FacilityBlog from Today's Facility Manager: The First Facility Management Blog

FRIDAY FUNNY: Does That Say What I Think It Says?

2008-04-04T09:18:00.006-04:00

An interesting news tidbit recently surfaced, pitting the textbook prowess of an observant fifth grader against the collective minds of Smithsonian museum curators. So who won? Let's just say the Smithsonian brain trust has been brought down to earth by an 11-year-old Michigan youngster named Kenton Stufflebeam.

As reported in Yahoo! News:

On a winter break trip with his family to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, the 11-year-old southwestern Michigan boy noticed that a notation, in bold lettering, mistakenly identified the Precambrian as an era. Since it opened in 1981, millions of people have paraded past the museum's Tower of Time, a display involving prehistoric time. Kenton was the first to point out the error.

Kenton said his fifth-grade teacher, John Chapman, had nearly made the same mistake about the Precambrian in a classroom earth-science lesson before catching himself. "I knew Mr. Chapman wouldn't tell all these students" bad information."

Last week, the boy received a letter from the museum acknowledging that his observation was "spot on."

"The Precambrian is a dimensionless unit of time, which embraces all the time between the origin of Earth and the beginning of the Cambrian Period of geologic time," the letter says.

The solution to the problem would not involve advanced science but rather simply painting over the word "era," the note says.

While no previous visitors to the museum had brought up the error, it has long rankled the paleobiology department's staff, who noticed it even before the Tower of Time was erected 27 years ago, said Lorraine Ramsdell, educational technician for the museum.

Excited as Stufflebeam was to receive the correspondence from museum officials, he couldn't help but point out that it was addressed to Kenton Slufflebeam.

Yes, that was Slufflebeam, not Stufflebeam. Poor kid.

And here are some other classic mixed messages from across the pond, collected by Peter SJF Bance:

In a restroom:
TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW

In a Laundromat:
AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT

In a London department store:
BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS

In an office:
WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN

In an office:
AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD

Outside a second-hand shop:
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?

Notice in health food shop window:
CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS

Spotted in a safari park:
ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR

Seen during a conference:
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR

Notice in a farmer's field:
THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES.

Message on a leaflet:
IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET LESSONS

On a repair shop door:
WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE BELL DOESN'T WORK)

BGM Industries To Be Acquired

2008-03-31T09:35:00.006-04:00

ISS Facility Services, Inc., a national provider of facility services has signed an agreement to acquire building services provider BGM. The closing is expected to occur today, March 31, 2008.

BGM, which does business as BG Service Solutions, has revenues of $105 million and provides cleaning services in six states including Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Florida and Utah. BGM was founded in 1972 by Ron Baker and Ron Goldsmith, and Goldsmith says, “Ron Baker and I are very pleased to place our company and dedicated employee team with the leading cleaning company in the world.”

Sonny Price, current president of BGM will remain with ISS as the president of the Midwest Region and will be responsible for the operations of the region within the ISS corporate structure.

“We are very excited to team up with BGM. I have known both Ron’s for a long while and have always admired the management team they put together and their approach to the business in building a great Company,” remarked Darrell Glover, CEO of ISS Facility Services, Inc., on the deal. “This acquisition is a great fit for ISS and gives us a very strong presence in the Midwestern states. It also gives us a strong presence in the Aviation sector which is important to us,” says Glover. With this acquisition, ISS Facility Services will have over 14,600 employees.

ISS Facility Services, Inc. is the United States company of ISS and offers a range of service solutions, from single services to fully Integrated Facility Services (IFS) that combine all of the customers’ service and support functions into one solution.

About the ISS Group
The ISS Group is a facility services group, providing integrated service solutions based on the core business areas of cleaning, catering, office support, property services, and security. The ISS Group had annual revenues of almost USD $13.4 billion in 2007 and employs more than 440,000 people in 50 countries across Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Australia.

About BGM Industries
BGM Industries has its headquarters in Kansas City, MO, and is a leading provider of cleaning services in the Midwest. In addition to cleaning services, BGM also provides property services such as building maintenance and landscaping as well as security. The company has more than 1,000 customer accounts, the largest of which are office properties and airports. BGM Industries generated 2007 revenue of about USD $105 million and has some 3,600 employees.

FRIDAY FUNNY: On Its 40th Anniversary, Celebrating The Cubicle (Dilbert's Ultimate Fantasy)

2008-03-28T10:18:00.008-04:00

Last Wednesday (3/19/08), Time Blogger Lisa Takeuchi Cullen shared this fact: the cubicle is 40 years old. Cullen's lack of enthusiasm for this mid-aged workplace fixture was not difficult to detect. Frankly, Cullen seems to despise this "soul-destroying workspace we call the modern cubicle." Those are her words, not mine.

The only celebratory aspect of this milestone that Cullen could find was her discovery of a 2001 collaboration between IDEO (a world leader in the design of products, services, and environments) and Scott Adams ("father" of Dilbert), to create the ideal cubicle.

Since 1989, Scott Adams’s comic strip Dilbert has chronicled the life of his title character in the impersonal “cubicle farms”of the modern office. One of the most popular comic strips in the world, Dilbert resonates with anyone who’s ever worked in a maze of identical offices that seemed designed to make the greatest number of workers equally uncomfortable.

Scott Adams approached IDEO to create Dilbert’s Ultimate Cubicle, an attempt to address the myriad issues connected with partition-based offices: lack of personal control, absence of privacy, inadequate space and tools, and so on. IDEO designers created and lived in their own “Dilbertville” within the San Francisco office for several weeks to gain empathy for typical cubicle dwellers and to gain firsthand insights into the challenges they face. Combining that experience with input from Scott Adams and the cumulative advice of thousands of e-mails from Dilbert fans, the designers created a series of quick prototype spaces to explore a range of ideas, from the serious to the outrageous. Fred Dust headed up the IDEO project team for Dilbert's Ultimate Cubicle.

