Photoluminescent Egress: A Critical Safety Specification

Guiding occupants out of a smoke-filled or darkened building via luminescing egress demarcation could save lives in an emergency. Specifying photoluminescent egress products in commercial buildings is required by building codes, but should also be done with care to ensure the selected materials provide durability and long-term performance.
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The future of spec writing

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We live in an age of increasing complexity. It is frequently noted today’s cell phones are significantly more powerful than the computers employed to put the first man on the moon.
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The Basics of Building Integration

Connected buildings, the Internet of Things, and smart devices are buzzwords in the industry. But do building owners and facility managers have a true understanding of what a connected building is and the benefits it can provide?
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Specifying Lighting: What You Need to Know

The introduction of light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures has changed the established view of light sources. Best known for their ability to provide quality lighting with lowered energy costs, LEDs, in reality, represent a paradigm shift in the capabilities of a light fixture.
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Sealant Joint Solutions

by Arthur L. Sanders, AIA, and Lawrence E. Keenan, AIA, PE
In both new construction and rehabilitation projects, sealant joints are often given short shrift when it comes to time and attention, as well as budget. Sealants often comprise the lowest percentage of a project’s overall cost—this is...

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Creating and Separating Microclimates in a Facility

Whether it is a company-owned warehouse or a third-party logistics facility, buildings designed to stock products are typically large. While it generally makes sense to warehouse as much inventory as possible under one roof, size can create challenges in industries depending on specific temperature and humidity levels—particularly if multiple...
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Meeting Diverse Acoustic Requirements with One Consistent Look

As the architecture and design community takes a more holistic approach to occupant health, practitioners are increasingly focusing on creating acoustically sound spaces. The increased awareness of the importance of acoustics and a growing array of product options have made ceiling panel specification more complex, but also more significant.
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