For the second straight month, the Architecture Billings Index reached a historical low since the American Institute of Architects, Washington, D.C., began the survey in 1995. The November 2008 ABI rating was 34.7, down from the 36.2 mark in October 2008 (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The inquiries for new projects score was 38.3, also a historic low point. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI shows an approximate nine to 12 month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. “With mounting job losses, declines in retail sales and travel cut-backs, the need fornew commercial facilities has dropped considerably recently,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “What’s just as troubling is that the institutional sector— schools, hospitals and public buildings—is also beginning to react to tighter credit conditions and a weakening economy.”
• Regional averages: Northeast, 39.5; South, 36.8; West, 33.5; Midwest. 31.4
• Sector index breakdown: mixed practice, 44.5; institutional, 40.8; multifamily, residential 30.0; commercial/industrial, 26.7
ABI at historic low—again (January 2009)
This Month’s Features
Designing for Thermal Resilience
The choices made in materials, shading, and energy systems will determine whether buildings remain safe havens or become liabilities.
Best Practices for Coatings in Resilient Metal Architecture
High-performance coatings, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based coatings, add upfront expense but reduce or even eliminate costly recoats/replacement later in the building’s life.
A Slam-dunk Metal Modernization
The building’s striking facade features black metal panels, installed in a cohesive pattern at a 45-degree angle.
Fire Protection Specifications for Metal Buildings
Metal building systems are noncombustible structures using steel framing and metal panels, manufactured for pre-assembly inspection.