Architectural Products _ July/August 2025

J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 // V O L 2 3 N O 4

A RCH-PROD U C T S .COM

Implementing AI? Leading AEC firms reveal how they’re using AI to improve workflows, make data more accessible, and more.

Hike the Canyon at One River North MAD Ar MAD Archittec ects ts and Dav aviss Par artn tner ersh ship p A ch Ar hit itec ects ts exp x lain the des esig ign n an and d co cons nstr truc ucti tion on comp mple exi xiti ties es the hey y face c d pu ce putt ttin ing g a fiissure in a currta tain in wal alll fa aca cade de.. de

AcoustiBuilt Seamless Acoustical Ceiling System with Axiom® Trim > Children’s Research Hospital - Memphis, TN > Evans Taylor Foster Childress Architects - Memphis, TN

Reimagine Drywall

The Unmistakably Quiet AcoustiBuilt® Have it all with acoustical ceilings that look just like drywall but feature Total Acoustics® performance. The smooth, monolithic visual of AcoustiBuilt is easy to mistake for drywall – until you hear the peaceful combination of high sound absorption and sound blocking. Deliver quiet spaces and design flexibility at armstrongceilings.com/reimagine

How inclusive are your designs?

Adult changing stations help public buildings meet the needs of people with disabilities that prevent them from using standard restrooms. With its height-adjustable bed and durable build, the KB3000 from Koala Kare is an ideal solution for busy facilities and buildings.

Learn more at koalabear.com

One River North Denver, CO

PAVING THE WAY TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

HANOVER® SUSTAINABILITY

We continually research new materials and processes, seeking innovative ways to create high-quality, sustainable products. The result is a long-lasting, environmentally friendly product line that maintains Hanover’s renowned quality and superior strength. We are committed to eco-friendly practices that reduce environmental impact.

HANOVERPAVERS.COM > >

Natural/Diamond Ballast Pavers 100% Recycled Aggregate

Permeable Paving Units

Prest® Pavers Chesapeake Collection

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50 The Product Publication of the U.S. Architectural Market

FEATURES J U LY-A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 // V O L 2 3 N O 4

A RCH-PROD U C T S .COM

Implementing AI.

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Leading AEC firms reveal how they’re using AI to improve workflows, make data more accessible, and more.

Hike the Canyon at One River North M MAD Architects and Davis Partnership Partne Archite Architects explain the he design and construction complexities omplex they ey fac faced putting a fissure in n a cu curtain urtain wall facade.

Leading AEC firms share insights and practices for adopting AI-powered tools and solutions.

by Barbara Horwitz-Bennett

Function // Groton Hill Music Center, Groton, Mass.

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Trends // AI Roundtable

Cambridge-based architecture firm Epstein Joslin and Chicago’s Threshold Acoustics deliver a master class on designing acoustics in mass timber.

by Barbara Horwitz-Bennett

ɐ$0

ON THE COVER

Crafting the Canyon A high-performance plaster system, often used in the creation of theme park environments, was applied to create the building’s smooth canyon forms.

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Photography: © Iwan Baan Photography

MULTIFAMILY

One River North, Denver MAD Architects and Davis Partnership Architects prove that both luxury and nature can be part of daily living.

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by Jana J. Madsen

Architectural Products Magazine, Volume 23, Number 04 Architectural Products USPS Permit 22941, ISSN 1557-4830 print is published bi-monthly, Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sep/Oct, Nov/Dec, by Endeavor Business Media, LLC. 201 N Main St 5th Floor, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538.

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New & Improved Products

Ámbar Margarida, Principal, Spacesmith Talking Trauma-Informed Design: Expert tips for crafting interiors to create a sense of safety, protection, and calm

Launched at AIA ’25 X ADA-Supporting Innovations for Accessible Design

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material herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident, or any other cause whatsoever. The views and opinions in the articles herein are not to be taken as official expressions of the publishers, unless so stated. The publishers do not warrant either expressly or by implication, the factual accuracy of the articles herein, nor do they so warrant any views or opinions by the authors of said articles.

07-08 . 2025

ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

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perspective

EDITORIAL, DESIGN + PRODUCTION

Jeanette Fitzgerald Pitts

Editor in Chief jfitzgerald@endeavorb2b.com

Find Inspiration in the Possible

Robert Nieminen

Chief Content Director rnieminen@endeavorb2b.com

From new products, systems and materials to projects illustrating a new level of creativity or performance that is now possible—these are just a few of the items creating excitement amidst architects today.

Contributing Editors Barbara Horwitz-Bennett Jana Madsen Janelle Penny Jeff Pitts Heather Ronaldson Katy Tomasulo

As I walked around the AIA Conference this year, I had many brief conversations with architects who had been inspired. Waiting in line for a restaurant, one man expressed the awe he felt on the possibilities AI was putting within reach. In an elevator, a woman beamed as she talked about the beautiful buildings she had toured with their various design teams. I overheard an architect on the expo floor saying, “I didn’t even know it was possible,” his expression agog. I saw another architect take a picture of a colleague sleeping in a chair in one of the CE presentation studios, laughing heartily as he took it, but I digress.

Lauren Lenkowski Art Director llenkowski@endeavorb2b.com Greg Araujo

Senior Production Operations Manager garaujo@endeavorb2b.com

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“76% of AECO organizations plan to increase their investments in AI and emerging tech during the next three years.”

Mike Hellmann

VP/Market Leader Buildings & Construction Group mhellmann@endeavorb2b.com

Joe Agron

Director of Sales jagron@endeavorb2b.com

—Autodesk’s 2024 State of Design and Make report

Tim Shea 708-860-5684

Brand Director/East tshea@endeavorb2b.com

Ellyn Fishman 949-239-6030

West efishman@endeavorb2b.com

Addressing a packed crowd at the 2025 AIA Conference in Boston this summer, artificial intelligence (AI) expert Ellie K. Miller laid it on the line. “We are on the precipice of one of the most significant shifts in the history of business.”

Whether you sat in one of the several AI-focused keynotes or previewed an AI-powered product on the expo floor, there’s no denying that AI was a hot topic this year. Architectural Products asked leading AEC firms to share their insights and practices for adopting these new AI-forward tools. The interview begins on page 20.

MAD Architects and Denver-based Davis Partnership Architects, which features a prominent canyon splicing through the glass curtain wall—and the Groton Hill Music Center, designed by Cambridge-based architecture firm Epstein Joslin and Chicago’s Threshold Acoustics. Together this team created a stunning mass timber structure that serves as an acoustic masterpiece. Tours begin on 26 and 50, respectively.

Beyond the many AI tools found at AIA 2025, there were several new products that will help architects and designers address issues they’ve been having or participate in some of the latest design trends. Find a list of many of the products introduced to the market at AIA on page 12.

There were several moments during AIA 2025 where architects received the dose of inspiration we all dream of, not in what the future may hold, but in what could be designed today. This issue of Architectural Products dives deeper into many of those inspiring topics.

Projects illustrating what can be delivered today based on the architectural products, design approaches, modeling software, and best practices currently known can also offer some solid inspiration. In this issue, we profile two amazing accomplishments—One River North, designed by

Happy reading.

ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

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ENDEAVOR BUSINESS MEDIA, LLC

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07-08 . 2025

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DESIGN WITH UNIFORM GLASS LINES

MULTISLIDE

NanaWall provides uniform glass lines for a cohesive design and maximum glass aesthetic throughout your project.

Horizontal matching glass lines for folding, multislide and swing doors, tilt turn, fixed windows, and sidelites.

contact@nanawall.com 800 873 5673

FOLDING

Easy Operation: Smoothest and easiest operation of any folding glass wall.

Superior Performance: Exceptional resistance against wind-driven rain. Energy-efficient panels keep extreme weather out. Air, water, structural, forced entry, swing door and cycle tested.

Design Options: Slimmest panel profiles available, and can stack either to the left or right—inswing or outswing. ADA-compliant sill option with high heel resistant feature.

Unlimited widths, customizable configurations, glazing, and 50 standard color choices.

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Honor Your Design.

Rely on the Right Fire Safety.

Take the worry out of compromising your inspired building design to fire-safety requirements with reliable Aluflam vision doors, windows and glazed walls, fired-rated for up to 120 minutes.

This pioneering system is fabricated from true extruded aluminum and is indistinguishable from non-fire-rated doors and windows.

resources

events

NEW BOOK

Going for Zero: Decarbonizing the Built Environment on the Path to Our Urban Future

by Carl Elefante Climate change is no longer an abstract threat. Day after day, an already disrupted climate is impacting the lives of millions, and the time available to curtail climate change is alarmingly limited.

Going for zero greenhouse gas emissions requires retooling everything about industry, agriculture, transportation, and every city and town that people inhabit. The work of architects, engineers, landscape architects, urban designers and the countless others who shape the built environment has never been more relevant. Decarbonizing how buildings are designed, constructed, and operated is a sea change that is already altering professional principles and practices.

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CONTINUING EDUCATION PLATFORM

cersaie.it ASPE American Society of Plumbing Engineers 2025 Tech Symposium Sept. 24-28 Orlando, Florida

aspe.org

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ASLA ASLA 2025 Conference on Landscape Architecture Oct. 10-13 Morial Convention Center, New Orleans

asla.org/conference.aspx MetalCon Oct. 21-23 Las Vegas Convention Center

In Going for Zero: Decarbonizing the Built Environment on the Path to Our Urban Future, seasoned architect and former AIA president Carl Elefante addresses how buildings and cities can and must help resolve the looming climate emergency.

Elefante offers a decidedly alternative viewpoint, one informed by his architecture career rescuing buildings from senseless demolition and learning from the practices and wisdom embedded in built heritage.

For architects and the countless others who work together creating human habitation, the twentyfirst century imperatives demand a profound mode shift, from an expansion mindset to one of reintegration and healing. Elefante argues that curtailing the climate emergency, resolving intransigent social and economic injustice, and launching the urban era onto a truly beneficial and sufficient path presents challenges that must be addressed through built form. Going for Zero is an urgent call to action and path forward. Elefante’s message is ultimately one of hope—but we must act now. $32, Available now.

CERSAIE International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings Sept. 22-26 Bologna, Italy

metalcon.com HCD Healthcare Design Expo & Conference Oct. 25-28 Kansas City Convention Center Kansas City, Mo.

hcdexpo.com ACI Concrete Convention October 26-29 Baltimore, Md. Hilton Baltimore & Marriott Baltimore Inner Harbor

concrete.org

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Greenbuild November 4-7 Expo: November 5-6 Los Angeles Convention Center Los Angeles

informaconnect.com/ greenbuild

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Fire-Rated Aluminum Window And Door Systems

Fire-Rated Aluminum Window And Door Systems

Aluflam North America 562-926-9520 aluflam-usa.com 10

ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

Architecture + Design Master Continuing Education Platform has AIA-approved courses, designated as either LU or LU/HSW content, covering a range of important topics. archdesignmaster.com

07-08 . 2025

Have you met the new couple?

They’re both Designers.

Meet the new Designer Series™ automatic soap dispenser and matching faucet. The sleek, elegant new style pairs beautifully with our patented top-fill soap dispenser functionality to elevate your next design.

Meet the Designers BOBRICK.COM/DESIGNER

product developments

New & Noteworthy

NEW ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

Launched at AIA ’25 AIA 2025 is a wrap and the numbers are in.

This year in Boston, there were nearly 13,000 attendees from around the world and 600 companies showcasing new and improved products at the industry’s largest expo.

Several new products were launched on the expo floor, offering attendees many exciting solutions to help design teams create buildings that are both more beautiful and efficient. From a fully integrated bio-solar solution to emerald green glass bricks—these products address common design issues and unlock new possibilities in terms of the creative visions that can now be realized.

AIA25 left thousands inspired, informed, and equipped with fresh tools and new perspectives to design a better world. Here are some of the new tools now available for your latest projects.

SOLAGREEN RACK SYSTEM LiveRoof’s SolaGreen is a fully integrated bio-solar solution that combines photovoltaic (PV) solar energy generation with the industry’s top-tier green roof system—for unparalleled benefits. Harness the power of the sun and nature to reduce energy costs, enhance property value, manage stormwater, and contribute to a sustainable future.

