Why Invest in American Infrastructure?

Engineers join President Obama in calling for infrastructure investment to create jobs, restore aging roads and utility lines

BY: Laura Clapper | Thu Jan 27, 2011
TAGS: American Society of Civil Engineers, high speed rail, infrastructure projects, President Barack Obama

To invest or not to invest in America's Infrastructure?

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Infrastructure has become the hot-button topic in America. One of the central themes of President Barack Obama’s State of the Union speech on Tuesday, infrastructure planning—and who’s going to pay for it all—had led to heated debate in every angle of the political spectrum.

Two factors are central to the debate—the economy and our desire to have the best in the world (doesn’t really matter what we’re the best in—the desire to be the best is as ingrained in most Americans as our love of football and fast food).

SUPPORTERS
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has come out in support of President Obama’s push to rebuild existing infrastructure and invest in high speed and light rail as well as other infrastructure projects. "Our crumbling infrastructure can no longer support a thriving economy, or for that matter, a thriving public,” said Kathy J. Caldwell, P.E. president of ASCE, in a statement. “If we are to maintain our position as a world leader, that cannot be acceptable. Not only must we dedicate ourselves to investing in the infrastructure of tomorrow, we also have to hold our nation's leaders accountable for the success of this commitment.”

"As with any investment, a solid 'return' is essential to long-term growth,” continued Caldwell. “When it comes to infrastructure, that may be the easiest part of the equation. Dedicating resources to our nation's power grid, water pipes, transportation networks and other critical infrastructure systems will create jobs and support our economy in real and measurable ways. And, the impact will be long-lasting.”

THE CRITICS
President Obama has been criticized for not providing an outline of how the infrastructure plan will be funded. Further details of the plan, as well as the budget for it, will be announced in February; although, it is thought that Obama will outline a plan similar to the one he pushed for in the fall, which called for $50 billion and stressed high speed rail investment.

The financial future of a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul and investment program becomes even more precarious with Republicans chomping at the bit to slash spending and refusing to entertain a tax increase.

However, we all utilize our nation’s power and water as well as travel by train, plane and automobile—shouldn’t we all pony up and pay for it, too? We need to think of infrastructure as... http://www.constructiondigital.com/tags/american-society-civil-engineers/why-invest-american-infrastructure

The iHouse Revolution

It was inevitable. Perhaps you knew it when you bought your first iBook, the pioneering laptop that came in eye-popping candy colors and resembled a toilet seat. Perhaps it came when you bought your first iPhone and realized that you could do adult things like schedule appointments and make important business calls, while rocking out to Jay-Z. Apple products have become an important part of your life and now they can become an important part of your home.

LIVING ROOM
The latest innovation from Apple, the much anticipated second generation of Apple TV allows users to streamline movies, television shows, music and photos for their viewing pleasure on high definition televisions. Users can also access Netflix, YouTube and the iTunes store directly through the device. Designed smaller, quieter and sleeker than the first generation, Apple TV features a built-in power supply that is so energy efficient that it uses as much power as the Tinkerbell night-light in your child’s bedroom when not in use. Rent television shows from iTunes for $0.99 a pop or the latest films starting from $2.99. Since it’s an Apple product, it’ll play nice with iPad, iPod and iPhone. (Apple TV, $99)

KITCHEN
Looking for an easy dinner recipe to please your newly vegan daughter or a spicy barbeque sauce recipe for this weekend’s neighborhood cookout? Chances are there’s an iPad app for that. A must-have gadget, the iPad revolutionized the way many access the Internet, watch movies, share photos, play games, write email or surf the web. Search for a recipe, cook along with your favorite cooking podcast or simply browse the internet while the meat is defrosting in the microwave. The iPad can go anywhere you go, from the living room to the garage to that very important meeting in your, ahem…“other office.”(iPad, from $499)
For those of you who prefer to perfect your American Idol audition performance while you cook, iHome has an audio dock that fits your iPod, iPhone or iPad, allowing you to do your best Neil Diamond impression while chopping veggies. Sleek and modern, the iP39 is a kitchen timer and FM alarm clock radio speaker system made specifically for iPhone and iPod that would be an excellent addition to your kitchen, perhaps in that spot next to the blender. Flip between songs, audiobooks or cooking podcasts with the magnetic remote control. (iP39 from iHome, $99.99)

HOME OFFICE
Remember back in the days of six months ago when you had to lug a heavy laptop computer to and from the office? Maybe your laptop wasn’t that heavy; however, the latest generation MacBook Air will send your current laptop the way of the abacus. The MacBook Air touts all-flash storage, a multi-touch trackpad that allows you to click, scroll or swipe; extra long battery life and a high resolution screen and camera. Plus, it only takes a second to wake up, meaning you can access information and files quickly and easily. MacBook Air also features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability, allowing you to take it anywhere. Designed to be super thin, it slips easily into your briefcase or bicycle pannier. (MacBook Air, from $999)

STUDY
Love your kids but can’t wait until they’ve passed their Justin Bieber phase? Don’t want to listen to your wife prattle on about the latest neighborhood gossip? Cancel out the noise with Beat by Dr. Dre Headphones from Monster Engineering. These high definition headphones cancel outside noise, allowing you to relax to the sound of your favorite tunes, whether it’s Miles Davis or N.W.A. Though not developed by Apple, they are available for purchase from the Apple Store. (Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones from Monster, $299.95)

Eco-Friendly Sanctuary Belize Under Development in Central America

Belize has long been a top destination in Central America for eco-tourism and development. Located in the Stann Creek District, Sanctuary Belize is a project currently under development that is designed to provide residents and visitors eco-friendly amenities and recreational opportunities within the beautiful natural setting of Belize.

