MANY design firms have in-house research and development programs to help foster innovative and habitual breakthrough thinking. Little’s LaceUp mini-grant initiative is one such successful program.
Since launching in 2013, LaceUp has funded 43 unique projects, including a program to convert shipping containers into pop-up retail buildings and a forum for young professionals to share ideas and network with the firm’s practice groups.
The crown jewel of the LaceUp initiative is the Center for Building Performance (CBP), which takes a holistic approach to optimizing buildings for occupants and owners throughout the design, construction, and occupancy phases. The center has been in operation for a year and has already helped the firm win 14 jobs: two workplace retrofits, five retail projects, five university new construction projects, and two civic new construction projects.
The program’s architects and engineers conduct simple box modeling on design ideas and present the results in interviews to show the potential for customized high-performance solutions.
“We remain involved with projects from concept through at least one year of occupancy to measure and verify the success of each high performance strategy,” says Elizabeth Ratner, CBP’s Director. “This real-life feedback will help us refine future recommendations, create more accurate energy models, and improve our controls design and occupant training.”
Read about more innovations from BD+C's 2016 Great Solutions Report
Related Stories
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Reclaimed wood paneling adds color to retail and hospitality projects
Colorburst panels are available in four stock options—Robin Egg Blue, Viridian Green, Haute Pink, and Cascade White—as well as custom colors.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Biophilic pods beat the shade when it comes to outdoor cooling
The Xylem concept by CallisonRTKL regulates outdoor thermal comfort through shading, air movement, water circulation, and a vegetated roof.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
At Beyer Blinder Belle everyone’s seeing RED
The firm’s R&D initiative inspires its designers to develop ideas that could positively disrupt the practice.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Virtual care facility serves remote patients, may reduce readmissions
Mercy’s new high-tech medical center equips its medical professionals to deliver care at the bedside of patients anywhere.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
11 great solutions for the commercial construction market
A roll-up emergency department, next-gen telemedicine center, and biophilic cooling pods are among the AEC industry’s clever ideas and novel innovations for 2016.
Great Solutions | Jan 20, 2016
13 great solutions for commercial construction
As these 13 innovations for the AEC marketplace demonstrate, sometimes a problem can be a good thing.
Great Solutions | Jan 20, 2016
Digitally fabricated concrete formwork pushes the limits of what can be cost-effectively constructed in concrete
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger and CW Keller use 3D modeling and CNC machining to advance concrete construction.
Great Solutions | Jan 20, 2016
Sasaki Associates develops simple yet novel solution for precast concrete complication
Its double-angle cladding anchor maintains the air/water/vapor barrier integrity and continuous insulation while still allowing for the desired versatility of precast panels.
Great Solutions | Jan 20, 2016
Porcelanosa’s solid-surface product, Krion, used to create an elegant retractable ceiling for NY showroom
Typically used for countertops, vanities, and furniture, Krion was used to make 39 panels covering 1,300 sf of ceiling space above the showroom.
Great Solutions | Jan 20, 2016
Skanska’s new app helps construction teams monitor and meet environmental quality standards while renovating hospitals
App allows users to track noise, differential pressure levels, vibration, and dust
