McCarthy begins construction of Solar Energy Research Center at Berkeley

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., a California construction firm, broke ground on the Solar Energy Research Center for the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the company announced.

The three-story, 40,000-sf facility will be devoted to researching and developing transportation fuels from sunlight using nano-scale photovoltaic and electrochemical solar energy systems.

The Solar Energy Research Center will be composed of renewable or recyclable materials, including a “green roof.” Its exterior skin will consist of aluminum composite metal panels, curtain wall, and architectural concrete.

The building will reduce water usage by 20 percent through water efficient landscaping and innovate wastewater technologies. It is expected to earn LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The $54 million project will be completed in late 2014. SmithGroupJJR serves as the architect.

For more information, visit www.mccarthy.com.

In September 2021, Penn reopened its renovated and expanded library as an open center for cross-disciplinary learning, prototyping, and collaboration. Now called Biotech Commons, the 17,000-sf building supports new modes of research by offering a range of spaces and services that is free to be scheduled by any student or faculty member.

University Buildings | Feb 17, 2022

A vacated school in St. Louis is turned into a center where suppliers exchange ideas

In 1871, The Carondelet School, designed by Frederick William Raeder, opened to educate more than 400 children of laborers and manufacturers in St. Louis. The building is getting a second lease on life, as it has undergone a $2 million renovation by goBRANDgo!, a marketing firm for the manufacturing and industrial sectors.

Welding Booths at the Portland Community College Training Center photo courtesy Mortenson Construction

Education Facilities | Feb 17, 2022

Community colleges build new centers for advanced manufacturing training

Portland Community College joins a growing list of community colleges building advanced training facilities to help close the skills gap in manufacturing.

Pictured: LEO A DALY's National Director of Engineering, Kim Cowman. Photo: LEO A DALY

Resiliency | Feb 15, 2022

Design strategies for resilient buildings

LEO A DALY's National Director of Engineering Kim Cowman takes a building-level look at resilient design.

Advances and Challenges in Improving Indoor Air Quality HorizonTV

Coronavirus | Jan 20, 2022

Advances and challenges in improving indoor air quality in commercial buildings

Michael Dreidger, CEO of IAQ tech startup Airsset speaks with BD+C's John Caulfield about how building owners and property managers can improve their buildings' air quality.

University of Maryland bredan iribe center cafe

University Buildings | Jan 11, 2022

Designing for health sciences education: supporting student well-being

While student and faculty health and well-being should be a top priority in all spaces within educational facilities, this article will highlight some key considerations.

Education Facilities | Jan 5, 2022

Student housing for Gen Z students will emphasize digital technology and ‘alone together’ spaces

As digitally engaged as Generation Z is, they still value and desire in-person communication and socialization.

Caltech Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Neuroscience Research Building - Hensel Phelps 2021 Building Teams Awards winner

2021 Building Team Awards | Nov 17, 2021

Caltech's new neuroscience building unites scientists, engineers to master the human brain

The Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Neuroscience at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena wins a Gold Award in BD+C's 2021 Building Team Awards.