Construction Writers Association Offers Post-9/11 Insights

As a result of the events of September 11, building and construction professionals will pay more attention to security in buildings, particularly with regards to fire-protection and alarm systems, structural reinforcement and evacuation routes, concludes a recent survey conducted by the Construction Writers Association, Buffalo Grove, Ill.

The Association also polled its members—editors, journalists and publicists in the building a construction industry—regarding the future of tall buildings and facility projects, in general.

“The desirability of extremely tall buildings will be questioned more than it was before September 11,” says Gordon Wright, a veteran editor with Building Design & Construction magazine and former president of the Construction Writers Association. “Donald Trump has already downsized his ‘world’s tallest building’ project in Chicago to 78 stories, and the jury is still out on whether a significant number of people will be reluctant to live and work in tall buildings.”

With a struggling economy, it is also a question as to whether new projects will experience delays in getting off the ground. However, for those projects that do move forward, Wright points out that speed to market remains a key issue, especially in the high-tech industry. “Project teams that can deliver on a fast-track schedule will continue to have an edge, as will design/build.”

Yet another outcome of September 11, points out CWA members, has been a greater appreciation for the construction industry, with the media spotlighting the contributions of engineers and construction professionals at Ground Zero and the Pentagon. Many professionals have also lent their expertise to the mass media as well.

For more perspectives on the building on construction industry from CWA, visit www.constructionwriters.org .

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our WTWH Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.