LiveRoof Global LLC, SolaGreen Rack System liveroof.com

LIME AND CLAY WALL PLASTER

ACOUSTIC STEEL DECK IMPRESSIONS steel deck, featuring realistic wood-grain finishes, opens a whole new world of design possibilities that now include beautiful spaces with better acoustics. Brought to life through a revolutionary coil-coated digital printing process, IMPRESSIONS steel deck enables architects and interior designers to achieve aesthetics once unattainable using steel alone. The IMPRESSIONS Acoustic metal deck offers high-performance sound control (NRC up to 1.15) in six finish options.

This innovative clay-lime plaster combines the best of both worlds: the natural beauty of clay with the durability of lime. Crafted naturally without solvents, preservatives, or plastics, Janus offers a sustainable solution with a beautiful finish—from coarse grain to smooth. KEIM Janus excels in creating healthy living environments.

Its natural ability to regulate indoor humidity helps to prevent the build-up of moisture, which can lead to mold growth and other air quality issues.

By absorbing and releasing moisture, it contributes to a more stable and comfortable indoor climate. This makes it particularly well-suited for spaces that experience fluctuations in humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

KEIM Mineral Coatings of America, Janus Natural Lime and Clay Wall Plaster keim.com

New Millenium, IMPRESSIONS Acoustic Steel Deck newmill.com

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07-08 . 2025

product developments

New & Noteworthy

SUNSHADE SYSTEM This revolutionary new polycarbonate shading solution is designed to provide thermally efficient shading to any building, while also providing a vibrant architectural statement. The ultra-smart design replaces the need for heavier, more expensive mechanical louvre systems. DanpaShade Aura ensures thermal comfort with good light levels throughout the year while increasing your building’s energy efficiency and providing a unique multi-colored visual effect. The new dynamic shade-shift technology is completely unique in its approach to other external fixed louvre systems.

Danpal, Aura Translucent Sunshade System danpal.com

Daylighting, green roofs and heightened thermal efficiency, these new products address many of the hottest topics in design.

ARCHITECTURAL METAL ROOF SYSTEM

CONTINUOUS INSULATION INNOVATION

This custom architectural metal roof system delivers a smooth contemporary design without raised battens or exposed fasteners. EVOLUTION is a battenless, fastener-free metal roof and wall system for ultra-clean architectural lines. From high-rise facades to complex architectural installations, this panel system by East Coast Metal Systems deliver unmatched performance, design flexibility, and longlasting durability. Whether you’re aiming for a contemporary aesthetic or require specific performance standards, our engineered panel systems are built to exceed expectations.

The X-Bracket is a plastic standoff that supports furring strips for siding attachment and creates space between the structural wall (or roof) sheathing and the siding (or the nailing deck on a roof). The space can be filled with insulation and can include a drainage plane and ventilation gap, depending on the details. This method of installing continuous exterior insulation uses either spray foam or blown-in material over a patented bracketing system for a streamlined approach.

InSoFast, The X-Bracket System insofast.com

East Coast Metal Systems, OVERLY EVOLUTION Architectural Metal Roof System overlybyecms.net

07-08 . 2025

ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

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product developments

New & Noteworthy

MODULAR ACOUSTIC GREENERY With preserved moss as its foundation and plantbased infills as optional accents, AcoustiNature delivers NRC 1.0+ acoustic performance across wall, ceiling, divider, and planter-integrated systems— offering modularity, flexibility, and zero maintenance for architectural interiors.

Nature in Form, AcoustiNature Modular Acoustic Greenery wildleaf.design

Explore the modular biophilic elements, glass in new forms and colors, and metal panels that bring new finishes into the fold.

RUSTIC & VENETIAN TERRAZZO COLOR PALETTE

EMERALD GREEN NATURAL VENETIAN GLASS BRICK Inspired by the rich Kelly Green heritage of the Superbowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles, this Emerald Green glass brick captures the essence of victory while offering architects and designers a bold new tool to bring their visions to life. Available frosted, natural, or polished (shown)—choose a finish to best match the material to the space you’re creating.

Glen-Gery, Emerald Green Natural Venetian Glass Brick glengery.com

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ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

This is the first update to NTMA’s terrazzo color palette since 2012. Terrazzo is a custom flooring crafted essentially from natural products and subject to slight shade variations. Cement, both white and gray, may not be uniform in color. Since this color palette is intended for national distribution, substitutions of generally comparable aggregate (mainly marble) may be necessary or advisable in some cases. Care should be taken to assure that the aggregate supplier is a member in good standing of the NTMA and will provide all materials in accordance with NTMA standards. The new NTMA Color Palette provides a guide for selecting materials from the cement series, epoxy series, or Venetian and Rustic terrazzo (shown here).

National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association, Rustic & Venetian Terrazzo Color Palette ntma.com

07-08 . 2025

COPPER DECORATIVE METAL Weathered or high gloss copper, everything is possible with our decorative metal. Want a green or black patinated copper finish? We have it all! VeroMetal is a liquid, cold-workable metal. VeroMetal can be applied easily to practically any surface by spraying, pouring or with a palette knife. After application, the metal coating can be polished, brushed or patinated to produce the desired finish.

Metalunic, Board & Batten Architectural Steel Panel metalunic.com

Añejo™ ©2019 modularArts, Inc.

ARCHITECTURAL STEEL PANEL A traditional panel re-imagined. Our Board & Batten siding has a timeless and classic appearance. The alternating boards and vertical battens create a sense of texture and depth. It’s simple, clean lines and rustic charm appeal to a wide range of architectural styles, from traditional to modern.

©2024 modularArts, Inc.

New & Noteworthy

Ventanas™

Bespoke Finish, VeroMetal Copper Decorative Metal bespoke-finish.com

3D CURVED HEAT STRENGTHENED GLASS

©2022 modularArts, Inc.

NorthGlass Global, 3D Curved Heat Strengthened Glass glass.northglass.global

Breeze™

©2023 modularArts, Inc.

Curved Glass is an essential element of modern, free form architecture. To meet the current market requirements NorthGlass Curved Glass is produced by using three different production processes. This enables NorthGlass to produce curved glass of the highest quality and best safety characteristics for each individual project. Depending on the glass build up, coatings and bending geometry, dimensions of 3.6 m × 18.0 m are achievable.

Norbec Architectural Inc., Norex-M Multi-Configuration Insulated Metal Panel norbec.com

07-08 . 2025

©2023 modularArts, Inc.

These panels are made with polyisocyanurate (polyurethane) and are suitable for interior and exterior applications. With a pressureequalized rainscreen joint, and several options for reveal sizes, widths, and panel thickness, the Norex-M is known for its incredible versatility and easy installation. These insulated metal panels also offer impressive thermal performance with an R8/in at 75 °F mean temperature and R9/in at 35 °F mean temperature.

©2024 modularArts, Inc.

INSULATED METAL PANEL

Made in the USA

Strata™

Chester™ Shayle™ Gypsum panels interlock to create continuous surfaces of any size. +\YHISL Ä YL ZHML HUK OLHS[O` Stunning feature walls made in the U.S. for over 20 years!

206.788.4210 | info@modulararts.com | www.modulararts.com

ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

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product developments

Accessible Design

CODE COMPLIANCE

ADA-Supporting Innovations for Accessible Design The idea of accessibility in architecture is shifting as new technologies make it easier to design the built environment to simultaneously be more touchless, more tactile, and more welcoming to people with different physical abilities.

Excerpted from: Latest ADA Developments in Architectural Design know-the-ada.com/latest-ada-developmentsin-architectural-design

Recent years have brought about significant updates and developments in ADA architectural design, reflecting a growing awareness of the diversity of disabilities and a commitment to deeper inclusivity. Modern architectural design must navigate a landscape that is not only compliant with ADA requirements but is also innovative and responsive to the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990 and technological innovations of today are changing the way that design can become more accessible.

LARGE AREA HEARING LOOPS Large area hearing loops deliver crystal-clear music and speech to numerous individuals wearing hearing instruments. Theatre Row is a cluster of six performance theaters in New York City’s theatre district. In 2021, V34a PRO drivers were used to loop the theaters since they are designed for large venues, ensuring that each seat in the theater will receive a quality listening experience. The drivers provide excellent speech and music reproduction and were a perfect choice for this project. Whether it’s a meeting room or a sports arena, these loops are ideal for spaces of varying sizes. The V34a PRO Dual Output Hearing Loop Driver Contacta, V34a PRO Dual Output Hearing Loop Driver for Large Area Hearing Loops contactainc.com

Understanding these developments requires us to delve into the latest changes and what they mean for the future of accessible architecture.

Enhancements in technology, emerging inclusive design principles, policy updates, best practices for compliance, and the role of innovation in promoting accessibility are changing the future of inclusivity in architecture.

Advancements in Assistive Technology One of the most significant areas of development in ADA architectural design is the integration of assistive technology, which has revolutionized how accessibility is conceived and implemented.

Assistive technology encompasses tools and devices that enhance the abilities of people with disabilities, aiding in their mobility, communication, and interaction with environments.

Modern buildings are increasingly incorporating digital interfaces that facilitate easier access for handicapped individuals. For instance, touchless entry systems empowered by smartphones and

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ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

WEARABLE DEVICES FOR TOUCHLESS ACCESS Wearables are a class of smart device that can be worn on the wrist, strung on a necklace, clipped onto clothing or carried on a key ring. Smart watches and personal biometric devices are the most common wearables in use today, but the extended use of wearables for enterprise access solutions are gaining ground. This presents an exciting and prescient use of the technology.

HID Access Systems hidglobal.com

AUTOMATIC AND TOUCHLESS ACCESS CONTROL This sleek proximity reader features best-in-class door access control. This product provides touchless access, patented triple unlock technology, built-in capacity tracking, and simplified installation. The patented Triple Unlock technology supports handsfree Wave to Unlock, mobile or watch app, tablet, HF and LF key cards, fobs and Cloud Key credentials with 99.9% unlock reliability.

AVIGILON, Standard Smart Reader avigilon.com

07-08 . 2025

NEW YORK STATE

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product developments

Accessible Design

SOLUTIONS FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED

wearable technology allow seamless entry for those with physical impairments. Voiceactivated controls in public buildings provide a hands-free, intuitive way for visually impaired individuals to navigate spaces.

Auracast is a new Bluetooth capability that enables an audio transmitter to broadcast to an unlimited number of receivers. And no pairing of devices!

Selecting a broadcast is much like choosing a Wi-Fi network, the user simply selects the desired Auracast channel to hear that broadcast. Powered by Listen Technologies and Ampetronic, Auri is the first complete solution to let venues and end users adopt Auracast broadcast audio technology for assistive listening in public spaces.

Ampetronic, Auri Auracast Broadcast Audio ampetronic.com

ACCESSIBLE RESTROOM SOLUTIONS The latest grab bar from ASI, the Omara is a sleek, heliarc-welded grab bar with concealed mounting for upscale restrooms. All ASI grab bars are made in compliance with ADA guidelines for strength requirements. Various configurations are available in satin finish 18-gauge type 304 stainless steel (peened or smooth), powder coated matte black or white, and antimicrobial finishes. Mandrel bending ensures uniform bar diameters.

ASI American Specialties, Omara 7801 Series Grab Bar americanspecialties.com

Moreover, building designs now frequently incorporate advanced smart technologies, like induction loops for the hearing impaired and tactile paving for those with visual impairments. The integration of these technologies helps bridge the gap between tailored accessibility and mainstream architectural design, serving as a testament to the dynamic, inclusive potential of contemporary architectural practices.

These advancements underscore a critical direction in architectural design: the shift from purely mechanical solutions to technology-driven innovations that offer personalized solutions to accessibility challenges. As these technologies become more prevalent, architects and designers must stay informed and adopt these innovations to ensure full ADA compliance and create a more inclusive environment for all users.

New technologies and materials are making it easier to make spaces more welcoming and inclusive.