The result is a modular cubicle that allows each worker to select the components from a “kit of parts” and create a space based on his or her tastes and lifestyle. Practical considerations include modules for a seat, a computer, and a display (complete with “boss monitor”). The floor modules lift for storage or flip between artificial grass and tatami mats; the light modules at the top mimic the sun’s movement throughout the day.

Other more whimsical modules provide a hammock, an aquarium, and a punching bag.The project showcases IDEO’s highly adaptable design process and uses humor and optimism to explore the “blue sky” area between Dilbert’s problems and real-life solutions available today.

From the CNN archives:

Adams says, "I've had tens of thousands of messages over the years from disgruntled cubicle dwellers who were griping about something about their office experience. Somehow, accidentally, I realized I'd become a leading authority on what's wrong with cubicles. You don't have to be Thomas Edison to realize there's a product possibility there."

(Pictured, left: The Ultimate Cubicle)

Cullen's favorite feature of the Ultimate Cubicle? The hideaway hammock, thus proving the maxim, "every cloud has a silver lining."

There is just no pleasing some people. Sheeshh!

Many thanks to TFM Reader Maria Vickers for submitting this information.

ANSI Rejects Appeal to Withdraw Voluntary Standard

2008-03-24T10:39:00.004-04:00

Earlier this month (3/13/08), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Board of Standards Review (BSR) rejected the appeal brought by the Construction Industry Employer Coalition, a coalition of five trade associations of U.S. construction interests, to withdraw the adoption of the approved voluntary consensus standard “reduction of Musculoskeletal Problems in Construction” (ANSI/ASSE A10.40-2007), which aims to reduce musculoskeletal problems/disorders (MSDs) in the construction industry.

In 2006, the ANSI/ASSE A10.40 Committee, a subcommittee of the ANSI/ASSE A10 Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) on Construction and Demolition Operations, balloted the proposed standard to the A10 for approval. Following the approval of the standard by the Committee, the Coalition then filed an appeal challenging the standard’s adoption, and a hearing was held on May 1, 2007 to hear the formal complaints. On May 25, 2007, the appeals panel found unanimously that the appeal complaints were without merit and that the Secretariat, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), complied with the ANSI due process requirements in developing the standard. The standard was approved by ANSI’s BSR on July 23, 2007.

Soon thereafter, the Coalition noted its intent to appeal the BSR decision and did so on November 9, 2007. The ANSI BSR held the hearing for the appeal on February 7, 2008. Pending the conclusion of any further appeals in this matter, the BSR has determined that its original action to approve the A10.40 as an American National Standard stands.

“We are pleased with ANSI Board of Standards Review’s decision to uphold the approval and publication of the A10.40 standard,” said ASSE Vice President, Council on Practices and Standards (CoPS) James D. Smith, CSP. “At ASSE we are committed to the protection of people, property and the environment and this standard is an excellent step in protecting workers from injury and in helping to create safer and more healthy workplaces.”

“National consensus standards, such as A10.40, reflect the insights of the final users and the opinions of professionals who work at all levels of public and private sectors in technology development, safety and health, manufacturing, training, financial analysis, personnel and academia,” said A10 Committee Chair Richard King, CSP, CRSP. “ This balanced perspective enables standards to be crafted in a manner that benefits and protects standard users.”

The ANSI BSR denied the appeal on the grounds that insufficient evidence was provided by the Coalition in support of its appeal to demonstrate that the ASC 10 Committee failed to obtain a consensus of materially affected interests with respect to the A10.40 Standard, that the Committee was unbalanced or dominated by one interest group, that the Committee failed adequately to respond to comments or that any procedural requirements were violated or overlooked.

Some of the potential solutions in the standard aimed at reducing incidence of MSDs include risk elimination, substitution, use of engineering controls, administrative changes, training, use of protective equipment and assessment of individuals’ physical capabilities.

The standard also notes that construction workers and supervisors should be trained to recognize risk factors and ways to reduce the risk of MSDs through proper work techniques. Employee participation and injury management program are also discussed in the standard. A10.40 also includes a risk assessment guide, a construction MSD problem checklist, a return-to-work checklist, a list of resources, key terms and definitions and a list of non-occupational risk factors associated with work-related MSDs such as age, strength and gender.

Grand Rapids Chair Company Has New Wood Division

2008-03-24T10:09:00.005-04:00

This manufacturer of commercial furniture recently announced the launch of its new wood division and wood finishing line. Leading up to the February launch, the company had worked on the development and engineering of this manufacturing process for the past year. This wood finish line completes facility improvements to a multimillion dollar water based, wood finish division that is capable of doubling capacity to complement the company’s growth. The company is located in Grand Rapids, MI.

Tom Southwell, vice president of Grand Rapids Chair Company, explained, “Technological advances in water based wood finishing systems necessitate alternative means of production. The challenge becomes how to produce an environmentally friendly product efficiently and timely. Through a significant investment in time, effort, and money, we were able to produce a unique, one-of-a-kind system that is capable of handling quick lead times and customization. We succeeded while cutting our VOC emissions by 95%. We are excited to say that we flipped the switch today on our new line.”

FRIDAY FUNNY: Smoking Ban? Or Performance Art?

2008-03-21T09:34:00.002-04:00

This story contrasts a FacilityBlog Weird Wednesday post about a fast food chain in China that was losing business because of its smoke free policy. In Minnesota, bar owners are going to great lengths to undermine the state's new cigarette ban.

According to a 3/8/08 article from Ed Pilkington of The Guardian:

More than 100 bars across the state have started holding "theater nights" in which patrons are encouraged to dress up in period costume and project their voices, playbills are pinned on the walls, and bar paraphernalia makes up the props.

The bars are seeking to bypass a smoking ban introduced last October by exploiting a loophole that allows cigarettes to be puffed in theatrical productions.

The creative idea was the brainchild of Mark Benjamin, a lawyer who feels the policy infringes on the rights of citizens. (How do you like that, Poor Richard?)

