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Zaha Hadid Architects | Standards Austria | International Commission on Illumination
Wiener Melange is a classic Viennese coffee specialty originating in 19th-century. The traditional standard consists of a shot of espresso or strong black coffee (often Mokka) mixed with steamed milk in equal parts, topped with a generous dollop of frothy milk foam. Unlike a cappuccino, it skips cocoa dusting and emphasizes a velvety texture.
Sugar is optional, served on the side. Frequently paired with Apfelstrudel and a glass of water.
Die Universität Wien verabschiedet sich von X/Twitter. 👋
Für Updates aus der Welt der Universität Wien folgt uns auf unseren Social Media-Channels auf Bluesky, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube & Co.! 🏛 👨🔬👩🔬 #univie pic.twitter.com/zSdMF8L1Wt— Universität Wien (@univienna) November 25, 2024
We track action in international administrative procedures that affect the safety and sustainability agenda of the education facility industry. From time to time we find product purchasing contracts that contain “boilerplate” requiring conformity to applicable regulations found in the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). Common examples are found in contracts for the acquisition of information technology and specialty laboratory equipment.
The World Trade Organization TBT Agreement obliges all Parties to maintain an inquiry point that is able to answer questions from interested parties and other WTO Members regarding technical regulations, standards developed by government bodies, and conformity assessment procedures, as well as provide relevant documents. The TBT Agreement also requires that WTO Members notify the WTO of proposed technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures so interested parties can become acquainted with them and have an opportunity to submit written comments.
Technical Barriers to Trade Information Management System
The inquiry point and notification authority for the United States is operated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. We provide a link here for the convenience of faculty, specifiers and purchasing professionals.
Notify U.S. Standards Coordination Office USA WTO Enquiry Point
We include the TBT on the agenda of our Hello World! colloquium; open to everyone. See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting.
More
The term “podcast” is a combination of “iPod,” Apple’s portable media player, and “broadcast.” It originated in the early 2000s when individuals began creating audio content specifically designed for download and playback on portable media players, including the iPod. Over time, the concept has evolved, and podcasts are now a popular and diverse form of digital media covering a wide range of topics, including news, education, entertainment, and more. The key feature of a podcast is its on-demand nature, allowing listeners to access content at their convenience.
FREE ACCESS 2026 National Electrical Code
Branch circuits relevant to modular classroom buildings are primarily addressed in Article 120: Branch Circuits (formerly Article 210 in previous editions). This article covers requirements for branch-circuit sizing, overcurrent protection, outlets, and general installation rules for circuits up to 1000 volts AC or 1500 volts DC. Key sections include:120.19: Conductor sizing and derating.
120.20: Overcurrent protection.
120.21: Receptacle outlets and tamper-resistant requirements.
120.23: Specific rules for appliances and fixed equipment.
For outside branch circuits, see Article 267: Outside Branch Circuits and Feeders over 1000 Volts AC or 1500 Volts DC, Nominal (if applicable to higher voltages).Feeder Circuit RulesFeeder circuits are primarily addressed in Article 121: Feeders (formerly Article 215 in previous editions). This article details feeder conductor sizing, grounding, and disconnecting means for circuits supplying branch circuits or sub-feeders up to 1000 volts AC or 1500 volts DC.Key sections include:121.2: Minimum rating and sizing.
121.3: Overcurrent protection.
121.4: Feeders as branch circuits (when applicable).
Outside feeders are covered in Article 267: Outside Branch Circuits and Feeders over 1000 Volts AC or 1500 Volts DC, Nominal (for higher voltages) or cross-referenced in Article 267 for general outside installations.
For modular school buildings detached from the main building with pre-installed single or three phase wiring systems, designers must choose between a separate service drop from a merchant utility or tapping into an existing source from the nearby school building.
Modular classroom buildings, often prefabricated and portable, require special attention in electrical power design to ensure safety, compliance, and functionality. The 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC) emphasizes proper sizing of branch circuits (Article 120) and feeders (Article 121) based on load calculations (Article 122), accounting for lighting, HVAC, and technology demands. Designers must consider temporary or relocatable installations, ensuring grounding and bonding comply with Article 250 for safety. Flexible wiring methods, like cord-and-plug connections, may be needed for portability, per Article 400. Modular units often face environmental challenges, requiring weather-resistant materials and equipment (Article 110). Surge protection (Article 285) is critical to safeguard sensitive classroom electronics. Accessibility for maintenance and inspections, per Article 110.26, is vital due to compact designs. Finally, compliance with local codes and coordination with utility connections ensure reliable power delivery for educational environments.
We have tried for several cycles to change the “Type of Occupancy” listing in NEC Table 220.12 to reflect more granular definition for School/university and Sports arena lighting load calculations. We will have another chance in the 2026 NEC. [Public input is due September 10th]
4 February 2021
Let’s start marking up the 2023 National Electrical Code, shall we? We will collaborate with IEEE Standards Coordinating Committee 18 — the committee that follows NFPA electrical safety consensus products and coordinates the response of IEEE electrical power professionals.
