Marissa Bell

Hurricane season is here and experts from the School of Architecture and Texas A&M University are available to discuss the latest research findings and the future of natural hazards, resilience, recovery and more in the 2024 Texas A&M Hurricane Experts Guide. tx.ag/hurricane24 

6

Our October 2024 deconstruction training recap is live! Explore the environmental, workforce, and cultural impacts we tracked. The City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation partnered with the National Park Service to deconstruct two historic buildings constructed circa 1870. The buildings were already in the demolition pipeline and we stepped in to advocate for deconstruction training as an alternative option. Over two weeks, two cohorts of construction professionals and those interested in entering the construction trades learned from trainers from Re:Purpose Savannah, a women+ led nonprofit dedicated to creating a sustainable future through the deconstruction, salvage, and reuse of historic buildings. A few highlights: ♻️ 29 tons of building materials diverted from the landfill (82% diversion rate) 🪵 13,238 linear board feet of lumber salvaged 🏠 21 categories of building materials recovered for reuse 👷‍♀️ 25 individuals trained 🤓 One former wooden highway sign discovered inside the building being used as roof sheathing It was a joy bringing all of this information together with Jessica Anderson so we can widely share the story of this property and the details behind the collaborative effort to advance reuse. Read about the history of the Sisson House, what trainees uncovered during deconstruction, what we learned from the Berg's Mill community, and how the training impacts San Antonio's construction and skilled trades workforce: https://lnkd.in/gkajdfWe #deconstruction #circulareconomy #workforcedevelopment #culturalheritage #decarbonization #zerowaste

42

6 Comments

I don’t often post content like this on my LinkedIn, but I noticed something at a recent event for women in transportation that I think is important to mention.   At the beginning of the program, the president of the organization read the following statistics: The Utah Women & Leadership Project, headed by Dr. Susan Madsen at USU, recently conducted a statistically significant survey among women in Utah. -63% of women disagreed with the statement “Men in Utah are supportive of women becoming leaders.” -Only 28% agreed at some level that men in Utah are engaged in efforts to have more women in leadership roles. -Most respondents disagreed at some level that “there are opportunities and resources available to help Utah men become better allies for women.” While I found these figures important and informative, I could barely hear them.  Each woman who followed to present and accept awards, as well as share well prepared remarks, was at constant odds with a loud buzz of conversation at the back of the room. There, people chatted over cocktail tables and effectively ignored the presentations happening front and center. In the middle of the presentations, the room went noticeably quiet when a man shared a few words after accepting an award on behalf of his company for their efforts in advancing women in transportation. When he concluded, the hum grew back into a roar and again fought with each word projecting from the microphone. The chatter did not subside for the rest of the program -- not even for the keynote speaker. At the beginning of her speech, the well respected engineer pointedly mentioned that the bulk of the men at the event comprised those standing in the back half of the room. Shen then encouraged them to join the audience in front of her. No one took the invitation. I couldn’t help but notice the irony that at an event aimed at uplifting the voices of women, so many people weren't listening, and as a result, the people who wanted to listen were unable to hear. I do think it is important to acknowledge the effort that both women and men made that night to attend that event and show support for the advancement of women in the transportation industry.  I understand these kinds of efforts have played an essential role in getting the industry to where it is today. Though if the statistics prove anything, it’s that there is still a lot of work to do, not only in Utah, but industry wide. Allyship is essential to making a change in industries that have long been lacking in female innovation and leadership. It is imperative that male managers and leaders support women, openly advocate for women, make room for women, and promote women into leadership positions. However, allyship is also in the details, and sometimes the most essential thing an ally can do is be quiet and listen. #womenintransportation #womeninengineering #womeninstem

