AEC News You Can Use Blog

Recent court filings have revealed new details in a lawsuit against Northwest Arkansas-based HGTV stars Dave and Jenny Marrs.

The details suggest that companies related to the couple are responsible for a safety concern and nearly two dozen code violations for a house built in 2022.

Bentonville couple Matthew and Sarah McGrath filed the lawsuit in February 2023, claiming the house had multiple defects and the companies who built the home – Jupiter Rentals and Marrs Construction, both owned by Dave Marrs – had breached a contract, according to KNWA/KFTA.

Dave and Jenny Marrs are the stars of HGTV shows “Rock the Block” and “Fixer to Fabulous.”

After months of back and forth and failed attempts at court-ordered mediation, a settlement still hasn’t been reached.

The two parties are headed toward a five-day trial scheduled for 9 a.m. on Sept. 23 at the Benton County Courthouse.

Now, evidence shared in the 45-page filing reveals what led up to the lawsuit.

Filed on March 29, 2024, it says that a local contractor found nearly two dozen code issues and violations, as well as a “critical safety issue” on the property.

The filing included a letter from the McGraths’ legal counsel to Dave Marrs and a report of findings for a structural investigation carried out by an Arkansas-based contractor.

In the letter, dated Jan. 3, 2023, professional estimates put the costs at $38,740 for repair and proper construction of drive and walkways, and $47,862 for landscaping and grading, including installation of a French drain.

But the estimates didn’t include the nearly $1,900 expended by the McGraths “in attempts to discover the extent of the flaws in the construction of the home,” according to the letter.

“Please understand, these reports do not completely detail the remedial work that needs to be performed to rectify the many failures in workmanship but only represent my clients’ current understanding of.. Read More Here

The 2024 Pritzker Prize, widely regarded as architecture’s Nobel, has again been awarded to a Japanese architect.
In an announcement from Chicago on March 5, Yokohama-based architect Riken Yamamoto was named the recipient of this year’s award, which is dedicated to “a living architect whose built work demonstrates a combination of those qualities of talent, vision and commitment, which has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture.”

This makes Yamamoto, 78, the ninth Japanese person to be awarded the prestigious honor. No country has produced more laureates than Japan in the prize’s 45-year history, an indication of the high regard that its architects and architecture are held in globally.

The Pritzker’s jury citation identifies Yamamoto’s sustained focus on engendering human connection through built space as being his defining contribution to architecture.

“In his long, coherent, rigorous career,” the Pritzker jury writes, “Riken Yamamoto has managed to produce architecture both as background and foreground to everyday life, blurring boundaries between its public and private dimensions, and multiplying opportunities for people to meet spontaneously, through precise, rational design strategies.”

Unlike many other laureates, Yamamoto is not a household name. But his work and approach have long been admired within the Japanese architectural scene. His work is unostentatious, devoted to the plan rather than the concept or the image, and ultimately most concerned with that most fundamental “material” of architectural space: social patterns and human connection. His colleague and sometime collaborator, the late Kazuhiro Kojima, once wrote of his astonishment at hearing Yamamoto state that “museums and public halls do not excite me. ... Collective housing and schools are more interesting.”

Private and public
This interest in what the Pritzker citation calls “the responsibility of the social demand” can be seen from Yamamoto’s earliest works, which, as is the case for most young architects, were inevitably.. Read More Here

Lebond is an unusual brand for a number of reasons, but possibly chief among them for the reason that famous architects design each of their watches. Although it is not new to have an architect design a watch, making this element the core of a brand’s DNA certainly is.

Founded by Asier Mateo— an architect himself— Lebond’s first watch, launched in 2023, was designed by the Portuguese grand master of architecture, Alvaro Siza. He took inspiration from the Leça swimming pool he penned down in 1966 when he was 28. It is a very charismatic watch with an unusual diamond-shaped case and captivating hands and hour markers. The second watch, launched this month, is from renowned architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, who is just like Siza, Portuguese and also a recipient of the renowned Pritzker Architecture Prize. His design for a watch, however, couldn’t be more different.

Souto de Moura opted for the traditional round shape to keep the watch, known formally as the Lebond Souto Moura, as pure as possible, but gave it a literal twist as he turned everything 30 degrees clockwise. The result is an architectural drivers’ watch where legibility is key. However, Souto de Moura didn’t become one of the world’s leading architects without plenty of signature touches. Like with his buildings, he is a master in making a difference with just a few details. While the hour and minute markers are relatively common, he changes the perception of the design with two clever details. The first is the size of the hour hand, which is much smaller than usual. In a twist, this increases the legibility, as there is more distinction between the two hands. Souto de Moura opted for a longer hour marker for the twelve o’clock, putting the two beside it. This makes twelve o’clock a magical time with this Lebond— as then.. Read More Here

A Chicago law firm has filed a lawsuit against NASCAR and the Chicago Park District regarding the death of an electrician in 2023. Duane Tabinski, 53, was hired as a contractor to set up audio for the Chicago Street Race weekend and died after being electrocuted.

