Posted by Bethany Hoppenthaler on Thu, Feb 16, 2012 @ 03:23 PM
Views into the Future: Communicating Design Intent Using 3D Modeling Techniques in Design & Construction Drawings
Brought to you by Contributing Editor Richard M. Rauh, AIA, NCARB of rauhaus freedenfeld & associates.
Lessons Learned from History
When I was a youngster, I was very involved in building many things - from Pinewood Derby cars, plastic and wood model airplane kits - to tree house construction in my back yard. I also enjoyed drawing objects in three-dimension at a very early age. Not knowing at the time that it was my destiny to become an architect, I had come to appreciate and rely upon having the proper tools to build my models and other various fun projects.
What I also learned from my childhood model building experiences was to “look before you leap” by carefully reading the assembly instructions (which came inside each model kit) before attempting to put any/all of the various model parts together. I look back and think about what must have gone through those wonderful minds of the early Revell, Monogram and Aurora scaled model kit makers. They had to create an illustrated, step-by-step basis instruction guide (complete with 3D developmental assembly diagrams) that had to be simple (yet comprehensive enough) for a youngster to follow.
I remember hearing my Dad chuckle when I (at about 4 years of age) had erroneously referred to those scaled model “instructions” as “destructions.” I also remember my father’s credo “to measure twice and cut once” before proceeding with any assembly or cutting. This was a very simple rule which I faithfully follow today to create and accomplish architectural design in remembrance of my father and for the important lessons he taught me in life.
As architects, we learn from history and often look back to masters like the early Greeks and Romans to better understand the principles of balance and proportion. With the same purpose, I also look back at my early childhood scale model building days to understand how to better (and more clearly) communicate function, form and space. Today, as in the past, I find and utilize the best design communication tools available. There is a simple yet very clever and effective technique derived from those early Revell scale model kit guys. I like to simply refer to it as “3D Construction Illustration Modeling.” It is truly a great “tool” to clearly communicate design intent to both our clients and contractors alike.
3D Construction Illustration Modeling
Today, with new enhanced 3D Cad technology, we are taking our design development and construction drawings to a new industry level. We have basically emulated the principles derived from the 3D diagrammatic illustration techniques (similar to those early, scale model instructional pioneers) and incorporated them as “Pre-Construction Views” into our veterinary construction document drawings. We complement our 2D plans, sections and elevations with these supplemental 3D perspective and isometric model views to improve upon communicating design intent (to both the Owner and Contractor).
A View into the Future
Every new veterinary hospital we design is essentially a prototype – for each hospital has its own special features and space based upon specific user requirements. The conventional methods used by most architects today depict only 2D (plan, section and elevation) drawings views within their construction drawings to communicate design intent to their client and their builder (except for maybe a 3D perspective rendering on the cover sheet).
These conventional, “flat” two-dimensional, single-line drawings are often difficult for most people (with untrained eyes) to understand and thus totally appreciate how a space will actually look after it is built. 3D Construction Illustration Modeling is the bridge to enhance this understanding.
Another big advantage of using 3D construction illustration modeling to supplement our construction drawings is that it also serves to help clarify design intent with the various trades in the construction industry that will actually be “building” the project. This approach greatly reduces the time spent by a Contractor in understanding, coordinating and seeking further clarifications on some of our architectural joinery/detailing which in turn expedites quicker and smoother construction. Virtually everyone involved in the construction process benefits. We have experienced first-hand that this technological approach has already saved both our client’s and their contractor’s time (and money) by reducing clarifications, addendums and formal change orders. Furthermore, the faster an Owner receives his/her Certificate of Occupancy, the faster they can start booking appointments and generating a profit.
Getting the Picture
Incorporating both 2D drawings and 3D modeling into our construction document drawings just makes plain and simple “bottom-line” sense. Our clients greatly benefit with an enhanced and insightful sense of what their new spaces(s) and work environments will actually look like before it is constructed (right down to showing the medical light fixtures, LCD computer screens, microscopes, door handles, etc.).
The use of these pre-construction, 3D modeling tools make our job of communicating space both more natural and easily comprehendible, thus our clients become more confident in their design decision making process.