Pilkington continues,

Bars have taken to calling their theater nights "Before the Ban", which allows them to claim that their customers are in character playing themselves before the October injunction came down. Black cloth is draped over entrances, with notices saying "Stage Entrance". And ashtrays are piled up under the label "Props". Other bars hand out badges to anyone who donates a dollar saying "Act Now!"

Officials in the state are warning makeshift "theaters" that they are still breaking the law, an act that could cost as much as $10,000 and result in the loss of the bar's operating license.

Air Purifier Lauded By Museum Of Modern Art

2008-03-18T09:19:00.002-04:00

Humanair Debuts at MoMA’s Design and the Elastic Mind Exhibition

The Museum of Modern Art is featuring the Humanair air purifier by Humanscale in its exhibition, Design and the Elastic Mind, from February 24 to May 12, 2008 in New York City. Humanair joins more than 200 designs on display that merge scientific research with human limitations, habits, and aspirations.

Design in the Elastic Mind contends that one of design's most fundamental tasks is to help people deal with change. As a result, each item on display reflects the dramatic changes in the dimensions of human life—time, space, matter and individuality. The exhibition features art by designers, scientists and engineers from around the world and explores the relationship between design, science and the approach to scale. On view are objects, products and concepts ranging from the nanoscale to the cosmological scale.

A solution for improving hazardous indoor air, the Humanair unit employs patented technology developed in Sweden. The design operates in virtual silence and with no noticeable draft to create a Clean Air Zone around users where they spend the vast majority of their time—at work and in bed. Humanair consumes just seven watts of energy and complements the trend toward green, healthy living. Currently in development, Humanair air purifiers are slated for availability in the first quarter of 2009.

Gerflor Launches New Web Site

2008-03-13T09:28:00.005-04:00

The France-based designer and manufacturer of vinyl resilient floor coverings has introduced its U.S. commercial Web site (www.gerflor-us.com). Features of the new Web site include a product section categorized by type, market, and color. Also, exclusive to the Gerflor Commercial U.S. site is a rep locater map, which allows visitors to click on a state to find their Gerflor sales rep. An e-newsletter option also allows visitors to receive the latest Gerflor product or feature news.

“The sales landscape has changed dramatically since the advent of the Internet and we want to equip potential customers with the tools necessary to make an informed decision,” said Alan Fennell, president of Gerflor Commercial Flooring. “Our goal is to provide consumers with timely, pertinent information about Gerflor vinyl flooring and its representatives through an easy to understand, easy to navigate website. The new site enables customers to reach out directly to the Gerflor sales force with questions or concerns. In addition, the new site keeps consumers up to date with what’s happening in the world of Gerflor vinyl flooring through the news and useful links sections.”

About Gerflor
Gerflor's collection of commercial vinyl flooring products are suited to the healthcare, education, sports, retail, leisure, corporate, and industrial sectors. Founded in 1937 and headquartered near Lyon, France, Gerflor is present in more than 90 countries around the globe with over 1500 employees. The company's environmental record includes 'A' rated Green Guide (BRE) certification, outstanding whole life cycle performance, as well as full compliance with ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 standards. Gerflor commercial flooring can contribute toward LEED credits and is 100% recyclable.

WEIRD WEDNESDAY: The Desk for the Executive Addicted to Star Wars

2008-03-12T10:42:00.003-04:00

I saw a post about this amazing piece of office furniture a few weeks ago, and I immediately knew I had to share it. It's not especially practical, but it is definitely a one of a kind conversation piece...for someone who is obsessed with Star Wars and has tons of money. Hey, who wouldn't want the "Hans Solo trapped in carbonite from The Empire Strikes Back" desk?

From the designer's Web site:

A custom designed desk that fits a sci-fi theme. Beyond furniture... this is a one of a kind piece of functional art! Metal and fiberglass construction with a heavy glass top create an elegant and extremely unique piece!

We accept private commissions to custom create highly unique furniture, and functional art for home theaters, businesses, trade shows and more.

Based on your needs and interests, TSD can design and fabricate props, elements, furniture, creatures or characters, however large, for your business, collection, museum, mall, restaurant or bar, themed or haunted attraction or home.

The designer, Tom Spina, was approached by Mark Hall of the Grammy Award winning Christian rock group Casting Crowns. The singer asked Spina for a custom desk for his home theater and studio office, and this is what he got.

How did Spina come up with the idea? In the Replica Prop Forum, Spina writes,

I created several designs and eventually hit upon the idea of using a Han in Carbonite (derived from an old Illusive Concepts artist proof) as the top of a combination desk and art piece.

I did the initial concept and sketches and Richard [Spina's partner] handled the details, worked with the metal shop, and did the final build. Two RPF'rs [Replica Prop Forum'ers] also contributed resin detail pieces (where better to go than the RPF for the best parts around?).

The main "box" for the desk is custom metal, as are the computer cut side boxes which both light up with an orange glow. The piece is finished with a 1/2" thick glass table top.

Herman Miller Ranked "Most Admired"

2008-03-10T09:12:00.001-04:00

For the 20th time in 22 years, Herman Miller is ranked as the "Most Admired" company in its industry in FORTUNE magazine's annual survey broadly measuring the reputation of America's corporations.

Additionally, among all companies in all industries, Herman Miller is recognized in the Top 10 for its Innovation, Social Responsibility, People Management, and Quality of Products/Services, and is the only Michigan-based company to place No. 1 among the magazine's distinct industry listings.

The results, published in FORTUNE's March 17, 2008, issue, rate Herman Miller first among all companies in the furniture industry in six of the survey's eight key attributes of reputation: Innovation, People Management, Use of Corporate Assets, Social Responsibility, Quality of Management, and Quality of Products/Services.

Weird Wednesday: The Missing Room

2008-03-05T10:15:00.005-05:00

Many priceless works of art and culturally important artifacts were lost during World War II, but the strangest of all must be the Amber Room, an entire chamber that disappeared during those violent and chaotic years.

The Amber Room is known for its amber panels backed with gold leaf and mirrors. The room's construction took place between 1701 and 1709 in Prussia and remained at Charlottenburg Palace until 1716. It was then given by Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm I to his ally, Tsar Peter the Great of the Russian Empire, and was installed first in the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg, and then at the Catherine Palace near the city.

