Improvements to the Energy Policy Act may help save money and energy for commercial building owners. A proposed new bill would provide additional incentives for owners to make energy efficiency improvements to commercial buildings. The current law, set to expire in 2013, allows for tax deductions for energy efficient mechanical, lighting and building envelope improvements. […]
Ralph Waldo Emerson said “The beautiful rest on the foundations of the necessary.” Historic figures from Napoleon Bonaparte to Henry David Thoreau have made references to the importance of foundations. So what’s the basis for all this attention? Well, everything goes on top of the foundation. If it is well built, the structure on top […]
What material is your kitchen sink made of? Most likely, it is stainless steel, one of the most popular choices in kitchen finishes, from countertops to appliances to sinks. In 1913 Harry Brearly discovered that adding chromium to low carbon steel gives it stain resistance. It’s no wonder stainless steel has become such a popular […]
All entertainment venues need to keep things fresh in order to keep guests coming back. Theme parks, restaurants, and other venues address this by planning attractions that enable variability and changeability. Variability allows the attraction to offer a different experience to the guest on a randomized or planned basis, such as offering different day and […]
Historic restoration projects can be successfully completed using sustainable design principles. In fact, we would argue that green building practices are not only possible with historic restoration projects; they are naturally compatible and just make good sense. Keep in mind, most historic structures were originally built using sustainable practices. Buildings were often constructed of locally […]
Successful restaurants provide great food and service in an attractive environment. Careful attention to detail when designing your restaurant environment will minimize maintenance costs, improve staff performance and recruitment, and increase customer satisfaction. Here are 5 steps to minimize maintenance and staff costs and improve customer perceptions of your restaurant: Make sure your spaces are […]
Each year we make presentations to local school kids about the physics of roller coasters and we have been impressed with their insights about the rides. This year, we shared a physics discussion with third graders at Butterfield School in Libertyville and 5th graders at St. Gilbert’s School in Grayslake, based on the new X […]
X Flight is Six Flags Great America’s newest roller coaster, a cutting edge wing coaster with no track above or below. Slice through the sky on 3,000 feet of twisted steel, of Xtreme loops and intense fly-throughs. It’s like nothing you have ever Xperienced before! Xclusive Season Pass Holder Sneak Preview May 12-13 Grand Opening […]
We are proud to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website for Bleck & Bleck Architects. By updating our site, we are able to improve navigation and connect visitors with recent and favorite projects through an impactful presentation of photography and information. There are other ways to stay in touch and informed about Bleck & […]
In a recent article in Architectural Products Magazine, the writer highlighted a trend in commercial restrooms using materials and designs traditionally reserved for residential bathrooms. We couldn’t agree more. Commercial environments are capturing the warm and inviting look and feel of home. This design trend incorporates finishes, lighting and fixtures in natural materials, organic shapes, […]