During the setup for the inaugural Chicago Street Race, Tabinski was hired by NASCAR as a contractor. He was hired to work the race stage and track. He set up speakers and microphones near Buckingham Fountain.

Filed on March 19, the lawsuit from Clifford Law Offices claims that NASCAR, as well as the Chicago Park District, were negligent regarding worker safety in the case of Tabinkski. The lawsuit was filed by Kristian Tabinski, Duane’s widow.

“This was a horrible tragedy for the Tabinski family. What happened last summer in the course of the setting up of the NASCAR race in Chicago was entirely preventable and it cannot happen again,” attorney Kevin P. Durkin said. “There was a terrible lapse in safety that led to the unfortunate death of Duane Tabinski.”

Also named in the lawsuit: United Rentals who provided the electrical equipment, Four Lead Productions, Malo Communications Services, and McGuire Scenic. Chicago Park District is listed in the suit for failing to make sure NASCAR and Four Lead provided a safe and proper work area.

Of course, NASCAR is going to run in the streets of Chicago again this year. There were complaints from local residents and politicians for disruptions. The city itself wanted NASCAR to help out more with the setup and tear down.

However, there is an agreement through 2025. This was a three-race deal when it started and this will be year two. The death of Duane Tabinski last year was a dark cloud over the weekend’s events. It will be interesting to see how this lawsuit shakes out and whether or not NASCAR is..Read More Here

Many of us had our first lesson in materials innovation as children when we heard the story of The Three Little Pigs and learned that while straw and sticks couldn’t survive the onslaught of the Big Bad Wolf, a house made of bricks stood firm. Since the time that tale was written, materials like concrete, steel and glass came to represent innovation in the form of soaring skyscrapers and sprawling industrial facilities. 

But today, those stalwarts are seen as “traditional,” while newer, innovative materials are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Materials are usually thought of as inert substances that we manipulate to make or augment things. But what if the materials can be reactive? What if they’re “smart”? 

The stuff of science fiction is rapidly coming to life as the chemical and materials industries are evolving and innovating. Increasingly, researchers and manufacturers are discovering how to integrate digital and smart characteristics into materials, enhancing critical functionalities like heat resistance, tensile strength and corrosion resistance. 

Better materials are in the making
In the chemicals industry, there is always a need to devise better protective materials, especially coatings that can prevent corrosion and other types of degradation. Protective coatings are especially important for steel, which is used so widely given its relatively low cost and high performance. Yet unfortunately, this mighty alloy is easily subject to corrosion.

A paper in Nature recently revealed the development of a bio-inspired, self-healing and anti-corrosion waterborne polyurethane (WPU) coating that boasts enhanced tensile strength, damage resistance and anti-corrosion performance. Most impressive, perhaps, are its “self-healing” properties. The paper’s authors explain that “Importantly, due to the reversibility of the hydrogen bonding array, the fractured WPU can easily heal and restore its original mechanical properties when subjected to heating at 50 °C.” 

They go on to note that the coating “presents a revolutionary solution for creating multi-functional, high-performance smart material in harsh..Read More Here

A woman was killed in a construction accident near Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood.

A woman was found to have catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene minutes after medics arrived.

The initial investigation indicates that a large metal drum escaped a nearby construction site, rolled down the hill, broke through fencing and hit the woman on the sidewalk.

Public safety officials said the piece of metal weighs at least one ton.

A massive construction cylinder is seen in the middle of the road resting against a pickup truck.

Initial reports indicate the woman was a staff member at one of the local hospitals and was with one or two coworkers when she was hit, Public safety officials said.

Subcontractor Costa Contracting released the following statement:

With heavy hearts, Costa Contracting wishes to extend their deepest condolences to the family of the woman who lost her life today. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this profoundly difficult time.

Costa Contracting is committed to a full investigation to determine the factors that led to this event. Safety remains our paramount concern and we are working with OSHA and local authorities to understand precisely what occurred.

At this time, we respect the privacy of the family and ask that others do the same.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

UPMC issued the following statement to Channel 11:

UPMC is aware of this tragedy and our immediate concern is the safety and well-being of our employees, patients and visitors. While this was not a UPMC construction site, we know this tragedy will impact our campuses. At this time, we have no further information to share.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Counseling Center released the following statement:

“Earlier today, a pedestrian was fatally injured near a construction site in the vicinity of DeSoto Street and Terrace Street. The individual is not a current student or employee of the University of Pittsburgh. No other..Read More Here

The Spring Green Restaurant at Riverview Terrace, a design by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, has been officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. This recognition not only celebrates Wright's innovative design but also marks the site as a pivotal community gathering space within the Spring Green area.

Historic Designation and Community Impact

Carrie Rodamaker, the executive director of the Taliesin Preservation, highlighted the unique architectural features of the Spring Green Restaurant, including its geometric red chairs, panoramic views of the Wisconsin River through expansive windows, and a midcentury modern arched vaulted ceiling with skylights. These design elements underscore Wright's belief in the harmony between natural light and architectural space. The designation by the Wisconsin Historical Society as a landmark enables the Taliesin Preservation to undertake necessary repairs, particularly to the roof and foundation of the iconic structure.

