Rutgers University turned to us to design a transit shelter prototype that would be durable, cost-effective, and an identifying icon throughout all campuses.

The result of this compressed and aggressive schedule will   be constructed and ready for use by the time students arrive for start of fall semester. 

We developed a 17' x 9' prototype module that will be arranged to create an appropriate size shelter at each stop.  The module is a tree-like cluster of columns supporting a steel pergola, covered by Rutgers Scarlet Red polycarbonate translucent roofing panels.  The first stop will include 4 modules.  Stops with less traffic or waiting will have only a single module.
See more @ YouTube: click the photo (right).

When an architect designs a project, the associated liability exists, whether or not construction administration services (CA) are provided. CA services are recommended to all of our clients for all of their projects.  NCARB reports that the most common condition threatening public safety is that no one is furnishing construction contract administration (CA) services.  Owners will rely entirely on the contractor’s agreement to build as prescribed in the construction documents.  CA services are the opportunity to satisfy the Owner that construction is proceeding as it should. Why then, do owners forgo this essential service?  To save money.

No matter how detailed or near-perfect the documents are, even the best contractor can’t build from them without some degree of interpretation.  We believe that is far better to protect our clients’ interest by being there to provide clarification and interpretation as needed, and to catch what might be missed by inspection or the untrained eye. 

So what’s wrong with the pictures?  Left: The steel column belongs bolted/seated on top of the foundation wall under the floor. Center: Untreated wood is in contact with concrete; contrary to the construction drawings and the NJ Building Code, the 14” beam is not braced or anchored to the pier.  The municipal inspector passed this in framing inspections. Right: Too much of the floor framing was cut away to install piping; a reinforcing detail was provided.