During World War II, the room's curators were unable to move it to safety. They made an attempt to hide the room's amber panels under wallpaper, but German forces recognized the well-known structure and dismantled it. The Amber Room was then brought to Konigsberg in East Prussia. The city was heavily damaged by Allied bombing in 1944 and was subsequently conquered by the Soviet Union.

The room, sometimes dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World," was never recovered. Its whereabouts remain a mystery, although there are several theories. These include:

The Amber Room was destroyed when Konigsberg Castle was burned out during the war.
It was taken on a ship or submarine that was sunk by Soviet forces in the Baltic Sea.
The room was hidden in a bunker in Konigsberg that is now lost.
It was buried in mines in the Ore Mountains.

There have been some exciting developments in the search for the Amber Room. In February of this year, treasure hunters claimed they had found the room in a manmade cavern 20 meters underground near the village of Deutschneudorf on Germany's border with the Czech Republic. For safety reasons, further exploration will not resume until late March.

In 2003, a reconstructed Amber Room was unveiled at the Catherine Palace. It was largely based on photographs of the original room.

Best Office Award

2008-03-04T12:02:00.003-05:00

Orgatec 2008, in cooperation with WirtschaftsWoche, is now presenting the “Best Office” feature for the third time. Under the heading “Success Factor Office” the competition’s aim is to find the office solution which is best tailored to the office workflow, promotes the information flow between the employees and at the same time creates scope for ideas and visions. An important factor here is that the office solution not only ensures an intelligent interaction between communication and concentrated work, but through its attractive design also greatly contributes to recruiting employees and securing their company loyalty.

Companies from home and abroad, whose office concepts have already been introduced and proved themselves in practical applications, are invited to enter the competition. Architects, interior architects and consultants can also propose their favourites in cooperation with their clients. The Best Office Award is presented in two categories, for the best domestic and best international office concept. In order to participate in the competition, a questionnaire, which was developed by our scientific partner, the Institute of Ergonomics at the Technical University of Darmstadt (Institut für Arbeitswissenschaft der Technischen Universität Darmstadt - IAD), must be submitted along with photos of the office object.

Companies can submit their solutions up to 15th July 2008. The two best solutions will be shown and presented with awards at Orgatec 2008 from 21st to 25th October 2008 in Cologne.

WEIRD WEDNESDAY: More Stories About Toilets

2008-02-27T10:17:00.006-05:00

Last Friday, FacilityBlog featured a story about running toilets. Today, toilets are in the news once again, but this time, they are the subject of a legal controversy in Italy.

Here are the facts, presented by Eileen Jeng of fNews:

Two artists, Eleonora Chiari and Sandra Goldschmied, have created a toilet that flushes to the sound of Italy's national anthem, according to BBC News Online. The toilet was on display at the Bolzano Museum of Modern Art in Northern Italy when it was impounded by the police.

The museum is currently fighting to get the installation piece back. A museum spokesperson was quoted on artinfo.net explaining that a right-wing political party complained to local authorities about the piece. Prosecutors said that the national anthem is a “national emblem, which should be protected and should never be open to ridicule.” Perhaps their interpretation is that as the toilet flushes to the national anthem, Italy is being ridiculed. It is as if Italy is going down the drain.

The defense attorney for the museum stated to the BBC that while the national anthem “does have patriotic and sentimental value, it is not a national symbol.” Thus, the ownership of the national anthem is one of the questions for the court. The Association of Italian Modern Art Museums supported the museum and “its professional authority." Artinfo.net described the Museum as a victim of censorship.

Please rise.

According to Christian Fraser of the BBC, a ruling on the case was expected quickly, but because of the questions of patriotism it sparked, the work was removed from the museum and the artists were under investigation.The story broke back in October 2006, but no updates on the case or a final ruling could be found after an extensive online search.

Meanwhile, the controversy has inspired Bloggers across the Internet to pose some fairly serious questions about the concept of art, symbolism, and freedom of expression. Who owns the national anthem? And is it unpatriotic to play it in a context in which it could be ridiculed? A decree issued by the former Italian government of Silvio Berlusconi defined the national anthem as an emblem and the property of the state.

While these are not directly facility management issues, they could have an impact on any building that displays a corporate art collection. Should the collection be vetted for any offensive messages? Or should art be left uncensored, to evoke response and reaction?

You may now be seated.

Kimball Office Hosts Putt Putt Fundraiser

2008-02-26T09:17:00.003-05:00

Kimball Office Hosts Putt Putt Fundraiser to Benefit Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation: NYC design firms transform company’s Park Avenue South showroom into miniature golf course for the first-ever event.

There are miniature golf tournaments and then there are miniature golf tournaments. But none are as unique as the Kimball Office Open- 18 furniture-inspired holes created by some of New York’s most well-known design firms.

Jointly sponsored by Kimball Office and its New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia dealers and suppliers, the first-ever Kimball Office Open benefited the Turn 2 Foundation, raising nearly $20,000. Founded by Derek Jeter, Turn 2 creates and supports programs and activities that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and "TURN 2" healthy lifestyles.

“We are amazed at the response we have received because of the event in both contributions and interest in the foundation,” said Sharlee Jeter, the Yankee shortstop’s sister. “Our family wants to thank Kimball Office and everyone who worked so hard to make this a great night.”

More than 450 golfers tested their putting skills on the par 60 course. The number 3 hole designed by TSC Design won the “Favorite Hole Design” award by popular vote. The par 3, 2.5-yard hole dominated with a truck crane built over a Kimball Office “President” series desk in a brick-strewn construction site. Golfers had to hit their ball through pipes suspended by the crane to reach the green located in a “Porta Potty.”

“There was a lot of debate over the favorite hole,” said Chuck Gould, Regional Manager, Kimball Office. “In fact, we almost had a 15-way tie, because each hole had its own ingenious appeal.”

