Back in the 1970’s, a stately Back Bay mansion was converted to condominiums. The roof was later divided among the two top level units for private roof decks. In the days before the Massachusetts State Building Code got tough on …
We always joke in the office about finding “magic goo” on the outside of a building. Invariably, a well-meaning Owner or maintenance person finds a caulking gun or bucket of some unknown material to smear on to the outside of …
By Matt Richardson Sidwell Friends School, Washington D.C. Architecture today is shifting more and more towards sustainable strategies. Designers and builders are now invested along with the public discourse in the overall sustainability and reduction of a buildings carbon footprint. …
By Robert G. Wilkin, P.E., SECB We have known for many years that as rust forms on metal installed in masonry or concrete, the rust expands up to seven times the original thickness of the metal. The force of this …
By Sofia Zamora, E.I.T. Building envelopes are structures that must insulate and protect the interior of a building from external agents and noise, from gaining or losing heat, and from letting moisture in or out. Traditionally, envelopes are designed to …
By Matt Richardson This past September, I had the opportunity to travel to Havana, Cuba, with a group from the Boston Architectural College to study the architecture and culture of our neighbors south of Florida. Havana is roughly 90 miles …
By Edward N. Film, A.I.A., LEED AP “Details must play their part in relation to the overall concept and character of the building, and are the means by which the architect may underline his main idea, reinforce it, echo it, …
By Melissa Wreyford During my last trip to New York City, I found myself, like I normally do, staring upward at the giant skyscrapers imagining what may be happening inside their concrete, metal and glazed walls. As I continued to …
By Melissa Wreyford Architects and engineers look to the past to better understand the present and future. Inspiration can easily be derived from the works of historic craftsmen and experiencing history first hand is in itself influential and motivating. Take …
By Julio Cedano It has been less than a year since my study abroad trip to Spain. Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to learn from a city and its culture, through observation and annotation. Spain is an eccentric country