H+P:Blog

H+P:A has recently implemented a new office management software written especailly for architects, call Archioffice. Don’t blame me, I didn’t name it.  Beyond the lameness of the name, the software has enabled us to more easily track the progress of our projects from time sheets, expenses, communications, deadlines, documents, logs, etc.  Looks like it is going to be a real asset to the office.  Once we get all our staff familiar with the system, I think it will take a lot of administrative strain off our project managers.  So, if any of you architects are looking for an office management software tool, take a look at Archioffice.com, and see what you think. You can see an online video demo of the software here.

H+P:A was mentioned in that matriarch of architectural publications, Architectural Record, as part of an article discussing the recent boom of modern residential subdivisions, attributed to our work at Kessler Woods. See the article here. Be sure to check out the slide show for 2 shots of Lot 4, shown above.

H+P:A is looking for creative professionals to join our team. Please take a look at our Jobs Page for more information.

House & Home Magazine of Dallas has an article in the September issue featuring the Brock & Hasty Residence at Kessler Woods. This residence represents one Hammers + Partners’ most recently completed residential projects and we are delighted to see it received with such a great article. The photo featured above was taken by Terri Glanger of Terri Glanger Photography, whom we have featured in a previous post. There are some terrific shots of the home in the article, along with a great deal of information about the project, and I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy at your local news stand. You can download a pdf version of the article Modern Serenity, by Amanda Flatten, here.

It is a proud day for me. My home state of New Mexico is moving swiftly to build the first commercial space port in the world, just outside Las Cruces. Designed by British firm Foster + Partners, for Spaceport America, the 31 million dollar port will contain 100,000 sq. ft. of hanger space and is projected to achieve a LEED Platinum certification. Read more about the new port in Spaceport America’s Press release. See more pics after the break.

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In the further push towards a green building future, many more mainstream media companies are beginning to do pretty extensive stories on green homes and office buildings.  Cnet.com has one such story up on the Genzyme Center in Cambridge, Mass., by Behnisch, Behnisch and Partner, of Stuttgart, Germany; along with local architectural partner Next Phase Studio, of Boston, Mass.; constructed by Turner Construction Company in 2003. Cnet has a nice picture gallery up with detailed descriptions of various systems and design details which make this building energy efficient, as well as, comfortable for its occupants.  Also, take  a look at the video related to the article.

Photo: Courtesy of Cnet Networks

CNN has an article up today concerning the Dutch resolutions to building in flood prone areas. It is a good little piece discussing the use of houses which are meant to float in the event of a flood. Unique floating foundations, flexible water and electrical connections, and heavy steel piles for mooring are just basics. It may be the future of construction along the Gulf Coast. Makes sense to me, design for the problem rather than just buying insurance against it.

Photo: Courtesy of CNN

One of the best things Dallas has done for itself lately is to begin pushing for redevelopment of many of the older office buildings downtown into residential complexes. Dallas suffers, as many city centers, from a lack of population, outside of the 9-5 crowd. Getting living units downtown will help bring in further retail and restaurant development in the future, which, as a resident of the city center myself, is greatly appreciated. Plus it has the added advantage of making use of a ground swell of empty lease space within the city. Check out the story in the Dallas Morning News about one such development at the old Mercantile National Bank building, under construction right now, which will be complemented by a new apartment building, design by DiMella Shafer Associates of Boston (Illustration Above), to be completed next year. Many of us can’t afford it, but we have to start somewhere.

If you are looking for a news site that offer original content on architecture and urban design exclusively, check out The Architect’s Newspaper. With NY and CA versions, you can keep up with the big news of either coast.

Archpaper.com

News.com has an FAQ article up which discusses alternative methods of energy production using the natural forces of the sea, like waves and tidal forces. I am a big fan of this type of research and development. While no one solution will cure all of our current energy problems, I think technologies like this will go a long way towards finding the answers. Plus, they are just so cool. I know a lot of people frown upon the idea of systems which are visible (windmills, solar panels, etc.), but I believe that the current industrial design of these systems are pretty good. I think they add a rich texture to the built environment, not to mention the practicality. Check out the gallery which accompanies the article and see what your think, because we architects love pictures.

Photo: SeaGen Project by Marine Current Turbines