|
|
|
|
|
|
Architects in practice
An architect must thoroughly understand the building and operational codes to which his or her design must conform, so that he or she is not apt to omit any necessary requirements, or produce improper, conflicting, ambiguous, or confusing requirements. Architects must also understand the various methods available to the builder for building the client's structure, so that he or she can negotiate with the client to produce a best possible compromise of the results desired within explicit cost and time boundaries.
The idea of what constitutes a result desired varies among architects, as the architectural design values which underlie modern architecture differ both between the schools of thought which influence architecture and between individual practising architects.
The practice of architecture is a business, in which technical knowledge, management skills, and an understanding of good business practice are as important as creative design. In practice, an architect accepts a commission from a client (an individual, a board of directors, a government agency or a corporation). This commission may involve the preparation of feasibility reports, building audits, the design of a single building, or the design of several buildings, structures and the spaces between them. Increasingly, the architect participates in the development of requirements the client wishes to have met in the building. Throughout the project, from planning to occupancy, the architect usually acts as the coordinator of a team of specialists (the "design team"). Structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers, as well as other specialists, are generally retained by the client or the architect. The architect must ensure that the work of all these different disciplines is coordinated and fits together in the overall design.
Working hours are typically over a standard work week, but when working to tight deadlines it is not uncommon for architects to work long hours, including evenings, weekends and all nighters. Architects are predominantly office-based, but their work includes frequent out-of-office visits with clients and to job sites.
Design role
Increasingly, the architect participates in the development of requirements the client wishes to have met in the building. They design projects based on a client requirements, conditions particular to the site, and many other external needs and wishes. Architects must also pay attention to the economics and budget for a particular commission.
Architects deal with various government jurisdictions on local and federal levels, regarding numerous regulations and building codes. The architect may need to comply with local planning and zoning requirements such as required setbacks, height limitations, parking requirements, transparency requirements (windows), land use and other requirements. In many established jurisdictions, design guidelines and historic preservation guidelines must be adhered to.
Architects also prepare technical documents filed for permits (such as development permits and building permits) which require compliance with building, seismic and various other federal and local regulations. The documents (construction drawings and specifications) are also used for pricing and, ultimately, actual construction.
Construction role
Architects typically put projects to tender on behalf of their clients, advise on the award of the project to a general contractor, and review the progress of the work during construction. They typically review subcontractor shop drawings, prepare and issue site instructions, and provide construction contract administration (see also Design-bid-build). In many jurisdictions, mandatory certification or assurance of the work is required.
Depending on the client's needs and the jurisdiction's requirements, the spectrum of the architect's services may be extensive (detailed document preparation and construction review) or less inclusive (such as allowing a contractor to exercise considerable design-build functions). With very large, complex projects, an independent construction manager is sometimes hired to assist in design and to manage construction. In the United Kingdom and other countries, a quantity surveyor is often part of the team to provide cost consulting.
Alternate practice and specializations
Recent decades have seen the rise of specializations within the profession. Many architects and architectural firms focus on certain project types (for example health care, retail, public housing, etc.), technological expertise or project delivery methods. Some architects specialize as building code, building envelope, sustainable design, historic preservation, accessibility and other forms of specialist consultants.
Many architects elect to move into real estate (property) development, corporate facilities planning, project management, construction management, interior design and other specialized roles.
|
|
|
--------------000-------------
Posted by shiftee on April 26, 2008
FHM has announced the top 100 sexiest women in the world for this year! And who do you think takes the top spot, voted by about 9 million voters worldwide?
1. Megan Fox grabs the top spot after only two years in the annual poll. She debuted on FHM’s list on 2006, ranked at 68. In 2007, she only advanced 3 spots to number 65. Quite a big difference this year! I guess that lead female role in Transformers really did it… plus that hot body and smoky eyes, of course. No man can deny it and no woman can contest it: she has the right to be number one on the list!
2. Even while preggy, Jessica Alba still has sex appeal. Even with the bump, people will still remember that innocent face, the honeyed skin, and that softly curved Latino body.
3. Modelling small lingerie definitely gave Keeley Hazell the thumbs-up to become number 3 on the list.
4. Elisha Cuthbert hasn’t had that many projects and movies recently. But she’s still popular. Taking the number 4 spot in this list is proof of that.
5. Innocence and sexiness in one superhuman heroine: Hayden Panettiere. No one would disagree.
6. Scarlett Johannson is an expected entry. She’s one of those celebrities that always looks so refreshing and always in full bloom without trying so hard.
7. Cheryl Cole is no stranger to top sexiest lists. She was FHM’s 2006 Sexiest Footballer’s Wife, even before she married Ashley Cole.
8. Breaking out from her teen idol Lizzie role, Hillary Duff branches out to a mature and sexy image. She’s still keeping busy with music and movies.
9. Who doesn’t know Angelina Jolie? With a high profile life with partner Brad Pitt and their increasing brood, and as a Goodwill Ambassador, she’s everywhere on the tabloids.
10. Keira Knightley gives seductive performances while widely known to have a flat chest, but that certainly didn’t erase her from the list!
Some readers may be confused because this list is a little different from the lists given by other reports. There are news stories that cite Jessica Biel and Kate Beckinsale among the top 10, with no top 10 spots for Angelina Jolie, Keira Knightley, Cheryl Cole, and Hayden Panettiere. I’m sticking by my list, though. I got this top 10 directly from FHM.com.
Marian Rivera is FHM’s sexiest woman in the Philippines for 2008. Wow!!! FHM Philippines already released the final tally of votes for their annual poll for 100 sexiest women in the world and it was confirmed via PEP that Marian Rivera is the new winner. Meanwhile, Katrina Halili is at second spot and Angel Locsin third.
