The AIA 2008 National Convention and Expo, and a Viewpoint on IPD

The AIA 2009 National Convention and Expo wrapped up in San Francisco earlier this month, and it was hardly surprising that attendance seemed noticeably down this year, given the current economic climate, both in the US and world-wide. The theme of the main convention was diversity and global practice, and while these are significant issues from a general architectural standpoint, those whose interest lies primarily in technology implementation would probably have spent more time in the Software and High-Tech Pavilion on the Expo Floor than in sessions. With less than normal crowds in the booths of the exhibitors, it was possible to get a more in-depth understanding of the technology updates and new solutions that were on display. The highlights of these are captured in this month's AECbytes Newsletter.

The area of sustainable design tools showed a lot of momentum at the AIA Expo with the introduction of several new products, and this was also true of financial and business management applications. Both these categories will be covered in separate articles later this month.

Also on the agenda is a Viewpoint article by Mike Whaley, Director of Preconstruction Services at J.H. Findorff & Son, Inc. Provocatively entitled, "There is no 'I' in IPD," this article emphasizes the need for organized team building as part of the IPD (integrated project delivery) process, which has not been adequately addressed in most other articles and presentations on IPD. Simply putting all the team members in the same room does not necessarily build good relationships and an integrated team. More effort and planning needs to be put into establishing the components of TEAM (Trust, Enthusiasm, Appreciation, and Mutual respect) that can be continued throughout the duration of the project and maximize the full potential of IPD.

The Tips and Tricks section this month includes two tutorials: one on using a Ruby script to create bezier splines in SketchUp, thereby overcoming one of the main limitations of the application; and the second on using the new Curtain Wall tool in ArchiCAD 12.

Thank you!

Lachmi Khemlani

Editorials > May 2009