AZA US Corporation

Happy Thanksgiving from AZA US!

🏙️ Revisiting Skyscraper Design: The Future of Responsive & Passive Facades As urban density rises and engineering capabilities advance, skyscraper construction is on the rise worldwide. While glass facades have become iconic in modern high-rises, they often come at the expense of energy efficiency, as expansive windows trap heat and require extensive HVAC systems. But are we overlooking sustainable solutions in favor of aesthetics? Glass technology has evolved significantly, with multi-layered glass and advanced HVAC systems improving energy efficiency. However, there's still room for integrating passive design principles and operable systems to balance aesthetics and functionality. > One promising solution to combat solar heat gain in skyscrapers is responsive, operable facades. These external shading elements can open and close, offering passive temperature control by reflecting sunlight before it enters the building. Unlike interior blinds, these systems provide greater thermal protection and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling. By reinterpreting passive design strategies, we can make glass skyscrapers not only iconic but also sustainable and adaptable to the urban landscape. Discover more in this article:

🌱 Innovative Double-Skin Façade with Microalgae: The Future of Sustainable Energy in Building Design In a breakthrough for sustainable architecture, researchers from the University of Waterloo have developed a double-skin façade system that combines microalgae with machine learning to generate energy. This unique design not only reduces a building's energy costs but also has the potential to cut CO2 emissions—a significant step, given that buildings account for 37% of global emissions. The system features a photobioreactor that grows microalgae between two glass walls, utilizing sunlight to reduce indoor temperatures and lower energy demand. Dr. Mohamad Araji, director of Architectural Engineering at Waterloo, envisions this innovation as a way to transform buildings into energy producers rather than consumers. “If we can integrate this renewable system into a building’s façade, especially tall structures with vast surface areas, it could be a game-changer,” Araji states. Recent studies have shown that this façade can increase microalgae biomass by 80%, enhancing indoor climate control while potentially creating biofuel from the algae growth. Learn more about this exciting step towards in this article:

🏢 Historic American Skyscrapers: McGraw-Hill Building The McGraw-Hill Building, a Modernist icon in New York City, stands as a testament to innovation and forward-thinking design in early 20th-century architecture. Completed in 1931 and designed by the visionary architect Raymond Hood, this 35-story tower was commissioned by the McGraw-Hill Publishing Company as their headquarters. Rising to 485 feet, it was celebrated for its bold use of color and streamlined Art Deco style, featuring blue-green terracotta panels and striking horizontal bands that emphasized its modern aesthetic. Beyond its visual appeal, the McGraw-Hill Building broke new ground in building technology with its steel frame construction, allowing for more expansive and flexible interior layouts. It also embraced cutting-edge design principles of the time, with a focus on functionality, efficiency, and a commitment to a sleek, minimalistic exterior. Today, the McGraw-Hill Building remains a celebrated landmark, Join us as we explore the stories and designs behind America’s most iconic skyscrapers! 🌆

🚧 Progress Update: ERC Hotel – Allston, MA 🏨 Exciting progress at the ERC Allston Enterprise Research Campus! This 135,000-square-foot lifestyle hotel and mixed-use building is part of our vision to create a vibrant, inclusive community along Western Avenue in Allston. Sunrise Erectors, Inc. is currently installing unitized wall sections on the 13th floor—bringing us one step closer to completion. The Enterprise Research Campus will transform a historically underutilized site into a dynamic urban district, blending creativity, research, and culture. Highlights include: > 343 residential units, with 25% affordable housing > 3 acres of open space, including a 1.4-acre Greenway > Local restaurants, retailers, and cutting-edge lab spaces Follow us for more updates on this transformative project! GC: Consigli Construction Co., Inc. Architects: Moody Nolan | Marlon Blackwell Architects Owner: Tishman Speyer Installer: Sunrise Erectors, Inc.

We’re making great strides on the new 135,000 sq. ft. lifestyle hotel and mixed-use building at the Enterprise Research Campus in Allston. The team is hard at work on the 13th floor, and we can’t wait to show you the final project! This development will bring new energy to Western Avenue, with a blend of residential, retail, open green space, and cutting-edge lab space. We’re looking forward to seeing this vibrant community come to life soon! Stay tuned for more updates!

🚀 Allston’s Western Avenue: Boston’s Next Hub for Life Sciences 🧬 Allston’s unique, authentic character makes it an ideal environment for life science innovation, especially along the Western Avenue corridor. With vibrant hotspots, an artist community, and its proximity to Harvard University, Allston offers the creative energy and neighborhood dynamic that science professionals seek. One of our latest projects, Allston Labworks, is designed to build on these local strengths, creating a multi-building campus that brings together state-of-the-art lab space, locally owned retail, artist studios, and public open spaces. We’re excited to also partner with BioBuilder on a “learning lab” to inspire the next generation of life science professionals. The future looks bright for the Western Ave corridor! 🔗 Read more on Allston here: https://lnkd.in/emGRYkBW

🚧 Project Update: Allston Labworks at 305 Western Ave 🏗️ Exciting changes are underway at @Allston Labworks!  This state-of-the-art campus will feature a café and lounge in the lobby, a fitness center with pods and private showers, flexible conference areas, and a scenic roof terrace. Plus, with 500+ parking spaces, secure bike storage, and 24/7 building security, it’s designed to meet the needs of today’s life science community. These photos show a small preview of the final result that will arrive soon.  Follow us to find out with us! C: Consigli Construction Co., Inc. Installer: JKglass Architect: DiMella Shaffer Consultants: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) Owner: King Street Properties Consigli Construction Co., Inc. King Street Properties DiMella Shaffer Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) JKglass

Just like us in our work: an achievement that embodies determination and persistence, proving that with unwavering spirit, any challenge can be overcome. Go fast AZA US! Than you Gianluca! AZA Corp Gianluca Bortot #AZAUS #NYCMarathon

Gianluca Bortot, our Technical Director, is AZA US’s runner for the 2024 New York Marathon! A few insights: • 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧: Venice, 2015 • 𝐓𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 48 marathons in Italy and internationally (including Athens, Copenhagen, Paris, Buenos Aires) • 𝟏𝟕 𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐬 on mountain and road terrains, such as the Ultra Dolomites, LUT 80K, Passatore 100K, and Asolo 100K • 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧: Kicking off the journey to complete the 6 Abbott World Marathon Majors (Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, Tokyo, and New York) • 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦:  Board member of Limena Run Asd, a local team based in the Padua area #azaus #nycmarathon AZA Corp Gianluca Bortot