Craig DiLouie

Following a drop of almost a full point in June, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) fell again by more than a point in July. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported [...]

The latest issue of WIRED Magazine features a cover story about the future of LED lighting. Interesting reading, and mostly accurate. Check it out here.

The U.S. Department of Energy has published an updated version of the guide, LED Luminaire Lifetime: Recommendations for Testing and Reporting, developed by a diverse group of experts under the auspices of DOE and the Next Generation Lighting Industry Alliance. This guide is the latest edition in a series of publications on LED product performance [...]

According to recently unveiled Department of Energy numbers, the May 2011 average commercial sector retail price was 10.26 cents per kWh, increasing 0.2% from May 2010, and 2% higher than in April 2011. The average residential sector retail price increased by 0.5% from May 2010 to 12.03 cents per kWh, and increased by 2% from [...]

Cooper Lighting’s Halo brand has added a new line of ENERGY STAR 4-in. CFL downlights to its Halo recessed downlight family. The small-aperture line includes both 13W and 18W models available in both new construction and remodel housings. A design complement to the 5- and larger 6-in. recessed downlights, the 4-in. aperture size is commonly [...]

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine has published an article that I wrote about ambient/task lighting design schemes. This design approach can provide sufficient general and task illumination in offices, with additional benefits contributed by indirect distribution, while generating significant energy savings. The approach can be particularly advantageous when high, dark or articulated ceilings or required use of [...]

The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) recently announced Kevin Houser, PhD, PE, LC, LEED AP, as the new Editor of LEUKOS, The journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. Prof. Houser succeeded David L. DiLaura, LC, FIES, Editor of Volumes 1 – 7. LEUKOS contains current technical developments of worldwide interest [...]

A multitude of factors are preventing a recovery for the beleaguered design and construction industry. Lenders that have been extremely reticent to finance construction projects, budget shortfalls at all levels of government, the ripple effect of overbuilding, a depressed housing market and rising costs of key construction commodities are all contributing to what projects to [...]

The New York City Section of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IESNYC) recently announced the winners of the 2011 Lumen Awards, which recognizes the industry’s most innovative lighting projects. Eleven awards in three categories were bestowed, including the Lumen Award of Excellence, the highest level of recognition for permanent architectural application, the Lumen Award of Merit, [...]