STEPWISE SLIP-RESISTANT PORCELAIN TILE

COMPOSITE PAVER

Haddonstone, a ColorBody porcelain series, captures the essence of limestone tile with refined vein-cut and raw crosscut designs, enhanced by RevealSync3D technology and StepWise slip resistance for versatile indoor and outdoor use. Not a just a surface technique or non-slip coating, StepWise is infused into our topquality porcelain tile to increase its dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF). DCOF measures how tile will perform in wet conditions. A value of at least .42 is standard for interior floor tile. StepWise has a DCOF of at least .60, well above the standard. With its combination of superior slip resistance and exceptional cleanability, StepWise is the ideal solution for commercial kitchens, pool surfaces, bathrooms, and more.

Superior aesthetics and compliance for streetscape design. The Heritage Brick Cast-In-Place Paver is a permanent detectable warning surface installation that provides the aesthetic appeal of brick pavers without the maintenance and compliance issues associated with clay and concrete paver products. ADA’s Heritage Brick Paver units are made of durable fiberglass reinforced composite material that withstands the toughest environments. Suited for new construction and modified curb ramps, these truncated dome pavers provide the highest levels of weather and wear resistance while providing an upscale appearance that elevates the streetscape design. The homogeneous glass and carbon composite material is colorfast and UV stable, while integrated fiberglass truncated domes allow for a more durable tactile surface.

Barrier-free linear drains are designed without curbs, barriers, or thresholds, allowing for roll-in accessibility to a bathroom or wet area. Like all Infinity Drain solutions, linear drains offer a sleek, seamless aesthetic with distinctive designs and professional finishes. In addition, barrier-free drains naturally make spaces feel larger, are easier to clean, and feature an ergonomic design, creating an even, comfortable surface to stand on with efficient water drainage.

ADA Solutions, Heritage Brick Composite Paver adatile.com

Infinity Drain, Barrier-Free Linear Drain Infinitydrain.com

Daltile, Stepwise Slip-Resistant Porcelain Tile daltile.com

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BARRIER-FREE DRAIN

07-08 . 2025

TRENDS

T ECH N O LO G Y

A I-P O W E R E D T O O L S

Harnessing the Power of AI Leading AEC firms share insights and practices for adopting AI-powered tools and solutions.

By Barbara Horwitz-Bennett, contributing writer

A

ddressing a packed crowd at the 2025 AIA Conference in Boston this summer, artificial intelligence (AI) expert Ellie K. Miller spoke plainly and powerfully. “We are on the precipice of one of the most significant shifts in the history of business.”

Risks reports that only 8% of firms have implemented AI solutions and another 20% are currently working on adopting solutions.

Even so, the level of industry planning and implementation is a mixed bag.

However, in looking at the broader industry, Autodesk’s 2024 State of Design and Make Report paints a different picture with 76% of AECO organizations planning to increase their investments in AI and emerging tech during the next three years.

On the one hand, a recent AIA Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Architecture Firms: Opportunities &

In a nutshell. AI has not only left the station, it’s beginning to change the way businesses operate.

While some firms don’t know where to start, others are proactively evaluating AI-powered apps to enhance their workflows and some are even innovating their own AI solutions.

Architectural Products recruited six industry leaders to discuss the challenges facing the AEC landscape, and the ways their firms are embracing and utilizing AI to collect information, automate processes, analyze data, perform market research and support ideation.

CANNONDESIGN’S GENERATIVE AI SOLUTION

courtesy of CannonDesign

Created by CannonDesign, Billie is a generative AI solution that assists building teams with instantly searching, retrieving and summarizing essential documents and data.

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TRENDS

A I-P O W E R E D T O O L S

T ECH N O LO G Y

INDUSTRY LEADERS

Keith Fine, aia, Principal, Director of Innovation, Los Angeles, SLAM

Brooke Grammier, Chief Information Officer, CannonDesign, and Innovation Design Consortium Chair (representing 41 firms)

Roly Hudson, Practice Technology Consultant, HKS

Adam Nakagoshi, Regional Design Technology Director, Gensler

Will Senner, Senior Vice President of Preconstruction; Lead for Data Solutions, Skanska USA Building

David Villela, Senior Associate, Los Angeles, SLAM

Q The AEC industry is traditionally slower when it comes to adopting new technology. Is this the case with AI, and why does our industry appear to be more challenged?

A Will Senner, Senior Vice President of Preconstruction; Lead for Data Solutions, Skanska USA Building: AEC projects are typically unique, custom endeavors with distinct requirements, timelines and teams. Unlike industries with repetitive processes like manufacturing, the lack of standardization can create an additional challenge for certain AI use cases. In addition, the AEC industry is highly fragmented, involving many stakeholders.

Roly Hudson, Practice Technology Consultant, HKS: That’s right. The technology landscape is fragmented. Firms often use a patchwork of different platforms without a unified digital infrastructure, which limits interoperability and scalability.

Also, clients typically pay for deliverables tied to a specific project, not for the development of domain-specific tools or innovations that could improve processes across multiple projects. And staffing practices reinforce this challenge as employees are generally hired and allocated based on immediate project needs, not for roles focused on technology development or adoption.

Keith Fine, AIA, Principal, Director of Innovation & David Villela, Senior Associate, Los Angeles, SLAM: Unlike industries that rely heavily on text-based outputs, architecture demands a nuanced understanding of graphical and physical elements. AI's current capabilities in image generation and large language models are still evolving to meet these specific needs.

Also, the architectural industry does not have the capital to train at the rate that big tech has and also have very specific restrictions on their IP that would be needed for this training specific to client contracts. Due to industry resources, I think it will take a bit before we see truly robust solutions transforming the architectural industry, but they are definitely on their way.

Brooke Grammier, Chief Information Officer CannonDesign and Innovation Design Consortium Chair: I agree. It’s not as simple for our market as it is for sectors like finance. The data is more complex, so full adoption was always going to take longer. We are starting to see full adoption for image generation, copilot features, development and meeting minutes. It will just take longer to apply it to more complex data sets.

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Q

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Which aspects of AI are you investing the most in with regards to researching and developing tools?

Adam Nakagoshi, Regional Design Technology Director, Gensler: Some of our investments include the use of generative AI for controlled ideation, exploration of the application of Large Language Models (LLMs), Machine Learning (M.L.) and harnessing the power of our data intelligence on our design projects to provide our clients with valuable data insights for agile decision-making.

Senner: On the generative AI front, we are focused on use cases where agents can help streamline or automate mundane tasks to improve worker efficiency and allow our people to focus on other, high value activities. We are also working on use cases related to knowledge sharing, where generative AI can help search through a diverse portfolio of knowledge, synthesize insights for workers, and deliver them when they are relevant.

On the machine learning front, we are working on predictive models related to risk management during project execution as well as other use cases such as developing early phase cost models based on historical cost and building system data.

Hudson: We are primarily investing in several key areas of AI that have the potential to significantly enhance our workflows and decision-making processes. One major focus is information retrieval. We’re also advancing comprehensive data intelligence, which involves a deep analysis of all enterprise data (project, client, business operations) and systematic capture and evaluation of AI tool inputs and outputs.

Grammier: We have created our own generative AI solution named Billie that helps our teammates instantly search, retrieve, and summarize essential documents and data. Billie stemmed from an AI Hackathon we held in the company two years ago. We’re currently working on a generic AI agent for deep market research. We also acquired a highly-respected smart buildings firm earlier this year—The Clarient Group—and we are deeply committed to investing in how AI and design technologies can empower us to create even more responsive, reliable, and customizable spaces and experiences.

AI-Powered Robots Provide Site Monitoring Enhancing Quality Control and Safety At the 31-story Kaye residential tower in Seattle, two autonomous Nextera Robotics Didge robots are equipped with high-resolution 360-degree cameras and driving around the construction site recording images.

This AI-powered Nextera Robotics Didge robot moves around the construction site at the Kaye residential tower in Seattle. It captures images and compares the photos to Skanska’s BIM models to verify construction accuracy.

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“The system compares photos to Skanska’s BIM models to verify construction accuracy. Its AI also detects safety violations, such as missing gloves or unsafe ladder use, and alerts safety teams promptly,” explains Will Senner, senior vice president of preconstruction, lead for data solutions, Skanska USA Building, Durham, N.C. “The robots improve efficiency and enhance workplace safety by automating inspections previously done by site staff.”

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courtesy: Skanskav

Freeing personnel from spending 40 hours every week capturing images manually, the robots navigate the site, climb stairs and consistently snap precise high-definition photos. The images are fed into Nextera’s AI platform where they track progress, ensure quality control and uphold safety standards.

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T ECH N O LO G Y

SKANSKA’S AI TOOL

Courtesy: Skanska

Skanska’s AI Safety Sidekick is a generative AI tool, developed with safety documents. It helps teams evaluate safety risks, identify mitigation strategies, and more.

SAFETY ASSISTANT ON-HAND

For the Wake County Public Health project in Raleigh, Skanska’s team is using the Safety Sidekick to quickly call up safety info, project details, and best practices. “It’s like having a helpful assistant on hand that makes it easier to get answers fast. We use Sidekick to help make sure we have all the bases covered when creating or reviewing CWPs. It helps to keep the job running smoothly and safely,” states Jeremy Knoerzer, assistant EHS director, Skanska USA Building.

Q How is your firm educating and encouraging your designers to experiment with and begin using these tools?

A Fine/Villela: Educating and encouraging our designers to experiment with AI tools is a critical part of our strategy. We have established a framework for grassroots exploration, providing guidance on contractual and intellectual property concerns. This structured approach allows our team to innovate safely and effectively, sharing their findings and best practices across the firm.

Senner: Internally, we have developed a series of training courses which not only address how to utilize these tools in day-to-day work, but provide broader context around our data strategy, overviewing artificial intelligence and data literacy.

We promote adoption and engagement through a variety of internal networks and local champions working alongside dedicated support teams to help guide users. We also work closely with our key vendors to understand how AI is being embedded in their tools and are piloting a number of externally developed tools which utilize AI to solve specific use cases for our project teams.

Grammier: We’ve built a platform of presentations, webinars and curriculum to help our teammates learn about emerging design technologies. We work hard to keep our design teams up to date on the latest tools, ideas, project successes and more. Our technology team has hosted Design Technology Week and AI Week with programming that is available to everyone in CannonDesign. We’ve also established a council of cross-disciplinary leaders to study, evaluate, and determine the best tools and processes for our teams to use in our project work. We are really trying to tackle AI in design across every front.

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Q Please list your five favorite AI tools, what they do and how they benefit your workflow.

AI-POWERED TOOLS

Put AI to work on your next project. Here are some AI-powered tools helping to streamline project research and workflows.

A Senner: We’ve developed tools internally, the Safety Sidekick and the Operational Risk Sidekick. The first is a generative AI tool developed on a wide base of safety documents. It has been really amazing to see our project teams and safety professionals embrace Safety Sidekick as a tool to help them evaluate safety risks, identify mitigation strategies, etc.

The Operational Risk Sidekick is built on a variety of knowledge sources related to our construction experience, best practices, and lessons learned. We regularly talk about “if only Skanska knew what Skanska knows” as a way of acknowledging that so much wisdom exists with each of our individual project teams and the great people out at each jobsite.= Fine/Villela: Our favorite AI tools include Microsoft Copilot, which has proven invaluable in synthesizing meeting information and enhancing our note-taking capabilities.

Midjourney has been used for conceptual visualization and inspiration, helping us explore new design possibilities. ChatGPT assists in developing various applications and efficiencies. We also use it as a prompt maker to streamline the creation of prompts for an array of AI applications. We’re big fans of Grammarly for online writing.

Hudson: We use a variety of Microsoft Azure tools: X Microsoft Azure OpenAI secure access to LLMs used to build in-house conversational AI and image generators.

X Microsoft Azure Semantic Kernel builds custom AI agents that can use existing tools and plugins.

X Microsoft Azure AI Search accesses vector databases and enables fast semantic searches of unstructured documents to provide contextual input to LLM queries.

X Microsoft Azure Document Intelligence taps machine learning to extract content from documents as a preprocessing step to vectorization.

Nakagoshi: We are investing in our data-driven tools and workflows called the NFORM Ecosystem. Our NFORM Ecosystem includes Gensler’s proprietary design and analytic tools, gBlox, gBlox.CO2, and gFloorz, which are transforming design, storytelling, and decision-making, allowing us to bring our clients along in the design journey.