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Rauhaus Freedenfeld & Associates – Firm Profile
In 2005, the founders of two of America’s most respected animal care design firms joined forces to create an unrivaled synergy of expertise and creativity. rauhaus freedenfeld & associates (rfa) is the product of the strategic merger between Rauhaus Architects on the West Coast and Warren Freedenfeld & Associates on the East Coast. Founded in 1984 by Richard Rauh and in 1973 by Warren Freedenfeld, respectively, both firms earned national acclaim for their innovative designs. The fusion of these talents has put rfa on the map as one of the finest animal care architectural firms in the world.
Each of rfa’s principals has made an impressive mark in their field. Richard is well-known for his striking contemporary designs, while Warren is renowned for his skill in integrating comprehensive programming details into remarkable contextual architecture. Because of their pioneering contributions, the expertise of these seasoned architects is admired and in high demand. In addition to achieving a myriad of awards, they have lectured all over the world and published numerous articles in well-respected animal care and architectural journals.
Posted by Bethany Hoppenthaler on Thu, Feb 09, 2012 @ 02:48 PM
Brought to you by Contributing Editor Vicki Pollard of Animal Arts.
Cats are susceptible to all manner of disease as a result of inadequate housing. The animal care industry is responding to this issue by promoting an increase in the size of individual cages and by enriching the cages with hiding boxes, resting ledges, and separated eating and litter areas. However, we also need to address how to properly ventilate feline environments. In this article, we will explore practical solutions for getting fresh air into a cat cage and moving dirty air out.
Research from the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program indicates that airborne transmission is only the fourth most important cause of disease among cats in shelters behind fomite transmission, environmental contamination, and direct contact. In fact, studies show that cats do not have the lung capacity to project airborne pathogens across a room.
It is still important to a cat’s health and wellbeing to have the benefit of fresh, uncontaminated air. Yet, most typical designs do not accomplish this simple goal. For example, even when one supplies 25 air changes per hour to a typical cat ward, the air exchange rate inside a cat cage can be almost negligible. This is because the cage is a dead air space outside of the primary air exchange pattern in the room.
The practice of aggressively ventilating an entire room does accomplish odor control, but it is not necessarily bringing much benefit to each cat. If we exchange air through the cat cage instead of around it, it is possible to achieve room odor control while reducing overall room air exchange rates and increasing the effective air exchange rates in the cats’ breathing zone.
Your cages don’t have to be built in to be ventilated. A rolling cage is a very practical home for a cat in a facility and has many advantages. It can be cleaned easily, it can be reconfigured based on need, and it can be rolled from room to room with its occupant inside to reduce unnecessary handling of cats, which is a significant source of stress. But how does one ventilate a rolling cage? We originally considered a solution that involved plugging a return flex duct into the back of a cage, similar to a dryer duct. However, this has proven to be clumsy, unsightly, and not very practical.
The low-tech solution illustrated below accomplishes the same goal without the disadvantages. The wall behind the cage is designed to accommodate the exhaust ductwork, while the supply is located in the ceiling in front of the cage. The cage must then be outfitted with a grille in the back. Most caging suppliers will work with their clients to have this grille installed in the cage while it is manufactured.
The cage is backed up to the wall, and air is naturally sucked through the cage on its way to the exhaust grille. In order to prevent air from rushing around the cage, we recommend placing a rubber bumper or neoprene gasket at the top and bottom and both sides of the cage along the wall to provide a better seal.
A mechanical engineer should be able to use volume measurements to calculate the CFM (cubic feet per minute) that will flow through the cage and adjust the overall volume of room air exchange accordingly. Our office uses 30 CFM per cage (depending on the size of the cage) as a guideline, because this volume of air exchange provides sufficient odor control without creating a feeling of air rushing through the cage. Even if you use less than this amount, the result will still be more satisfactory than in a typical ceiling-ventilated room, because the air is flowing in the direction that most benefits the occupants.
If the cage is built in, then the solutions depend on the cage configuration. Two-sided configurations are typical in cat adoption areas. Typically, the purpose of this design is to provide a front viewing area and a staff zone behind the cage. The simplest solution for ventilating these cages is to supply the air in the public viewing aisle, pull the air through the cage, and exhaust on the staff side of the enclosure. This involves nothing more than providing a ventilation slot at the top of the cage on the front side. Your mechanical engineer should calculate the size of this slot. Our office typically uses a continuous slot of one inch. We locate the slot at the top of the cage to prevent the cat from being stressed by potential adopters.
