May 5, 2020
AIA Weekly COVID-19 Update | May 5, 2020
In a pandemic environment, what’s normal seems to change daily. As states begin to reopen, our new normal is shifting again. This week’s email has nearly 20 resources to help you adapt.
We love hearing from you! Please share your updates and content suggestions at feedback@aia.org. We’ll be in your inbox again next Tuesday.
Validated protocols designed to prevent COVID-19 transmission don’t yet exist, so hospitals are implementing spatial redesigns on the fly. MASS Design Group’s case study on Mount Sinai Hospital (PDF) shares design hacks and important conclusions about hospital design and existing infection protocols. We just launched version 2.0 of AIA’s Preparedness Assessment Tool (PDF), updated to include new research and to better meet the needs of frontline workers and healthcare providers. Hurricane season begins June 1. AIA’s Disaster Assistance Handbook can help you prepare and also support your efforts to respond to COVID-19. On May 12, AIA EVP/CEO Robert Ivy, FAIA, and 2020 AIA President Jane Frederick, FAIA, are hosting a Virtual Town Hall (registration required).
On May 7, AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, ConstructConnect, and AGC of America are hosting a webinar on the construction landscape and what to expect over the next 12 to 24 months (registration required). In case you missed it, this update on 2020 projections for the nonresidential construction industry was released ahead of the July Consensus Construction Forecast.
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The Senate is set to return to Capitol Hill this week, and the House of Representatives will likely return next Monday. In the interim, AIA is working to ensure your priorities are included in the next federal COVID-19 response legislation, including making 501(c)(6) entities eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program.
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Several new resources from AIA Contract Documents can help minimize your risk during COVID-19. There’s a short primer on negotiating construction contracts and two videos: One on mechanic’s liens and other payment issues and another on delays, extensions of time, and force majeure clauses. If you’re a government contractor, Deltek’s Coronavirus Government Response Resource Center will keep you informed about the impact of response efforts on government contracting. On May 7, the National Institute of Building Sciences is hosting a virtual town hall on preparing to reenter buildings.
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A new tool from ConstructConnect will help you stay on top of delayed projects across the US and Canada (currently more than 6,000 projects). It’s free and updated daily. MADCAD is offering a 5% discount on subscriptions to building codes and standards, including ICC, NFPA, ASHRAE, ASTM, USGBC, and more. Use this link, and the discount will be applied in your cart. MADCAD’s FGI webinars are also 50% off. Looking for free resources for students or families? AIA’s K–12 resources page has activities, videos, and more for everyone to enjoy.
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Next month we’re hosting two free live courses on the Living Building Challenge Affordable Housing Pilot program and how code changes may lead the way to Net-Zero Hospitals. Knowledge Community (KC) members are discussing the impact of COVID-19 on many community discussion boards. Be part of the conversation and connect with your peers—join one of the 21 KCs today!