LOS ANGELES — Design firm DLR Group won a conceptual design competition with a unanimous vote by the judges to modernize Beverly Hills High School at an estimated cost of $150 million.
The firm beat out three other finalists for the contract to design the iconic high school, a part of the Beverly Hills Unified School District. The design team included architects from DLR’s Los Angeles, Seattle and Orlando offices.
The TOPCAT Classroom Audio System by Lightspeed improves the learning environment by distributing quality sound so that students can hear every word clearly. The all-in-one unit weighs 22 pounds and measures 23.43 inches by 23.43 inches by 4 inches. It can be mounted on the ceiling grid to preserve the architectural design of the classroom. The TOPCAT system package includes two small, lightweight REDMIKE VC microphones for both teacher and student use. It also features a wireless Media Connector Module that enhances instruction by integrating all classroom audio for distribution.
Legrand released the Wiremold Evolution Series Floor Box, offering high capacity for communication, audio and video power. Designed for various types of flooring, the Evolution series is available in 6-gang, 8-gang, and 10-gang configurations for standard, on-grade and fire-classified applications. Each floor box cover features an egress door system that locks into position when the box is open but automatically closes around cables when the cover is shut. The cover swings open 180 degrees to provide easier access and guard against damage or trip hazards, according to the company.
The new Wireless Tablet Interface by Califone International Inc. provides flexibility and creativity for computer-based presentations. The model enables wireless operation from up to 50 feet away from the computer, allowing the user to move throughout the classroom and still control the computer’s desktop and presentation-related functions. With its Windows-only operating system, the tablet interface provides 18 available channels, for use in classrooms containing multiple, independent learning-based groups.
Turner Construction Co. chose Andy Tandon to represent the firm’s interiors division as manager. Tandon is expected to lead the division by delivering consistent, timely and cost-effective construction management and general contracting services to local clients. Since joining Turner in 1996, Tandon has been a key member of the operations staff. A Houston native, he has a history of working on large and small Houston-area projects, including extensive tenant finish work.
Legat & Kingscott LLC recently chose Paul Garland to represent the company as its overall firm manager. In his new position, Garland is responsible for client service, quality documentation, staffing and office performance. He will lead day-to-day operations, ensuring that profitability levels are maintained and improved by working directly with clients to oversee the efforts of architectural teams and support staff.
Amy Yurko, AIA, is the recipient of the 2011 Planner of the Year award, the highest and most distinguished individual honor conferred by the Council of Educational Facility Planners International. The Planner of the Year award is presented annually to the individual whose professional facility planning activities have produced a positive and significant regional, national and/or international impact on educational facility planning.
SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. — Shippensburg University will break ground on the first of its three-phase, on-campus housing project — the largest project in the university’s history.
ST. LOUIS — Brinkmann Constructors wrapped up construction of the $70 million Westminster Christian Academy one year ahead of schedule, saving up to $1.3 million.
Plans for the school had been discussed for the past eight years but the poor economy caused delays.
Donations from the community — including 30 acres of land and millions of dollars in donations — allowed contractors to start work in December 2010.
By: Jim Luckey, AIA, LEED AP