The evening wrapped up with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the 19th hole. In addition, awards were presented to the three top-scoring teams. Ted Moudis Associates captured first place and took home the coveted Kimball Office cup. Mancini Duffy landed second place. And Callison walked away with third.

Gunlocke's Wish You Were Here Sweepstakes

2008-02-25T09:32:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Gunlocke’s recently launched Wish You Were Here Sweepstakes, participants can enter to win one of four grand prize getaways by simply logging on to Gunlocke’s Web site and clicking on the Wish You Were Here icon. Each grand prize winner will be awarded one win trip from their choice of six luxurious vacation destinations.

The four grand prize winners will be given the chance to choose from the following six vacation destinations: Aspen, Colo.; Cancun, Mexico; Oahu, Hawaii; Hamilton Beach, Bermuda; Las Vegas, Nev. or a seven-day Western Caribbean Cruise. Each vacation includes round trip airfare for two, seven days/six nights at a luxury hotel and a $1,000 American Express gift card.

Six second place winners of the Wish You Were Here Sweepstakes will also be chosen. They will receive a $1,200 gift certificate that can be used at any Marriott hotel in the continental United States and Canada. Each second place winner will also receive a $200 American Express gift card.

Periodic drawings will also take place each month, allowing one winner to choose from a Garmin GPS system, a set of Samsonite Luggage or a portable DVD player. Winners of the periodic draws will still be eligible for the grand prize and second place prizes.

The contest ends on June 5, 2008 when both the grand prize and second place winners will be drawn randomly. Winners will then be notified and asked to select their vacation. All winners will be announced at NeoCon 2008.

No purchase is necessary, and participants can log in daily for their chance to win. The contest is open to any member of a Gunlocke affiliated dealership or to any state certified architect or designer.

Herman Miller Named To List Of Most Innovative Companies

2008-02-21T10:02:00.003-05:00

Fast Company magazine today named Herman Miller, Inc. to its "Fast 50" list of the world’s most innovative companies. Herman Miller ranked 26th this year and was the only representative of the contract furniture industry.

The "Fast 50," announced in the March 2008 issue of Fast Company, highlights how innovation can drive economic growth. From green consumer-products phenomenon Method to 100-year-old Corning, which spends $2 million each workday on R&D, the list celebrates companies that are redefining the rules of business through new ideas. Other notable companies on Fast Company's "Fast 50" include Google, Facebook, GE, Nike, and Nokia. Twelve of the 50 firms are based outside the U.S. Fifteen of the 50 are based in and around Silicon Valley.

In naming Herman Miller to the list, the magazine cited Convia, the company's new subsidiary and eponymous electrical infrastructure system that enables programmable interiors, with resulting energy savings for buildings. Also noted was C2, a new desktop climate control device that both warms and cools the user and is part of Herman Miller's new Be Collection of personal accessories.

Last October, Fast Company set out to identify and rank the world's most innovative companies. The magazine deployed dozens of reporters around the globe to gather data and interview experts and business leaders in every industry to get their nominations. The final 50 were selected from a list of 300 finalist companies. The magazine placed a high premium on companies that had demonstrated significant innovation over the past year. Actual rankings were determined by vote by a panel of editors and writers.

The complete list and related stories appear in the March 2008 issue of Fast Company magazine (available on newsstands February 19 - March 25). Expanded profiles can be found online.

Cleaning Equipment E-Poll

2008-02-19T09:25:00.005-05:00

Conventional 175 rpm floor machines are considered “essential” according to a just completed Tornado e-poll of building service contractors (BSCs). More than 85% of the more than 100 cleaning professionals polled said this cleaning tool is a “must-have” to meet their customers’ cleaning needs.

The survey also found that HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners, which help protect indoor air quality, are also becoming “must-have” machines. Fully 80% of those surveyed said owning a HEPA vacuum cleaner was “somewhat important” or “very important.”

The Tornado e-poll surveys jansan distributors, BSCs, facility service providers, and other cleaning professionals on pertinent issues facing their businesses and the industry. Among other findings:

•Weight, power, and performance were the big considerations when selecting a backpack vacuum, say 80% of the respondents.

•When deciding on an upright vacuum cleaner, BSCs look for machines that are reliable (41%), and have significant power and performance, 35%.

•Eighty-six percent indicated they were familiar with cylindrical brush floor machines, which have brushes instead or rotary pads.

•Of those who have purchased a cylindrical brush floor machine, 37% said they selected it because of “ease of operation” while 34% said the reason was “it does not splatter against walls or furniture.”

“About half of the respondents said they were not interested in ride-on carpet extractors simply because they do not clean facilities large enough to require them,” says Jolynn Kennedy, marketing manager for Tornado. “However, when asked if they would be interested in a smaller walk-behind extractor, fully 70% said yes.”

According to Kennedy, this e-poll indicates that BSCs know what they want when it comes to selecting jansan equipment. “Low cost of ownership is paramount because it increases profit margins. We saw this over and over again in the responses along with the need for equipment that is reliable, powerful, and performs,” she says.

*The poll was conducted for Tornado by AlturaSolutions Communications. The online survey has a 95% “confidence rating” indicating that even if a larger pool of similar respondents were surveyed, there is a 95% certainty the results would be about the same.

Ohio Supreme Court Reviewing Landmark Asbestos Decision

2008-02-12T09:48:00.000-05:00

The asbestos lawsuit crisis facing the nation is far from over, but major strides have been made in Ohio to address the growing number of asbestos and "toxic tort" personal injury claims. Tens of thousands of claims are currently pending in Ohio alone, with the bulk of those cases filed in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), which has been called a haven for asbestos claims.

On Nov. 28, 2007, Attorney Richard Schuster argued before the Ohio Supreme Court in favor of applying the provisions of Ohio's medical criteria law, as passed in House Bill 292, to pending asbestos claims. A decision from the Court is expected 60 to 90 days following the Court date.

