CONCERT

Birdflocks Talks with Concert CRO Tim Dufault Birdflocks serves as a clearinghouse for innovative ideas and dynamic conversations around collaboration in AECO. While it is well-known in Europe, we’re thrilled to see them spread their wings and to introduce this incredible platform to the U.S. community. This is a great way to connect, share and learn from one another. In this newest episode of Birdflocks Talks, CONCERT's CRO Timothy Dufault, FAIA offers a fresh perspective on the future of collaboration, reflecting on the synergies between Birdflocks' mission and the work Concert is doing to empower effective project delivery. Watch it here: https://loom.ly/xOi9XsA We’re excited to support this movement and be part of bringing Birdflocks' collaborative spirit to the U.S. AECO community. Let us know your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments! https://loom.ly/0EpF7zM #aeco #collaboration #architecture

As the World Cement Association’s recent report highlights, global cement demand is expected to stagnate, but regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and India are projected to grow. This raises a critical challenge: how do we support necessary development in these regions while addressing the carbon impact of traditional Portland cement? Sustainable alternatives, such as blended mixes with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) or low-carbon binders, show promise in reducing emissions. However, their financial and logistical accessibility remains uncertain in rapidly urbanizing economies that prioritize cost efficiency. Bridging this gap requires action. Innovation must focus on scalable, affordable solutions tailored to local conditions. Global collaboration can ensure technology transfer, investment, and policy frameworks that incentivize sustainable construction practices. Emerging markets represent a turning point for the industry—a chance to build infrastructure that’s not only robust but also environmentally responsible. Can we align these goals to drive a greener future for construction worldwide? Download the full report here: https://loom.ly/7j-IUoE #architecture #construction #cement

Navigating the Challenges & Opportunities Ahead for Construction The construction industry continues to grapple with labor shortages, a challenge that could intensify if immigration laws are more strictly enforced. At the same time, there’s a clear path forward: technology. While the sector’s cautious approach to adopting new tools and processes is understandable, it’s becoming increasingly evident that more proactive strides are necessary. Efficiency and productivity will rely on embracing advances in automation, robotics and prefabrication. Equally important are strategies to foster better cross-team collaboration, ensuring that projects stay on track despite resource constraints. We feel very strongly about our prospects to unify data across design and construction team in the coming year. In the multi-family housing sector, the outlook is mixed—while economic conditions pose risks, the underlying demand remains robust. We’re hopeful that this demand will spur continued investment and construction, as the need for housing persists across communities. As we look ahead, these trends call for bold leadership and innovative solutions. At CONCERT, we’re committed to supporting the industry with tools and strategies to tackle these challenges head-on. https://loom.ly/55uyx1Y #architecture #construction #trends #2025

This is one of my favorite firms, so good to see them get national recognition for it. Charles Williams 👍