- For built-in cages that are against a wall, our favorite solution is to use a cage that has a built-in litter ventilation chase. This is a nice feature because it prevents litter odors from contaminating the rest of the cage. It is important to remember that your design team should work with you and the caging manufacturer to ensure that the following problems are solved:
- The cage should not have an all-glass front or there will be no way to pull the air into the cage. The ventilation chase must be accessible and cleanable to prevent litter dust from accumulating.
- The chase and duct attachments must be sized properly to achieve the air exchange that is desired. Do not assume that the manufacturer has worked this out in a way that is satisfactory for your project. For a recent project, we worked with a manufacturer to create a custom duct attachment piece.
The ventilation chase solution can also be used in two-sided cat cage configurations if you wish to prevent litter odors and contaminated air from flowing into the staff zone behind the cages.
The solutions presented in this article are only some that are available to you. The purpose of discussing these possible solutions is primarily to raise awareness and create a dialog about this important issue. If we shift the paradigm from thinking about what is best for the room to what is best for the cat, then we are working together to dramatically improve the quality of life for cats in individual housing.
Posted by Bethany Hoppenthaler on Fri, Feb 03, 2012 @ 03:29 PM
If you are anything like the rest of America you are trying to get all the important information you seek and need in one place. You want it timely, accurate and unbiased. With this in mind we have invited industry professionals to be contributing editors on our blog.
In conjunction to our regular posts you will see architects, vet techs, shelter professionals and many others providing their industry knowledge. With the enhancement of our contributing editors to our blog we hope you find the Shor-Line Community a place where you can join the conversation, gain industry insight and contribute as well.
Next week our first article will be on the topic of "How To Ventilate a Cat Cage" by Vicki Pollard, AIA, CVT of Animal Arts. Vicki brings unique experience to Animal Arts with degrees in both architecture and veterinary technology. Prior to joining Animal Arts, Vicki worked as the Owner’s Representative during the construction of the Alameda East Veterinary Hospital campus.
Vicki has proven to have an almost unlimited capacity for keeping track of owner’s requirements, specialized medical equipment and design details on complex, large-scale veterinary specialty facilities.
She has worked on a variety of projects since joining Animal Arts including the Coral Springs Veterinary Hospital, VCA South Shore Animal Hospital, VCA Kaneohe Animal Hospital in Hawaii and VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital, a premier 42,000 square-foot specialty referral center.
Check back next week to learn "How To Ventilate a Cat Cage". Our blog articles are published through our social networks (Facebook and Twitter) in real time. Let us know what you would like to discuss!
Posted by Bethany Hoppenthaler on Wed, Jan 18, 2012 @ 03:24 PM
If you attended NAVC this week you experienced several new happenings throughout the conference. This was the NAVC's first year to highlight a 'New Product Gallery'. "Items in the New Product Gallery were selected from more than 30 applications. Manufacturer submissions were based on various criteria, including innovation and impact on everyday practice. NAVC Board members and experts representing various disciplines and sectors of veterinary practice directed NAVC staff in making appropriate and representative selections. Participants are sure to find products that are appropriate additions to their practice armamentarium—and learn how to use them." (NAVC)
We were excited to learn that not one, but two Shor-Line products were selected! Our new K9-W8 Scale and Rotational Lift Table (RLT) were presented in the backlit, 8' tall gallery wall. Both the Marriott and Gaylord featured these walls. We hope you were able to make your way to our booth during the show and see our products in use.If by chance you missed them. Check them out at WVC, February 19-23, 2012.
“We are delighted to be the first veterinary conference to show this impressive collection of new drugs and devices,” said NAVC Executive Director Colin Burrows, BVetMed, PhD, DACVIM, HonFRCVS. The NAVC had a great concept and we are proud to have been chosen to participate with both the K9-W8 Scale and the Rotational Lift Table (RLT). Thank you NAVC.
Posted by Bethany Hoppenthaler on Thu, Jan 05, 2012 @ 03:47 PM
With 2012 upon us and all those new resolutions in full force; we want to reflect on our own resolutions as a leading animal care equipment manufacturer and invite you to share in our journey.
2012 promises to be an eventful year. Our industry is experiencing a gender shift, there are more veterinarians graduating each year and more guidelines have been structured for animal health. We see these as more than just trends, they are what is expected and what will be. It is Shor-Line's responsibility to participate in continuing education and field-testing throughout the industry to ensure the best quality products are available to animal care professionals at affordable prices.
