1. The key to building in space may just be… urine? (BD+C)
"Norwegian, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch scientists, together with the Advanced Concepts Team (ACT) of the European Space Agency (ESA), have conducted experiments using urea from urine as a superplasticizer for lunar geopolymer mixtures that can then be used to 3D print structures. The scientists presented their findings in the Journal of Cleaner Production."
2. Climate-informed HVAC increases in relative humidity may fight pandemic viruses (SmithGroup)
"Research links air between 40% and 60% relative humidity (RH) with less-effective aerosol travel, shorter airborne and surface survival times, lower transmission rates (Noti et al., 2013; Marr et al., 2019; Wang et al. 2020), and more effective patient lung repair functions (Kudo, 2019). Patient respiratory benefits include less-viscous mucous membranes, more effective cilia-related and other antiviral actions in the lungs, and a more productive cough."
3. How to turn a high school into a patient care center in 15 days (BD+C)
"Between five million and nine million Americans are expected to become infected with the coronavirus, one-third of whom might need intensive care. But there are only 920,000 staffed hospital beds in the U.S., according to the American Hospital Association."
4. Rents Are Late, and ‘It’s Only Going to Get Worse’ (The New York Times)
“As the economic shutdown pares tenants’ incomes, April payments have been reduced, deferred or withheld. Some landlords see their property at risk.”
5. Empty hotels ‘keep the lights on’ by converting into coronavirus quarantines, emergency housing for first responders (CNBC)
“Cash-strapped and empty hotels across the country are finding ways to keep the lights on by converting themselves into coronavirus wards or temporary housing for the National Guard or exhausted doctors and nurses.”
6. How to work with a remote design team (Fanning Howey)
"Remote teams are most successful when they prioritize project milestones and time efficiencies. Keep side conversations in team meetings to a minimum. Encourage non-pertinent or non-time-sensitive discussions to happen offline."
7. Most multifamily contractors experiencing delays in projects due to coronavirus pandemic
"More than half of respondents (55%) to a new survey on multifamily construction by the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) said that they were experiencing construction delays in the jurisdictions where they operate."
For more top stories from BD+C,
sign up for the BD+C Daily 5 newsletter
Related Stories
Market Data | Sep 24, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 24, 2020
SOM's new waterfront neighborhood and a portable restroom designed for mobility.
Market Data | Sep 23, 2020
Architectural billings in August still show little sign of improvement
The pace of decline during August remained at about the same level as in July and June.
Market Data | Sep 23, 2020
7 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 23, 2020
The new Theodore Presidential Library and the AIA/HUD's Secretary's Awards honor affordable, accessible housing.
Market Data | Sep 22, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 22, 2020
Construction employment declined in 39 states and no ease of lumber prices in sight.
Market Data | Sep 21, 2020
Washington is the US state with the most value of construction projects underway, says GlobalData
Of the top 10 largest projects in the Washington state, nine were in the execution stage as of August 2020.
Market Data | Sep 21, 2020
Construction employment declined in 39 states between August 2019 and 2020
31 states and DC added jobs between July and August.
Market Data | Sep 21, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 21, 2020
Four projects receive 202 AIA/ALA Library Building Award and Port San Antonio's new Innovation Center.
Market Data | Sep 18, 2020
Follow up survey of U.S. code officials demonstrates importance of continued investment in virtual capabilities
Existing needs highlight why supporting building and fire prevention departments at the federal, state, and local levels is critical.
Market Data | Sep 18, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 18, 2020
Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back and energy code appeals could hamper efficiency progress.
Market Data | Sep 17, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: September 17, 2020
Foster + Partners-designed hospital begins construction in Cairo and heat pumps are the future for hot water.