MarketScale AEC 02/13/19: How Design Can Protect Against the Next Polar Vortex

 

Extreme weather is one of the inevitable struggles of life. The recent polar vortex that swept across the United States really brought that into focus. The second feature of today’s episode of the MarketScale AEC podcast deals with how the industry can cope with extreme weather from a design perspective.

Our first feature on this week’s show takes a look at how the UK Research and Innovation Group is funding the future of technology for the construction industry.

Construction Technology Is Coming Fast; Here are 4 Tips to Get Ready

Construction technology is coming full-speed, a new McKinsey report says.

“The engineering and construction industry is at the cusp of a new era, with technology start-ups creating new applications and tools that are changing how companies design, plan and execute projects,” the report’s authors write.

They point to significant investment in construction technology as a sign of what’s to come. In this episode of Marketscale AEC, we explore McKinsey’s report, how the UK is investing millions in technology, and how AEC company leaders can take the first steps to join this tech revolution happening.

It’s clear. Technology is the shiny new tool that’s making complex construction projects not just possible, but more productive, on time, and on budget.

Achieving Thermal Comfort with Dr. George Berghorn of Michigan State University

The Polar vortex has come and gone, but what about the next one? Is there anything we can do to improve thermal comfort in our homes and workplaces?

On this episode we’re joined by Dr. George H. Berghorn, Professor of Construction Management at the School of Planning, Design and Construction at Michigan State University and he breaks down the different dynamics of insulation, efficient building exteriors, and optimal thermal design in the residential and commercial markets. He also explains the variables that need to be accounted for during the planning phase and about the kind of innovation we can expect in the near future.

“Sorta the new rule of thumb if you talk to energy auditors and very energy efficient builders, they’ll tell you that the only thing that should go in an attic is insulation,” he says. “Don’t use it for storage. The reason being is that you want to get as much insulation into that attic as you possibly can, so you minimize heat loss out through the roof of the house.”

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the AEC Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @AECMKSL
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

Vecna Robotics
Episode 4 Promo: How Vecna Robotics Connects Tech and Strategy for Smarter Automation
May 9, 2025

Episode four of Robot vs. Wild features a conversation between Zachary Dydek, Chief Technology Officer at Vecna Robotics, and Josh Kivenko, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer. The episode explores the advanced technologies behind Vecna’s automation solutions and how engineering and marketing align to deliver scalable, human-centered innovation. Topics include real-time orchestration, autonomous systems, and how…

Read More
automation
Episode 5 Promo: There Are No Bad Robots, Only Bad Owners
May 9, 2025

What really makes or breaks a robotics deployment? Spoiler: it’s not the robot. In the fifth episode of Robot vs. Wild, Vecna Robotics’ Chief Marketing Officer Josh Kivenko and Customer Success Manager Ty LaFramboise reveal why successful automation is less about machines—and more about mindset. From aligning corporate goals with floor-level operations, to helping teams adjust to new…

Read More
Jerry Wagner discusses Market Volatility
The DisruptED World of Financial Services with Industry Titan Jerry Wagner
May 9, 2025

Because this is an era now defined by economic whiplash, algorithmic finance, and global uncertainty, the investment world is increasingly more volatile than before. As inflationary pressures, geopolitical tensions, and trade policies create even further chaos into markets, the stakes for both advisors and investors have heightened. According to data on the Cboe Volatility…

Read More
Vecna
Episode 6 Promo: Behind Every Great Robot Is a Strong Human
May 9, 2025

In the sixth episode of Robot vs. Wild, Vecna Robotics’ Chief Marketing Officer Josh Kivenko sits down with Nikki Slaughter, Director of Post-Deployment Operations, to shine a light on the real people behind autonomous operations. They explore the critical role of Vecna’s 24/7 remote support team—comparing them to a Formula One pit crew—constantly monitoring…

Read More