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Building & Construction
 Websites presented in alphabetical order Advanced Buildings: Technologies and Practices 
 This searchable site explores "technologies and practices that improve the energy and resource efficiency of commercial and multi-unit residential buildings." It includes more than ninety environmentally appropriate technologies and practices. Design and construction issues, arranged by building-type, are building structure, finishes and furnishings, heating and cooling, plumbing and water heating, lighting and daylighting, load management, electricity production, ventilation and air quality, site, and motors and equipment. There are descriptions (including definition, building use and type, benefits, limitations, application, experience, and cost) of various building materials. This site is sponsored by a group of Canadian governmental and private organizations. http://www.advancedbuildings.org/ Topics: Architecture, Home & Housing, Home & Housing, Housing, Industries Last updated Aug 26, 2001 American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
"The definitive resource for inspectors, consumers, real estate professionals and the media for information, advice and resources dedicated to home inspection." Includes a FAQ, state regulations, ASHI Standards of Practice, and ASHI Code of Ethics. Search for a home inspector in your area by ZIP code or browse by metro area. Searchable. http://www.ashi.org/ Topics: Architecture, Housing Last updated Sep 6, 2004 Blue Book of Building and Construction
Described as the "construction industry's most frequently used information source." There are hundreds of thousands of companies, including general contractors, sub-contractors, architects, engineers, manufacturers, equipment, material, and product suppliers. Searchable by region, then keyword or company name, then narrow by county. http://www.thebluebook.com/ Topics: Architecture, Business, Housing, Industries Last updated Feb 4, 2004 BridgePros
News, construction, engineering, and history of bridges. Bridge Projects covers past (cable-stayed, cantilever truss, concrete arch, movable span, segmental, steel arch, and suspension), current, and planned bridge projects worldwide; Learning Center discusses types of bridges, has models, and links to lesson plans; Links categories include bridge failures, covered bridges, bridge sites of state departments of transportation, bridge inspection, magazines, and associations. Also job listings, news, world records, book and video reviews, and discussion forum. http://bridgepros.com/ Topics: Architecture, Transportation Last updated Feb 13, 2003 Bridging the Bay: Bridging the Campus
Exploring "the design and politics of Bay Area bridges," this site contains "books, documents, architectural drawings and renderings, blueprints, artifacts, maps, and photographs." Includes the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, the Carquinez Bridge, the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, the Antioch Bridge, and the Dumbarton Bridge. Also features documents detailing projects under consideration, but never built. A collaboration of eight libraries from the University of California, Berkeley. http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/news_events/bridge/ Topics: San Francisco Bay Area: Oakland, San Jose, more ..., Transportation Last updated Dec 21, 2006 Build Your Wine Cellar
"This five-part workshop shows you how to plan, build and stock your new wine cellar and even includes information on maintaining the proper temperature and humidity." Includes detailed instructions, photos, and materials lists. From DIY: Do It Yourself Network. http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/episode_archive/0,2019,DIY_14268_351,00.html Topics: Architecture, Wine Last updated Dec 21, 2006 Building and Fire Safety Investigations
Results of some of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) investigations of major building failures in the U.S. Includes reports on the performance of physical structures in Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island (2003), and the 2001 World Trade Center fire and building collapses. Also provides an overview of the NIST program. http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/investigations/investigations.htm Topics: Architecture, Public Health & Safety Last updated Jun 13, 2006 Building Materials and Wood Technology
A site that covers construction and related materials. Questions about building materials, forest products, wood, economics, and residential construction as well as those about business and marketing in the building materials industry can be answered for free at Ask the Experts . Feature Articles include: selecting windows, decoding building codes, controlling termites and carpenter ants, sizing and calculating loads for headers and beams, watertight details, using span table for joists, and many related topics. Additionally, there is collection of links, some annotated, on the building field including associations, building materials, construction, energy efficiency, research and building codes, publications, and more. http://bct.nrc.umass.edu/ Topics: Architecture, Energy, Housing, Industries, Insects & Arachnids Last updated Sep 4, 2009 California Straw Building Association