Ohio was the first state to pass this type of reform. If the Ohio Supreme Court decides that the new law may be applied to cases pending before the new law was enacted, 40,000 cases will be impacted. Experts predict a decision supporting retroactive application of medical criteria could lead to similar legislative initiatives being proposed in a number of other
states.

The purpose of Ohio's medical criteria law is to expedite the claims of those plaintiffs who are truly sick from asbestos exposure and to ensure financial resources are available for those who are sick now or who may become sick in the future. The law allows claimants who are sick now to bring claims, and it allows unimpaired claimants to bring court actions in the
future when medical criteria are met.

To find out more about this case, contact Schuster directly at (614) 464-5475.

Trane Drives Improvements In Acoustical Conditions

2008-02-12T09:24:00.000-05:00

Trane, a provider of indoor comfort systems and comprehensive facility solutions, is showing its commitment to improving acoustical conditions and speech privacy in healthcare environments through its sponsorship of the Noise, Sound & Privacy Action Committee (NSPAC).

“An abundance of research shows that noise has serious health effects in hospitals and the rest of the world. In particular, noise has been shown to have direct links to diabetes and heart disease,” said David M. Sykes, co-chairman of the Noise, Sound & Privacy Action Committee.

“Public and governmental support for research in this area has been negligible for 30 years as a result of the de-funding of the “Noise Control Act” in 1980, but attention to acoustics is now increasing worldwide,” said Sykes. “This makes it possible for a large and broad constituency to develop and advocate on behalf of effective policy.”

Brandrud Furniture Inc. Acquisition Finalized

2008-02-11T09:28:00.000-05:00

Herman Miller, Inc. finalized the purchase of the Seattle-based manufacturer of healthcare furniture last week. Details of the transaction were not disclosed.

An alliance partner of Herman Miller since 2005, Brandrud carries a portfolio of healthcare furnishings, including seating products for patient rooms, patient treatment areas, and public spaces such as lobbies and waiting areas.

"This is an exciting time for Herman Miller," said Beth Nickels, president of Herman Miller for Healthcare. "There is tremendous energy and focus as we continue to deliver the industry's mostcomprehensive healthcare furnishings and services portfolio to our customers. Adding the designs and expertise of Brandrud to our team reinforces that commitment." Herman Miller is located in Zeeland, MI.

Lee Falck and Bobby Holt will remain co-presidents of Brandrud, which is expected to have 2007 sales of approximately $20 million. Falck and Holt acquired Brandrud in 2000 and have since launched several healthcare seating programs.

Falck added, "Brandrud and Herman Miller share similar values and a commitment to research and development, which makes this an ideal arrangement. We're eager to pursue the next level of opportunities that exist within the healthcare environment."

Study Reveals Sensory Impact Of Water Distribution Piping

2008-01-31T09:20:00.000-05:00

Water quality – both from a health and safety standpoint, as well as a taste and smell perspective – should be a primary concern whether you’re installing hot and cold water distribution piping into a consumer’s home or a commercial food or beverage processing plant. The boom in the bottled water industry is proof that consumers are sensitive to noticeable tastes and odors in the water they drink, and they’re willing to go to extra efforts and even pay more for more aesthetically-pleasing water.

The Civil and Environmental Engineering Department of Virginia Tech recently conducted a sensory impact study on various piping materials in regard to the possible leaching of polymer additives, organic compounds and oxidation of the surface of the pipe during extrusion – all of which can affect the taste and smell of the water.

This study leaves no doubt that CPVC is the preferred choice from a taste and smell viewpoint, as well the absorption of disinfectants used in the water treatment process. Whether you’re a contractor working in new construction or remodeling, or the engineer or specifier for a major commercial or industrial project, it’s important to understand water quality changes imparted by pipe materials in order to make smart decisions relative to the products you use.

There are many considerations when choosing a piping material – cost, reliability, safety, long-term maintenance requirements, to name just a few. In recent years, polymer pipes have gained market share particularly in residential but also in commercial applications because of their superior performance in all of these areas.

One questionable area regarding the use of polymer materials, however, has been the possible introduction of perceptible tastes and odors that either occur during the extrusion process or during the pipe’s interaction with various water treatment disinfectants. The study confirmed that not all plastics produce the same results with regard to the possible leaching of polymer additives, organic compounds and oxidation of the surface of the pipe during extrusion.

Specifically, CPVC performed consistently higher when compared to copper, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), epoxy lining and the PEX piping selected for the study. In fact according to the report: “Results indicate that copper pipe consumed nearly all the residual disinfectants… results for the polymer materials indicated that CPVC imparted the fewest organic compounds to the water, consumed the least amount of disinfectants, and produced no noticeable odors. All other polymer materials imparted distinct odors and organic chemicals to water and consumed residual disinfectant.”

The Virginia Tech study is not the first to examine the sensory impacts from polymer pipes interacting with drinking water oxidants. What makes the study unique, however, was that both chemical and consumer-assessed sensory characteristics of water in contact with the materials were compared. A trained human panel used Flavor Profile Analysis to assess odors. A chemical process commonly referred to as SPME-GC-MS (or more formally known as solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), which utilizes various fiber elements to extract compounds in the water, was used to detect and identify organic components. And total organic carbon was determined using an automated Sievers 800 Portable TOC Analyzer.

The study further took into account recent changes in water treatment in the U.S., including the increased use of monochloramines to disinfect water instead of chlorine. Both chlorine and monochloramine levels were determined using the DPD (diethyl-p-phenylenediamine) method, which is a popular testing technique used to monitor water quality in both pools and spas across the globe. Through this test, a tablet interacts with the water to turn it a shade of pink, depending on the intensity of the chlorine concentration in the water.

The test was designed to accomplish two objectives: (1) to investigate the sensory properties of water with either chlorine or chloramines when it came into contact with different piping materials; (2) to investigate changes in residual disinfectant and leaching of organic chemicals from pipe when in contact with drinking water.

All testing was conducted under “typical” drinking water quality conditions. The Utility Quick Test, a standard leaching protocol for new materials, was conducted at room temperature using a low alkalinity water of pH 7.8-8 with no disinfectant, 2 mg/L chlorine, or 4 mg/L monochloramine. This test consisted of three consecutive 72-96 hour leaching/flushing periods and included triplicate testing of all pipe types.

