermal bridging in construction assemblies – the phenomenon by which heat conducts….
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Browning Day Announces New Systems Planning and Landscape Architecture Leadership
Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf celebrates growth with a new generation of leadership and ownership, as it builds upon its 50-year history of planning and landscape architecture. Browning Day has consistently extended professional growth opportunity to individuals whose talents stem from intrinsic motivation and who make positive change and choices, for the firm’s clients and within the professional disciplines they represent. As the business embarks on the next 50 years of service, firm executives intend to grow a diverse planning and….
Read More5 Essential Books for Designing with Nature
Originally published on April 3, 2017 by BNP Media through the Building Enclosure Blog. With Earth Day right around the corner, nature starting to bloom, and summertime travel plans coming together, it is a great time of year to reflect on the intrinsic affinity we have for nature in all its wonder and beauty. Perhaps you’re a design professional who finds instruction and inspiration from nature? The emergence of biophilic design and biomimicry as widely revered design influences speaks to….
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