Finalists include Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Michael Maltzan Architecture, and Snøhetta, among others. Image courtesy Trust for the National Mall Click to view the shortlist of proposals for Constitution Gardens. Click to view the shortlist of proposals for the Washington Monument Grounds at Sylvan Theater. Click to view the shortlist of proposals for Union Square. Related Links: Finalists for National Mall Competition Announced National Park Service Begins Campaign to Reconceive Mall Gehry Hopes to Meet With Eisenhower Family to Allay Concerns While the proposed Eisenhower Memorial by Frank Gehry has dominated headlines in recent weeks, another project in Washington, D.C.,

A long list of illustrious firms are vying for the chance to refurbish and reimagine three Washington, D.C., landmarks. Photo courtesy Wikipedia The Trust for the National Mall wants to revamp Union Square, the grounds around the Washington Monument, and Constitution Gardens. The Trust for the National Mall has announced the finalists in a design competition that aims to restore and improve three prominent sites on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Snøhetta, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Michael Maltzan Architecture, and Ten Arquitectos are among the bevy of notable firms whose proposals have advanced to the next stage of the

Federal contracting officers will no longer be required to withhold 10 percent of fees for architectural and engineering services, following a four-year effort spearheaded by the AIA. The new rule change—published in March by the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council (FAR), which is made of up the DOD, GSA, and NASA—classifies retainage as discretionary. If contracting officers choose to require retainage, it can be set it at a rate below 10 percent. The new rule also clarifies that “any amounts retained should not be held over beyond the satisfactory completion of the instant contract.” Previously, retainage could be held until construction

Security Issues Central to Design Scheme As part of its ongoing effort to fortify and modernize embassies worldwide, the U.S. State Department unveiled plans for its highest-profile project yet, awarding the New London Embassy to KieranTimberlake on February 23. With a concept that seeks to blend iconic design with the State Department’s demand for a highly secure and sustainable facility, the firm has earned equal parts praise from its client and derision from some critics. At a cost of $1 billion, according to The Times of London, the 500,000-square-foot facility would be the most expensive embassy ever built. Ground breaking

Moshe Safdie and Associates, based in Somerville, Massachusetts, designed the base of the five-story building, which is clad in precast panels to blend with its neoclassical neighbors and features a sweeping white glass roof intended to make a strong statement of the institute’s mission.

Following three years of precipitous decline, the construction market may have finally hit bottom and be in the early phase of a rebound with housing leading the way. McGraw-Hill Construction is forecasting that total construction starts will climb 11% to $466.2 billion in 2010, following an estimated 25% decline in 2009. The forecast was announced at the 2010 Construction Outlook conference in Washington, D.C. Photo: Bruce Buckley Robert Murray delivered the McGraw-Hill Construction forecast. Related Links: Architects Brace for a Prolonged Recession Special Report: Recession and Recovery ENR: See How Last Year's Forecast Measured Up After a 39% drop in