The Web site for "a non-profit organization whose members are architects, engineers, builders, and people interested in straw building." The site includes a FAQ, a bulletin board, technical information, an events calendar, a list of architects and other straw building resources, publications, and links to related Web sites. Also features a brief list of lenders "friendly to straw-bale built homes." http://www.strawbuilding.org/ Topics: Architecture, Housing, Industries Last updated Nov 3, 2004 Cement & Concrete Basics
Background information about cement, concrete (a mixture of cement and other ingredients), the cement industry, and concrete products. Includes lesson plans, a FAQ, and a virtual tour of a cement plant. From the Portland Cement Association, an industry organization that also offers updates on a potential cement shortage in 2004. http://www.cement.org/basics/ Topics: Architecture, Housing, Industries, Lesson Plans Last updated Aug 4, 2004 Code Check: Help with Building Codes
Searchable site for information on construction codes. Categories are building, mechanical, plumbing and electrical. Covers over 600 common building code violations often with citations to the code itself. Many clear, explanatory line drawings and charts. Includes a link for ordering a more complete book version of this site. http://www.codecheck.com/ Topics: Architecture, Housing Last updated Aug 26, 2001 Construction WebLinks
A searchable collections of links for the construction industry and related fields, including architecture and engineering. Included in Organizations are federal and state agencies, commonwealths, and territories and their laws and regulations; bidding and contract decisions, regulatory updates, and other legal documents of interest to the building industry; business and trade organizations; and colleges, universities, and libraries. Industry Topics contains licensing, financing, building codes, insurance and bonds, specifications, statistics, and more. http://www.constructionweblinks.com/ Topics: Architecture, Housing, Industries Last updated Nov 19, 2000 Consumer Energy Center: Cool Roofs
Collection of resources on cool roofs, "highly reflective and emissive materials that stay 50 to 60 degrees F cooler in the summer sun, thereby reducing energy costs, improving occupant comfort, cutting maintenance costs, increasing the life cycle of the roof, and contributing to the reduction of urban heat islands and associated smog." Includes a FAQ addressing specifications and rebates in California and links to related websites. From the California Energy Commission. http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/coolroof/ Topics: Architecture, Home & Housing Last updated May 30, 2006 The Cool Colors Project
Compilation of background materials and progress reports from this research project for the development of "cool" roofing materials to reduce roof temperature of buildings and increase energy efficiency. Includes publications and presentations from the group. Also includes a "Pigment Database" giving "the solar spectral radiative properties of conventional and cool pigmented coatings." A collaboration between Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. http://coolcolors.lbl.gov Topics: Architecture, Home & Housing Last updated May 30, 2006 Dante N. Bini
The official site for this professional architect who is "a pioneer in automated building construction systems. Automated construction systems are obtainable by using applied physics and/or robotics." The site provides images and information about his "BiniSystem" for building construction, which often features dome-shaped buildings. Also includes a video about "Binishell" construction, and a bibliography of his publications. http://www.binisystems.com Topics: Architecture, Housing, Notable People: Arts & Humanities Last updated Feb 23, 2005 Digital Bridges: Bridges of the Nineteenth Century: A Twenty-First Century Book Collection
This "site consists of a collection of thirty representative 19th century American bridge engineering monographs, manuals, and documents from the Lehigh University Libraries' Special Collections." Browsable and searchable. Also includes glossaries of bridge terms, personal and corporate names, and specific bridges. http://bridges.lib.lehigh.edu/ Topics: Architecture, Transportation Last updated Sep 9, 2006 EERI: World Housing Encyclopedia
Covers "housing construction types in seismically active areas of the world." Search database by building location, building, rural or urban construction, economic level of inhabitants, building material, type of load-bearing structure, number of stories, seismic vulnerability rating, and other criteria. A hazard map for each country displays areas at greater risk. From the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI). http://www.world-housing.net/ Topics: Agriculture, Architecture, Geography, Geology, Maps, Scientific Themes Last updated Feb 27, 2004 Efficient Wood Use in Residential Construction: A Practical Guide to Saving Wood, Money, and Forests
The online excerpts of this 1998 handbook summarize "the advantages of several wood-efficient approaches to design, material selection, and construction for residential applications, and describe the extensive practical and resource information for builders, architects, engineers, developers, lenders, and insurers provided in the print version." Includes related links. From the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). http://www.nrdc.org/cities/building/rwoodus.asp Topics: Architecture, Housing Last updated Jan 19, 2005 FHWA Inspection Reports for the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge
Several independent reports from the Bay Bridge pile connection plate welding investigation. From the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/reports/irsfobb/ Topics: Architecture, San Francisco Bay Area: Oakland, San Jose, more ..., Transportation Last updated Jul 26, 2005 Free Green
This website offers "free, energy efficient, healthy house plans." Each of the plan packages comes with "full construction documents or blueprints, ... a home energy model for the city and state combination in which their home building project will occur, a LEED checklist," and related material. Includes plans for models such as a "Modern Cube," "Suburban Loft," and "Simple Villa." Also includes a blog. http://www.freegreen.com/ Topics: Architecture, Housing Last updated Apr 23, 2009 Glossary: Construction Management Terms
Definitions of "the most common terms used in performing the construction management process." http://www.constructionplace.com/glossary.asp Topics: Architecture, Industries Last updated Jul 16, 2007 Golden Gate Bridge
This site is a companion to a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) American Experience documentary about "the construction of what was then [1937] the longest suspension bridge in the world, built hundreds of feet above the dangerously churning waters of the entrance to San Francisco Bay." The site features a timeline, photos of bridge construction, information about people and events, and a discussion of mathematical principles. Also includes video clips, a teacher's guide, and related material. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/goldengate/ Topics: Architecture, California Travel: Popular Destinations, Transportation Last updated May 4, 2004 greenhomebuilding.com
Information about environmentally friendly, sustainable architecture and natural building, using renewable energy, local and recycled materials, and incorporating principles of conservation. Includes resource links and book and video recommendations. http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/ Topics: Architecture, Energy, Home & Housing, Housing, Science, Technology Last updated Mar 26, 2005 History of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge
History and images of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge "from the inception to the reopening of a reconstructed bridge in 1950." Sections follow the construction, opening, collapse, aftermath, and reconstruction of this bridge. Includes a bibliography. From Special Collections at the University Libraries, University of Washington. http://www.lib.washington.edu/specialcoll/exhibits/tnb/ Topics: Architecture, Transportation Last updated Jan 31, 2006 Hoover Dam
A look at people and events, recommended reading, an essay on "whether dams are environmentally and economically sound or harmful," and suggested topics for classroom discussion of the dam. A companion to the PBS television program in The American Experience series. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/hoover/ Topics: Architecture, Economics, Technology, U.S. History By Place Last updated Oct 5, 2009 The Hoover Dam: Lonely Lands Made Fruitful
The construction of the dam is presented in the context of the Great Depression, its enormity a metaphor for strength and modernity in a time of hardship. The site has social commentary about the creation of Boulder City, maps and plans, Franklin D. Roosevelt's dedication speech, and photographs taken throughout the project, including several of the Colorado River diversion process. http://xroads.virginia.edu/~MA98/haven/hoover/front2.html Topics: Architecture, Photograph Collections: History, Photograph Collections: Regional: United States, Presidents by Name, Technology, U.S. History By Place Last updated Feb 21, 2006 Igloo Builders Guide
Step-by-step instructions for building an igloo, a project that "will take somewhere between 3 and 6 hours, depending on your previous experience and level of ambition." Includes photos. Based on an igloo built in Norway to accommodate two to three people. In English and Norwegian. http://www.igloobuilding.org/ Topics: Architecture, Housing Last updated Nov 6, 2009 ImplosionWorld.com
The "explosive demolition industry's worldwide source for news and information on building implosions, blowdowns and all other types of structural blasting projects." You'll find plenty of pictures of exploding buildings, a history of how such projects are done, some personal insights from various authors' experiences, reports from journal articles and industry findings, world records, and much more. An exciting and dynamic site. http://www.implosionworld.com/ Topics: Architecture, Industries Last updated Nov 25, 2002 ImproveNet
This site offers many useful tools and calculators for home remodelers. There are estimators for specific jobs such as roofing or kitchen remodels or total house redesign; there are house plans and room "visualizers" and project calculators for tile, wallpaper, painting, etc. Most are free; some require Adobe Acrobat Reader or other free software. Registration (also free) allows the user to participate in newsletters and expert advice forums. It is also convenient, for comparison purposes, to have in one place the major suppliers of a particular appliance or product. http://www.improvenet.com/ Topics: Architecture, Home & Housing, Home & Housing, Housing Last updated Aug 26, 2001 Lewis Wickes Hine: The Construction of the Empire State Building, 1930-1931