83

25 Comments

We're excited to showcase innovative strategies from The Building Playbook, supporting the City of Austin's climate goals through low carbon retrofitting. Here are three of the guidelines that support cost-effective decarbonization in existing buildings: Stimulate Sustainable Behavior 🌿 Achieving sustainability in retrofitted buildings hinges on occupant behavior. By engaging users through education, gamification, and real-time energy use visualization, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions. This is exemplified by Danish solutions like proprty.ai, which uses artificial intelligence to automate property maintenance, providing predictive plans that defer renovations and maximize CO2 savings, significantly reducing emissions. Enhance Passive Design Measures 🌱 Increasing reliance on passive design in construction and retrofitting is key to sustainable building practices and reducing carbon emissions. Passive design strategies maximize natural light, minimize heat gain, and optimize building orientation to create comfortable indoor environments with minimal mechanical systems. Leading companies like Ramboll illustrate this with their Ev0 Building in the UK, which sets a new standard using timber, low-carbon concrete, and optimized façade designs, generating 94% of its energy on-site and storing approximately 4000 tons of CO2. Stimulate Transformation of Existing Buildings 🍀 Retrofitting existing buildings is essential for sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and maximizing urban infrastructure longevity. Strategic planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy support are crucial for successful transformations. SHL - Schmidt Hammer Lassen demonstrated this by revitalizing the historic Boston Commonwealth Pier, transforming it into modern, functional spaces while preserving its historical structures. By avoiding demolition, we conserve energy and preserve historical and cultural value. Explore these solutions further in the link below and join us in promoting sustainable urban development! https://lnkd.in/dh4Mg_MP Austin Energy I Danish Industry I BLOXHUB I 3XN/GXN I Danish Energy Agency

16

DON'T BE LEFT OUT ! SILENT ONLINE AUCTION FOR TEF. The Texas Engineering Foundation (TEF), a 501(c)3 public charitable foundation, supports the engineering profession through several initiatives focused on K-12 students, college students, and practicing engineers. This auction is to raise funds for: • K-12: MATHCOUNTS and other programs that educate and encourage students to pursue engineering as a career. • College: scholarships to students pursuing an engineering degree as well as graduate engineering degrees. • Practicing Engineer: resources for training including seminars and supporting educational material development that promotes ethics for the practicing engineer. Please note: 1) The auction will end at the TSPE Annual Meeting on June 21, 2024 but you do not need to be in attendance at that event to participate in the auction. 2) All items can be shipped or delivered directly to the successful bidder. 3) Only the excess amount over an auction item’s stated worth is tax deductible as a charitable contribution. 4) Straight monetary donations are fully tax deductible as a charitable contribution. https://lnkd.in/g-57_U4H Click on the link below, set up an account and bid for a good cause. We currently have 26 items with something for everyone !!

7

Project Assessments within the City of Austin have gone through several changes—moving from optional, to required for preliminary plans, and now back to optional. This left me wondering: what exactly is the purpose of a project assessment, and why would you want to complete one? After speaking with City of Austin staff, I’ve come to understand that while project assessments are no longer required, they remain optional and highly beneficial for gathering feedback before submitting a formal application. If you're unsure about whether a variance is needed or navigating impervious cover issues, a project assessment can provide valuable insights. What can you receive approval or review on? -RSMP program participation -Redevelopment exceptions -Variances from Land Development Code (subdivision, transportation, heritage trees) -Variances from other COA criteria (drainage, transportation, etc.) -Legal documents like ROW vacation, encroachment agreements, or license agreements -Parkland dedication requirements Fees for project assessments depend on project size, with cutoff sizes at 2 acres, 5 acres, and 10 acres. For larger projects, the cost can exceed $12,000. Has anyone here used the project assessment process and found it beneficial? I’d love to hear your experiences!

19

1 Comment

🔍🏘️ Exploring Texas' Architectural Diversity: A Professional Odyssey 🔍🏘️ As professionals in urban planning, architecture, and historical preservation, we often celebrate grandiose projects in metropolitan centers. However, Texas holds a secret in the form of ten towns that reflect the state's rich history through their remarkable architecture. These towns, including Fredericksburg, Columbus, and Waxahachie, offer a labyrinth of styles from Victorian to American Craftsman, with historical narratives embedded in their design. For instance, Jefferson's annual Pilgrimage underscores over 60 years of architectural celebration, showcasing Italianate to Greek Revival styles in its majestic homes. The adaptive reuse of Border Brick in Brownsville and the French Renaissance-inspired structures in Lockhart are testimonies to the diverse cultural influences that shaped the Lone Star State. Meanwhile, Georgetown’s Victorian storefronts remind us of the versatility and enduring nature of architectural innovation. Professionals seeking inspiration or those with a penchant for historical narratives will find these towns rich with study and storytelling potential. Planning a visit may not only nourish your aesthetic senses but could also foster deeper appreciation for Texas's regional architectural ethos. As we continue to design and preserve, let’s acknowledge and draw lessons from these historical townscapes. The architectural legacy they have protected is a priceless resource that informs our contemporary practice. https://lnkd.in/gyBsTqPN