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UPCODES AI-POWERED COMPLIANCE PLATFORM Upcodes is a unified library of codes, assemblies, and building products that accelerates project workflows.

Streamline code and product research with one comprehensive platform. Find and interpret code requirements, surface relevant assemblies, select products that meet project requirements, and build team-wide compliance expertise.

UpCodes, UpCodes AI-Powered Compliance Platform up.codes/features/ai

MELT CODE CONSTRUCTIONAWARE AI TOOL In its Beta version, this is the first constructionaware AI that delivers instant, pinpoint answers on building codes, leveraging AI Copilot for code research, checklists, and code books for CA and NY. Ditch CTRL+F marathons and flipping code books and ask Copilot your code queries. Get reliable answers with trusted citations, find the code you need with simple filters, and create, manage, and share customized compliance checklists for egress, accessible bathrooms, and more.

MeltPlan, Melt Code Construction-Aware AI Tool meltplan.com

PERMIO AI PLATFORM FOR CONSTRUCTION PERMITS Leverage AI tools and real-world knowledge for smarter permit workflows. Mio, Permio’s Al Assistant, expertly identifies the agencies and jurisdictions you need, completes zoning due diligence, provides the right forms and applications, and even answers your toughest code questions. All this is customized for your project, giving you back valuable time to focus on what matters most. Permio AI is currently available in a few select markets—Boston, Colorado Springs, Denver, San Francisco, Boulder, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Seattle.

Permio, Permio AI Platform for Construction Permits permio.ai

C.SCALE WHOLE-LIFE CARBON SOFTWARE PLATFORM C.Scale is a whole life carbon software platform making climate action effortless for designers, engineers, and owners. This software is currently being used to help decarbonize over 20 million square feet of new construction and retrofit projects. With the use of this tool, embodied carbon reductions of up to 46% are possible at less than a 1% cost premium. Model your first project in five minutes or less.

Climate Scale, C.Scale Whole-Life Carbon Software Platform cscale.io

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Architecture as Landform PROJECT SPECS

Developers: The Max Collaborative, Uplands Real Estate Partners, and Wynne Yasmer Real Estate Design Architect: MAD Architect of Record, Landscape Architect, and Interior Design: Davis Partnership Architects General Contractor: Saunders Construction Structural Consultant: Jirsa Hedrick Waterproofing Consultant: Marx|Okubo MEP Consultant: ME Engineers Civil Engineer: Kimley-Horn Plaster Construction: KHS&S

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One On e Ri Rive verr No ve Nort rth rt h in i vi v te es re resi side si dent de ntss to tak nt ake e a hi hike ke out utdo door do orss or (wittho out lea e vi v ng the bui uild ldin ld din ing) g). g)

By Jana Mads dsen, en n contr ntribu ibutin ibu ting tin gw writ riter rit iter

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Iwan Baan Photograph

Inspired by Colorado’s slot canyons, the fissure in One River North provides public and private outdoor space and breathtaking views to the Rocky Mountains.

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THE ALPINE PLATEAU

Subalpine Forest 10,000-11,500 ft.

THE SLOT CANYON

Montane Shrubland & Pinyon Juniper Woodland 6,000-8,500 ft.

THE TRAIL

Semi Desert Shrubland & Riparian 5,000-7,000 ft.

THE FOOTHILLS

Subalpine Forest 4,000-6,000 ft.

Landscaping One River North’s undulating plaster forms at street-level and in the canyon was inspired by Colorado’s numerous biomes, from the foothills up to its highest elevation, the Alpine Plateau. Plantings reflect different micro-climates and encourage curiosity and movement through the spaces.

The Max Collaborative, a developer driven by the goal to “create distinctive places that deliver sustaining value and thriving communities,” thought it was time the Mile High City had some architecture that wowed just as much as its breathtaking mountains. Chief among the goals of the development team was to address the city’s need for more housing with unique and inspiring—but functional— architecture that embraced a connection to nature.

MAD, with offices in Beijing, Los Angeles, and Rome, created the design for One River North working closely with Denver-based Architect of Record Davis Partnership Architects. “A lot of our work looks modern and futuristic,” says Jonathan Kontuly, Project Director, MAD, Los Angeles, “but when you delve into it, it is about connecting people to each other and to nature.” MAD’s vision for the project was the integration of modern city living with natural experiences. While luxury and nature might seem at odds, the architectural design team of MAD and Davis Partnership Architects prove it is not only possible but also highly desirable.

“What we showed the client originally as a concept was this kind of glass box that just cracked open and nature grew into it,” shares Kontuly. The vision evolved over time from a crack to a canyon, inspired by the way wind, water, and time shape the land through erosion.

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“We knew how important being outdoors is to citizens of Denver. That’s why people move there and so we really wanted to collapse the distance between the Rocky Mountains and the residents of One River North.”

—Jonathan Kontuly, Project Director, MAD, Los Angeles

One River North is a 343,000 sq. ft., 16-story building with three levels of belowgrade parking (175 spaces). Its west-facing façade of glass curtain wall is interrupted by a canyon that runs from the top down to the sixth floor, cutting into the building as deep as 30 to 35-ft. in places. The majority of the building’s ground floor is comprised of an entry lobby for residents and 9,000 sq. ft. of retail space. Floors two through 16 consist of 187 high-end rental units, as well as various amenity spaces.

The post-tensioned concrete structure was conceptualized in 2019 and opened to residents in April of 2024. Its location in Denver’s revitalized River North Art District (RiNo), next to the light rail and interstates 70 and 25, means One River North gets a significant amount of attention. “There’s a lot of visibility to the project. The client really wanted something iconic to take advantage of the site,” adds Kontuly. “Because of zoning, it has unobstructed views to the mountains.

There’s basically nothing that can be built in front of it.”

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ID 65044218 © Fred Bartholomew | Dreamstime.com

Move over, Rockies.

There’s a new view in Denver turning heads.

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The Canyon’s Amenity and Private Spaces The most striking feature of One River North, its canyon, provides 13,000 sq. ft. of landscaped outdoor space, making it possible for residents to meander through nature, feel the calm of cascading water, and take in breathtaking views yearround. “We wanted it to be more experiential, like you were going for a hike. You can walk from six, past the waterfall, past the main community room, and up to nine where the gym is located,” explains Kontuly. An outdoor staircase between these floors provides a symbolic hike through the mountains, giving residents the chance to ascend/descend on a journey toward glass-enclosed amenities located just off the path. Inspired by Colorado’s slot canyons, this four-story space is both a carefully curated landscape garden and route to amenities like the fitness center, clubroom, and outdoor terraces located on levels six, seven, and nine.

M U LT I FA M I LY

“Kevin and his team [at The Max Collaborative] like to hold on to their projects; they’re not there to build something and then flip it right away. They’re really interested in providing an experience for their occupants and producing something that is worthwhile and long-lasting.”

-Jonathan Kontuly, Project Director, MAD, Los Angeles

THE CANYON PATH

The remainder of the canyon continues its path up the building at levels 10 through 16, providing private patios for the residents living adjacent to it. “The units next to the canyon have a wide variety of outdoor spaces; some of them are big enough that they're almost outdoor living rooms,” Kontuly notes. The curtain wall shields these private spaces from the elements.

FLOOR 11

“The canyon terminates at the rooftop amenity deck which includes a swimming pool, spa, sundeck, and private seating areas nestled in the landscaping,” says Jeff Stoeklein, Landscape Architect, Davis Partnership Architects, Denver. Whether residents are enjoying a dip in the water or the unobstructed view of the city and mountains, this rooftop space facilitates both tranquility and community.

FLOOR 10

FLOOR 09

Parrish Ruiz de Velasco Photography

FLOOR 08

FLOOR 07

FLOOR 06

1. GARDEN 2. COMMUNITY ROOM 3. RESIDENTIAL UNIT

Residents can climb an outdoor staircase from levels six through nine, taking advantage of amenity spaces just off the path. The canyon at levels 10 through 16 provides private balconies for the adjacent units.

4. PRIVATE BALCONY Project Drawings : MAD

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Iwan Baan Photography

A high high-pe igh ig h-pe perf pe rfforma rfo manc nce nc e pl plast a er sy ysstem tem e , oftte o ten en use ed in the h cre eati ati tion off theme heme he me par pa k pa env en virro ronme m nts nts, was nts, w ap ap pp plie lied d to to crea e te the ea the bui uildi ui lldi ding’ss smooth ding’ mooth can moo ca an nyon y fo orms rms rm ms.

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THE PLACE WHERE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION BEGINS

N O V E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 // V O L 2 1 N O 6

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PRODUCTS

EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISH SYSTEM (EIFS) Outsulite Securock ExoAir 430 is an innovative, lightweight panel system that delivers energy efficiency with EPS continuous insulation and a factory-applied air/water-resistive barrier for superior protection.

Perfect for tight jobsites, its design versatility allows for endless shape, color, and texture options to meet any architectural vision. Quick to install and weather-resistant, this system minimizes delays and maximizes performance.

Dryvit, Outsulite Securock ExoAir 430 dryvit.com

CURTAIN WALL The Reliance-IG SS is an inside glazed, front set wall system which offers screw spline assembly of frames and the ability to shop seal the frame before shipping to the job site. The Reliance-IG SS Curtain Wall System is available in 7½-in. depth, using either captured or structural silicone glazed verticals. This system has dual color finish capability and allows for entrance door and operable window adaptability.

Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, Reliance-IG SS obe.com

Façade Design & Construction The contrast of highly reflective glass combined with amorphous man-made landforms create a striking façade, one that required navigating numerous design and construction complexities. A variety of unit shapes and waterproofing considerations resulted from the canyon’s interruption of the solid curtain wall. MAD consulted with Marx|Okubo and relied on Rhino 3D modeling to ensure that waterproofing membranes and flashing were continuous.

When it came time to construct the façade, extensive documentation ensured installation was correct. “We had a drawing that color coded all the different detail conditions so that the contractor would more easily be able to read the intent of [how to build this]. It's more work, but we wanted to make sure that it was built properly and everybody would be happy in the end,” explains Kontuly.

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SINGLE-PLY ROOFING

M U LT I FA M I LY

CANYON MODEL

Carlisle SynTec Systems’ Sure-White EPDM roofing offers performance, energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and innovation. It is the ideal membrane for any climate or condition, expanding and contracting along with temperature changes, allowing it to perform like new for decades. Sure-White EPDM features a full monolithic thickness of exceptional weathering material, comes in sheet sizes up to 50-ft. wide × 200-ft. long and complies with ASTM D4637 Type I. Carlisle SynTec Systems, Sure-White EPDM roofing carlislesyntec.com

v MULTI-LAYER PLASTER The curvaceous forms at the street level and throughout the building’s fissure are made using a durable, weather-resistant multi-layer plaster.

Referred to as a CHIPS system, this product uses the same technology used to build man-made mountains at theme parks. It was designed and fabricated by a third-party specialty company KHS&S. The system gets its name from its resemblance to a potato chip.

Each of the CHIPS segments came out in hundreds of prefabricated mesh panels, typically 48 in. × 48 in. in size.

KHS&S QUILT MODEL

GLAZING Designed specifically for exterior vision glazing, Acuity low-iron glass serves as a substrate for Solarban solar control low-e coatings and is 60% less green than standard “clear” glass. Acuity glass combines affordability with premium quality, making it an ideal choice for innovative, sustainable architectural designs that demand unparalleled sophistication and performance.

From the Rhino surface model, created by MAD Architects, the contractors at KHS&S created a quilt model, illustrating how the form of the canyon would be structured throughout the project. The CHIPS system creates a quilt, dividing the forms into sections that can be handled more easily during construction..

Vitro Architectural Glass, Acuity Low-Iron Glass vitroglazings.com

Iwan Baan Photography

STOREFRONT

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The Series 3000 Thermal MultiPlane Storefront extends the versatility of standard storefront systems by offering improved thermal performance and multiple glass plane options.

Recently enhanced, Series 3000 Thermal MultiPlane now provides more options for head and sill anchorage, improved structural silicone glazing, and a new front set installation option utilizing continuous head and sill members. Designed for 1-in. infill, Series 3000 Thermal MultiPlane has available glazing adaptors and gasket options for infills ranging from ¼ in. to 1-⅛ in.

Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, Series 3000 obe.com

The façade on the opposite side of the building (referred to as the back bar) is constructed of EIFS and curtain wall. The curvaceous forms at the street level and throughout the building’s fissure are made using a durable, weather-resistant multi-layer plaster. Referred to as CHIPS, this highperformance system is frequently used to create natural-looking elements like stone, trees, and mountains in amusement parks.

The undulating shapes for One River North’s canyon were first modeled by MAD. “We use Rhino as a modeling program and Revit for documentation.

We worked with KHS&S to do the structuring of the plaster,” says Kontuly.

The CHIPS system creates a quilt, dividing the forms into sections that can be handled more easily during construction. Each section was then offset to account for the thickness of the plaster before gridded panels of CNCbent bars were generated to support the layers of plaster. These were attached to a support structure, which was connected to embedded plates cast into the building’s structural slabs and columns.

One River North’s plastered features are more about inspiration, not imitation. “We wanted to make sure that it was smooth shaped because we didn’t want it to be ‘Disneyfied’ where it really looked like rock. It has some relationship to the canyons and this idea of erosion from natural processes, but it's still architecture,” explains Kontuly.

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Landscaping the Canyon The canyon was thoughtfully designed to accommodate a thriving and rich landscape plan. Balconies have a dip in the slab to direct water runoff from planters. Decks are reinforced with increased slab thickness to hold heavy landscape loads, including small trees.

The planting design at One River North reflects Colorado’s unique climate conditions and vegetation. “As the landscape architect, Davis Partnership Architects interpreted the sculpted architectural forms as displacement created by natural forces,” says Stoecklein. “The team embraced the opportunity to create an experiential design that reflected the diversity of the Rocky Mountain West, ranging from the foothills of Denver to trails, canyons, and alpine meadows.” At the street level, plantings reflect the foothills and plains (think ornamental grasses) while the landscaping at the rooftop is more akin to Colorado’s higher altitudes.

“The design harmonizes the natural world with structured, habitable interiors and exteriors, ensuring a subtle transition rather than an abrupt shift.”

-Karen Hailey, Interior Designer, Davis Partnership Architects, Denver

Iwan Baan Photography

Residents experience a variety of plant life, including a mix of evergreens and sedum carpets, as they ascend higher. “The plant materials vary throughout each implied biome and help to visually encourage movement through the spaces—an inherent quality of biophilia, while embracing the rich seasonal interest that draws Colorado residents to the outdoors,” notes Stoecklein.

Extensive consideration was given to the amount of sun and wind that plants will be exposed to, as well as soil depth, to ensure the vegetation thrives in all the conditions that One River North presents. “Arising from the complexity of architectural forms, the landscape and plant materials will experience a wide range of microclimates within each amenity space,” says Stoecklein. “With more than a decade of experience designing vegetated roofs, the team utilized plants proven hardy to the semi-arid, high-desert climate of Denver.”

PAVERS Stocked in a Natural color with a non-slip Diamond finish, these Natural Diamond pavers are produced with 100% recycled aggregate.

Hanover Pavers, The Standard Ballast Paver

Infused with clam shells, the Chesapeake Collection is available in a range of coastal inspired colors and a variety of sizes. The addition of recycled clam shells boosts the recycled content of the Prest Pavers, helping to earn LEED points and SS Credits.

Hanover Pavers, Chesapeake Collection Prest Paver hanoverpavers.com

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Courtesy: Davis Partnership Architects © Kyla Chambers Photography

ROOFTOP

GREEN ROOF

CANYON LANDSCAPING

The canyon peaks at One River North’s rooftop pool and spa. Residents can connect with others or simply relax in some of the more private areas on the pavered deck.

The Garden Roof Assembly can be found interspersed across the canyon-like crack, private amenity deck units, and the rooftop pool area. A custom blend of Hydrotech LiteTop Growing media was created based on the physical, nutritional, and biological requirements of the different types of plants selected by the designer for the Denver climate. The water stored in the growing media and drainage/retention layer help contribute to the stormwater management requirements of the building.

American Hydrotech, Garden Roof Assembly hydrotechusa.com

PAVER ASSEMBLY The Ultimate Assembly was used at every amenity deck level including the rooftop in an open joint, pedestal paver assembly. The open joints between each paver facilitate water flow to the concealed drains below, while the adjustable pedestals compensate for deck slope to create a level amenity deck. Hydrotech Monolithic Membrane 6125 (MM6125) keeps the exposed canyon façade waterproofed along with the rooftop space. MM6125 is seamless and conforms to all surface irregularities with a 60+ year track record.

American Hydrotech, Ultimate Assembly hydrotechusa.com

Iwan Baan Photography

ARCHITECTURAL TERRACE DOOR

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The Terra Swing Series combines European design with cutting-edge engineering for high-performance terrace doors.

With sleek architectural lines and smooth operation in both inward and outward swings, this system excels in aesthetics, durability, and security. Capable of accommodating up to 1-1/2-in. glass thickness and offering customizable finishes, the Terra Swing Series is the ideal choice for projects where style and performance are top priorities.

Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope obe.com

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Courtesy: Davis Partnership Architects © Kyla Chambers Photography

The building’s plaster forms were carried inside to some of the common areas. Potted plants, soft color choices, and a material palette of natural finishes create continuity between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

“One River North’s form challenged the design team to create interiors that reflect the building’s sculptural identity while delivering serene, livable spaces. The result is a seamless dialogue between architecture and nature, both indoors and out.”

—Karen Hailey, Interior Designer, Davis Partnership Architects, Denver

FLOOR TILE Buildtech/2.0 is a fine porcelain stoneware tile. This cementeffect tile embodies the solidity and industrial charm of cement, making it ideal for spaces with bold and contemporary design.

It is available in colors inspired by nature (white, bone, mud, and coal) and two thicknesses (6mm and 9mm), as well a variety of shapes including mosaic, strip, and brick. Applied to a wide variety of different surfaces in many combinations, it is designed to complement and star in eye-catching projects.

Florim, Buildtech/2.0 florim.com

Bringing the Outside In Davis Partnership Architects designed One River North’s interiors to integrate the building’s organic exterior forms and continue the emphasis on biophilia indoors.

“The dramatic canyon carved through One River North’s façade deeply influenced the interior architecture, shaping a design narrative that flows from exterior to interior. The building’s organic, sculpted form inspired the design for spaces that feel fluid and immersive rather than static or box-like,” says Karen Hailey, Interior Designer, Davis Partnership Architects.

Some of the building’s amenity spaces bring the canyon architecture indoors.

“Undulating plaster forms in the common areas echo the building’s exterior fissure, softening transitions between materials like wood, stone, and

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ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

millwork,” explains Hailey. Other details, such as an enormous boulder in the building’s lobby, bring the natural world inside. “Interior planters also provide the sense of seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces,” she adds.

Even the more traditional design of rental units, while devoid of the building’s signature plaster forms, use natural finishes. Hailey explains: “The material palette includes light white oak, corten steel, natural stone, and windswept wood screen walls, evoking a calm, elemental feel that contrasts intentionally with the vibrant energy of the surrounding RiNo neighborhood.”

07-08 . 2025

F E AT U R E

N AT U R E + L U X U R Y

M U LT I FA M I LY

BATHROOM TILE The NEO GENESIS collection of porcelain stoneware creates elegant surfaces with its semi polished finish.

Available in six natural shades, the tile contains pale veins and a delicately woven pattern. The range of colors include Neo Black, Neo Anthracite (used in One River North bathrooms), NeoGrey, Neo White, Neo Beige, and Neo Dove. NEO GENESIS comes in 8mm and 2cm thicknesses for indoor and outdoor applications.

GranitiFiandre S.p.A. granitifiandre.com

BREEZE BLOCK WALL

Courtesy: Davis Partnership Architects © Kyla Chambers Photography

Designed by Patricia Urquiola, a Spanish architect and designer, Celosia terracotta bricks reflect imperfect and tactile elements that come from the earth. They are aesthetically unique and an extremely functional design element. Sizes include 20.5 × 26, and 5 × 10 cm. Options are limitless for both indoor and outdoor spaces, whether they’re used in residential or commercial environments.

Mutina mutina.it

One River North has been praised as much for its ambitious architectural design, as the lifestyle and connection to nature it facilitates for its residents. For its ability to prioritize health and well-being, the building was awarded Fitwel certification. The Max Collaborative specifically pursued this certification to underscore their dedication to creating a living environment that supports physical and mental health. This accomplishment was earned through air and water quality, access to nature, proximity to open space, outdoor space amenities, and the building’s lush landscaping. “With abundant access to outdoor spaces, both visually from the interior of units to physical access of private balconies and shared amenity spaces, residents have a variety of options to access the rich Colorado landscape,” adds Stoecklein.

07-08 . 2025

One River North answers the call for high-density urban housing in a city of outdoor enthusiasts. “This quote from Kevin [Ratner], who is one of the founders of The Max Collaborative, is pretty indicative of their feeling towards the project.

He says, ‘One River North is the model for how we should be living, surrounding ourselves in the natural environment, bringing nature into our homes, and creating thoughtful, authentic biophilic experiences coupled with modern comforts and conveniences,’” says Kontuly. One River North isn’t asking its residents to sacrifice nature for urban living; it’s making it possible to inhabit both.

ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

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new & improved products

Latest & Greatest Explore the architectural products featuring important advancements in materials and engineering, offering new solutions for common design issues and new tools for taking creativity to the next level.

Looking to incorporate a lighted element or transparency into a building exterior? Seeking gypsum board, wood, or terracotta that works better than traditional gypsum board, wood, or terracotta? Interested in creating interiors with unique character? Need a new machine-room-less (MRL) elevator?

This collection of new products showcases items that are simultaneously more beautiful and better performing than their predecessors. Design building envelopes that embrace more daylight and transform into a showpiece or lantern at night. Use traditional-looking materials without the wellknown hassles that accompany them. Take a look at the latest and greatest new products launching into the market and prepare to be amazed.

LIGHTED BLADES Balancing performance and aesthetics for façade solutions, the Lighted Blades by Construction Specialties are the latest addition to the company’s integration of LED lighting into an extrusion, joining standard airfoils, tubes and demi-fin offerings. With the LED light incorporated into the end, designers can use the sunshade blades to shade a building during the day and light it up with colorful detail at night. Available in a maximum length of 16 ft., the blades can be mounted in vertical or horizontal orientations.

Construction Specialties Lighted Blades c-sgroup.com

Serge Ferrari Frontside TXM-50 HighTransparency Tensile Façade sergeferrari.com

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07-08 . 2025

new & improved

Loudoun Water and NOVA Parks have developed Reservoir Park in eastern Loudoun County, Va., northwest of Washington, D.C.

TRANSLUCENT WALL SYSTEM As part of its first phase of a long-range plan to provide public amenities and sustainable access around the Beaverdam Reservoir, the 60-acre park project includes a shared bike and pedestrian path, welcome center, several pavilions, rental boathouse, educational exhibits, trails and more. One of the park’s main goals is to balance ecological health with recreation and human well-being, and the selection of the Lightwall 3440 system by EXTECH/Exterior Technologies as the cladding for the boathouse on the edge of the reservoir complements the eco-friendly park. The translucent wall system allows natural light to illuminate the boathouse during the day and for it to act as a lantern during other times of day. Used on all four sides of the building, including for the building’s bi-fold door systems, the polycarbonate cladding panels are lightweight while maintaining impact resistance and insulative properties.

EXTECH/Exterior Technologies Lightwall 3440 system extechinc.com

e HIGH-TRANSPARENCY TENSILE FAÇADE Frontside TXM-50 is a high-transparency tensile facade fabric engineered for standout architecture. With 50% openness, this lightweight material delivers unmatched airflow, solar protection, and outward visibility, perfect for sun breakers, facade cladding, and striking building envelopes. Available in a palette of three contemporary tones—white, black, and silver—Frontside TXM-50 allows architects to express creativity without sacrificing technical requirements. The fabric is high-frequency weldable without pre-treatment, ensuring ease of fabrication and installation. With a 10-year warranty, outstanding tear and tensile strength, and compliance with international fire standards such as EN 13501-1 (B-s3, d0) and NFPA 701, Frontside TXM-50 is engineered for longevity and safety in even the most demanding environments.