Congratulations to the 2024 AIA Firm of the Year! This prestigious honor is a recognition of firms that not only produce outstanding work but also push the boundaries of what is possible in architecture. LPA, Inc. is led by Wendy Rogers, an innovative CEO whose leadership reflects the firm’s commitment to inclusivity, collaboration and thoughtful design. In an industry where women are still underrepresented in leadership, her vision has propelled LPA to become one of the most respected and forward-thinking firms in the field. A cornerstone of LPA’s success is its interdisciplinary design approach, which integrates architects, engineers, landscape architects, and interior designers under one roof. This collaboration ensures that every project is approached holistically, with each discipline contributing to the best possible outcome. A standout example is the Santa Monica High School Discovery Building, where LPA’s team created an energy-efficient, light-filled space that not only supports student learning but also serves the broader community. LPA is also at the forefront of sustainability and data-driven design. The firm consistently invests in post-occupancy evaluations and energy monitoring to ensure that its buildings meet both performance and environmental goals. Their commitment to transparency is exemplified by their practice of publicly sharing Energy Use Intensity (EUI) data for their projects—a rare move in the industry that underscores their dedication to sustainable design. By prioritizing measurable outcomes, LPA is setting a standard for accountability in architecture. We’re thrilled to see a firm that values leadership, collaboration and sustainability celebrated at this level. Congratulations to the entire LPA team on this well-deserved recognition! https://loom.ly/GT1Hvqc #architecture #awards #design The American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Bridging the Gap to Circular Construction The construction industry has the potential to transform into a model of sustainability through circular economy (CE) principles, reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. Central to this transformation are robust data management practices and innovative technologies like blockchain. While the promise is clear, the path forward is obstructed by significant challenges that must be addressed to unlock the full potential of circularity. First, data management remains a critical barrier. According to recent studies, a mere 5% of the information handed over to clients in construction projects is accurate. This level of mismanagement undermines trust, complicates material tracking and hinders the ability to reuse or recycle materials effectively. Without reliable data, the industry's shift toward CE practices remains stalled. Blockchain offers a solution for validating and tracing project data across the supply chain. Its potential to ensure data integrity is unmatched, but implementation costs and complexity present formidable obstacles. Current blockchain systems are often too expensive and technically demanding for widespread adoption, particularly for smaller firms that lack the resources to integrate such solutions into their workflows. The road ahead requires practical solutions to these challenges. By prioritizing accessible data management technologies and making blockchain more affordable and user-friendly, the construction industry can take meaningful steps toward circularity. Overcoming these barriers is essential to reshaping the industry into one that is not only efficient but also sustainable for future generations. https://loom.ly/lw1gfUI #architecture #construction #sustainability

Balancing Public Space and Cultural Expansion: The Met’s New Tang Wing The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s new Tang Wing, designed by Frida Escobedo, offers a striking modernist home for the Met’s contemporary collection. Yet its construction raises important questions: how do we weigh the value of public space against cultural enrichment, particularly in a city that already boasts multiple world-class modern art institutions? New York is home to the Whitney, MoMA and the Guggenheim—each internationally recognized for their collections and focus on modern art. Adding a modernist pavilion to the Met, therefore, is less about addressing a gap in the city’s cultural offerings and more about relocating works left without a home after the Breuer building was repurposed. By incorporating these works into the Met’s central campus, the museum undoubtedly increases their visibility, but this comes at the expense of expanding its footprint into Central Park. The project presents both opportunities and challenges: ➡️ Redundancy or Complementarity? The Met’s modern and contemporary wing must differentiate itself from its counterparts at the Whitney, MoMA, and Guggenheim. Does it offer a unique narrative or approach that justifies its creation, or does it risk diluting the focus of New York’s cultural ecosystem? ➡️ Public vs. Institutional Space: Central Park is big but its space is not endless. Even with free entry for New Yorkers, converting open parkland into museum property changes the character of the area and potentially sets a precedent for future encroachments. ➡️ Architectural Cohesion: Escobedo’s design must bridge the classical language of the Met’s existing structures with the minimalist ethos of modernist architecture. We believe she succeeded here. ➡️ Public Benefit: Ultimately, the success of this expansion depends on whether it elevates New York’s reputation as a cultural capital without compromising the democratic ideals embodied by Central Park. For those of us advising on urban development, this project exemplifies the complexity of managing competing priorities in a dense urban fabric. Cultural growth and public access must go hand in hand, but the line between the two is often difficult to draw. https://loom.ly/hMzGuKc #architecture #design #realestate #cultural Taller Frida Escobedo

Ann Arbor’s Sustainable Energy Utility: A Bold Idea with Big Challenges When Ann Arbor’s Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) received a 79% approval vote, it felt like a watershed moment for renewable energy. The idea is as ambitious as it is innovative: create a localized, renewable energy system by placing solar and battery storage assets directly on residents’ properties. It’s a bold departure from traditional utilities, and the support shows that people are ready for something new. But translating bold ideas into reality is never easy. As of now, with about 10% of the needed households signed up, the program faces a steep hill to climb. To put this in perspective, a similar program in Washington, D.C., is only operating with 1.4% penetration after 15 years. Ann Arbor will need about 6% participation. Turning this good idea into a great program will require both creative solutions and sustained effort. While skepticism is natural, the potential rewards are enormous. If the community can find ways to incentivize participation, simplify the process, and build trust, this program could become a groundbreaking model for energy resilience and sustainability. https://loom.ly/-jSLgnk #energy #sustainability #solar

