Last year, 90% of companies offered some level of hybrid work, according to a new survey conducted by CBRE. The adoption of hybrid work is driving companies to lease less space and redesign their offices to be more effective for employees, with space changes varying by industry. The annual survey, 2023–2024 CBRE Global Workplace & Occupancy Insights, reflects workplace and occupancy insights from 66 CBRE clients that own or occupy almost 350 million sq. ft. of office space around the world.
Because of hybrid work, employees are more likely to share space or use different work environments for collaboration or focused work when they come into the office. Therefore, organizations are prioritizing shared space over private workspace to make the office more effective. Survey respondents have increased collaborative, “we” space to 20% of their office square footage in 2023 from 14% in 2021. Such collaborative space can include conference and meeting rooms but also lounges with communal couches for trainings or other social events. But the changes vary between industries.
Read more . . .
|
|
BOMI’s Facilities Management Certificate (FMC) provides information vital to running an efficient facility. Upon completing this program, you will have a comprehensive understanding of managing and maintaining cost-effective facilities that operate at peak performance levels.
In addition to providing an overview of important management information to operate a facility
effectively, the FMC conveys the fundamental knowledge required to manage the ongoing operation and maintenance of building systems and to maximize building and cost effectiveness.
Following successful completion of its three courses, Fundamentals of FM; and Design, Operations and Maintenance of Building Systems, Parts 1 & 2, FMC holders will be able to:
- Improve overall efficiencies;
- Keep their property in top operational condition;
- Manage personnel and projects to ensure success; and
- Build a career in facilities management.
|
Would you like to receive more information from BOMI about the FMC? | | |
|
The AGF COLLECTANDRAIN FLOODELIMINATOR Model 5900 is a fail-safe for dry fire sprinkler systems
that protects a facility from flooding when an auxiliary drain malfunctions due to a freeze and break,
accident or vandalism. This small addition allows a facility to get back online faster with less cleanup
and expense.
When the FLOODELIMINATOR encounters the pressurized flow of water from a tripped dry valve, its internal mechanism closes, preventing large amounts of water from being released out of the malfunctioning auxiliary drain. It is suitable for both dry and pre-action systems as well as compressed air or nitrogen, requires no power, automatically resets when the system is restored, does not impede normal system draining, and can easily be retrofit onto existing small-volume low-point drains or auxiliary drains (drum drips). The FLOODELIMINATOR is also available on select COLLECTANDRAIN auxiliary drain models.
|
|
|
ASID reveals Top 11 interior design trends for 2024 on January 29
The American Society of Interior Designers has compiled a list of the Top 11 Design Trends to look out for in 2024. These key trends, spanning all sectors of design, are pulled from ASID’s highly anticipated annual Trends Outlook Report, a work created by the Society’s research division by examining some of the top societal and demographic themes that are set to impact the interior design industry each year. The full 2024 Trends Outlook Report, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, will be available on January 29.
ASID is “cataloging the latest ways we live, work, play and heal — and the corresponding trends impacting interior design. Notions of comfort, connection and blurred lines have impacted the design practice in transformative ways. Amidst the popular discourse surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), celebrity culture, identity, social media, and misinformation, consumers in 2024 will be seeking the real deal — trusted brands that offer a genuine experience."
Read more . . .
| |
There is growing interest in acoustics today, and we agree it is an essential element to consider and discuss when reviewing the design of a space, especially in commercial environments, says Fräsch, an innovative and design-forward manufacturer of acoustic solutions. While the A+D industry has shifted its focus on the impact buildings have on the environment, the company has shifted its attention to how these same buildings impact human health.
Designers tend to put a lot of thought into implementing natural light, for example, which is critical to our well-being. Sound is as well; in fact, it’s one of the first things people notice when entering a space, because it is integral to the experience. Yet it is an interior element that often falls by the wayside in design considerations.
“Think about how you feel in different acoustical environments,” said Slavi Younger Nightingale, co-founder and vice president of marketing for Fräsch. “If you visualize a busy train station, it can evoke feelings of stress. Consider a spa or yoga studio, where it’s quiet, and you immediately feel relaxed. You may even relax your shoulders or take a deep breath. Sound is critical for that response. Somewhere between these two extremes is where you should be during the day. Overstimulation comes from extreme reverberation, and it can be very unhealthy.”
Read more . . .
|
|
Preparing for the new year is on everyone’s agenda, and the NextUp teams nationwide are creating compelling events to attend in-person at local chapters or virtually while the Headquarters Learning Team has several virtual opportunities for advancing all women in business. Facility managers and related professionals, architects and interior designers are welcome to join when NextUp offers education and engagement sessions every month across the U.S. In 2024, more than 175 regional networking and leadership development events are planned.
The NextUp network delivers inclusive programs and experiences that advance women at every stage of their career, accelerate workplace equity and drive business growth. Even as gains are made with women in leadership, new challenges emerge, and the NextUp mission goes on. When women are learning and leading, they are not leaving. NextUp seeks a world where women have equal opportunities at work and to build their lives and careers exactly the way they want them.
National events are followed by a selection of local events into mid-February.
NextUp Membership is open to individuals or members of a partner organization. When you join NextUp through The McMorrow Reports/FMLink, you are entitled to 20 percent off an individual membership when you enter the code: NextUp24McMorrow at checkout.
Read more . . .
| |
Sustainability is a priority on the agenda of many organizations. Objectives can include carbon footprint reduction goals, health and safety targets, and improvement in management of facility performance data that allows firms to track ESG compliance.