07-08 . 2025

ADVANCEMENTS IN GYPSUM The EVOLVE product family represents a significant advancement in gypsum board technology, offering heightened performance and lower environmental impact. The EVOLVE product line is also significantly lighter than traditional 5/8-in.

Fire-Shield Gypsum Board, making it an ideal choice for architects, contractors and distributors. “The EVOLVE product line is truly the next evolution of gypsum board products,” said Chris Whitmire, Director of Product Marketing, National Gypsum Company. “EVOLVE allows architects to specify a sustainable board product that is easier on the environment and gives contractors a versatile, lightweight board product which is easier to install. The reduction in board weight also provides transportation efficiency. We are excited to introduce EVOLVE to the construction community.”

National Gypsum Company EVOLVE nationalgypsum.com

ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

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new & improved products

SLIM WALL PACK LIGHTING The AMP SECURE Low Profile Wall Pack by AMP Lighting is a slimmed-down approach to traditional wall pack lighting. It features an integrated selectable lumen output switch with a choice of 4,100, 6,500, 9,000, or 11,500 lumens, as well as a color temperature switch (3000K, 4000K, or 5000K) for on-site adjustments. Ideal for commercial applications such as schools, docks, shopping malls, and hotels, the luminaire is mountable from 10 to 30 ft. and has an integrated photocell for dusk-to-dawn operation and 0-10V dimming as standard features, as well as built-in 4kV surge protection and universal 120-277 voltage.

The wall pack has an IP66-rated die-cast aluminum housing with a corrosion-resistant, marine-grade finish for durability, plus a UV- and impact-resistant polycarbonate lens for uniform light distribution, reduced glare, and pixelation.

TERRACOTTA BUILDING ENVELOPE This innovative facade system combines the timeless beauty of terracotta with modern engineering for highend residential exteriors. Setting a new standard for sustainable cladding, SK1N is made from natural clay and offers a low-maintenance, VOC-free, fully recyclable solution backed by a 100-year warranty. Its rear-ventilated rainscreen design further improves thermal performance and energy efficiency, aligning with the rising demand for greener, more resilient materials.

AMP Lighting AMP Secure Low Profile Wall Pack amplighting.com

Glen-Gery SK1N Terracotta Building Envelope Solution glengery.com

EDGE THERMALLY MODIFIED WOOD This new thermally modified poplar wood siding debuts in solid, two-tone, and raw finishes. Not only does it have great curb appeal, it’s also more durable than typical wood siding because it resists rot. The innovative thermal modification process stabilizes the wood, making it less vulnerable to shrinking and seasonal expansion and contraction. Additionally, our VG Hemlock (1 × 6 and 1 × 8 T&G nickel gap) meets Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) compliance standards, tested and approved for fire-sensitive regions.

UFP-Edge Edge Thermally Modified Wood ufpedge.com

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07-08 . 2025

new & improved

ROOF BOARD As the demand for streamlined labor and material cost solutions remains top of mind, DensDeck ProFast Prime Roof Board by Georgia-Pacific Building Products provides efficiency for roofing installers by reducing the need for fasteners by 30% to 50%. Measuring 3/8-inch thickness, the fiberglass mat reinforced gypsum-based cover board is approximately 20% lighter than the traditional DensDeck Prime, yet this board does not sacrifice strength or durability features as it remains resistant to fire, wind uplift, punctures, foot traffic and hail.

BLADELESS CEILING FAN Exhale Fans introduces the Gen. 5 HVAC Delivery System, an updated version of its flagship product. It’s a bladeless ceiling fan that provides a clean, seamless way to maintain human thermal comfort while saving up to 10% on HVAC energy, with no renovation to currently installed systems required. It delivers balanced room temperature wall to wall and ceiling to floor in all seasons. A redesigned motor supports operational stability and long life and won’t operate if conditions are not normal (for example, if the line voltage is too high or too low). Choose from Warm White or Cool White LED colors.

Exhale Fans Gen. 5 HVAC Delivery System exhalefans.com

Georgia-Pacific Building Products DensDeck ProFast Prime Roof Board buildgp.com

Specify Wooster “Make Every Step a Safe One”

STAIRMASTER® Q Restore Any Stair

DUTCH QUALITY STONE HANDFORMED BRICK

Q Anti-Slip Properties

Handformed Brick by Westlake Royal Building Products delivers an elevated tumbled brick profile and configuration that can bring textured depth and artisanal charm to any space. The manufactured stone is molded with variation for an authentic look at a fraction of the cost of the real thing with a simplified installation process. Available in three colorways, each brick is approximately 2.5-in. high × 8.375-in. long × 1-in. thick.

Q Highly Durable Q ADA, OSHA, and ASTM Compliant

1.800.321.4936 www.woosterproducts.com sales@wooster-products.com PROUDLY MADE

Westlake Royal Building Products Dutch Quality Stone Handformed Brick westlakeroyalbuildingproducts.com

07-08 . 2025

IN THE USA

ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

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new n ew & improved impr prov oved ed e d products pro roducts

MRL ELEVATOR The Schindler 5000 is a machine-room-less (MRL) elevator designed for low- to mid-rise offices, hotels, hospitals, apartment complexes, and more. Available in most U.S. markets, the Schindler 5000 advances Schindler’s MRL offering with taller cars, larger entrances, load capacities up to 5,000 lbs, and travel speeds up to 350 feet per minute (fpm), all while requiring less building space. It comes equipped with Schindler’s innovative regenerative drive system that reduces energy consumption by up to 30%, along with LED lighting and an automatic sleep mode to conserve power when the elevator is not in use.

Schindler Elevator Schindler 5000 schindler.com

Kingspan Insulation OPTIM-R VACUUM insulation panels kingspan.com

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07-08 . 2025

new & improved

DUAL CHANNEL DOOR For applications requiring maximum passive air circulation, the VanAir Dual Channel Door by VanAir delivers increased airflow the equivalent of a 15-in. × 15-in. louver with the benefit of aesthetics and acoustic performance. The ventilated interior door can assist with creating healthy living and working environments as well as tempering heat in mechanical, server, laundry and media rooms. Air travels from two ventilation slots on the front of the door through to the core, and a double-wide, vertical slot.

VanAir VanAir Dual Channel Door vanairdesign.com

e VACUUM INSULATION PANELS An evolution of the OPTIM-R Series vacuum insulation panels line, the OPTIM-R E encapsulated vacuum insulation panel achieves optimum thermal performance in tight spaces without increasing roof height. The rigid panel has a fumed silica core that is encased and sealed in a thin, gas-tight envelope which is encapsulated in a coating that increases durability and reduces risk of handling on site. Aiming to address the demand for energy-efficient roofing solutions in new build and retrofit applications, the center of the panel achieves an R-value of 34.2 per inch, delivering not only one of the thinnest solutions but also low thermal conductivity.

Order Mailboxes & Lockers Factory Direct! %Ζ0 0RGHOV ȏ $XJPHQWHG 5HDOLW\ ȏ 6SHFL FDWLRQV ȏ &$' 'UDZLQJV

Visit us at mailboxes.com and lockers.com

Call Us Today at 1-800-624-5269 07-08 . 2025

Salsbury Industries 18300 Central Ave, Carson, CA 90746-4008

ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

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new & improved products

SCULPTURAL ACOUSTIC LIGHTING Created in collaboration with Abstracta and Khodi Feiz, the Vika Wall Sconce by Unika Vaev redefines the intersection of light and sound. It takes a sculptural approach to acoustic lighting by integrating a softglowing LED hidden discreetly within a panel shaped like a folded wing, delivering an ambient, indirect light that brings warmth without glare. The low-VOC panel features recycled and rapidly renewable content and is Red List compliant.

UNIKA VAEV VIKA Wall Sconce unikavaev.com

FRP WORKS WHERE OTHER MATERIALS CAN’T Corrosion Resistant

Lightweight

EMI & RFI Transparent

High Strengthto-Weight Ratio

LARGE-FORMAT PORCELAIN TILE

Rooftop Cellular Screening Turrets Orlando, FL Low Electrical & Thermal Conductivity

Maintenance Free

Learn More at strongwell.com/AP

ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

• CA

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Proudly Made in the U.S.A.

AMER

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The World Leader in Pultrusion and Pultruded Fiberglass Structures & Shapes

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276-645-8000 info@strongwell.com www.strongwell.com

XLIGHT recreates the look of cement, marble, stone, wood and metal with extraordinary realism. The wide range of large format tiles is ideal for walls and floors with excellent quality and a visual continuity that can elevate the aesthetics of any space. This technical porcelain tile is offered in four finishes—polished, silk, textured and natural. Meet the newest designs to join the XLIGHT family. XLIGHT Nuit (shown here) channels the elegance of dark marble with a contemporary edge. Its deep charcoal surface is traced with fine veining in soft white and grey. XLIGHT Taranto draws inspiration from the beauty of travertine, capturing the organic warmth and texture of stone with precision.

XLIGHT Santorini blends the raw beauty of cement with a refined elegance, delivering the authentic texture and cool tones of concrete.

MER

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Porcelanosa XLIGHT Large-Format Porcelain Tile porcelanosa.com

07-08 . 2025

Innovative structures.

Innovative ideas.

Innovative architects.

IDEAS AWARDS

WANT TO SHOW OFF YOUR WORK? SO DO WE! If you’ve worked on an amazing project recently—or if you have one on the boards— submit it for a 2026 IDEAS Award, presented by the American Institute of Steel Construction and Building Design+Construction.

PRINTED WALL PROTECTION SYSTEM Transform interiors with Aspex Printed Wall Protection, offering design freedom for stunning, durable walls. Customize with images, branding, or statements while preserving your walls. PETG protection guarantees longevity, and clear sheet back-printing maintains graphic vibrancy without scratches.

Inpro Aspex Printed Wall Protection System inprocorp.com

Entries are due September 30, 2025.

aisc.org/ideas

TURTLE-FRIENDLY AMBER LIGHTING DMF Lighting has expanded its M Series and × Series lighting families to include wildlife-friendly downlighting and cylinders, as well as an amber LED solution for lighting coastal areas like hotels and restaurants. The turtlesafe lighting solutions include the M Series 4-in. and × Series 2-in. round and square downlights, as well as the M Series 4-in. and × Series 3-in. cylinders (in the downlight configuration only). The modular design and deep amber LED option follow turtle-safe lighting practices with wavelengths greater than 560 nanometers (nm), recommended by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), as well as the International Dark Sky Association.

Traditional electric lights contain high levels of blue light, which can disorient turtle hatchlings as they head toward the ocean; amber or orange lighting is less distracting for them. The downlights and cylinders feature tool-less, fieldinterchangeable optics, modules, and trims for easy serviceability and on-site aiming flexibility to meet the needs of your specific application.

DMF Lighting M Series and X Series dmflighting.com

200 Park

San Jose, Calif.

07-08 . 2025

2025 Award Winner photo: Jason O’Rear ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

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new & improved products

PANELS

HOUNDSTOOTH MOSAIC The Houndstooth Black Tie mosaic design is part of the recently expanded Foundation Collection, available for rapid production in square-foot modules and shipping within 2 to 4 weeks. Made from Artaic’s most popular material, Vitreous Glass, which is inherently durable and resistant to water, easy to clean, and suitable for indoor and outdoor spaces. All designs in the Foundation collection, including new designs and colorways, are fully designed, manufactured, and inventoried in the U.S., and are Build America, Buy America certified.

Feeney, a leading manufacturer of quality architectural products and pioneer of cable railings, is thrilled to introduce the Kerrie Kelly x Feeney DesignRail LaserCut Collection, a design-forward series of laser-cut panels created in collaboration with award-winning designer and Feeney brand ambassador Kerrie Kelly. Made for indoor and outdoor applications, this collection offers intricate panel designs inspired by architectural icons, global textures, and timeless patterns. These panels merge artistry and architectural functionality.

Feeney Feeney x Kerrie Kelly LaserCut Collection for DesignRail Custom Panels feeneyinc.com

Artaic Houndstooth Black Tie Foundation Collection artaic.com

Uline

We provide quality shipping, packaging and industrial supplies to businesses across North America.

