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RE: Ask an Architect
September 29, 2015 at 1:29 pm
When the Chesapeake Bridge and Tunnel was rammed by a ship many years ago, they rapidly put the bridge back together and got it open.
What I'm wondering is, how did they rebuild the piers in the exact same spot with the smashed and sheared off remains of the old ones right where they needed to put their 150' (IIRC) pilings at ??
Ever look at plans and drawings for the Chicago Spire??? it would have been amazing. I have seen the unfinished foundation work. How long could the foundation sit there and still be usable ??
The granting of a pardon is an imputation of guilt, and the acceptance a confession of it.
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RE: Ask an Architect
September 29, 2015 at 4:34 pm
(September 29, 2015 at 11:52 am)TheRocketSurgeon Wrote: I'm curious to know what you think of Biotechture and the future of architecture as a potential source of environmental impact reduction (by building houses and business structures that don't simply suck up resources, etc), either through tax incentives to build in new ways or by penalizing less-efficient methodologies to the point they're no longer economically viable for the builders.
LEED certifications are a joke, because you can green-wash almost any building product. Most building innovations are driven by economic factors. LED light conversions, HVAC innovations and smart building technologies are done to save money not the planet. Generally, improved resource utilization is more economical. Tax incentives stifle innovation IMHO because they bolster products with slim returns.
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RE: Ask an Architect
September 29, 2015 at 5:28 pm
(September 29, 2015 at 4:34 pm)ChadWooters Wrote: (September 29, 2015 at 11:52 am)TheRocketSurgeon Wrote: I'm curious to know what you think of Biotechture and the future of architecture as a potential source of environmental impact reduction (by building houses and business structures that don't simply suck up resources, etc), either through tax incentives to build in new ways or by penalizing less-efficient methodologies to the point they're no longer economically viable for the builders.
LEED certifications are a joke, because you can green-wash almost any building product. Most building innovations are driven by economic factors. LED light conversions, HVAC innovations and smart building technologies are done to save money not the planet. Generally, improved resource utilization is more economical. Tax incentives stifle innovation IMHO because they bolster products with slim returns.
I'm sorry, Chad. I was apparently unclear. I am not interested in the best way to stimulate innovation, only mentioning the government/incentive angle as "an aside". I was asking what you think about the technologies, what directions you think it could take, etc.
I'm very interested in things like Earthships and other passive solar designs, circulatory air thermal-envelope walls/attics, and things like that, from an engineering POV. But I'm not up to date on the state of the art, and I'm curious to know what's being done now, and where things are going.
A Christian told me: if you were saved you cant lose your salvation. you're sealed with the Holy Ghost
I replied: Can I refuse? Because I find the entire concept of vicarious blood sacrifice atonement to be morally abhorrent, the concept of holding flawed creatures permanently accountable for social misbehaviors and thought crimes to be morally abhorrent, and the concept of calling something "free" when it comes with the strings of subjugation and obedience perhaps the most morally abhorrent of all... and that's without even going into the history of justifying genocide, slavery, rape, misogyny, religious intolerance, and suppression of free speech which has been attributed by your own scriptures to your deity. I want a refund. I would burn happily rather than serve the monster you profess to love.
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RE: Ask an Architect
September 29, 2015 at 6:59 pm
(September 29, 2015 at 5:28 pm)TheRocketSurgeon Wrote: I'm very interested in things like Earthships and other passive solar designs, circulatory air thermal-envelope walls/attics, and things like that, from an engineering POV. But I'm not up to date on the state of the art, and I'm curious to know what's being done now, and where things are going. Green roofs are really big right now. The biggest challenge there is picking out the right kind of vegetation for a rooftop environment, i.e. shallow roots and extreme weather resistance. Rain screens are making a come-back too. The really exciting stuff for me is in engineered materials, stronger lighter and more wear-resistant.
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Ask an Architect
September 29, 2015 at 7:39 pm
What do you think of building codes?
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RE: Ask an Architect
September 29, 2015 at 7:51 pm
(September 29, 2015 at 7:39 pm)KUSA Wrote: What do you think of building codes?
Depends on the purpose of the code. Model codes like NFPA (national fire protection association) are research based and proven strategies for ensuring life safety during emergencies. But there are others like parts of the Chicago Building Code that only exist to protect the interests of trade unions.
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RE: Ask an Architect
September 29, 2015 at 7:52 pm
Have you been the architect of any famous building?
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RE: Ask an Architect
September 30, 2015 at 1:14 am
(September 29, 2015 at 7:51 pm)ChadWooters Wrote: (September 29, 2015 at 7:39 pm)KUSA Wrote: What do you think of building codes?
Depends on the purpose of the code. Model codes like NFPA (national fire protection association) are research based and proven strategies for ensuring life safety during emergencies. But there are others like parts of the Chicago Building Code that only exist to protect the interests of trade unions.
You're in Chicago? Man, I'm so jealous of that city. I saw a special on them, just last year. They have been quietly moving in the "green roof" and other environmental-building concepts direction for the past two decades, and the stuff I saw on the special was amazing. I especially liked that old El-train track that they made into a garden walkway through the city. Magnifique!
A Christian told me: if you were saved you cant lose your salvation. you're sealed with the Holy Ghost
I replied: Can I refuse? Because I find the entire concept of vicarious blood sacrifice atonement to be morally abhorrent, the concept of holding flawed creatures permanently accountable for social misbehaviors and thought crimes to be morally abhorrent, and the concept of calling something "free" when it comes with the strings of subjugation and obedience perhaps the most morally abhorrent of all... and that's without even going into the history of justifying genocide, slavery, rape, misogyny, religious intolerance, and suppression of free speech which has been attributed by your own scriptures to your deity. I want a refund. I would burn happily rather than serve the monster you profess to love.
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