HKS launched the HKS Design Fellowship program two years ago to expand opportunities for the firm’s young professionals and bring them together with civic leaders to show how good design can be used to solve challenges and shape communities. For the first two years, HKS focused on projects in Dallas, where the large firm has its headquarters. The long-term goal of the HKS Design Fellowship is to add other cities in which HKS has offices. This year, in addition to a Dallas charrette, the firm will expand the program to Detroit.

Veterans Affairs Medical Center in San Diego Gets Seismic Retrofit
Leo A Daly’s federal hospital project comes in under budget, ahead of schedule; facility remains open throughout construction
Seismic retrofitting has been completed on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) San Diego Medical Center. The $60-million retrofit project, designed by international architecture firm Leo A Daly, began in January 2005 and was completed in March 2008, four months ahead of schedule. The retrofit design on the six-story building features a structural steel web that stabilizes the building against lateral movement. The steel web spans four pairs of reconstructed external stairwells that serve as load-bearing structures. Los-Angeles-based Nabih Youssef & Associates served as engineer of record, and the project’s general contractor was Clark Construction. Communication and collaboration among all parties were instrumental in completing the project ahead of schedule and under budget.

ADVENTURES IN ARCHITECTURE
Il Duomo: Brunelleschi and the Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore
Episode Five: Lord of the Rings
Hopefully you’ve enjoyed the first four episodes of James Atkins’ series chronicling the adventures of Filippo Brunelleschi as he prepares to build the Dome of Santa Maria de Fiore. Let’s join Jim as he spins his tale of how Filippo takes charge in the development of the dome design and the rings that would support it. Such a task had never before been attempted, and completion of the project would require extraordinary talent and resolve. Let’s return to the 15th century as Filippo becomes lord of the rings.

Take Part in this Webinar to Learn about the New Integrated Project Delivery AIA Documents
Join us on line on June 17
AIA Contract Documents will host a Web seminar, “kjmMove Towards Integrated Project Delivery with New AIA Contract Documents,” on June 17, 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. ET.

This Week in Pictures
Take a look at some of the beautiful images presented in AIArchitect This Week.