From tape and tags to boxes and bubble, everything’s in stock. Order by 6 PM for same day shipping.

Best service and selection – experience the difference. Please call 1-800-295-5510 or visit uline.com

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ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

07-08 . 2025

Where Aluminum Becomes Legend We color outside the lines to transform aluminum into bold, high-performance material, right here in the USA.

LORIN

®

See the story at: Legend.Lorin.com

We Are Anodized Aluminum

SPONSORED

CASE STUDY | HEALTHCARE LANDSCAPES

Nature and Custom Design Come Together to Heal Enhancing patient care with a therapeutic garden that uplifts and inspires at Monument Health’s Cancer Care Institute in Rapid City, South Dakota.

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A Space to Heal. A Landscape to Inspire.

Customized L I N E panels shelter, soothe and inspire at Monument Health’s Healing Garden designed by HDR. The illuminated perforations invoke the organic contours of the neighboring Black Hills, creating a calming landscape by day and an uplifting glow by night.

Monument Health Cancer Care Institute | Rapid City, SD L I N E Landscape Panels Landscape Forms | A Modern Craft Manufacturer

Robert Benson Photography

Function

The Secrets for Designing Great Acoustics into a Mass Timber Structure State-of-the-art performance halls can be made from timber, concrete and stone, the Groton Hill Music Center provides an incredible real-world example of next-level acoustics in a sustainable shell.

By Barbara Horwitz-Bennett, contributing writer

In the Boston Globe article, “Pianist Jeremy Denk proves the new—and acoustically stunning— Meadow Hall is worth the schlep,” writer A.Z. Madonna describes the extraordinary acoustic sensitivity of the performance venue in this way, “If you arrive at a concert at the new Groton Hill Music Center’s Meadow Hall and you think you might be too warm with your jacket on, you should probably take it off before the lights go down. Need a cough drop? Unwrap it. And for the love of music, and your fellow concertgoers, make sure your phone is silenced. Cambridge-based architecture firm Epstein Joslin and Chicago’s Threshold Acoustics may have created the region’s most acoustically alive concert

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ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

venue with Meadow Hall, a warm and modern room furnished in handsome blond wood.”

The praise for the acoustic performance of this venue is all the more surprising and intriguing because the structure is mass timber.

“Mass timber, steel, and concrete, when used together, can achieve multiple objectives, including long spans, acoustic mass, and architectural beauty and warmth in the spaces,” explains David J. Odeh, SE (CA, IL, GA, UT), PE, F.ASCE, F.SEI, senior vice president, national director of building structures, WSP USA, Providence, R.I.

Classical performance venues were traditionally built from heavy masonry walls, plaster and wood paneling. That’s because these materials bounce and diffuse sound waves around the room over a calibrated period of time. The team recognized that mass timber represented a “significant and acoustically risky reduction in mass” compared to traditional concert halls. To compensate, Carl Giegold, faia, founding partner, Threshold Acoustics, and his team employed a three-pronged strategy: 1) We made the superstructure exceptionally stiff through stout laminated curved columns and an 8-ft. structural bay that limited plank spans to under 7 ft.

07-08 . 2025

Alan Joslin

Exterior Panels + Stainless Steel Roofing Selected for its aesthetic qualities, glare reduction, rust resistance, and climate-friendly benefits, the architects specified InvariMatte micro textured stainless steel flat lock exterior panels and stainless steel roofing shingles. As opposed to media blasting, Rigidized Metals’ engineered metal surfaces are produced with a cold rolling process.

INSPIRED BY A BARN AND AN ORCHARD

The design of the Groton Music Center is imbued with the sense of vernacular New England architecture. On the exterior, it is a farmhouse building type clad in a palette of barn red, white, and gray with metal shingle sheathing. The interior features timber barn framing on fieldstone piers and fieldstone walls. Repeated tree-like elements evoke an experience of walking through a local orchard. This rustic aesthetic balances a contemporary form customized to create a world-class performance venue.

Rigidized Metals Corporation, InvariMatte rigidzed.com

“The structure itself becomes the acoustic treatment. Aesthetically, it harmonizes with the rural barn vernacular while delivering performance that spans from solo recitals to full symphony to amplified rock.”

—Carl Giegold, faia, Founding Partner, Threshold Acoustics

2) We strategically spray-applied 6 to 8 inches of shotcrete on the walls and ceilings, providing just enough mass for acoustic warmth while using far less material than conventional construction.

3) We turned the timber itself into a diffusion instrument, with curved glulam columns creating convex surfaces large enough to diffuse even the lowest audible frequencies, while chamfered plank edges and bolted connections add high-frequency diffusion.

“The resultant mix of direct and reflected sound contributes to a pleasing aural warmth, depth and clarity found most desirable for unamplified music,” explains Alan Joslin, faia, Epstein Joslin Architects, Cambridge, Mass.

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The Basic Mass Timber Components The new mass timber venue in New England is nearly 126,000 square-feet. Despite its size, and complex volume, the structure breaks down into a few basic components: X The columns resembling trees are two or four straight-sloped glued laminated members connected at a common base plate on concrete piers, which appear as “trunks”.

X “Tuning fork” columns consist of two curved glued-laminated members placed back to back and used in two different orientations.

X Utilizing tongue and groove decking, vertically curved walls were created along the height of the tuning fork columns. The reverse curvature of the column forms supported convex surfaces on the upper or lower walls based on what was needed acoustically.

X Roofs over the concert hall and recital hall utilize unique hybrid timber/steel trusses with exposed curved glued-laminated bottom chords and gable-shaped steel top chords. Ceilings in these spaces were constructed using tongue-andgroove timber decking, connecting the truss bottom chords to create convex curved volumes.

The main structural wood components are glue laminated post and beam southern yellow pine framing, supporting tongue and groove wood decking. The shaping of the wood members took its cues from the body of a piano, and the plank and ribbing construction of boat hulls.

mass timber framing requires custom software tools to facilitate the design process for the members and their connections.

“In order to create the complex room surface, a dado joint was cut along the sides of each of the wall columns and ceiling beams, allowing tongue and groove decking to be slid in and staked against adjoining members. Spanning between columns and beams, the resulting surface could follow the curves of the columns and beams in plan and section, and remain as the room finish,” explains Joslin.

“The curved glulam columns provide large-scale diffusion at low frequencies. They're essentially acoustic sculptures that happen to hold up the building,” explains Giegold. “The hybrid timber/steel trusses with curved glulam bottom chords and steel top chords create the convex ceiling geometry, with tongue-and-groove decking connecting the bottom chords into seamless curved forms.”

“In the corners of the room, full height fieldstoneclad concrete walls were tied into the timber frame to provide resistance against horizontal forces of wind and earthquakes,” he adds.

While structural engineers like WSP have developed customized applications to automate design and optimize structural sizes and weights for structural steel and concrete, the specialized nature of the

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07-08 . 2025

Glulam Customized in a variety of shapes and sizes, structural glulam units are available in columns, trusses, arches, purlins and beams for flooring and roofing. Glulam systems can be fabricated with steel and hardware. For Groton Hill, Unalam served as the timber fabricator and detailer on the project.

Unalam unalam.com

Robert Benson Photography

Curved glued-laminated beams support tongue and groove decking in the roof. The curvature repeats to create a sinusoidal wave along the length of the orchard.

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ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

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Lighting Ripman Lighting Consultants of Belmont, MA, in close collaboration with Alan Joslin and Deborah Epstein of Epstein Joslin Architects, designed over thirty families of custom fixtures for the project. All use deeply dimmable, high CRI, 2700K LED sources, with no flicker.

The project has won four awards from the IES: a Guth Award for excellence in interior lighting, an award for site lighting, an award for controls design, and an award for collaborative design process.

Crenshaw Lighting crenshawlighting.com

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07-08 . 2025

Clerestory Windows For the clerestory windows in the Groton Hill Concert Hall, Meadow Hall and Skyview Room, Epstein Joslin Architects specified high performance insulated translucent Solera glazing units. The glass delivers a high level of diffusion enhancing occupant comfort while harnessing natural light.

Advanced Glazings advancedclazings.com

Robert Benson Photography

Veneer Stone

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The 4-in. and 6-in. veneer stone covering the interior columns is Connecticut Quartzite.

Made from pure quartz sandstone, Quartzite is a hard metamorphic stone.

Available in a variety of colors, finishes and patterns, the material offers similar aesthetic qualities as marble including vibrant colors and free flowing veins, but is stronger and more durable.

Connecticut Stone connecticutstone.com

ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

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Chairs Made in the US with low emitting and recycled content, the architects specified a few Luna Textiles for chair coverings. The Woohl fabric in Marsh army green is made from 60% post-consumer recycled polyester, Spellbound is made from wool, nylon and cotton, and the Propeller fabric is cotton, nylon and polyester.

Luna Textiles lunatextiles.com

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This structure was built, shaped, and finished to speak acoustically the way that it needs to. Shotcrete added mass to ceilings and walls. Side walls were curved to sustain reverberation without causing acoustic focus. Integrating lighting & seating into those carefully shaped spaces was a challenge.

Shotcrete With the assistance of high-tension guide wires, steel rods and strategically placed guide forms, Shotcrete is a method of applying concrete through a nozzle at a high velocity onto a surface. For Groton Hill, the shotcrete was sprayed onto the timber walls and ceilings to create significant mass to help support acoustic performance.

South Shore Gunite ssgshotcrete.com

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07-08 . 2025

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Acoustic Modeling As opposed to a rectangular, shoe-box-type hall, the building team opted for a curvaceous form that wraps the audience around the back of the stage to create a more intimate setting.

The reason the design team could approach this radical shaping of the hall with a reasonable sense of confidence in its acoustic performance was due to the availability of digital acoustic modeling software.

“We studied design changes iteratively, verifying each move through an immersive sound experience rather than just numbers on a screen,” explains Giegold. “ODEON acoustic modeling software handled the room shaping studies while custom Finite Difference Time Domain analyses written in MATLAB evaluated specific diffusion elements like the operable rear wall.”

The architectural computer model could be acoustically tested by varying frequency waves from a virtual sound source on the virtual stage and graphically observed as the sound data is dispersed around the hall's surface geometry. “Any problem seats could be identified and geometric adjustments could be further tested to guide refinements in the final overall design shaping,” says Joslin.

The glass curtain wall backdrop of the 300-seat Meadow Hall showcases the rural farm fields surrounding the prairie meadows 40 miles northwest of Boston.

Once the team arrived at the basic acoustical configuration, the next step was fine tuning the reverberations with the help of a 22-channel sound simulation studio in Threshold’s offices.

“There, sitting in a fixed seat surrounded by a careful arrangement of speakers, the client’s orchestra conductor and executive director could experience the modeled sound from various virtual ‘seating locations’ around the hall,” relates Joslin. “Not only could they virtually move from seat to seat, they could also hear the relative changes in the hall’s sound as the ceiling height was slowly increased.”

Robert Benson Photography

Room Acoustics Software

The Skyview Room is used for full orchestral and ensemble rehearsals, public receptions and expanded lobby space.

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Simulate and measure the interior acoustics of buildings with a 3D model of the project and the surface properties of the various materials found throughout the space. Acoustics can be predicted, illustrated and listened to.

ODEON Room Acoustics Software odeon.dk

07-08 . 2025

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specifier's solution

Windows + Doors

New Airport Terminal Preserves the Santa Barbara Experience A complement to the Spanish Colonial Revival style with custom steel windows and doors.

Preserving the “Santa Barbara airport experience” was official policy for the small Santa Barbara Municipal Airport when building the new 72,000sq.-ft. terminal building.

The new terminal was designed to look old and in-line with the predominant Spanish Colonial Revival architecture of the city. The design incorporates established style features—white stucco walls and red tile roofs with accents in wrought iron, decorative tile, stenciled wood beams and, of course, traditional steel windows.

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The Jamestown175 Series steel windows were used throughout the airport concourse and gate areas.

The project also featured custom-built dramatic arched entrances to the terminal—a feature that is repeated at the rear airfield-facing side of the building and on the interior upper floor restaurant and departure lounge area. These immense windows allow wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Ynez Mountains and the Goleta Slough State Marine Park nature reserve.