Results comparing the polymer materials indicated that CPVC imparted the fewest organic compounds to the water, consumed the least amount of disinfectants, and produced no noticeable odors. All other polymer materials imparted distinct odors and organic chemicals into the water and were shown to consume residual disinfectant. Of all the materials tested, epoxy lining had the most dramatic effect on water quality, imparting a moderate “plastic-putty-glue” odor, leaching 0.4-0.6 mg/L organic carbon including the compounds bisphenol A, styrene, toluene, nonylphenol and benzaldehyde. It also consumed nearly all the residual chlorine and chloramines.

In contrast, HDPE consumed a low amount of residual disinfectant and released only about 0.1 mg/L organic carbon to the water including phenol, bisphenol-A, tetradecane, cyclohexadiene, cyclohexanone, and cyclopentanone. The overall odor imparted to the water from HDPE had a moderate intensity and was described as “waxy/plastic/citrus.” Panelists described the HDPE odor as “chemical/plastic” in the presence of chlorine and “waxy-crayon/plastic” in water with chloramines. The presence of disinfectants did not appear to alter the intensity of the odors. Despite their overall similarities, various PEX piping products performed differently in the tests, with some pipe producing more odors than others. Water in contact with the best performing PEX product possessed weak to modern intensity odors, leached about 1mg/L organic carbon, and consumed up to 0.5 mg/L free chlorine. Ethyl-t-buyl ether (EtBE) was found to contribute significantly to the characteristic “burning-solvent/plastic” odor of the better performing PEX pipe.

As for copper, the results indicate that it consumed nearly all the residual disinfectant but released few organic compounds or odors.

It is interesting to note that while some materials performed well in certain categories, they under-performed in others. The best-performing PEX pipe, for example, leached the greatest amount of organic carbon, as well as the greatest number of volatile organic compounds, but did not contribute the most intense odors (although it did contribute a variety of odors). HDPE leached only a minor amount of organic carbon (but many specific organics) yet imparted the greatest odor intensity.

Only CPVC performed consistently well across the categories. Not only did it leach the least amount of Total Organic Compounds (TOC) and have the fewest number of compounds identified by SPME-GC-MS, but it also had the least impact on water aesthetics, which meant there was no offensive taste or smell to water flowing through CPVC piping. Not only does this conclusion support the selection of CPVC but it suggests that it is the specific organic chemicals and not the concentration of organic carbon present in the water that determines odor intensity and aesthetic impact. Additionally, there did not appear to be any correlation between the type of disinfectant and amount of organic carbon leached. Both chlorine and monochloramine had minimal effect on the intensity of the odors associated with the polymer.

The Push for Fire Safe Elevators in Skyscrapers

2008-01-22T10:07:00.000-05:00

Last Friday (1/18/08), NPR Morning Edition ran a segment fire safe elevators. This technology has been integrated into the Stratosphere Tower (the only location in the U.S. to date), and it may eventually become part of the safety code for all skyscrapers. The fastest elevators in the U.S., these lifts for the tallest building west of the Mississippi River travel at a speed of 1,800 feet per minute, creating significantly faster egress for pedestrians.

According to an article by Laurie Goldman and Sander Goldman in today's (1/21/08) Popular Science, "To make elevators fire safe, shafts are sheathed in concrete, studded with heat sensors, and pressurized to keep out smoke. Cars have heat- and water-resistant electronics." Sloping floors and drains would handle water, should the sprinkler system go off.

Fire safe elevators like those in the Stratosphere would surely save the lives of people with disabilities who have difficulty using stairwells in high rise buildings. For a population that has gotten slower and fatter, these elevators will speed evacuations. In an effort to assist firefighters, San Francisco has adopted a measure this year that will require all tall buildings to have at least one fire safe elevator.

Despite the benefits of fire safe elevators, some safety experts are concerned about the re-education process: nearly everyone has been trained to avoid elevators and head to the stairs in case of fire. One solution may be the development of a universal fire safe elevator symbol, but additional education efforts would be necessary.

For more on the NIST's official position on this issue, download this PDF by Richard W. Bukowski, P.E., FSFPE
f02034.pdf

For a look at some of the world's most interesting elevators, check out this link.

Payless ShoeSource Opens New Design Center and Showroom

2008-01-15T09:03:00.000-05:00

The footwear company hired TSC Design to design the 11,000 square foot space, which opened in July 2007 in New York City. With an office in New York City and in New Jersey, TSC provides architectural, interior, and CAFM services to clients in a variety of industry sectors.

The new Design Studio + Showroom for Payless ShoeSource is located in the heart of Manhattan’s Flatiron District. One of Payless’ goals was to develop its first-ever footwear design team to help Payless achieve its mission to democratize fashion and design in footwear and accessories. The team would be focal in creating Payless’ original designs for its branded shoes and accessories including American Eagle, Champion, Airwalk and Dexter, among others, season after season.

TSC designed Payless’ new Design Studio to appropriately express Payless and its house of brands, as well as attract and retain new design talent. The competition is fierce in NYC to attract top talent, so creating a comfortable, hip environment appropriate for the Payless brands and the work at hand was part of our challenge.

Design Program
With a competitive budget with other like projects and an aggressive schedule, the design goal was to create a flexible, creative work environment with a strong brand impression. The Design Center is located on the 10th floor of a 100-year-old building in NYC’s flatiron district and takes full advantage of the perimeter window exposure and fantastic city street views.

The design studio is situated on the exterior of the space, fully engulfed in natural light that can be controlled by shades and a sliding panel system covered in tackable material. Open, modulated workstations provide designers with semi-private areas in a communal environment.

