MarketScale AEC 02/13/19: How Design Can Protect Against the Next Polar Vortex

Extreme weather is one of the inevitable struggles of life. The recent polar vortex that swept across the United States really brought that into focus. The second feature of today’s episode of the MarketScale AEC podcast deals with how the industry can cope with extreme weather from a design perspective.

Our first feature on this week’s show takes a look at how the UK Research and Innovation Group is funding the future of technology for the construction industry.

Construction Technology Is Coming Fast; Here are 4 Tips to Get Ready

Construction technology is coming full-speed, a new McKinsey report says.

“The engineering and construction industry is at the cusp of a new era, with technology start-ups creating new applications and tools that are changing how companies design, plan and execute projects,” the report’s authors write.

They point to significant investment in construction technology as a sign of what’s to come. In this episode of Marketscale AEC, we explore McKinsey’s report, how the UK is investing millions in technology, and how AEC company leaders can take the first steps to join this tech revolution happening.

It’s clear. Technology is the shiny new tool that’s making complex construction projects not just possible, but more productive, on time, and on budget.

Achieving Thermal Comfort with Dr. George Berghorn of Michigan State University

The Polar vortex has come and gone, but what about the next one? Is there anything we can do to improve thermal comfort in our homes and workplaces?

On this episode we’re joined by Dr. George H. Berghorn, Professor of Construction Management at the School of Planning, Design and Construction at Michigan State University and he breaks down the different dynamics of insulation, efficient building exteriors, and optimal thermal design in the residential and commercial markets. He also explains the variables that need to be accounted for during the planning phase and about the kind of innovation we can expect in the near future.

“Sorta the new rule of thumb if you talk to energy auditors and very energy efficient builders, they’ll tell you that the only thing that should go in an attic is insulation,” he says. “Don’t use it for storage. The reason being is that you want to get as much insulation into that attic as you possibly can, so you minimize heat loss out through the roof of the house.”

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