Government Officials Are Launching Large Initiatives Related to Cultural Assets Cities with vibrant cultural assets attract tourists, retail establishments, hotels, real estate developers, and appreciation from local citizens. Cultural facilities also boost a region’s economic engine. The 2002 redevelopment of Millennium Park in Chicago, for example, spurred $1.6 billion in revitalization nearby. Libraries, museums, multipurpose theaters, recreational venues, and civic centers also are key components in establishing a regional identity. Some cities are developing destination art hubs or arts corridors in downtown areas, with a signature performing arts center. Other cities are linking various cultural sites with landscaping and innovative pathways to other public spaces. Opportunities abound in every region of the U.S. for all sizes and types of cultural facilities. The activity is creating a marketplace to watch. City officials in San Francisco recently unveiled designs for
Current and Emergent Technologies Give Contractors a Competitive Edge Contractors are increasingly adopting new technologies to give themselves an edge over the competition. According to a recent study from USG Corp. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 74% of contractors expect to adopt advanced technology within the next three years. The majority of them are doing so to increase labor productivity. What kinds of technologies are these contractors adopting? Here are some of the most common current and emerging trends, whether construction firms are looking to embrace tried-and-true efficiency boosters or explore the cutting edge of construction technology. Current Technologies Some of the most common current technologies include: Building Information Modeling Using the building information modeling (BIM) process can help contractors on larger construction projects more efficiently plan their projects and keep them organized. The BIM process uses 3D modeling to help gath