Researchers from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia, have patented a bendable and cement-free concrete that is durable and safe according to a university press release. Made of industrial waste products such as fly ash and short polymeric fibers, the material “requires about 36% less energy and emits up to 76% less carbon dioxide as compared to conventional bendable concrete made of cement,” said researcher Behzad Nematollahi in the same release. The fibers enable the concrete to sustain hair-sized cracks without breaking into pieces, making the material ideal for application in disaster-prone areas. [Swinburne University of Technology]
In its annual Construction Outlook report, commercial real estate services firm JLL recapped the status of the construction industry in 2019 and offered predictions for 2020. Among them, JLL forsees level nonresidential construction spending with overall demand continuing to weaken modestly as it has in previous years. The report cites COVID-19 as a “major unknown” that could greatly impact construction costs due to supply chain issues. [JLL]
The Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council announced the recipients of its Green Apple Day of Service Awards, which recognizes outstanding K-12 sustainability service learning projects and leaders. This year’s projects included the electrification of a school bus fleet in China, a convening of students in Qatar to discuss and propose environmental solutions, and a fashion show in Virginia featuring reused and recycled materials. [ARCHITECT]
Contributor Aaron Betsky calls Design for Different Futures, a traveling exhibition organized by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, and the Art Institute of Chicago, “one of the best compendia of utopian thinking [he has] seen in a long time.” Despite the seemingly limitless potentials associated with the concept of utopia, the show paints a disconcerting picture of the future. [ARCHITECT]
In our latest Architect Podcast Network episode, David Fano, Federico Negro, and Steve Sanderson—the trio behind Case, a building information and technology consultancy acquired by WeWork in 2015—reunite to discuss the state of the profession and life after their wild ride. [ARCHITECT]
Have an industry-changing design approach, research pursuit, product, or technology to share? To celebrate the state of the art—and the processes that made them possible—ARCHITECT invites design firms, manufacturers, researchers, students, startups, and inventors in all building-related disciplines to enter its 14th annual R+D Awards. Winners will be featured in our July print issue. [ARCHITECT]
Have you recently launched a new product or collection for the building sector? Want to reach thousands of architects, designers, and industry professionals? Exhibiting at the 2020 AIA Conference on Architecture? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, submit your products to ARCHITECT’s Spring 2020 Product Call for editorial consideration for our May print issue. (DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, MARCH 13) [ARCHITECT]