A good place to start is with the transcripts of the 2020 revision — AVAILABLE HERE for free. We look for proposals that failed for one reason or another; holding fast to our hunch that changes to the ampere load requirements that appear in the prescriptive statements to designers and inspectors of Chapter 2 could changed. The 2020 transcripts of Code-Making Panel 4 are linked below:
Code‐Making Panel 2 Public Input Report (991 Pages)
Code-Making Panel 2 Public Comment Report (402 Pages)
We have been trying for several NEC revision cycles to change the “Type of Occupancy” tabulations of Table 220.12 to reflect more granular definition in the Volt/Ampere requirement of 33 VA/m2 (3 VA/ft2) for School/university and Sports arena. Some of the problem in Table 220.12 regarding electrical loads in education facilities lies in its foundation built upon the International Building Code; the remainder of the problem lies with the education facility industry itself; described in detail in our ABOUT.
The good news is that the NFPA Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) recognizes the problem and is acting on it; described in previous posts and in its project portfolio. Keep in mind that Standards Michigan, the original voice of the user-interest for education facility industry in the global standards system, has to compete with other, competitor stakeholders who make their market in this and in other consensus products accredited by the American National Standards Institute.
Public input for the 2023 National Electrical Code is due September 10th. We will collaborate with the FPRF and the IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee, and others, to get informed public input to Code-Making Panel 2 and the NEC Technical Correlating Committee. See our CALENDAR for our next Electrical & Telecommunication teleconference, open to everyone.
Issue: [19-201]
Category: Electrical
Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Scott Gibb, Jim Harvey, Kane Howard, Paul Kempf, Philip Ling, Jose Meijer
LEARN MORE:
IEEE Industrial Applications Society: The safety and economic benefit of reduced power design densities permitted in the 2014 National Electrical Code (Anthony, Ling, Meijer)
IEEE sponsors two AI and ADS projects that follow ANSI standardization requirements:
A cheat sheet explanation of how Large Language Models work: pic.twitter.com/CcPujRNvHi
— Abacus.AI (@abacusai) July 23, 2023
Title: IEEE P3119 – Standard for the Procurement of Artificial Intelligence and Automated Decision Systems
Scope: The IEEE P3119 standard establishes a uniform set of definitions and a process model for procuring Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automated Decision Systems (ADS). It covers government procurement, in-house development, and hybrid public-private development of AI/ADS. The standard redefines traditional procurement stages—problem definition, planning, solicitation, critical evaluation (e.g., impact assessments), and contract execution—using an IEEE Ethically Aligned Design (EAD) foundation and a participatory approach to address socio-technical and responsible innovation considerations. It focuses on mitigating unique AI risks compared to traditional technologies and applies to commercial AI products and services procured through formal contracts.
Purpose: The purpose of IEEE P3119 is to help government entities, policymakers, and technologists make transparent, accountable, and responsible choices in procuring AI/ADS. It provides a framework to strengthen procurement processes, ensuring due diligence, transparency about risks, and alignment with public interest. The standard aims to minimize AI-related risks (e.g., bias, ethical concerns) while maximizing benefits, complementing existing procurement practices and shaping the market for responsible AI solutions. It supports agencies in critically evaluating AI tools, assessing vendor transparency, and integrating ethical considerations into procurement.
Developmental Timelines:
By Whom:
The IEEE P3119 standard is a collaborative effort to address the unique challenges of AI procurement, emphasizing ethical and responsible innovation for public benefit
Title: IEEE P3120 – Standard for Quantum Computing Architecture
Scope: The IEEE P3120 standard defines a general architecture for quantum computers, focusing on the structure and organization of quantum computing systems. It covers the overall system architecture, including quantum hardware components (e.g., qubits, quantum gates), control systems, interfaces with classical computing systems, and software layers for programming and operation. The standard aims to provide a framework for designing interoperable and scalable quantum computing systems, addressing both hardware and software considerations for quantum and hybrid quantum-classical architectures.
Purpose: The purpose of IEEE P3120 is to establish a standardized framework to guide the design, development, and integration of quantum computing systems. It seeks to ensure consistency, interoperability, and scalability across quantum computing platforms, facilitating innovation and collaboration in the quantum computing ecosystem. By providing clear architectural guidelines, the standard supports developers, researchers, and industry stakeholders in building reliable and efficient quantum computers, bridging the gap between theoretical quantum computing and practical implementation.
Developmental Timelines:
By Whom:
The IEEE P3120 standard is a critical step toward formalizing quantum computing architectures, aiming to support the growing quantum technology industry with a robust and interoperable framework.
This content is accessible to paid subscribers. To view it please enter your password below or send mike@standardsmichigan.com a request for subscription details.
This content is accessible to paid subscribers. To view it please enter your password below or send mike@standardsmichigan.com a request for subscription details.
This content is accessible to paid subscribers. To view it please enter your password below or send mike@standardsmichigan.com a request for subscription details.