This year Shor-Line celebrates 85 years. Without the support from our loyal customers and dedication of our valued employees, we wouldn’t be who we are today. Since 1927, we’ve had the same goal — provide quality products that support the customers who buy them. It’s that simple. If you were to take a tour of Shor-Line's manufacturing plant you would find very humble, genuine and passionate craftsmen. Take Robert Williams for example. He has been with Shor-Line for over 40 years and worked in many areas of the plant. He is considered a master of the Shor-Line product line. There is only a handful of craftsmen that have been with Shor-Line for less than 5 years. Most have been here for decades. This tells the story of quality and dedication better than any marketing or sales pitch. Our craftsmen are what make our products rate with superior quality, functionality and innovation among our industry.
In appreciation of our dedicated craftsmen and loyal customers we are launching the Celebration Event Promotion. We are giving away an Exam Room Makeover and have designed 10 Product Packages that are sure to enrich animal care. So throw up the streamers! This year we're celebrating!
Posted by Bethany Hoppenthaler on Thu, Aug 04, 2011 @ 07:09 PM
We are pleased to invite you to Design & Drinks!
We are anxiously awaiting your arrival at the Hospital Design Conference at CVC Kansas City! There are many great topics at this year's conference and to keep the inspiration alive we are hosting the Design & Drinks event to provide you the opportunty to mingle with leading industry architects and experienced Shor-Line representatives.
We know that designing a new facility or remodeling an existing one is an exciting and challenging time. Ask all the questions you desire and get to know your Shor-Line representative in a relaxed atmosphere.
Enjoy KC's finest brews and a beautiful skyline. Stop by our Hospital Design Booth #103 to receive your formal invitation and gift. Save the date and get on the list here. Design & Drinks takes place two hours before the Josh Turner Concert hosted by CVC at Kansas City. Transportation is provided to and from the Design & Drinks event.
Event reserved for Hospital Design Conference at CVC KC attendees.
Posted by Bethany Hoppenthaler on Thu, Apr 14, 2011 @ 09:30 AM
Having trouble with rattling blades? We recruited an industry professional, The Sharper Edge of KC, to highlight some methods of preventing rattling blades.
When preparing patients for surgery or minor procedures, hair is shaved close to the skin with #40 and #50 blades. For groomers spring shave downs to remove the undercoat will bring out all sizes of blades. Whichever ones you are using sometimes the blades will rattle when starting up the clipper. That rattling can cause the blade not to perform properly and stress the animal.
One simple remedy for rattling blades can be solved in the clinic or grooming shop. Sometimes when the blades are taken off the hinge the socket ears are stretched or separated too much. Pinching the socket ears on the blade will help. You can over pinch them and need to replace the socket so take care not to overdue pinching them. The Sharper Edge of KC (Kansas City) uses a machine guide block to return the socket ears to the correct position. "When we reassemble our blades after sharpening, we test each one to make sure the problem is corrected. If the problem still exists after pinching the socket, then the next step might be a new socket or hinge. Hinge screws can come loose or hinge springs can lose tension which results in rattle."
Want to know more? Visit thesharperedgeofkc.com for all the latest news and tips related to the grooming industry.
Posted by Bethany Hoppenthaler on Fri, Feb 18, 2011 @ 12:18 PM
If you attended the NAVC last month you were the first in the industry to experience the Blue-Line. Wondering what Blue-Line is? Blue-Line the newest family of premium Shor-Line products designed to provide streamlined functionality and exemplify true sophistication. Featuring a Rotational Lift Table (RLT), a series of Fold-Up Wall Mount Tables, Scales and additional products. If you missed it, don't fret! You can catch them at WVC this upcoming week. Visit our booth #1133.
This line is pure innovation. Blue-Line is a family of stylish premium products providing multiple product features to enhance any facility and a splash of sophisticated color to brighten anyone's day! Featuring the Blue-Line Table Top at the center of attention. This table top's coated edge is durable and its radiused corners are accompanied by safety. All the while benefiting from the durability of the stainless steel embedded surface. Best of all, this line exudes quality.
Imagine your clients walking into your facility: seeing a warm welcoming staff, a clean well-maintained environment and a splash of color versus the cold sterile look of just stainless can project. The sleek lines of color help the client navigate through the facility while you and your staff are utilizing the industries top-of-the-line new premium products offered only by Shor-Line. That is the Blue-Line Experience.