1

Appreciate the opportunity to continue the education conversation with the Yoakum district supervisors. We had the opportunity to speak with supervisors about TxDOT education opportunities for them and their employees. Extremely proud to say that we can take you from a GED to a PHD at TxDOT. More importantly had great conversations of how supervisors can support their employees education journey with the 5W’s: Who - Leaders that want to create a safe environment. What - Supporting education through conversations starts the foundation of create an environment for open dialogue, engagement, and growth. Why - The benefits are endless but creating more knowledgeable workforce, increased confidence, increased productivity, and higher retention. How - Scheduled uninterrupted time, observing body language. Being curious and asking good open-ended questions. When - Anytime education can and does come up - including one on ones, monthly meetings, stay interviews, and career conversations. Celebrate the successes! Whatever is celebrated is often replicated. #GEDtoPHD #safeenvironment #educationjourney

7

🏗️ Exciting Update: Framing phase approved by the City of Houston! Now, onto the next crucial step - putting up the walls! As we move forward, my role in overseeing this project goes beyond construction. I'm constantly negotiating prices, ensuring materials are on-site, and optimizing our supply chain management to keep things running smoothly. It's all about strategic planning, communication, and attention to detail to bring this project to life! 💡 #ConstructionManagement #SupplyChainOptimization #structionproject!

13

3 Comments

✋ A Texas sized Bridge Design Public Service Announcement: A design of any public bridge should always have a QA/QC plan. If you are designing in Texas, you're in luck! - there's one just a google away. If you are designing for a city, county or state, it does not matter. The expectation across the board is that a bridge designer submit check prints and clean copies of drawings and calcs. Either required or upon request. That's the industry standard. 🚗 🌉 👍 #designstandards #bridgedesign #designbasics101

73

🌟 Spotlight on Water Projects in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area 🌟 The Dallas-Fort Worth region is leading the way with innovative water projects that are addressing the area's growing needs and setting the stage for a sustainable, resilient future. From cutting-edge water treatment plants to large-scale infrastructure improvements, DFW is home to some of the most impactful water projects in the nation. Here are just a few examples of the transformative projects shaping the region: 💧 Dallas Water Utilities – Central Water Treatment Plant Expansion To meet the growing demand for clean water, the Central Water Treatment Plant in Dallas is undergoing a major expansion. This $200+ million project will increase treatment capacity and improve water quality for residents, ensuring reliable service to the city’s expanding population. The plant will also incorporate advanced filtration technologies and energy-efficient systems. 💧 Fort Worth’s Vista Ridge Pipeline Project This multi-billion-dollar project is one of the largest water supply infrastructure developments in the region. The Vista Ridge Pipeline will transport up to 50 million gallons of water per day from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer to Fort Worth, addressing the city's long-term water supply needs and alleviating pressure on local water sources. 💧 Tarrant Regional Water District – Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWMP) The IWMP is a comprehensive initiative aimed at ensuring a sustainable water supply for the Tarrant County region. This forward-thinking plan focuses on diverse strategies, including conservation, wastewater reuse, and expansion of water storage capabilities. By identifying new sources of water and planning for future growth, this plan ensures the region is prepared for population growth and climate variability. 💧 City of Arlington – Reclaimed Water System In a move to promote water conservation, the City of Arlington is rolling out a reclaimed water system to provide irrigation to parks, golf courses, and other green spaces. By repurposing treated wastewater, Arlington is reducing its reliance on potable water, contributing to both sustainability and cost savings for the city. These are just a few examples of how DFW is investing in the future of its water systems, ensuring a reliable, sustainable water supply for generations to come. Whether it's expanding treatment capacity, improving water quality, or investing in smart water technologies, DFW is proving itself to be a leader in water innovation. #DFWWaterProjects #WaterInnovation #WaterInfrastructure #Sustainability #EngineeringExcellence #WaterTreatment #SmartWater #WaterSecurity #DallasFortWorth #Infrastructure #CommunityImpact