The design studio is separated from the interior showroom by an alternating system of frosted plexiand solid partition. On the design studio side, the partition is covered in tackable material while the showroom side is covered in a “pog” slot system for merchandise. The showroom allows for flexibility in set up for fashion press events, buyer presentations and special events. A projector wall allows for playing commercials, ads campaigns, video streams, teleconferencing abilities to speak with corporate staff in Topeka, KS and manufacturers of overseas. The aesthetics of the showroom is carefully aligned with Payless’ new retail format, from finishes to fixture components.

The showroom is separated enough from the studio to allow for events to run concurrent with studio hours, while maintaining the designers’ privacy and allowing visitors a glimpse into the Payless “beehive.” A muted color palette was selected to form a neutral backdrop for the designers who work with colors and textures day in and day out. This neutral palette also allows the orange Payless logo to pop.

TSC Design Team
William Sotomayor, Principal-in-Charge
Anthony Simon, Associate, Design Director – Retail Studio
Frank Lew, Project Manger
Aya Matsumoto, Senior Project Designer
Elena Danilova, Project Designer
Andrew Park, Designer

Consultants
WB Engineers, MEP Engineering, Desmond Greene
Cooley Monato Studio, Lighting Consultant, Emily Monato
Outsource, Code Consulting, Diego Caballero

Major Suppliers
• Tackable panels: DFB 21-07 Borden Ave, Long Island City, NY
• Panel fabric: Luna Textiles, 475 Park Ave South, Suite 2200, New York, NY
• Carpet: Monterey, 71 Fifth Ave, 2nd floor, New York, NY
• Office Fronts: DIRTT Environmental Solutions, 7915 213th street, Hollis Hills, NY
• Display Fixtures: Amuneal Manufacturing Corp., 4737 Darrah Street, Philadelphia, PA
• Cabinetry and millwork: Hutchinson Cabinets, 244 Bark Bridge Road, Sewell, NJ
• Private office furniture and workstation systems: Teknion, 641 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd
floor, New York, NY
• Boardroom furniture: Knoll Studio, 76 Ninth Ave., 11th floor, New York, NY
• Acoustical Ceiling Panels: Decoustics Ltd., 321 West 44th St., Suite 803, New York, NY
• Lighting:
o Lightolier, 631 Airport Road, Fall River, MA
o Litecontrol, 100 Hawks Avenue, Hanson, MA
o Mark Architectural Lighting, 3 Kilmer Road, Edison, NJ
• Decorative Pendant:
o FLOS INCORPORATED, 200 McKay Road, Huntington Station, NY

(Photography: Brian Rose)

Gerflor Products Hit The Right Notes For Television Network

2008-01-11T09:19:00.000-05:00

The designer and manufacturer of vinyl resilient floor coverings announced the use of its Taralay Premium Compact collection in a major music television network building in Los Angeles, CA. Taralay is designed to perform in high traffic areas and is treated with the patented floor treatments Sanosol®, an antimicrobial solution, and Protecsol®, a “no-polish-for-life” solution. Available with optional acoustic closed cell backings that provide ergonomic relief and comfort underfoot, Taralay also provides sound absorption.

“Shimoda Design Group is pleased to specify Gerflor flooring on this project,” said Shimoda project designer, Sue Chang. “When Shimoda Design Group considered floor coverings for the staff café, Gerflor’s diverse product designs and superior performance qualities were major benefits to our client. Gerflor flooring solutions are easy to clean and reduce noise to provide a welcoming, clean environment for employees.”

“Gerflor offers designers and customers a wide range of design options for all types of commercial environments,” said Alan Fennell, President of Gerflor U.S. Commercial Flooring. “Our extensive offerings of high quality products and vibrant colors further extend our presence in the U.S. as the world’s leader in vinyl product selections.”

Gerflor uses ingredients that are non-carcinogenic, non-mutagenic, and non-reprotoxic in the floor manufacturing process. The company’s patented floor treatments reduce the use of aggressive chemicals during maintenance, which helps to conserve water and energy, and improves indoor air quality. All of Gerflor’s flooring is 100% recyclable at the end of lifecycle.

About Gerflor Gerflor offers a collection of commercial vinyl flooring products, with innovative offerings ideally suited to the healthcare, education, sports, retail, leisure, corporate, and industrial sectors. Founded in 1937 and headquartered near Lyon, France, Gerflor provides numerous product and design solutions and is present in more than 90 countries around the globe with over 1500 employees. Gerflor's environmental record includes 'A' rated Green Guide (BRE) certification, outstanding whole life cycle performance, as well as full compliance with ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 standards. In addition, Gerflor commercial flooring can contribute toward LEED credits and is 100% recyclable.

Museum's New Design Includes Corian

2008-01-02T09:41:00.000-05:00

When the New Museum of Contemporary Art opened its doors to the public on Dec. 1, visitors experienced its Educational and Curatorial Center, Museum As Hub, whose centerpiece is a “flexible social system” made entirely from DuPont Corian solid surfaces.

Custom-designed by Martin Finio and Taryn Christoff of Christoff:Finio Architecture, The Hub space consists of a moveable table and curtains set on a series of tracks. The table, made from Glacier White Corian, is comprised of several smaller tables that can be positioned anywhere along the floor track. Coupled with colorful fabric curtains which hang from congruent ceiling tracks, the system can be deployed to configure many kinds of areas within The Hub space, from a large conference room to smaller, intimate settings.

The Museum as Hub design is intended to encourage the exchange of ideas and information, allowing audiences to engage in individual or group experiences through multimedia workstations, exhibition areas, lectures, screenings, symposia, and events. It is a place for educational interaction and public programs and will serve as an international platform to explore art and ideas in the contemporary art world.

DuPont donated the Corian for the construction of this modern, cultural laboratory to help accommodate the museum’s ever-expanding and diverse programs. Corian can be thermoformed into custom shapes and contours, sandblasted, routed, carved, laser-etched and backlit.

Founded in 1977, the New Museum is the first and only contemporary art museum in New York City and among the most respected internationally, with a curatorial program unrivaled in the United States in its global scope and adventurousness. With the inauguration of the new state-of-the-art building on the Bowery, the New Museum will be the destination for new art and new ideas.