The AIA’s Architectural Billings Index took a nearly three-point jump in August, climbing into positive territory for the first time in five months. The ABI hit 50.2, up from 48.7 in July. A score above 50 indicates an increase in architectural billings.
By region, the South showed greatest strength (52.2), followed by the West (51.2), the Northeast (45.5), and the Midwest (45.3).
Strong categories: multifamily residential (53.0), institutional (50.2), commercial/industrial (47.9), and mixed practice (46.8)
The so-called new projects index was at a relatively healthy 57.2, up from 56.3 the previous month. But AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA, cautions that design activity is likely to alternate between modest growth and modest decline for the foreseeable future. “Until the economy is on firmer ground, there aren’t likely to be strong increases in design services,” he says. +
Related Stories
| Oct 5, 2011
GREENBUILD 2011: Brick offers growing options for sustainable building design
Brick exteriors, interiors and landscaping options can increase sustainability that also helps earn LEED certification.
| Oct 5, 2011
GREENBUILD 2011: Roof hatch designed for energy efficiency
The cover features a specially designed EPDM finger-type gasket that ensures a positive seal with the curb to reduce air permeability and ensure energy performance.
| Oct 4, 2011
GREENBUILD 2011
Click here for the latest news and products from Greenbuild 2011, Oct. 4-7, in Toronto.
| Oct 4, 2011
GREENBUILD 2011: Methods, impacts, and opportunities in the concrete building life cycle
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Concrete Sustainability Hub conducted a life-cycle assessment (LCA) study to evaluate and improve the environmental impact and study how the “dual use” aspect of concrete.
| Oct 4, 2011
GREENBUILD 2011: Johnsonite features sustainable products
Products include rubber flooring tiles, treads, wall bases, and more.
| Oct 4, 2011
GREENBUILD 2011: Nearly seamless highly insulated glass curtain-wall system introduced
Low insulation value reflects value of entire curtain-wall system.
| Oct 4, 2011
GREENBUILD 2011: Ready-to-use wood primer unveiled
Maintains strong UV protection, clarity even with application of lighter, natural wood tones.
| Oct 4, 2011
GREENBUILD 2011: Two new recycled glass products announced
The two collections offer both larger and smaller particulates.
| Oct 4, 2011
GREENBUILD 2011: Mythic Paint launches two new paint products
A high performance paint, and a combination paint and primer now available.
