PHOTO: Famous Architects Dressed as Their Buildings (1931)

Roughly two dozen famous architects came dressed as the buildings they designed to 1931's Beaux-Arts Ball in Manhattan.  Below are just seven of them. 

In a 2006 article about the event (A New Age of Architecture Ushered in Financial Gloom) published by New York Times writer Christopher Gray, William Van Alen's ornate "Chrysler Building" costume is described in vivid detail:

Indeed, his cloak was designed to emulate the design of the doors, and two shoulder ornaments replicated the eagle heads at the 61st-floor setbacks. On his head rose a strikingly dangerous-looking crown, the graduated layers of the Chrysler tower itself rising to a spire, the ensemble at least four feet above his scalp.

Can you guess the other buildings (and their designers)?  Answers are listed under the photo.

Photo: Ely Jacques Kahn, Architect by Jewel Stern and John A. Stewart

Best of Jody Brown: 5 Favorites from Coffee With an Architect

Although we've featured Jody previously (5 Architects & Spec Writers You Should Be Following Right Now), we just couldn't resist compiling a "Best-Of" edition highlighting some of his most entertaining posts.

Check out these 5 links from the incomparable Jody Brown, architect & owner of Jody Brown Architecture, LLC, author of Coffee With an Architect and regular contributor to Houzz.



Screen shot of Jody Brown's Blog, Coffee With an Architect

Sublimation Powder Coating: Decorative "Tattoos" for Metal Products

A leopard-print, dye sublimated, aluminum top rail

"A leopard print handrail?!" 

As wild as it sounds, this pattern and many others are easy to achieve thanks to a finishing technique called "dye sublimation".

Dye sublimation is a coating process that transfers printed, high-resolution images or wood grain designs to metals such as aluminum and steel, using heat and pressure.  This process allows inks to be permanently embedded, resulting in the display of an eye-catching image on the final product.

Some popular metal products that typically undergo this finishing process are aluminum railings, window frames, appliances, patio furniture, bathroom fixtures and doors.

The Dye Sublimation Process:

1.  The metal is cleaned to be sure there is no dirt or oil present.
2.  A base powder coat is applied to the metal in a light color.
3.  The non-porous sublimation film transfer is wrapped around the metal.
4.  Air is removed; heat and pressure are applied to create a perfect print.
5.  The film is removed once cooled.

To learn more, search the web for dye sublimation companies near you, or CLICK HERE for additional info on metal building products with solid-color powder coat finishes. 

INFOGRAPHIC: 100 Years of Iconic Stainless Steel Structures

In this infographic provided by Castle Metals, we'll take a look back at notable stainless steel structures constructed within the last century.  

The Importance of Engineering Calculations for Architectural Railing

What are engineering calculations?

Guardrail calculations should always be stamped
by a licensed, professional engineer.

Engineering calculations (or "calcs") are a series of advanced calculations used to determine worst case scenario(s) and possible risk factors for a particular railing system.  By working out the calculations, engineers can determine what will and won't work in the way of loading requirements.


What is the purpose of engineering calculations?
Below are four of the top reasons engineering calcs for architectural railings are beneficial for everyone involved in a construction project.

Engineering calculations ensure:

1. The safety of the railing
2. Code and spec compliance and that loading requirements are met
3. That the correct fasteners and structural members (top rails/posts/infill) are being used 
4. Peace of mind for the customer

VIDEO: Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day - February 21, 2013

The fantastic video below, produced by Eweek.com, discusses the 12th Annual Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day event and why it is so important to empower female youth with knowledge about opportunities within the engineering profession. The piece features highlights of previous years and an inspiring overview of Girl Day activities.

This year's Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day is dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Sally Ride, the first woman in space.  Dr. Ride was an early participant in Girl Day and an inspiration for girls and women around the world.  Her work continues through Sally Ride Science.

Although the national event takes place today in Washington, DC, Eweek.com wants you to know that there are ways you can start your own "Introduce a Girl to Engineering" movement within your community or company using these idea starters:

Idea Starters 
- Do hands-on activities with a Girl Scout troop.
- Talk to a class of high school girls about engineering careers.
- Invite a group of girls to your company or lab for a tour.
- Set up a job shadow programming for middle and high school girls.
- Host an engineering event at your office, local museum or school.
- Look at what other groups have done in the Girl Day archives.

Having trouble seeing the embedded video below?  CLICK HERE to view it on You Tube.

For more information on metal building products, CLICK HERE. 

INFOGRAPHIC: Top 5 Most Amazing Feats of Ancient Engineering

Our "National Engineering Week"- focused content continues with this infographic from Engineering-Management.net. As you read about these 5 ancient engineering feats, keep in mind that structures like the Great Pyramid of Giza and The Great Wall of China took years to build and were constructed without today's advanced construction equipment!

If you're having trouble viewing the image, Click Here.

Source: Engineering Management

For more information on architectural metal building products - suited for modern-day construction projects -  CLICK HERE.

National Engineers Week: Articles, Events & Activities (Links)

Image courtesy of National Engineers Week Foundation

Browse through the links below to learn more about events and activities going on right now in celebration of "E-Week", also known as "National Engineers Week":

Yale celebrates National Engineers Week - Connecticut

Engineers to gather for national week - Oregon

National Engineering Week: It's up to all of us to foster love of science, engineering (Op-ed)
- Alabama

Watertown Daily Times | Clarkson celebrates National Engineers Week  - New York

Four AECOM Young Professionals Honored in the “New Faces of Engineering” Competition by the U.S. National Engineers Week Foundation - California

Engineers Week under way - Pennsylvania

Event celebrates National Engineers Week | Penn State University  - Pennsylvania

Salute to Engineers During National Engineers Week  - Illinois

To learn more about National Engineers Week, CLICK HERE.

If you're an engineer looking for information about architectural metal products, CLICK HERE.