To Repair or Replace: 4 Detention Equipment Maintenance Tips

Old or faulty equipment can be an inmate
escape problem waiting to happen.

Inmate escape prevention is the number one concern of detention facility personnel.  No matter how vigilant a guard might be, the chances of a prisoner fleeing increase exponentially if faulty equipment is being used.

This is why careful inspection of existing equipment is so important.  Below are some detention equipment maintenance tips to help you determine if your facility's equipment is failing or about to fail.

Repairing or replacing components of a system when you notice a problem can mean the difference between peace of mind for the community, and a dangerous criminal at large.

Best Recent Posts About Architecture

We've compiled links from a variety of sources around the web to connect you with some of the best architectural articles that were recently published.  Enjoy!

What does an Architect do?

Bob Borson at - 3 weeks ago

Ask different architects the details of his or her daily job duties; you'll get a different answer every time. What an architect does on a daily basis depends on where they live, what kind of firm they work for, and a myriad of other factors. That's right, there are options ... more »

INFOGRAPHIC: A Look at Vertical Transportation Inside 1 World Trade Center

Last Friday, May 10, 2013, crews completed the installation of 1 World Trade Center's (1WTC) 408-foot spire.  The spire brings the building to 1,776 ft, making it the tallest structure in the western hemisphere and third-tallest in the world.  Construction on 1WTC began in 2006.

Check out the infographic below by ThyssenKrupp outlining the details of the vertical transportation  system inside 1 World Trade Center.   You may also refer to our previous infographic about 1WTC, which is located here. 

Having trouble viewing the infographic below?  Click here.

INFOGRAPHIC: Most Amazing Construction Projects

What are some of the most amazing construction projects still around today?  Rock and Dirt, a heavy equipment marketplace, answers this question with an eye-catching outline of notable masterpieces worth knowing more about.

Having trouble viewing the infographic?  CLICK HERE. 

Make your construction project amazing with these architectural metal products.

Happy Building Safety Month!

It's no secret that the most important part of the construction process is code compliance and safety.

All this month, the International Code Council is celebrating Building Safety Month - and they're inviting everyone to join in and get educated about the important role code officials play in our everyday lives.  

Building Safety Month's theme for 2013 is Code Officials Keep You Safe.  Each week will focus on a different area of building safety: 

Week 1 | May 6 - May 12:  Fire Safety & Awareness

Week 2 | May 13 - May 19:  Disaster Safety & Mitigation

Week 3 | May 20 - May 26:  Backyard & Pool Safety

Week 4 | May 27 - May 31:  Energy & Green Building

The International Code Council urges you to promote Building Safety Month in your community by doing the following:

• Promote BSM through your Chapter activities.
• Set up an information booth at city hall or a local hardware store.
• Visit a school and give a presentation about building safety.
• Post local information on your website.
• Send a news release to newspapers, and radio and television stations.
• Encourage local media to cover Building Safety Month activities and send public service announcements to local radio and television stations.
• Public information officers, city managers, or mayors could also arrange to appear on a talk/community information show through your local television or radio stations.
• Include a call-in, question-and-answer session as part of the program to generate even more interest.
• Be sure to also invite your local media to any scheduled events you plan during the month and post on your social media websites.

To learn more about Building Safety Month - now in its 33rd year - visit 

the International Code Council HERE. 

For more information about building products that always meet code, CLICK HERE. 

Building Leaders: About the AIA National Convention 2013

The AIA National Convention, June 20th through the 22nd, is the largest annual event in the architectural industry.    Held in Denver, Colorado for 2013, the AIA Convention's host city is home to many well-known contemporary structures including The Wells Fargo Center and The Denver Art Museum.


During the convention, registrants can attend educational seminars and network with peers - plus experience what's "new and next" with over 700 new products to test.

In addition to numerous workshops and tours, registrants can also appreciate a few words of wisdom from the following keynote speakers:

-Blake Mycoskie, Founder of TOMS [shoes].
-Cameron Sinclair, Co-Founder of Architecture for Humanity
-General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), Secretary of State (2001-2005)

For more info on the AIA National Convention, CLICK HERE. 

CLICK HERE to learn more about the AIA National Convention exhibitor and 

architectural metal products manufacturer, KaneSterling.

3 Ways Minor Changes to Standard Architectural Railing Designs Can Impact Your Total Cost

In many cases, a manufacturer's standard railing design has the ability to look almost identical to the system a particular project requires.  However, despite the similarity in appearance, making even minor tweaks to the standard system's components or structural members, can increase or decrease the price significantly.

Here are some points to keep in mind when opting for modified versions of a manufacturer's standard railing system design:

1.   RADIUSING/SEGMENTING - Radiusing and segmenting (fusing "straight" railing sections to simulate a curve) may increase the shop labor and finishing prices.  The same is true for tight bends, as they require special tooling.

2.   MATERIAL WEIGHT - If a building owner or architect requires a standard system, but with a heavier look/feel, the profile might look the same, but the amount of material will increase (i.e. hollow pickets vs. solid pickets). This increase in material will likely cause an increase in price.

3.  INFILL SELECTION - The most obvious way changes can affect your total cost is to switch to a different infill style.  For instance, if at first you choose a system with custom, waterjet-cut infill panels, then decide to opt for a more simple, streamlined picket railing, your cost will noticeably decrease.

For more information on architectural railing systems, CLICK HERE. 

Happy Earth Day! (LINKS)

Happy Earth Day, readers!  Here's what's going on in the world of architecture in celebration of the most environmentally-friendly holiday of the year:


Earth Day Founder's "Living" Building Signals New Era of Sleek Sustainability


Earth Day Pictures:  Extreme Green Buildings


How Earth Day Got its Start


7 Jobs That Make the World a Better Place


10 Ideas That Can Change Our World (via Aecom)

Are you, your business or organization planning to make the world a greener place today?  

Tell us more about your sustainable efforts in the comments below.

To learn more about LEED-compliant living wall systems, CLICK HERE.