Just a little trivia: Marian Rivera is the first non-covergirl to top the annual poll of the best-selling men’s magazine. Now that Marian got the title of FHM’s sexiest Pinay, is this the right timing for her to be on the cover of FHM? Hmmmnnn... hopefully!
Here’s is the final result of online and text votes for the Top 3 sexiest women:
1st Marian Rivera - 316,135 votes
2nd Katrina Halili - 123,239 votes
3rd Angel Locsin - 121,388 votes
|
|
|
|
|
|
--- Less Talk, Less Mistake ---
--->
Gemini
(May 22 - June 21)
Gemini is the most versatile sign of the zodiac. The Gemini-born are friendly, imaginative, and sociable. Others will not find them boring, for they are logical and rational speakers; they can think and even act quickly. On the other hand, they can be quite inconsistent especially if they lose interest in what they are doing.
Career/Money
These people will do well in Media, I.T. related work and sales. They excel in research work as long as it's not too technical for them. Working alone or in solitary confinement is a no no for Geminis as they need to feel the activity around them. In business, they are shrewd and cunning.
Love
It is important for Geminis to choose a partner that shares their interest and that they have intellectual rapport with. Their playful nature will endear them to their partners. They are compatible with Air signs like Libra and Aquarius, and Fire signs like Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.
Health
There's a tendency for Geminis to change their routine every now and then. They need to sleep more so that they'll maintain their good health. Of course, eating the right diet and loading up on fruit helps. They also need their exercise.
|
|
Burj Dubai (Arabic: برج دبي "Dubai Tower") is a skyscraper under construction in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is the tallest man-made structure on Earth other than broadcasting towers. Construction began on September 21, 2004, and it is expected to be completed and ready for occupation in September 2009.
The building is part of the 2 km² (0.8 sq mi) development called 'Downtown Dubai' and is located at the "First Interchange" (aka "Defence Roundabout") along Sheikh Zayed Road at Doha Street. The tower's architect is Adrian Smith[4] who worked with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) until 2006.[5] SOM is the architecture and engineering firm in charge of the project.[4] The primary builders are Samsung Engineering & Construction and Besix along with Arabtec.[6] Turner Construction Company was chosen as the construction manager.
The total budget for the Burj Dubai project is about US$4.1 billion and for the entire new 'Downtown Dubai', US$20 billion. Mohamed Ali Alabbar, the CEO of Emaar Properties, speaking at the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat 8th World Congress, said that the price of office space at Burj Dubai had reached $4,000 per sq ft and that the Armani Residences, also in Burj Dubai, were selling for $3,500 per sq ft.
|
|
FHM Top 10 Sexiest Women 2008
Posted by shiftee on April 26, 2008
FHM has announced the top 100 sexiest women in the world for this year! And who do you think takes the top spot, voted by about 9 million voters worldwide?
1. Megan Fox grabs the top spot after only two years in the annual poll. She debuted on FHM’s list on 2006, ranked at 68. In 2007, she only advanced 3 spots to number 65. Quite a big difference this year! I guess that lead female role in Transformers really did it… plus that hot body and smoky eyes, of course. No man can deny it and no woman can contest it: she has the right to be number one on the list!
2. Even while preggy, Jessica Alba still has sex appeal. Even with the bump, people will still remember that innocent face, the honeyed skin, and that softly curved Latino body.
3. Modelling small lingerie definitely gave Keeley Hazell the thumbs-up to become number 3 on the list.
4. Elisha Cuthbert hasn’t had that many projects and movies recently. But she’s still popular. Taking the number 4 spot in this list is proof of that.
5. Innocence and sexiness in one superhuman heroine: Hayden Panettiere. No one would disagree.
6. Scarlett Johannson is an expected entry. She’s one of those celebrities that always looks so refreshing and always in full bloom without trying so hard.
7. Cheryl Cole is no stranger to top sexiest lists. She was FHM’s 2006 Sexiest Footballer’s Wife, even before she married Ashley Cole.
8. Breaking out from her teen idol Lizzie role, Hillary Duff branches out to a mature and sexy image. She’s still keeping busy with music and movies.
9. Who doesn’t know Angelina Jolie? With a high profile life with partner Brad Pitt and their increasing brood, and as a Goodwill Ambassador, she’s everywhere on the tabloids.
10. Keira Knightley gives seductive performances while widely known to have a flat chest, but that certainly didn’t erase her from the list!
Some readers may be confused because this list is a little different from the lists given by other reports. There are news stories that cite Jessica Biel and Kate Beckinsale among the top 10, with no top 10 spots for Angelina Jolie, Keira Knightley, Cheryl Cole, and Hayden Panettiere. I’m sticking by my list, though. I got this top 10 directly from FHM.com.
|
|
Marian Rivera is FHM’s sexiest woman in the Philippines for 2008. Wow!!! FHM Philippines already released the final tally of votes for their annual poll for 100 sexiest women in the world and it was confirmed via PEP that Marian Rivera is the new winner. Meanwhile, Katrina Halili is at second spot and Angel Locsin third.
Just a little trivia: Marian Rivera is the first non-covergirl to top the annual poll of the best-selling men’s magazine. Now that Marian got the title of FHM’s sexiest Pinay, is this the right timing for her to be on the cover of FHM? Hmmmnnn... hopefully!
Here’s is the final result of online and text votes for the Top 3 sexiest women:
1st Marian Rivera - 316,135 votes
2nd Katrina Halili - 123,239 votes
3rd Angel Locsin - 121,388 votes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|