Presents photos by Lewis Wickes Hine, who "was commissioned to photograph the construction of the [Empire State] building in 1930. Taking many of the risks the construction workers endured, Hine photographed the workers in precarious positions while they secured the iron and steel framework of the structure. In order to obtain the best vantage points, Hine was swung out in a ... basket 1,000 feet above Fifth Avenue." From the New York Public Library. http://www.nypl.org/research/chss/spe/art/photo/hinex/empire/ Topics: Architecture, Notable People: Arts & Humanities, Photograph Collections, Photograph Collections: Regional: United States, Photography Last updated Mar 24, 2004 McGraw Hill Construction Sweets Network
A searchable collection of information on building materials based on manufacturer's catalogs. The Business Directory of construction may be searched by state and city, name of company, and business type. There are links to trade organizations and relevant federal agencies. From the publisher of the print Sweet's Catalog Files (since 1906). http://products.construction.com/portal/server.pt Topics: Architecture, Housing, Industries Last updated Jul 11, 2007 Miami Beach Life Design: History
This section of a website for a competition to design lifeguard towers for Miami Beach, Florida, includes images of towers already in use. Features images of towers designed after Hurricane Andrew by architect William Lane and others. The colorful lifeguard towers of Miami Beach "have transcended the usual role of comfort and safety to become visual icons." http://www.mblifedesign.org/ Topics: Architecture, Outdoor Recreation Last updated Jun 25, 2007 The Musical Instrument Makers Forum
A well-managed hobbyist site, with user forums, for "acoustic guitar building, electric guitar making, archtop guitar building, violin making, dulcimer making, mandolin building, banjo building, or any other type of lutherie; pickup winding and rewinding; drum making; flute and recorder making and repair; brass instrument building and repair; and more." http://www.mimf.com/ Topics: Architecture, Musical Instruments Last updated Feb 16, 2005 National Building Museum
"Created by an act of Congress in 1980, the National Building Museum is America's premier cultural institution dedicated to exploring and celebrating architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning." The site features material about current and past exhibits on topics such as concrete architecture, affordable housing, home improvement in the 20th century, and the architecture of R.M. Schindler. Also includes selected articles from Blueprints magazine. http://www.nbm.org Topics: Architecture, Architecture by Place Last updated Feb 27, 2006 National Building Specification [U.K.]
"Websites on architecture, construction and engineering, organised into categories." Topics include academic institutions, architecture, engineering, interior design, journals, computing, and surveying. From the National Building Specification (NBS) Services of the Royal Institute of British Architects. http://www.thenbs.com/resources/links/ Topics: Architecture, Industries, Science, Technology Last updated Oct 23, 2007 New Bay Bridge.org
"This site illustrates and describes every phase of the new East Span construction" of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Includes articles and photo galleries about all aspects of the construction process, individuals involved in the project, and history of the original bridge. Project drawings, primary documents, links to historical photos, study materials for middle school, glossary of bridge building terms. New material will be added as the construction proceeds. From the California Alliance for Jobs. http://newbaybridge.org/ Topics: Architecture, California: Photograph Collections, Photograph Collections, San Francisco Bay Area: Oakland, San Jose, more ..., Transportation Last updated Oct 20, 2005 New Urban Guild
This organization is an agent for traditional architectural designers and a nonprofit corporation that provides education "to assist in the design and construction of traditional urbanism and architecture." The site features details about "Katrina Cottages," which are designed to be small, temporary homes to replace those lost during Hurricane Katrina. The "Hurricane Katrina Renewal Tools" section includes a rebuilding checklist and plans for several Katrina cottages. http://www.newurbanguild.com Topics: Architecture, Hurricane Katrina Last updated Mar 14, 2006 NIST and the World Trade Center
"In response to the [Sept. 11, 2001] WTC tragedy, the National Institute of Standards and Technology conducted a 3-year building and fire safety investigation to study the factors contributing to the probable cause (or causes) of post-impact collapse" of the towers. This website presents the 2005 findings and safety improvement recommendations of this nonregulatory federal agency, along with background, computer simulations, and images. Website continues to be updated with briefings, reports, and related material. http://wtc.nist.gov Topics: Architecture, September 11 & Beyond Last updated Sep 1, 2009 Oklahoma City National Memorial and Memorial Center Museum
