Hurricane and blast-resistant glazing continue to drive protective market
Despite FBI reports of rising robbery rates nationwide, demand for security storefront glazing has remained level for the past several years. Manufacturers instead have been inundated with rising orders for storm- and blast-resistant glazing...
Union and nonunion glaziers alike rely on training to overcome shortage of experienced workers
Joe Clabbers, president of National Glass and Metal Co. in Horsham, Pa., looks to the glaziers' and ironworkers' unions to find quality, trained workers. Andy Gum, president and owner of Thomas Glass Co. in Columbus, Ohio, tries to attract applicants and then trains them in house...
Indianapolis' newest work of art
The basics: $74 million, 160,000-square-foot expansion of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, completed spring 2005. The players: Architects, Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf Inc., Indianapolis; general contractor, F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co., Indianapolis; structural and façade consultant, Dewhurst Macfarlane and Partners, New York City; glazing system supplier, Novum Structures,...
Baylor All Saints Hospital
The major addition to Baylor All Saints Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, challenged workers who had to add three stories to the five-story structure without disrupting hospital operations, says David Griffin, project manager for DGB Glass Inc. in Fort Worth. The hospital schedule dictated construction schedules, he says.DGB sent weekly construction time lines for approval from hospital...
Farrell Learning and Teaching Center
A six-story glass tower and adjoining transparent atrium greet visitors to the Farrell Learning and Teaching Center at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.The grand entrance that glows like a lantern in the evening and allows ample natural light in during the day represents quite a change from the mostly brick and windowless buildings that previously welcomed medical students,...
Safety training extends beyond the job site for glaziers
Accidents on the job site—from slips, trips and falls, to falling windows—can prove fatal for glaziers, making effective safety programs critical...
Marine Corps goes green with museum
The basics: National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico, Va.; $42 million, groundbreaking, September 2003; opening, November 2006; up for certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. A 214,000-square-foot complex with an 18,000-square-foot Central Gallery in a 160-foot glass atrium. The players: Architects, Fentress...
Annual update
Contract glaziers, fabricators and glass-shop owners need comprehensive business software that keeps track of current and potential orders and manages resources on the back end. Most make do with a custom solution, or a series of programs that serves various purposes. Many readers call and ask for suggestions on where to get business and production software. To that end, Special Projects Writer...
Energy efficiency tops architects' convention agenda
News from the American Institute of Architects convention, June 8-10, Los Angeles
Green was the hot color of choice at the AIA 2006 National Convention and Design Expo. Design professionals from across the country shared experiences about green design, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program of the U.S. Green Building Council of Washington, D.C., certification and glass failure. Typically, AIA seminars see 250-to-275 attendees each, said Scott Frank, director...
Code watch: Code changes affect glaziers
I'm from California and we have used the Uniform Building Code since about 1927. We're waiting for the International Building Code to become effective in California, and may have to wait until 2008. In my consulting work outside of California, I have been able to use the 2000 IBC and 2003 IBC in code compliance reviews and lectures. My work includes serving as a...