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University of California, Hastings College of the Law Breaks Ground on New Academic Facility

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On Friday, October 20th, the University of California, Hastings College of the Law held a groundbreaking ceremony for the start of construction on a new academic facility. Academic leaders, alumni, local officials, community groups, and students attended the celebration in San Francisco. Speakers and participants included: David Faigman, UC Hastings Chancellor & Dean?; California State Senator … Continued

Chicago Tribune Reports on AIA Chicago Design Excellence Awards

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… In ceremonies at Navy Pier, the AIA conferred 30 awards in five categories. Winning projects were chosen from 275 entries by juries of architects from around the nation… Receiving a citation of merit, the next-highest form of recognition, were the Chinatown branch of the Chicago Public Library, by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill… In the … Continued

Arathi Gowda to Speak at AIA Chicago Event on Energy Modeling in the AE Industry

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On Monday, November 6th, SOM Associate Director Arathi Gowda will join a panel discussion on the role of energy modeling in the architecture and engineering industries. The panel is hosted by the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Chicago). As part of the AIA 2030 Commitment, the event centers on a discussion … Continued

Mariana Narvaez to Participate in Event at University of California, Merced

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On Thursday, November 2nd, Mariana Narvaez, Senior Marketing Manager for SOM’s West Coast practice, will participate in “The [2020] Experience” at the University of California, Merced. The event, hosted by the UC Merced Business Consortium, includes a panel discussion with leaders of the school’s campus expansion, and networking opportunities for students. The phased expansion of … Continued

SOM Lecture Series: Francesco Fresa of Piuarch Visits Chicago Office

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As global thought leaders, SOM values design discourse with leading industry professionals. Expanding upon the broad and diverse design dialogue within SOM, the SOM lecture series connects the firm with the global design community through guest lectures and discussions. Francesco Fresa, Principal of the architecture studio Piuarch, visited SOM’s Chicago office in 2017 to participate … Continued

Adam Semel to Speak at Land Use Connection Breakfast in Chicago

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On Tuesday, October 24th, SOM Managing Director Adam Semel will speak at the Land Use Connection Breakfast in Chicago. The event is hosted by Foley & Lardner LLP, a leading global law firm. Themed “Exploring the Redevelopment of the North Branch Area,” the panel centers on a discussion of the City of Chicago’s North Branch Redevelopment Framework Plan. Recently begun, the plan encompasses … Continued

Brightline Starts Site Work for $2B Orlando Connection

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The developer and operator of the $3.5 billion Brightline intercity train is starting work on its Orlando segment, which may mean it will be completed in the next couple of years. Coral Gables-based All Aboard Florida on Oct. 11 applied for a permit that would allow work to begin on Phase 2 of the Miami-to-Orlando passenger train. … Continued

Chicago Architecture Biennial: Not Just Glass Towers

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While acknowledging our digital present, the Chicago Architecture Biennial’s sprawling sophomore installment snubs celebrity and takes a deep dive into history, material, and process. Chicago often gets short shrift as an American cultural center, but not in the case of architecture. The Midwestern capital has long been a preeminent laboratory of architectural innovation, the home … Continued

SOM Leaders to Participate in 2017 CTBUH International Conference in Australia

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The annual conference of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) is an opportunity to discuss the necessary evolution of tall buildings as a solution to navigating urban density. Using the theme of “Connecting the City: People, Density & Infrastructure” as a framework, the conference challenges participants to create new standards and protocols for … Continued

Engineers Assist with Earthquake Recovery Efforts in Mexico City

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In the wake of the devastating Central Mexico earthquake on Tuesday, September 19th, a team of SOM engineers traveled to Mexico City to contribute to post-disaster recovery efforts. Shortly after the 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck, three structural engineers based in our San Francisco and Los Angeles offices—Abel Diaz, Patrick Murren, and Samantha Walker—set out to document building damage … Continued