According to Sanctuary Belize, “Belize is fast moving from a secret paradise of Central America with Caribbean beaches to one of the prime locations to invest in the world. With English as the national language and unbeatable weather Belize has now become the place to be.”

The master planned development offers a marina village, yacht club, resort and spa, private caye and even an airstrip for residents and visitors to land their private jets. Buyers can purchase homes of all sizes and styles on lots that range in size from one to four acres. Residents also have the option of purchasing a home site, custom home or condominium at prices as low as $99,000 and as high as over $1 million.

 According to the website, Sanctuary Belize can meet the needs of potential homebuyers, whether they want to live in a hut or a sprawling tropical estate. The real estate company posted a video on its Facebook page of a bamboo home that is currently under construction. Discovery Tours are underway for prospective buyers to view the growing development first hand.

Eco-tourism and eco-developments have grown in popularity over the last decade, as people become wish to experience the local culture, as sustainably as possible, during their holidays abroad. The business has become quite lucrative—imagine how impressed your friends and colleague will be when you fly them to your vacation home in Belize, a country as rich in culture as it is in natural scenery. Sanctuary Belize provides the necessary economic growth and development for the area while complementing the local culture and natural environment.

While the development does improve the economic viability of the area, one has to consider the possible long term ramifications of such development. Tourism is huge Belize. This co-dependency on something as fleeting as tourism, even if done sustainably, can become problematic if a hurricane, strong storm or natural disaster devastates the area, forcing it to transition to another economic moneymaker in a hurry. The residents of Sanctuary Belize will have the money and means to flee; what about the locals?

Livable Cities: A Sustainable Trend in Urban Planning

 Livable cities. It’s a concept on the minds of urban planners, developers and green builders around the world. Livable cities enhance the lives and well-being of its citizens, encouraging community and public participation through urban design that brings people together. Additionally, livable cities embody sustainability—ecologically, economically and socially.

The current trends in planning include infill and mixed use development. They’re quite old concepts, really. Traditionally, a proper functioning urban area would have retail and commercial space on the first floor (e.g., the baker, the butcher, the tailor, etc.) and residential space above. Everything one needed was within a sensible radius. Is that the case today? In many cities across America, particularly those that were built around the automobile and the required wide expanses of road and highway, it’s difficult to even get across the street by foot. However, many developers and planners have rediscovered mixed use and infill development.

Urban areas are rife with abandoned industrial and commercial spaces that, with some elbow grease and ingenuity, would be perfect for a mixed light industry/commercial development. Reviving our urban areas can also foster economic development, encouraging local entrepreneurs to try their hands in a business that meets the needs of the growing community.

Who lives in livable cities? Happy people. Studies have shown that livable cities—ones that are easily navigable by foot and bicycle—foster happy, healthy, fit communities of people. Want to improve the safety of your street? Get outside! In livable communities, children, adults and the elderly are able to walk to school, run errands or just enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about safety.

There is a lot of rhetoric from folks who argue that livable cities impede personal freedom. These individuals view personal freedom through their connection to their vehicles and ability to drive where they want when they want. How much freedom can you have with a car payment, maintenance costs (particularly if you’re like most Americans and commute in heavy traffic 20+ miles each way) and dependence on foreign oil with a machine that depreciates substantially as soon as you drive it off the car lot?

With people out of their homes and vehicles and populating the streets and local shops, an amazing thing begins to develop—community. They may not know that names of everyone who passes them on the street, but they feel comfortable enough to smile and say ‘hello’, a staple of ‘real America.’ A growing urban center can have as strong a sense of community as a one-road town. It all comes down to getting people out of their SUVs and homes and onto the sidewalks and bike lanes of America.

$30B Mixed Use World Design Center Planned for South Korea

South Korea is embarking on its first major design center, a$30 billion mixed-use project in the City of Guri, near Seoul. The Design Center project will consist of the Guri World Design Center, residential condominiums, hotels, retail and commercial space, urban parks and a monorail system. The project will be complete by 2015.


To assist in the process, the Nature, Culture and Design (NCD) 2015 International Advisory Board was created with intention of providing guidance throughout the development process. Michelle Finn, vice president of the Hospitality Design Group of Nielsen Exposition will serve as chair of the advisory board.

“We are thrilled to be involved in the prestigious NCD 2015 International Advisory Board to advise in the development of one of the largest mixed-use projects in the world," said Finn, in a statement. "The Guri World Design Center will ultimately provide the tools and resources to architects, manufacturers and marketers from across the globe that wish to engage in the rapidly growing Asian market."

The Guri World Design Center and associated elements will become the new design capital of Asia, a region that has seen considerable growth over the last few years. News of the project follows recent announcements of projects elsewhere in Asia, such as the Tianjin City Culture Centre in China and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) and Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) projects.

Asia is now home to some of the tallest buildings in the world including the International Commerce Center, the Nanjing Greenland Financial Center and the Guangzhou International Finance Center.