Construction is generally considered to be the world’s largest industry, and yet, it is well known that its productivity levels suck. Over the last half century, the industry has experienced something in between meager and negative productivity growth. It is for this reason that, for… Read More
So, Dubai has just announced that it will be building the largest capacity airport in the world at the site of its existing Al Maktoum International Airport. At an expected cost of approximately US$35 billion, the expanded airport is planned to have 400 gates, 5… Read More
Earlier this month, the new Hudson’s tower in Detroit “topped out.” Meaning, they laid the last steel beam at the top of building. This, to me, is fantastic news. (Here’s the official project website in case you’re interested.) The tower, which was designed by New… Read More
This morning, I was on site at Parkview Mountain House reviewing construction progress and finalizing some finishes with our contractor. And during that time, he said two things to me that I was frankly happy to hear. The first is that we are his only… Read More
Many of you have probably heard of the concept of a “digital twin.” Put simply, it is a digital representation of a physical thing. This could be a thing that already exists or, in the case of a new building, it could be a thing… Read More
Last year in the Greater Toronto Area, condominium construction starts fell to a 9-year low of 15,891 homes. And this year, condominium construction starts are forecasted to fall to a 15-year low of 11,500 homes (though new sales are expected to rebound). Both of these… Read More
About five years ago, a project in downtown Los Angeles, called Oceanwide Plaza, halted construction. I don’t know exactly what happened, but the reports suggest corruption, financing problems, and the Chinese developer running out of money. Under typical circumstances, once you secure your financing and… Read More
This is the chalet that our group has been staying in for the last week: Every site has its challenges and that is especially the case in the mountains.
I’ve been assembling a lot of things over the past few weeks, and that got me wondering. IKEA did not invent the Allen key. Though today, it might feel that way. Canadian Peter L. Robertson first commercialized the square socket in 1908. And in 1909,… Read More
I’m so predictable. This is the kind of house that tends to grab my attention: modern design, relatively small footprint (~7.8m x 12.3m), narrow street (~4m), and panoramic views (of Seoul). But what does it take to actually build a house like this in an… Read More
BRANDON DONNELLY 