6

1 Comment

Complete and share the survey. ☺️

4

Dr. Xinyue Ye, professor of urban planning, was recently featured in an article by Texas A&M Today for his research on the use of 3D visualization technology to identify the potential outcomes of hurricane flooding before it occurs. The technology, based on real-time weather forecasting, can improve safety and reduce damage-inflicted costs from extreme weather events. Read more at tx.ag/XY3D. #research #hurricane

45

1 Comment

Dr. Xinyue Ye, professor of urban planning, was recently featured in an article by Texas A&M Today for his research on the use of 3D visualization technology to identify the potential outcomes of hurricane flooding before it occurs. The technology, based on real-time weather forecasting, can improve safety and reduce damage-inflicted costs from extreme weather events. Read more at tx.ag/XY3D. #research #hurricane

25

Thrilled to share that I’ve completed the Strategic Project Management course at Rice University’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies! This experience has sharpened my skills and equipped me to tackle projects more strategically. Excited to put these insights into action! 🚀 #ProjectManagement #RiceUniversity #LifelongLearning

69

11 Comments

For those of us in #Houston, TxDOT is holding a public meeting Dec 5th from 5p-7p. This meeting is in regards to the segment that will affect The Heights and White Oak Bayou specifically and how road widening will impact both. As Houston continues to grow there should be an open and honest feedback about what the city, and it's transportation plan, should look like. This meeting is one of those steps. There is a lot of data to peruse on the impact of different transportation options such as multi-modality (bus, train, feet, bike, etc), widening highways, adding BRT lanes amongst many others. Specific to Houston there is water mitigation which also is a consideration. Take the opportunity to research your thoughts and bring your opinions to this meeting. I will. I'm going to be looking at this project from the lens of my experience in the world of Supply Chain Operations. What are all the inputs, outputs, possible effects/impacts on people, environment, economy? I will be calculating my own "total cost of ownership" or "landed cost."

4

In my ARCH 3501 Bachelor of Architecture class with Donna Kacmar, FAIA, we embarked on a project to create a community in the heart of Houston, Texas' Third Ward. This research paper explores the history of Houston, with a focus on how the city's founders, the Allen Brothers, divided it into political and geographic districts known as "wards." The study investigates how the physical characteristics of Third Ward have shaped its urban form, the types of houses built, and the economic disparities among households. Within the context of Third Ward, the research delves into the life cycle of the most prevalent building materials used in the community. It examines their origins, transportation, assembly, and potential for reuse. The aim is to uncover the intricate relationship between materiality, urban morphology, and socio-economic factors within the context of Third Ward. You can read my Medium Article about a Holistic Approach in Third Ward Material Analysis:

11

2 Comments

I recently finished one of my favorite graduate courses at Texas Tech; Research Through Design: Making Things to Think With. John Zimmerman summarizes research-through-design as “an approach to conducting scholarly research that employs the methods, practices, and processes of design practice with the intention of generating new knowledge.” This discipline suggests that we can gain insights into our subjects by creating something for them. Research through design is what truly made me see how important it is to keep in mind that, while we need to follow certain guidelines and established design procedures, this will always be a non-linear process. The flexibility and freedom that this course provided made me feel lost at times when I wanted to jump into working on a solution to a problem, but this was the wrong goal. This type of research and projects we were working on did not require a direct solution to a problem. Once I understood what it really means to conduct research through design, it opened my eyes to the need for a deep understanding of users, contexts, and their problems. Every online course out there will tell you how important user research is and will give you a few steps to follow, but to really understand the user’s context and make sense of their thoughts and emotions, we need to go the extra mile. For this class, I wanted to create a research tool to gain insights into how users understand hardware, specifically computer keyboards. I ended up reading more about ergonomics and injuries than actual design and HCI, but I gained extremely valuable insights on accessibility and usability. Then, I came up with Proteus Key, a research tool that aims to study how users interact with computer keyboards and improve their experience by exploring hardware customization, using AI tools to make informed decisions based on quantitative and qualitative data collected through the program. Additionally, accessibility was at the forefront of this project, ensuring that the designs accommodate all users, including those with disabilities and injuries, to create a truly inclusive and user-friendly experience. By collecting this data, the project seeks to identify pain points in traditional keyboard designs and develop potential solutions. In this project, I highlight the importance of user-centered design, empathy through research, and the power of customization. #ux #ui #design #uxresearch #RtD #opentowork #UserResearch

10