BYU Teams take 1rst and 3rd in National Skanska Competition!

On January 17, two teams from the BYU Facility & Property Management Program earned top awards from an annual competition put on by Skanska, a leading construction company in the United States.

One of the teams consisted of Mike Allsop, Kirk Howcroft, Bryan Jolley, and JP Andersen (shown in order from left to right). Their team earned first place in this competition, which included a cash prize of $4,000. Their team addressed the issue of designing the ideal emergency department and healthcare facility that could respond to an infectious disease outbreak disaster. They came up with an innovative hospital design that would have the competence and aptitude to manage airborne pandemics. Their solution was an ingenious, mirror design template that can be applied to new hospital construction. Their hospital design utilizes a creative air supply system as well. This system uses 100% fresh air (instead of the average of 20%) and thus, effectively removes contamination from the air.

The other team consisted of Daniel Smith, Justin Bohon, Daniel Hunter, and Sam Kelly (shown in order from left to right). Their team took third place in the competition and earned a $1,000 cash prize. The issue that their team addressed was that of considering the design of the ideal patient-room and how to incorporate that design into new and existing hospitals. Their solution was an innovative and ideal patient room that, when implemented, will make hospitals much more hospitable. Their research and final presentation included a rendered floor plan of the patient room, the aesthetic capabilities, the technology features, the included services that this design has, the elements of green building that it incorporates, the environment considerations, safety, and different perspectives of this ideal design.

Both teams expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the chance to have had this experience to compete. Although no university class credit was received for competing, both teams eagerly expressed that they would participate in this competition again in a heartbeat. Both teams wish to articulate their appreciation to Skanska once more for this wonderful opportunity to learn and to have had such a great time in this event!

Students Tour Aspen Grove

On November 16, a group of BYU students had the opportunity to travel up the canyon to Aspen Grove. Aspen Grove has provided many internship opportunities in the past for BYU students, and they are currently undergoing some major renovations and additions. Here is what one student who attended said about the experience.

"Jim gave us a tour of some of their grounds and explained the unique issues that they face being up in the canyon. He also explained why the need for construction was so big. They have a couple buildings that are the original structures from when the camp was started. All of those need to be rebuilt completely. Especially with the high demand for family camp outs; which is why the new lodge is being built. It's pretty impressive and the floor plan is available online. Each of the 3 floors will house about 34 people, and will have sitting rooms and a large common area.


We also got to talk about internship opportunities. Everyone that has worked at Aspen Grove for the summer comes back with a lot of great technical skills. They love the guys in our program and are happy to have us up there, even if we come with no technical experience what so ever. As long as the student is hard working, the maintenance staff will work with them to maximize the value of their internship." - Mark Robison

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World Workplace 2007 Recap (part 2)

As promised, here are a few responses and thoughts from students on their experience at World Workplace.

"Every World Workplace has been worth it and has been very beneficial."

"I have been to four World Workplaces now, and I can't pick a favorite, each one offered something different."

"This was my first experience and I got a lot of different perspectives from the people I met there."

"It was a great chance to get to know people from the program outside of school."

"The earlier you go the better it is for making friendships with the other students."

Obviously, this was a great experience for all of the students. All had a great time and learned a lot from the experience. I think the biggest feedback I got from the students was that they really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know other students and make friendships that will last a lifetime.

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World Workplace 2007 Recap (part 1)

Through out the week students had the opportunity to attend several different educational sessions ranging from green building and sustainability to what to do as the new FM. The students also spent time at several different parties sponsored by IFMA. BYU students were definitely the life of the dance Friday night at the closing gala.


The closing gala gave students an excellent opportunity to mingle with professionals currently in the field, some from as far away as Sweden. The closing gala also featured an awards ceremony where BYU won the Student Chapter of the Year Award for the fourth consecutive year.

Students also had time to get out and see some of the sites of New Orleans. Some students participated in a Hurricane Katrina bus tour and had the opportunity to see a lot of the areas still affected by Katrina.

More pictures to come as well as feedback from individual students on their experience.

TLW

Opening Social - Fall 2007

On September 21 students and faculty gathered for the opening social. There were plenty of activities for those who showed up early. Panda Express catered the event, and the food was delicious. To cap the evening off, a raffle was held. Nearly everyone present won something, and a few leftover shirts were given away at the end of the night.

All-in-all, it was an enjoyable evening for all and a great time to relax and get to know each other better outside of classes.



TLW