The New Balkans For much of the 20th century, Albania remained an isolated state, its economy shackled by a rigid command system under Enver Hoxha’s dictatorship. Only after the fall of communism in the early 1990s did the country begin its transition to a market economy, slowly opening itself to the world. Tirana, the capital, quickly became a canvas for bold architectural experimentation, earning a reputation as a hub for cutting-edge design and creativity. Now, more than three decades later, the ripple effects of that transformation are reaching Albania’s secondary cities. Shkodër, long overshadowed by its larger neighbor, is beginning to claim its place on the map. A vivid example of this shift is the Rozafa Hotel Tower, a dazzling departure from the city’s traditionally muted skyline. Set to become one of the city's tallest structures, the Rozafa Hotel Tower is a dramatic contrast to its surroundings. Its predecessor, a grey, boxy relic of the communist era, typified the utilitarian architecture of the time—functional but uninspiring. In contrast, the new tower’s colorful, curvilinear design stands as a bold declaration of Shkodër’s aspirations. The 35-story building not only commands the skyline but also connects it to the stunning natural environment. From its terraces, visitors can take in panoramic views of the Albanian Alps, Rozafa Castle, and the shimmering expanse of Lake Shkodër. It transforms the city from a simple waypoint into a potential destination in its own right. For travelers weary of crowded Mediterranean hotspots, Shkodër offers a serene alternative. The Rozafa Hotel Tower will position the city as a gateway to outdoor adventures, with hiking trails in the Albanian Alps and kayaking on Lake Shkodër just minutes away. For those seeking relaxation, the tranquil setting and lack of bustling crowds make it an ideal retreat. As Albania’s other citieslike Shkodër embrace these opportunities, they redefine what it means to travel in the Balkans. With its vibrant new architecture and natural beauty, Shkodër is poised to offer a unique blend of history, innovation, and tranquility. https://loom.ly/d4S40kE #architecture #hospitality #design selgascano

10 Years Later: Is It Time to Retool BIM’s Role in Construction? We sympathize with the author of this article: Despite a decade of progress, BIM remains underutilized as a standard for data exchange in design and construction. At its core, BIM is a database—a repository of geometry and associated data that enables the digitization of physical assets. But we often see it trying to be more than that, evolving into an all-encompassing solution that struggles to meet every need. Instead, BIM should function as a platform—a foundation on which complementary solutions can thrive. Consider for context cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure. These systems don’t dictate how businesses use their data; they provide secure, scalable infrastructure that enables a wide array of applications, from analytics to e-commerce to AI. Similarly, BIM should empower visualization tools, supply chain systems, scheduling software and more to seamlessly connect and address specific needs without being burdened by the weight of an all-in-one suite. The problem isn’t just about functionality—it’s about trust. In industries like healthcare and insurance, shared platforms allow multiple contributors to collaborate securely, even with highly sensitive data. Design and construction can do the same, but it requires modern systems that go beyond traditional "common data environments" to ensure data provenance, accuracy and accessibility. This is where we see an opportunity to evolve. At Concert, we’re focused on enabling trust by embedding certainty into the data itself. By ensuring file authenticity and creating a secure, shared foundation, we’re making it easier for teams to collaborate with confidence—without locking them into a rigid ecosystem. BIM doesn’t need to be everything for everyone. It just needs to be better at enabling others to do their best work. Let’s rethink its role in driving collaboration and trust across the tools and workflows that make our industry thrive. https://loom.ly/NrQv_Ek #architecture #design #construction #BIM