Posted by Bethany Hoppenthaler on Tue, Feb 01, 2011 @ 10:46 AM
Hello there! My name is Sheila and I'm an "agility junkie". This is my story about how I got "on the ball"! In my mind, the year 2009 will always be linked to a series of doggie disasters that struck, one after the other.
First, tragically and quite unexpectedly, I lost my competition dog just as she was coming into her prime. Then two month later, not altogether unexpectedly, I lost my senior dog. That left my puppy, Kip. Kip is a field bred Golden Retriever with a fine pedigree, selected for the characteristics that would make her a great agility dog.
Working with Kip was what kept me going through the summer of 2009. I could see that she had the drive and the intelligence that I had hoped for. Sadly, in November she developed hind limb lameness and xrays confirmed that she had significant dysplasia of the right hip. Because Kip was only 6 months old at the time of diagnosis she was considered a candidate for a triple pelvic osteotomy. She met all the criteria and although we would have to travel to Calgary (7 hours away) for the surgery I felt that it was a good option. She had one good hip and the surgery would stabilize the other hip so that she would be able to lead an active, if not a competitive life.
To be honest I really thought this diagnosis was the third and therefore the last in this string of disasters. How wrong I was! The next blow came when we went to pick Kip up after her TPO surgery. We learned that in the course of the procedure, there had been damage to the sciatic nerve - a rare and potentially serious complication. Kip had no sensation and no movement in her right hind leg and in her case it was many weeks before she recovered function.
The final blow came when we took Kip in for follow up xrays two weeks after the surgery. The films showed that the left hip was now subluxed and would also require surgery. Taking Kip back to Calgary for that second procedure was very difficult. The decision fell squarely "between a rock and a hard place". The window of opportunity for this surgery is narrow and the best outcomes are achieved when it is done before 10 months of age. Kip still had significant deficits on the right and after the second surgery she would be further disabled. But without the surgery I knew she would face a whole lifetime of disability.
Thankfully, our luck was about to change. While she was in hospital for the second surgery Kip was assessed by a rehab veterinarian. The rehab vet found there was significant neurogenic atrophy on the right and profound weakness of the core muscles. She provided us with an exercise program and as Kip's strength began to improve she recommended that we get her "on the ball".
Our ball arrived at the end of April. At first I had to lift Kip up and she would just lie on it while I bounced it and rolled it back and forth. It was not long before she could sit and then stand on the ball. We used functional activities along with the ball and Kip's strength and confidence grew steadily. By June she was back in structured obedience classes, swimming and going for short hikes. In July she attended an agility camp for puppies where she was the star of the body awareness classes!
Kip is now 21 months old. She is in a regular agility program and we use the ball as an ongoing part of her training. She is fit and strong and runs like the wind. Every time I see her wrestling with our new puppy, a 10 month old border collie rescue, or watch as she chases him across a field it makes me smile. I am still an "agility junkie". At this point I don't know whether Kip will ever compete in agility but I'm not going to set any arbitrary limits on what she can do. We will just continue to work on building her strength, her coordination and her skills and see where that takes us.
I credit the ball work for much of Kip's recovery and the ball will always be a key element of her program. Oh and the puppy. he's "on the ball" too! Many thanks Debbie for all your videos which we have relied on and returned to over and over again. Thanks too for helping us to get our ball - I believe it has made all the difference.
Sheila & Kip
Posted by Bethany Hoppenthaler on Thu, Jan 06, 2011 @ 09:50 AM
Welcome to our blog and happy 2011! Shor-Line is excited to venture on this journey with you into the blogosphere and share valuable information about our products, services and the latest industry trends.
As you may know, for 84 years, Shor-Line has maintained a business philosophy dedicated to quality products and service. As an animal health industry innovator, we are constantly reinventing and adding to an extensive array of products to help professionals, like yourself, provide the best possible care for their patients.
Our continuing research and development, field-testing, quality control and open dialog with professionals worldwide enable us to provide equipment of superior quality.
Fresh off the press, our 2011 Product Catalog will be debuting this week and with it many new products. At NAVC this month we will be unleashing a new family of premium products that will be sure to inspire you! Stop by our Booth #1301 and check them out. They will be live on our website soon!
As many of you might have New Year's resolutions, in 2011 Shor-Line plans to enhance your product experience by unleashing new products, reinventing established products and engaging in industry conversations. We invite you to join us on this journey and rediscover quality.