Archives

Plazas/Terraces

• Plaza Design for Longevity and Maintainability

  2019, Vol 36 N 2

  Plaza upgrades are an opportunity to provide universal access, enhance amenities, and add dimension to an existing space, while improving performance and reducing maintenance costs. (Download PDF 1.7 MB)

• Preventing Winter Damage

  2018, Vol 35 N 3

  Managing the impact of winter storms on the building enclosure begins long before the weather turns cold. Problems from ice dams to deicing chemical damage demand consideration of not only symptoms, but also possible causes. (Download PDF 1.8 MB)

• Accommodating Movement in Building Envelope Materials

  2017, Vol 34 N 4

  The building enclosure must provide for differing, and often opposing, movement of adjoining elements. By anticipating materials’ tendency to expand or shrink, as well as environmental factors that contribute to dimensional changes, designers can allow for movement without compromising building integrity. (Download PDF 1.4 MB)

• How Safe Is Your Sidewalk Vault?

  2017, Vol 32 N 2

  Most people on city sidewalks don’t realize what they’re walking on is not solid ground, but likely the roof of an underground vault. Only once someone falls into the sidewalk do we recognize that the terrain we take for granted as sturdy and reliable may be anything but. (Download PDF 1.6 MB)

• Balcony and Roof Railings and the Code: Maintain, Repair, or Replace?

  2017, Vol 34 N 1

  While the combination of building and occupational safety codes has the effect of making roofs and balconies more secure, those lacking familiarity with current regulations may find their exterior envelope project bogged down in a confusing tangle of railing stipulations. (Download PDF 1.3 MB)

• What Went Wrong? Diagnosing Building Envelope Distress

  2015, Vol 32 N 2

  With so many components contributing to facade, roof, plaza, and parking garage assemblies, it can be challenging to determine the likely cause of a failure. (Download PDF 1.1 MB)

• The Existing Plaza: Considerations for Repair or Replacement

  2014, Vol 31 N 1

  A plaza is a valuable amenity. With the right design approach, a plaza project can create a functional and appealing outdoor space that acts as a showpiece for the property. (Download PDF 786.5 kB)

• Waterproofing Challenges

  2010, Vol 27 N 3

  With some thoughtful detective work and creative water management strategies, you can find the right resolution for even the most demanding waterproofing applications. (Download PDF 350.7 kB)

• Fundamentals of Plaza Design

  2009, Vol 26 N 2

  A well-designed plaza or terrace not only reduces upkeep costs, it also attracts tenants, increases property value, and enhances outdoor space. Here’s how to do it right. (Download PDF 1.2 MB)

• Plazas: Form, Function & the Bottom Line

  2002, Vol 20 N 3

  Plazas, when well designed and maintained, improve the value of properties and attract tenants. When waterproofing and drainage problems go unchecked, a once attractive plaza can become an eyesore. (Download PDF 560.2 kB)

• Design Principles for Plazas

  1997, Vol 15 N 2

  Whether used for outdoor dining, as an extension of the building interior, or as a landscaped pedestrian setting, plazas offer many benefits. But they also offer their fair share of repair nightmares. (Download PDF 535.6 kB)

• How to Retrofit a Terrace or Plaza

  1991, Vol 9 N 1

  As great an amenity as a terrace or plaza can be, when it becomes necessary to rehabilitate or retrofit the area, it can also present immense challenges. (Download PDF 841.7 kB)