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specifier's solution

Public + Cultural

Photos: Lawrence Anderson Studio

According to HNTB, this was the largest public project in Santa Barbara’s history, the new terminal blends with the area’s historic, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture while providing state-of-the-art systems and modern amenities.

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport,

In addition to the architectural aesthetic, the “Santa Barbara Airport experience” also means preserving open-air features that passengers have enjoyed for decades. Natural light, ample ventilation, lush landscaping and scenic views help achieve a connection between indoors and out. A ground-floor observation deck, surrounded by custom steel wind screens, was added to provide a place for the public to take in the scenery and watch airplanes arrive.

Hope’s Windows provided several specialized products including custom fire-rated steel windows and doors, sliding baggage doors, 5000 Series automatic sliding entrance doors, and wind screen windows.

Environmental sustainability was a key objective of the design. The 100% recycled steel profiles contributed credits toward LEED Gold certification.

Santa Barbara, Calif.

Toledo, Ohio Architect: HNTB Architecture PRODUCTS: Hope’s Windows Jamestown175 Series steel windows, Custom fire-rated steel windows and doors, Sliding baggage doors, 5000 Series automatic sliding entrance doors, Wind screen windows hopeswindows.com

PROJECT SPECS

07-08 . 2025

ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

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specifier's solution

Exterior Panels

A Story of Color and Form in the Canadian West The BMO Centre facade, with its distinctive range of ALUCOBOND PLUS finishes, demonstrates the power of material choice in realizing a compelling architectural narrative on a grand scale.

The BMO Centre expansion in Calgary, Alberta is now complete. The city’s premier venue for events and exhibitions since 1982, now boasts an additional 565,000 sq. ft.—which includes an entirely new third floor and stunning new form that adds a distinct, copper-glinted flair to the Calgary skyline.

Spearheaded by Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, the Calgary Stampede, and The City of Calgary, this world-class convention center honors the region’s western heritage while symbolizing a bold vision and ambition for growth.

The collaborative design effort of Stantec (local architect of record), Populous (design architect) and S2 Architecture (lead contract administrators) sought inspiration from the unique tapestry of Calgary—its flowing rivers and rolling foothills harmonizing with the vibrant energy of the annual Stampede, an iconic ten-day event showcasing rodeo competitions, agricultural exhibitions and cultural festivities that celebrates the spirit of the

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Canadian West. This vision demanded an exterior cladding material that could not only embody these visual themes, but also the durability to withstand varying temperatures and the flexibility and integration necessary for a complex architectural form.

“ALUCOBOND PLUS was instrumental in allowing us to achieve the design intent for the BMO Centre expansion,” shared Matthew Craig, senior technical lead at Stantec, whose scope included overseeing the technical design and detailing for the project. “Its ability to be formed into complex shapes and integrate seamlessly with other building systems was crucial in bringing the vision of a dynamic, copper-inspired façade to life.”

ALUCOBOND PLUS consists of two sheets of smooth 0.020-in. aluminum thermo-bonded to a solid, fireretardant core and has been developed exclusively to allow architects and designers to meet today’s fire

performance requirements set by the International Building Code (IBC) while using ACM as the material of choice.

For this project, the design team envisioned a multi-layered façade that told the story of Calgary and the Stampede. The Centre’s base, clad in brick, represents the rugged foundation and the dust of the rodeo. The mid-level, characterized by expansive glazing, offers a dynamic connection to the exterior surroundings, allowing the thousands of annual meeting goers who spend hours within the convention center each year to remain visually engaged with the vibrant cityscape and the energy of the events unfolding outside. Crowning the structure is the expansive third floor, encompassing the lion’s share of the project’s surface area, where a carefully curated palette of ALUCOBOND PLUS finishes was installed.

07-08 . 2025

specifier's solution

Public + Cultural

“The repetitive pattern central to the client’s vision required a material that could deliver absolute consistency over a vast area, and ALUCOBOND PLUS was the clear choice for this critical aspect.”

—Matthew Craig, senior technical lead at Stantec

BMO Centre Calgary, Alberta, Canada Design Team: Stantec, Populous and S2 Architecture PRODUCTS:

ALUCOBOND 4mm ALUCOBOND PLUS ACM Colors: Brushed Antique Copper, Atacama Bronze Metallic, Almandine Garnet Metallic and Custom Mill Finish Antique Copper alucobondusa.com

PROJECT SPECS

07-08 . 2025

The Almandine Garnet Metallic, a rich, jewel-tone, comes alive in the sunlight, adding vibrancy that is reminiscent of the energy and excitement of the Stampede. Complementing this, the Brushed Antique Copper offers a warm, textured counterpoint, echoing the gleam of aged pennies and wellworn leather. The inclusion of Atacama Bronze Metallic provides an earthiness, while the custom Mill Finish Antique Copper adds a bespoke touch, further enhancing the visual richness. The interplay of these metallic and brushed shades effectively mirrors the ornate metalwork of cowboy belt buckles and aged pennies, adding a layer of sophisticated detail to the building’s crown.

“The repetitive pattern central to the client’s vision required a material that could deliver absolute consistency over a vast area, and ALUCOBOND PLUS was the clear choice for this critical aspect,” Craig explained.

Crucially, ALUCOBOND PLUS offered the necessary flexibility for integration with the window system while serving as a show-stopping design element on the third floor, which takes center stage from every angle. “ALUCOBOND PLUS was the best choice to create the form and function of the structure,” Craig emphasized.

The adaptability of ALUCOBOND PLUS also allowed for its application on a complex, curved section of the roof, creating a fluid transition from wall to canopy. Its use in the soffits further contributes to the cohesive and refined aesthetic of the updated BMO Centre.

The complex geometry of the BMO Centre expansion demanded precision in both fabrication and installation. PCL Construction, leveraging their expertise, oversaw the integration of the ALUCOBOND PLUS panels across the extensive building envelope. To ensure a seamless installation, they engaged experts including Flynn Canada, who brought specialized experience in ACM installation.

“ALUCOBOND PLUS was instrumental in giving shape to our design ideas,” stated Matthew Craig.

“The material’s versatility allowed us to craft a dynamic and modern façade that seamlessly blends with the extraordinary site conditions and the unique cultural context of the Calgary Stampede.”

The dynamic interplay of colors and forms achieved with ALUCOBOND PLUS ensures that the BMO Centre will leave a lasting impression on Calgary’s skyline and its visitors for years to come.

ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

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Surfaces

Bring the Glimmer of Gold to Van Cleef & Arpels’ Facade

PHOTOS: SLIMPACT

Technically advanced glass from Pulp Studio infuses luxury into the retail exterior.

Renowned as one of the world’s most prestigious shopping destinations, the Bal Harbour Shops attract a global clientele of the most esteemed socialites, fashionistas and celebrities. Within this luxurious setting, the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique beautifully highlights the jeweler’s exceptional craftsmanship— blending lush, tropical elements inspired by Miami with the elegance of its French heritage, creating a seamless fusion of classic sophistication and contemporary design.

This Van Cleef & Arpels storefront showcases Pulp Studio’s ongoing commitment to transforming facades into vibrant expressions of luxury and design excellence.

The retail store reflects the jewelers’ recent campaign— a radiant bloom of golden petals.

Van Cleef & Arpels

The entryway features a stunning gold façade by Pulp Studio that is adorned with live flowers and greenery. Pulp Studio used a complicated, multilayer metallic fabric that illuminates the exterior of the building in shimmering gold. Of the 26 pieces of glass used for the project, four featured a black D2G border. The following glass specifications were used to create this extraordinary exterior: ¼-in. low iron heat strengthened, .060 Clear SGP, .060 Clear SGP, ½-in. low iron tempered, .120 Clear SGP and ½-in. low iron heat strengthened.

“These projects extend far beyond the decorative glass we’re known for in transportation, civic, and educational environments,” says Kirk Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Pulp Studio. “They mark an exciting evolution for our company. With unmatched innovation, design, quality, and service, we’ve crafted custom façades for some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Pulp Studio is stronger than ever—and we’re just getting started.”

Miami, FL Design Team/Architect: Design Republic Partners Architects, LLP Structural Engineer: Bromley Cook PRODUCTS:

SLIMPACT in partnership with Pulp Studio as fabricator Multi-layered metallic fabricrulonco.com

PROJECT SPECS

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Photos courtesy of Spacesmith

last d detail: etail: et l:: a architectural rchitect rc c tural leader leade der de

INFUSING FEELINGS OF FUN & SAFETY

For the SCO Family of Services Genovese Family Life Center’s waiting room in Queens, N.Y., pastels, high-backed, comfortable seating and clear lines of sight help to create a safe, upbeat environment for children and families seeking therapeutic services. The exam rooms and treatment areas were designed with colorful elements, biophilic prints and playful lighting.

Talking Trauma-Informed Design Expert tips for crafting interiors to create a sense of safety, protection, and calm.

Naturally gravitating towards projects that serve people in need, the community-focused firm Spacesmith was a great fit for Puerto Rican interior designer Ámbar Margarida. “Spaces for foster care, reentry programs and legal services, these are often the places where design is overlooked, but where it’s most needed,” she explains. “What excites me is using thoughtful, trauma-informed strategies to create environments that help people feel safe, seen and supported. It’s incredibly rewarding to design spaces that uplift both staff and the communities they serve.”

Toward this end, Margarida eventually became a subject matter expert in trauma-informed design. This growing field of research-based design identifies design strategies that make people, who might be in a vulnerable state, feel safer and more protected.

“People who have experienced trauma often have heightened sensitivity to their surroundings—sights, sounds, unpredictability, crowding and harsh stimuli—can trigger anxiety or re-traumatization. In contrast, well-designed spaces can reduce stress hormones, encourage emotional regulation, support attention and connection, and restore dignity and agency,” she says.

The concept of trauma-informed design is based on the trauma-informed care model which was developed back in the 1990s based on research like the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kaiser Permanente. That study links early trauma to lasting effects on health, cognition, behavior and social connection.

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Examples of trauma-informed design in a social services setting include design features like soothing artwork, informational signage, daylighting, views to nature, clear sight lines and furniture with high backs to help people feel protected and more at ease.

Ámbar Margarida, principal with the New York-based Spacesmith.

Trauma-Based Design Best Practices A great case study is the SCO Family of Services Genovese Family Life Center in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, N.Y. This regional hub empowers children, adults and families through life-changing care, housing, education and behavioral health support—helping them to overcome challenges and to succeed. With this in mind, Margarida’s team transformed an outdated four-story, 30,000 sq.-ft. building into a colorful, comfortable and engaging space that provides therapeutic services.

“Curved corners, weighted and residential-style furniture, dimmable lighting, and textile-acoustic interventions make the environment both safe and calming” says Margarida.

The designers selected biophilic and botanical prints, stone and grain-patterned carpets, and woodgrain doors. The furniture is designed as weighted seating with curvature and high backs that can be easily reconfigured. Specified products include Herman Miller sofas, Allsteel and Stylex armchairs. The pastel color palette of blues and greens creates a soothing environment. The team selected Marset pendants and dimmable lighting for the counseling rooms to give patrons a sense of emotional comfort and control.

—Barbara Horwitz-Bennett, contributing writer

Sharing some design tips for creating safe, comforting spaces, Margarida lists: X Spatial Clarity and Predictability. Avoid confusing circulation and keep floor plans intuitive with minimal dead ends. Use thresholds and layered entries to support a sense of gradual transition.

X Biophilic Design and Nature-Inspired Elements. Incorporate natural textures— woodgrain, stone, plant forms—and daylight to support calm spaces.

X Acoustic and Visual Privacy. High-STC partitions, sound-absorbing materials and controlled lighting zones. Create quiet rooms, phone booths, or nooks for decompression.

X Residential & Empowering Furniture. Avoid clinical or institutional cues. Select weighted chairs—as opposed to bolted down institutional furnishings—and curved furniture to support emotional and physical safety.

X Calm, Non-Triggering Colors and Lighting.

Pastels, earth tones and circadian lighting that respond to time of day. Avoid blinking lights, stark contrasts, and loud patterns.

X Choice and Empowerment in the Environment. Flexible furniture, personal lighting controls, and movable dividers. Spaces that allow people to define their boundaries and feel in control.

07-08 . 2025

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