U.S. Prisons Face $3 Billion Maintenance Backlog
Taxpayers are notoriously stingy with their tax dollars, and tax dollars for building maintenance has long been a low priority. And when it comes to deciding exactly which public buildings — including K-12 schools, universities and office buildings — will receive...
Your spring sprinkler checklist
Once the snow has melted, it’s time to start thinking about your spring outdoor maintenance plan. A working sprinkler system keeps your lawn looking great and your curb appeal high, so get ahead of the warmer weather by making sure that your irrigation system is up...
Safeguarding our schools: Strategies to protect students and keep campuses safe
Ensuring the safety and security of students and staff is a top priority for school districts nationwide. The unfortunate rise in school-related incidents serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of meticulous planning and design of educational...
Designing Workplaces that Promote Mental Well-Being
Designing indoor spaces that promote mental well-being in the workplace is more than a trend; it is a crucial step toward cultivating a productive and content workforce. Here’s how thoughtful design can create visually appealing and emotionally supportive workspaces,...
Repurposing Retail is a Balancing Act Weighing Infrastructure and Cost
As business districts struggle to fill office buildings, owners get creative to fill spaces It’s the business of Dan Colombini to know where business is going — and how to get it there. Colombini, a principal at the New York City-based engineering consulting firm...
Vacant, Unsafe Facility Transforms into Net Zero Classrooms
Photo credit: Richard Barnes Adaptive reuse project at UC Davis features collaborative spaces, high-tech classrooms and energy-efficiency Walker Hall at the UC Davis campus is an adaptive reuse project that transformed a vacant, seismically unsafe building into a...
How to Minimize Patient Interference During Construction Projects
Without planning ahead of time, patient lives could be at risk during construction projects. When it comes down to it, hospitals and other healthcare facilities are designed specifically for patients. With vulnerable lives at stake, there is a lot to consider before...
Idaho Schools To Receive $1.5 Billion To Address Maintenance
School districts could choose to take the money in a lump sum or annually over 10 years March 26, 2024 As school districts nationwide struggle against rising tides of deferred maintenance in their facilities, maintenance and engineering managers in one state are on...
Off-Campus Student Housing: Keep it Safe and Sensible
What do today’s college students want in housing options? The answer might surprise facility managers. Students say they’re not looking for five-star, off-campus resorts where they can major in fun. “They are the no-BS generation,” says Cindy Schaumberg,...
Pros and Cons of Machine Room-Less Elevators
Facility managers should understand the specific features and benefits of MRLs and make sure the product and design matches the needs for their facility Over the years the term “mid-rise” has changed to refer to different types of buildings, but the term always has...