The updated version of computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modelling (BIM) Pprogram Vectorworks is now available for architects and designers. More than 130 updates were incorporated into including enhanced 3D modelling, site design capabilities, and usability improvements. BIM features now include space creation and manipulation, hidden-line rendering, and interactive editing.

The latest Masterworks 7.2 software program has been released by ARCOM with a new paragraph builder feature. This new feature simplifies the editing process for users by including customizable bold text bound by brackets to ensure language and formatting for paragraphs, manufacturers, products, and materials is correct. Additionally, the feature allows manufacturer or product changes to take place throughout an entire document section.

A six-page brocheure, “Insulation Facts #85,” has been published by North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) to detail insulation requirements for plastic piping. Currently, plastic piping insulation is needed for service hot-water and HVAC piping, but the specific requirements are not separated for plastic and metallic piping material. The new fact sheet discusses heat loss and thermal conductivity compared between plastic and metal piping systems. Minimum insulation thickness requirements for commercial HVAC installations and domestic hot water and HVAC piping are also discussed.

The Terrazzo, Tile, and Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC) has published a downloadable ‘master specifications guide’ to assist designers, architects, and specifiers in editing ceramic and stone tile installation specifications. The information in the guide is up-to-date with the most recent Specification Guide 09 30 00 Tile Installation Manual. The editable format of the guide allows specific product information to be updated and changed.

The second edition of Sustainable Healthcare, Architecture written by Perkins+Will’s Robin Guenther, FAIA, LEED AP and Gail Vittori, LEED Fellow, has been published. The resource includes new design approaches for healthcare facilities and is geared toward an audience of architects, engineers, and other design professionals. New content includes more than 50 project case studies, profiles of five healthcare systems, and extreme weather prevention strategies.

The change in architectural designs from the 1930s up until present day is examined through the new resource, Architecture of Saskatchewan: A Visual Journey, 1930-2011. Published by the University of Regina Press, the book documents the change from sod huts to technological and environmentally advanced structures in the province. Authored by Bernard Flaman, an architect working in the heritage conservation field, overall design trends significantly influenced by the prairie landscape over the years are explained, followed by building examples and photography.

Published by Wiley, Sustainable Façades: Design Methods for High-performance Building Envelopes, provides design information regarding energy-efficient elements in building façades. Written by Ajla Aksamija, PhD, from Perkins+Will’s Tech Lab, the book discusses emerging technologies, digital design, and information modeling in relation to sustainable building façades. Additionally, climate, thermal comfort, and lighting and glare control elements are explored through case studies.

The second edition of the Urban Design Handbook, published by W.W. Norton & Company, will be available by the end of September. The text has been updated to include new case studies and tools related to sustainable urban design practice. Aimed at architects, planners, developers, and public officials, the information follows architecture firm Urban Design Associates’ training procedures from master plans, city and neighborhood technical evaluations, and designs incorporating cultural and sustainable elements.

The newest update to Arcom’s MasterSpec software, Masterworks 7.0, is now compatible for use with Mac computers. Users can create, edit, and update to specifications with the Masterworks for the Mac program. Additionally, formatting and tools that locate the most up-to-date manufacturer information are available. Masterworks 7.0 is available for MasterSpec license holders, with a second update, Masterworks 7.0 for the Mac with MasterSpec Small Project 2013, is scheduled for the fall.

Co-produced by the International Firestop Council (IFC) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a new public-service video promotes the awareness of improved specifications and installations of firestop systems. Close Enough is Not Good Enough: A Demonstration of Proper Vs. Improper Firestopping addresses the correct systems and materials for applying sealants to protect buildings from smoke and flame during a fire. The video aims to encourage building owners to ensure they have the correct systems in place.