EDITED BY COGRAM
The twice-weekly briefing on the most interesting stories in architecture, engineering, and construction.
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Companies in this edition: Skanska, PCL, Baker Tilly, Aligned Data Centers, Stantec, Drees & Sommer, PTC, Siemens,Bentley Systems, Balfour Beatty, Galliford Try, Graham, Sisk, Keltbray Rail, Morgan Sindall, Tarmac/Farrans, Tilbury Douglas, South East Consortium, Graham, Wood, Shell UK Ltd, Ebara Elliott Energy, Ameresco, Bauer Technologies.
Meta announces Project Waterworth, a major subsea cable initiative to construct the world's largest system, extending over 50,000 kilometers and connecting all five continents. Utilizing advanced technologies such as 24 fiber pair cables and specialized routing for deep-water placement, the project aims to boost global connectivity and support AI development with digital infrastructure and economic cooperation.
Skanska USA has established Skanska Advanced Technology (SAT), specializing in high-tech and semiconductor manufacturing. SAT, led by Katie Coulson, employs over 180 professionals and manages projects in Oregon, Arizona, and California. The unit aims to meet growing demand in this sector, with $23 billion in ongoing or completed projects.
Aligned Data Centers plans to build a new data center, DFW-03, in Mansfield, Texas, expanding its Dallas-Fort Worth area presence. The 27-acre campus will feature advanced air and liquid cooling technologies and a modular infrastructure to enhance sustainability and efficiency. The facility aligns with Texas' decarbonization efforts and aims to boost the local economy.
Stantec and Drees + Sommer will design Silicon Box's new €3.2 billion semiconductor facility in Novara, Italy. Construction is slated for mid-2025, with operations starting in 2028. The facility is expected to create 1,600 jobs and influence sectors like AI and EVs.
Generative AI is being integrated into ship design and Onshape's upcoming AI Advisor will enhance CAD software capabilities. The AI Advisor aims to improve user support through advanced tasks like code writing and geometry modifications, indicating potential future AI-driven design technology innovations.
JEA is accepting bids for the redevelopment of its former headquarters and surrounding buildings. Respondents must document their experience in similar urban projects.
YORhub is inviting bids for its £1bn YORcivil Major Works 2 contractor framework. Eight firms will be selected to deliver civil engineering works, bridge/ structure works, highway surfacing works, coastal works, and flood alleviation works. Applications are due by 18 May, and the project will commence in November.
South East Consortium is seeking contractors for two projects worth a total of £1.3bn. The projects are the Decarbonisation Partnerships and Fire Remedial Works frameworks. Bids are invited for regional contracts and fire-doors work, with an expression of interest due by 9 April.
Wood has received a $120 million contract extension from Shell UK to provide brownfield EPC services to onshore and offshore UK assets, including St Fergus and Mossmorran terminals, and Nelson, Gannet, and Shearwater offshore sites. The contract, supported by 240 employees, also includes new EPC services on the Penguins FPSO.
The New Mexico Spaceport Authority is planning a $33.7 million expansion of the Spaceport Technology and Reception Center in Truth or Consequences, featuring a 29,408-square-foot facility designed by Buffalo Design Architects. The project includes IT infrastructure, office spaces, and a virtual experience center, with construction expected to take 18 months.
New Orleans awarded a contract to Ameresco to retrofit 56 streetlight fixtures with LED technology for increased energy efficiency and improved public safety. The pilot project may become a model for city-wide implementation.
Industry rivals allege some companies use illegal or misclassified labor to undercut competition. Posts on Facebook and Next Door and industry examples indicate these accusations are isolated incidents rather than a systemic trend.
A SoCal homeowner questions his architect’s fees after paying $140K for design work on a 1500 sq. ft. renovation, despite $280K construction bids. Redditors decry the hourly billing, slow responses, and steep permit fees, warning of potentially unethical practices.
John Theos from Bauer Technologies proposes strategies to improve sustainable construction using efficient material management, local sourcing, energy efficiency, recycled materials, and circular economy practices to reduce carbon footprints.
Page Southerland Page, Inc. | New York, NY
TDIndustries | Dallas, TX
Exante360 INC | Remote
Wohlsen Construction | Lancaster, PA
Schneider Electric | Nashville, TN
Cuningham Group | Phoenix, AZ
Gannett Fleming, Inc. | New York, NY
PlanForce Group | Minneapolis, MN