Facility services providers who are not prepared to support client sustainability agendas will find themselves losing out to more agile, future-ready competitors. As such, they need to be ready to support clients across a range of sustainability-related requests to succeed in the years ahead.
Planon, a global provider of smart, sustainable building management software that helps facility management services firms grow their businesses and be a resource to clients, advises the adoption of sustainability objectives such as these:
- Facility services providers can develop and navigate sustainable real estate strategies.
- Clients will look to services providers to help mitigate the risk of real estate depreciation.
- Real estate owners will seek out mature energy management technologies.
- Health & Safety is a deciding factor in the success of back-to-the-office strategies.
- Sustainability will be an integral part of facility total experience initiatives.
To discover 10 growth opportunities for FM services through sustainability, download Planon’s white paper: 10 Reasons Why FM Service Providers Should Adopt Sustainability.
| |
Facility managers are always seeking training, because new tech, building operations and maintenance techniques are always emerging. For FM leadership and the staff they manage, it’s important to keep abreast of developments through education and visiting with suppliers. Training, networking and product knowledge have a solid home at NFMT 2024, the National Facilities Management & Technology show in Baltimore, March 12-14, themed “We Are FM.”
As the first FM show every year, The McMorrow Reports & FMLink always attend, eager to see what’s concerning industry professionals and exploring sessions that are relevant for our readers. Our education picks include:
NFMT offers educations sessions in the following tracks: Asset Management; Energy & Sustainability; Future Trends; Health & Safety; M&O; Security; and Technology.
Read more . . .
| |
The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, together with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, has announced that Miami-based architect and urban planner Chad Oppenheim has been selected as the 2023 Laureate of The American Prize for Architecture, the prestigious award that is regarded internationally as the highest honor for architecture in the United States.
Oppenheim’s built works, spanning over two decades, are expansive in typology and geography, including works ranging from cultural and hospitality buildings to residences and urban masterplanning throughout Asia, Australia, Europe and North and South America.
"His monumental, immutable architecture enhances the lives of its occupants, realizes a site’s full potential, and protects and celebrates the natural environment," stated Christian Narkiewicz-Laine, architecture critic and museum president/CEO of The Chicago Athenaeum. "From the serene Jordanian desert to the lush Bahamas, he shapes buildings and places to achieve the optimal balance between creativity and pragmatism, function and experience, construction and aesthetics . . . Oppenheim’s buildings engage and harness their surrounding land and seascapes and showcase the designer’s dedication to sustainable practices and materials."
Read more . . .
| |
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recently announced the new Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is now fully operational, with the opening of the final five gates of the terminal alongside additional retail and dining outlets and the transfer of Delta Air Lines operations and Sky Club lounge from Terminal B.
The new 1 million-square-foot Terminal A replaced the previous terminal that opened in 1973. The 33-gate facility features airy, light-filled concourses alongside state-of-the-art digital technology, modern passenger amenities, superior dining and retail options, and an innovative public art program showcasing dozens of local artists. Terminal A has been designed and constructed to the standards of LEED silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
With Terminal A now fully operational, the Port Authority has committed to a full re-envisioning of the entire airport complex. The agency last year selected a world-renowned master planner to design a framework for future development through 2065, recommending short- and long-term projects to enable economic growth, drive sustainability efforts, and create a world-class gateway for New Jersey and the region.
Read more . . .
| |
Engineering firm Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) has announced the opening of its new office location in Denver, Colorado. Located in “The Atrium” building at 1700 Broadway, the space will welcome clients, partners, and team members to collaborate on cutting-edge projects. Alex Kosis, associate principal, and Scott Silvester, principal, will lead SGH’s building enclosure and structural engineering consulting practices, respectively.
The team has a diverse range of design, investigation, and rehabilitation expertise, as well as a breadth of experience in various regions of the U.S. to inform their work and help deliver innovative approaches for clients.
The Atrium was designed by I.M. Pei as Denver’s first high-rise building, and the original construction was completed in 1956, the same year that SGH was founded. SGH’s new facilities will feature space for its teams to grow, as well as common areas and collaboration space to host clients and industry peers from across the nation.
Read more . . .
| |
This week's Featured Book from FMLink's Books section is from the NFPA Codes category. This collection of peer-reviewed books has been curated by the editorial team at FMLink to provide facilities, engineering and A&D professionals with access to publications relating to the NFPA Codes topic.
Based on sound engineering principles, test data, and field experience, NFPA 409: Standard on Aircraft Hangars provides specifications for construction and fire protection of all types of aircraft hangars.
Only in the updated 2016 Edition:
- Updated references
- Expanded requirements for protection of steel columns per NFPA 13 and NFPA 15
- Revised requirements for draft curtains in Group I and II hangars
- Updated requirements for sprinkler protection in Group III hangars
- Expanded guidance on freeze protection
This and other NFPA Codes titles are now available for purchase on FMLink.
| |
Global development and construction firm Skanska has been selected to build the new Integrative Sciences Building (ISB) at North Carolina State University (NC State). With a total construction budget of $136.7 million, the 164,947-SF state-of-the-art facility will be dedicated to STEM teaching and research and is set to serve as a catalyst for transforming the sciences at the university.
As the physical core of NC State’s new Integrative Sciences Initiative, the ISB will showcase and celebrate the sciences at the university. The facility will feature a café, cutting-edge classrooms, teaching labs, core research facilities, collaboration and study spaces, as well as office areas. The project allows for adaptability to support interdisciplinary sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry and biotechnology research. Working with architectural firm Moseley Architects and their design consultants, the project will be LEED Gold certified.
Read more . . .
| | | | |