This site has photographs of the memorial to the victims of the April 19, 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Also find a profile of the designers of the memorial, a small exhibit of memorial items sent to Okalahoma City, and visitor information. http://www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/ Topics: Architecture, Photograph Collections: Regional: United States, Weapons Last updated Apr 7, 2005 Remembering the Oklahoma City Bombing
This page provides links to resources about the April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City bombing. Includes links to sites from news sources, archival sites, and about the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the Timothy McVeigh execution, and related topics. From the Web site of the Poynter Institute. http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=49&aid=66740 Topics: Architecture, Weapons Last updated Apr 20, 2005 Russell Senate Office Building, 1909-2009
History of the Senate Office Building, which "officially opened on Friday, March 5, 1909, one day after the presidential inauguration of William Howard Taft," and which was named in 1972 after Senator Richard B. Russell. An illustrated presentation covers the origins of and inspirations for the building, construction timeline and themes, the building's Caucus Room, and changes to and growth of the building. From the United States Senate. http://www.senate.gov/RSOB/ Topics: Architecture, Architecture by Place, Federal (U.S.) Government Last updated May 11, 2009 Society for Industrial Archeology
Website for this organization that "encourages the study, interpretation, and preservation of historically significant industrial sites, structures, artifacts, and technology." Features society newsletters back to 1999, and a few from previous years (full issues are not posted for a period after publication), news briefs, an events calendar, annotated website links, and related material. Based at Michigan Technological University, Department of Social Sciences. http://www.sia-web.org/ Topics: Archaeology, Architecture, Industries Last updated Dec 13, 2006 Some Assembly Required: Contemporary Prefabricated Housing
Companion to a 2005-2006 exhibit that "presents a variety of approaches to prefab [housing] -- from houses owners can build from a kit of parts ... to those that arrive fully assembled." Features a timeline back to 1892 about prefab construction in the U.S., details about featured projects (such as the FlatPak house and the weeHouse one-room cabin), biographies of architects, and audio clips about the exhibit. From the Walker Art Center. http://design.walkerart.org/prefab/ Topics: Architecture Last updated Sep 17, 2007 Special Reports: Cars and Motoring
Collection of articles (2003 to the present) on alternative fuels, safety design, green cars, and automotive technology developments. Note: full text of some articles requires fee. From the online version of New Scientist magazine. http://www.newscientist.com/topic/motoring-tech Topics: Architecture, Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Technology Last updated Sep 28, 2009 Systems Built Homes
Resources for consumers about systems-built housing, homes that are preconstructed or prefabricated in a factory or mill before being transported to the home site to be completed. Includes material about concrete, log, modular, and panelized homes. From the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and sponsored by home building companies. http://www.nahb.org/page.aspx/category/sectionID=934 Topics: Architecture, Housing Last updated Sep 22, 2009 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region Division: Safety Program
Collection of documents on occupational safety and health topics related to U.S. workers in Iraq. Fact sheets cover equipment safety, building safety inspections, heat stress, and related topics. Also provides forms for workers compensation and accident reporting. Some material in Arabic. From the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. http://www.grd.usace.army.mil/safety/index.asp Topics: Architecture, Industries, Jobs & Work, War and Peace: Resources on Iraq Last updated Oct 23, 2007 Why the Towers Fell
A companion website to a PBS "NOVA" program that "follows a team of forensic engineers during their in-depth investigation of the precise causes of the Twin Towers' collapse." An engineer discusses the 2001 World Trade Center collapse and methods of improving building safety. Includes articles about a survivor from a floor above the impact, firefighter equipment, and the structure of metal. Includes a list of related books and online resources. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/wtc/ Topics: Architecture, Mysteries and More, Science, September 11 & Beyond, Technology Last updated Aug 11, 2005 World Trade Center - Some Engineering Aspects
Basic, general information about the World Trade Center buildings. Find information about the structural system and informed speculation about why it collapsed. Includes diagrams, photographs, and related links. From the University of Sydney, Department of Civil Engineering. http://www.civil.usyd.edu.au/wtc.shtml Topics: Architecture, Photograph Collections, Photograph Collections: History, Photograph Collections: Regional: United States, Science, September 11 & Beyond, Technology Last updated Mar 29, 2006 |
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