The Code Council partnered with @ConstructReach, a construction industry workforce development initiative and consultancy, to host “I built this!”, a work-based learning event at the #ICCAC24 expo. pic.twitter.com/o7KTAaV1xh
— IntlCodeCouncil (@IntlCodeCouncil) October 22, 2024
Libraries are multi-functional spaces and at the physical, and the heart, of any school, college or university. We take special interest in this discussion. Leaving the evolution toward “media centers” aside, the relevant passage in the current International Building Code that applies to library occupancy classification and use is linked below:
Chapter 3 Occupancy Classification and Use
Welcome to math class!
Year 16, woot woot! pic.twitter.com/5IIuQ3Tomc— Ashley (@PlanterAsh) November 6, 2025
The original University of Michigan advocacy enterprise may have raised the level of debate on structural engineering three cycles ago. Without any specific interest from attendees we will review our proposals in previous revision cycles:
This is about as much as we can sort through this week. We will host another focus teleconference next week. See our CALENDAR for the date.
Finally, we persist in encouraging education industry facility managers (especially those with operations and maintenance data) to participate in the ICC code development process. You may do so by CLICKING HERE.
Real asset managers for school districts, colleges, universities and technical schools in the Albuquerque region should take advantage of the opportunity to observe the ICC code-development process. The Group B Hearings are usually webcast — and we will signal the link to the 10-day webcast when it becomes available — but the experience of seeing how building codes are determined is enlightening when you can watch it live and on site.
Issue: [16-169]
Category: Architectural, Facility Asset Management, Space Planning
Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Jack Janveja, Richard Robben
#StandardsNewMexico
LEARN MORE:
ICC Group B Code Development Schedule
Plan now to participate in the International Code Council's 2019 Committee Action Hearings in Albuquerque, April 28 – May 8. Your expertise & participation in this year's code hearings are vital. Register for FREE now! https://t.co/kuLDyCiOH6 #CodeHeroes #BuildingSafety365 pic.twitter.com/SpZuehOmd8
— IntlCodeCouncil (@IntlCodeCouncil) March 6, 2019
Every month we direct our colleagues in the education industry to the US Census Department’s monthly construction report to make a point: at an average annual clip of about $75 billion, the education industry is the largest non-residential building construction market in the United States. A large part of that construction involves infrastructure upgrades of existing buildings that contribute to sustainability goals but may not make flashy architectural statements for philanthropists.
EDUCATION INDUSTRY CONSTRUCTION SPEND
The International Existing Building Code (IEBC) is a model code in the International Code Council family of codes intended to provide requirements for repair and alternative approaches for alterations and additions to existing buildings (LEARN MORE). A large number of existing buildings and structures do not comply with the current building code requirements for new construction. Although many of these buildings are potentially salvageable, rehabilitation is often cost-prohibitive because compliance with all the new requirements for new construction could require extensive changes that go well beyond the value of building or the original scope of the alteration.
Education facility planners, architects and managers: Sound familiar?
ICC administered workgroups have been convening with considerable frequency over the past several months to pull together a number of relevant concepts for the next (2019 Group B) revision. For the purpose of providing some perspective on the complexity and subtlety of the issues in play, a partial overview of working group activity is available in the links below. Keep in mind that there are many other proposals being developed by our ICC working group and others.
IEBC Healthcare for BCAC December 11 2018
16-169 IEBC BCC Worksheet October 2-3 2018
There are other many other issues we have been tracking. The foregoing simply presents the level of detail and subtlety that is noteworthy.
On Tuesday the ICC has released its the complete monograph for use at the Group B Committee Action Hearings, April 28-May 8 at the Albuquerque Convention Center:
It is a large document — 2919 pages — so keep that in mind when accessing it. There are many issues affecting #TotalCostofOwnership of the education facility industry so we will get cracking on it again next week. See our CALENDAR for the next online teleconference. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
Finally, we persist in encouraging education industry facility managers (especially those with operations and maintenance data) to participate in the ICC code development process. You may do so by CLICKING HERE. Real asset managers for school districts, colleges, universities and technical schools in the Albuquerque region should take advantage of the opportunity to observe the ICC code-development process. The Group B Hearings are usually webcast — and we will signal the link to the 10-day webcast when it becomes available — but the experience of seeing how building codes are determined is enlightening when you can watch it live and on site.
Issue: [16-169]
Category: Architectural, Facility Asset Management, Space Planning
Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Jack Janveja, Richard Robben
#StandardsNewMexico
LEARN MORE:
ICC Group B Code Development Schedule
Plan now to participate in the International Code Council's 2019 Committee Action Hearings in Albuquerque, April 28 – May 8. Your expertise & participation in this year's code hearings are vital. Register for FREE now! https://t.co/kuLDyCiOH6 #CodeHeroes #BuildingSafety365 pic.twitter.com/SpZuehOmd8
— IntlCodeCouncil (@IntlCodeCouncil) March 6, 2019
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwB pic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
— USPTO (@uspto) July 13, 2023
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