Wright's Vision and the Restaurant's Evolution

Frank Lloyd Wright envisioned the space as a welcoming area for the community and a gateway to his 800-acre estate, Taliesin. Although construction began in 1956, it was halted upon Wright's death in 1959. The project was revived in 1966 by the Wisconsin River Development Corp., with slight modifications to Wright's original design. The restaurant, formally dedicated as the Spring Green Restaurant in 1967, operated independently for 25 years before becoming the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, featuring a café and gift shop.

Future Prospects and Preservation Efforts

The historic designation not only honors Wright's architectural legacy but also aids in the preservation of his vision for community engagement through design. The Taliesin Preservation, with its team of 16 year-round employees, continues to offer public tours from May through October, fostering a deeper appreciation for Wright's contributions to architecture and community planning. The landmark status promises to enhance these efforts, ensuring the Spring Green Restaurant remains a vibrant part of the community for generations to come..Read More Here

When you’re on the job site, safety is everything. In years past, you would start with a hard hat.

But, not these guys.

The Boldt Company did away with hard hats in favor of safety helmets. While unsure at first, workers have adapted to the changes.

“We switched to safety helmets here at the Boldt company," says Safety Operations Manager Kristin Clements.
This is in light of research that shows construction workers receive more traumatic brain injuries than other industries in the United States.

Clements helped lead the change.

“We recognize the advancing technologies and protection out there for the employees,” said Clements.

They are no longer using hard hats. Instead, safety helmets are now the new head protection gear of choice for Boldt.

However, workers like weld shop foreman William F. Cummings had to adapt to the changes at first.

"It was something that for guys that I’ve worked with in construction for 20-25 years that have used the same hardhat," Cummings noted. "Then, the new ones got launched out and right away there was, you know, confusion and a lot didn’t like to switch right away.

Boldt's safety helmet was launched back in 2022. Now, workers like Cummings say they like the helmets better than hardhats.

“Being able to switch out the face shields, welding helmets they’re a lot more breathable," Cummings said, giving credit to the design. "They are a lot more comfortable.”..Read More Here

Researchers and architectural historians from UWM’s Cultural Resource Management program are documenting the work of Alonzo Robinson Jr., the first registered Black architect in Wisconsin.

Robinson’s career spanned over four decades and included public buildings, churches and projects for members of Milwaukee’s African American community. Several notable buildings include Mr. Perkins Restaurant at Atkinson Drive and North 20th St.; the Kosciuszko Park Community Center; and the downtown Milwaukee Fire Department headquarters at 7th and Wells, which was renamed in 2021 to honor Alonzo Robinson’s role as designer of the building.

The UWM team is partnering with the Robinson family, the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, and Docomomo Wisconsin, a nonprofit dedicated to modern architecture and design. The team will unveil a website this summer dedicated to Robinson’s life and architectural projects.

“Robinson’s buildings are unmistakably modern while also remaining sensitive to the scale and appearance of their surroundings,” said Justin Miller, UWM architectural historian. “We’re excited and honored to help share these buildings and the stories they tell about African American achievement and resilience.”

The project is funded by a grant from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. UWM is one of 40 organizations to receive a total of $3.8 million in grant funding to advance ongoing preservation activities for historic places that represent African American cultural heritage. With more than $91 million in funding, the Action Fund is the largest U.S. resource dedicated to the preservation of African American historic places. Since 2018, the Action Fund has supported 242 projects through its investment of $20 million.

“The Action Fund’s investment in and celebration of 40 historic African American places illustrates our belief that historic preservation plays an important role in American society,” said Brent Leggs, executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and..Read More Here

Cedarburg High School alumnus and Grafton native Matthew Clapper has been honored by the American Institute of Architects with the National AIA Young Architect of 2023 award. The award is given to individuals who, in an early stage of their architectural career, have shown exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the profession and community at large.

Clapper was selected due to his efforts expanding the AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFx) to be more inclusive in regard to gender and race and to represent all 50 states so small firm architects could readily share information and find support, according to the AIA.

Clapper was National SFx Chair in 2021, increasing membership through Zoom meetings during COVID and supplying support to small firms struggling during a trying time. His volunteer efforts included directing the Wilson Underline, a marketplace beneath the L elevated train in Chicago. Clapper is also a mentor to aspiring architects/students in the Wing program.

Clapper is principal and founder of Modern Architecture & Development (MAD) based in Milwaukee since 2013 with an extension in Chicago. He grew up in Grafton, where he owns a farm and is president of Country View Development, a residential subdivision selling 1-acre lots that share a pond and trail through the woods off Lakefield Road.

He believes being multifaceted can provide a balance between social good and financial aspects, according to AIA.

"Rather than tract housing squeezing into every foot of land, each quality home must be of a different design and has space to encompass the true country view of sunsets beyond fields," according to the AIA award. He personally oversees all aspects of the development from wetland studies, engineering drawings, to contracts while pushing the architecture profession forward. Clapper also received the state AIA Wisconsin Young Architect Award in 2022.

Clapper received his Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University in New York City, his Advanced Professional Certificate in Real Estate Development from NYU and his original Master of Architecture from..Read More Here