In AICUP’s May 12 webinar, Kimmel Bogrette presented the second phase of our MasterConcept Planning Process: Intelligence. This phase focuses on intelligence gathering, constraints analysis, and identification of opportunities. Beyond visiting the project site, we examine existing building interiors and exteriors, understanding the underlying zoning, and look for every condition that plays a negative role or offers a unique opportunity in the existing building/site’s success.
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La Salle University’s Founder’s Hall – MasterConcept Plan Phase 1: The Mission
The Mission, first in a series of five phases of Kimmel Bogrette’s MasterConcept Planning Process, lays the foundation for every new project. La Salle University’s mission for their new School of Business, Founder’s Hall, was for the building to foster mentoring relationships among students and faculty while integrating Catholic, La Sallian values with business education. Kimmel Bogrette’s design for the new building reflected exactly that, and more.
Read MoreCan I keep windows open for ventilation during the Winter?
Looking at the extended forecast, cooler temperatures are certainly on the way. This is the time that is most concerning for those of us concerned with air quality, particularly in the midst of a pandemic. Many school districts are unable to afford central air conditioning systems, and instead relay on room units that may or may not have ventilation air. Up until this point, you may have been able to rely on open windows to meet the ventilation requirement. After all, as long as your operable window area exceeds 4% of the floor area, you meet the letter of the mechanical code.
Read MorePrevention – Timeless and True… Keeping COVID at Bay
The risk of contracting and spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus increases as the weather gets chillier, and we move our lives indoors over the winter.
The good news is that principles of prevention are still the same, however great diligence must be practiced by all. When we give Infection Control Risk Assessment training to personnel in hospitals, we emphasize the understanding of the “Chain of Infection” so we can break the spread at any point along the chain. As a COVID consultant, and a citizen of this world, I am amazed that is all the news and communications about the virus, the most basic timeless and true prevention factor has been not considered holistically.
Read MoreSolutions for Occupying Poorly Ventilated Spaces
In the rush to specify effective technologies for air purification during the pandemic, the limited number of UVGI, filtration and ionization unit manufacturers have been overwhelmed with the sudden increase in demand. These small, boutique manufacturers have started to catch up, but the lull and more robust market for these formerly niche item has allowed the large HVAC manufacturers to enter the market. This is bad news for the small companies, but may prove to be what’s best for our communities.
Read MoreHow Can Your Facilities & Existing Resources Support Being Better Prepared for the Covid 19 Virus?
As Colleges and Universities across the nation are beginning to re-open to students on their campuses, a variety of experiences are being realized, with some glaring occurrences of hotspot infections from the Covid-19 virus.
Read MoreApplication of Commercial Principals to Residential Systems
Throughout this blog, we have addressed filtration and operation of commercial HVAC systems in several areas. However, we’ve always stopped short of recommending practices involving residential grade or residential sized equipment.
Read MoreTemperature and humidity play a significant role in the health of a facility and the comfort of the occupants.
If occupants aren’t comfortable, not only will they complain, be less productive, or avoid the space when possible, it will also exacerbate the problem of face coverings. While 75 degrees and 50% relative humidity may be fine for traditional attire, adding a face covering can make it unbearable.
Read MoreBest Course of Action
The fast-evolving landscape on the COVID 19 building front produced some new and revised information this week.
Read MoreUniversal Face Coverings
As of July 1, the Pennsylvania Department of Health released an executive Order that requires university face coverings and defines a face shield as a face covering.
Please note, this is a Public Health directive, but it is applicable to businesses. Some health programs and be and are not fully applicable to private entities.
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