6 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 18, 2020

1. New Sydney towers will have the world’s first AI-driven facade system (BD+C)
"The project will comprise approximately 1.6 million sf of office and retail space and be one of the most sustainable commercial developments in Australia, powered by 100% renewable energy, with workplace environments that integrate nature and a range of amenities."

2. LA’s Greek Theater restoration completes (BD+C)
"The renovation project for the 90-year-old theatre began in 2015 after the Greek Revival-inspired architecture began to lose its historic luster."

3. Covid-19 and campus life: Where do we go from here? (LS3P) 
"Functioning as towns and cities within greater communities, higher education institutions uniquely provide comprehensive services to students, faculty, and staff as well as local municipalities including academic, research, workplace, residential, wellness, healthcare, food service, transportation, and entertainment facilities and services."

4. ASCE seeks comments on seismic standard (BD+C) 
"ASCE’s second public comment period on the update to ASCE/SEI 43-XX Seismic Design Criteria for Structures, Systems, and Components in Nuclear Facilities will be held from August 7, 2020 to September 21, 2020. Changes to the standard were made by a committee after the first public comment period."

5. Universities face half-empty student housing as fall semester approaches (Bisnow)
"Fall is approaching, and universities around the country are mobilizing their resources to manage the return of students to campus during an active pandemic. Many will not return full time, opting instead for a hybrid of in-person and online learning."

6. Busted retailers use bankruptcy to break leases by the thousands (Bloomberg via National Real Estate Investor)
"Chains from J. Crew to Ann Taylor are using bankruptcy filings to avoid protracted negotiations with individual landlords."