SuperScript

Reflections on the art and science of restoration, profiles of our projects, and discussions of issues in the profession.

January 16, 2025
Delivering the Five Cs
Verbal or written communication can be misinterpreted. But a drawing—like the “blueprint” below—could have made the difference in delivering a better pizza. The drawing conveys critical information that text alone does not. Not only does it delineate the optimal distribution of pepperoni, but it clearly illustrates the ideal pie in plan, section, and a slice detail.
› Read More
January 9, 2025
Make a Resolution to Fix, Then File
With the FISP Cycle 10A commencing on February 21, we suggest this 2025 resolution for anyone facing a FISP filing: “Fix, then File.” In other words: if you regularly attend to the condition of your building’s facade, then periodic filing of a FISP report becomes a formality—rather than a rude awakening.
› Read More
January 6, 2025
Frost Jacking Day Tracker - 2024-2025 Season
SUPERSTRUCTURES is excited to continue this eighth season of the Frost Jacking Day Tracker. "Frost jacking" is what happens when freezing temperatures cause rain or snow to turn to ice and expand cracks in a facade. As cycles of freezing and thawing accumulate, the cracks continue to grow and exterior hazardous conditions or interior water damage or leaks can occur.
› Read More
January 2, 2025
Clarity, Copper, and Construction Documents
This Ancient Babylonian cuneiform tablet documents a complaint from a buyer to a merchant claiming that the wrong grade of copper ore was delivered. It illustrates, since time immemorial, the importance of communication (or construction documents) that embrace the five Cs: correct, complete, clear, concise, and consistent.
› Read More
December 18, 2024
They (Don’t) Need a Bigger Boat
“Change Order” seems to be a favorite name for boats owned by contractors. Change orders are modifications to a base construction contract, usually increasing the cost, and often extending the completion date. And they’re profitable for contractors.
› Read More
December 5, 2024
The $3 Million Second Opinion
Habitat’s “Problem Solved!” podcast recently interviewed SUPERSTRUCTURES’ principal, John Galetta, RA. John discussed our strategic approach to facade restoration at 160 West End Avenue which saved the building $3 million.
› Read More
November 26, 2024
High-Tech Roofing Solution Saved $250k (50%)
The 30 years-old roofs and terraces of this student residence were leaking and required replacement. By specifying a continuous layer of Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIPs) below the roof membrane, SUPERSTRUCTURES was able to achieve the code-mandated R-value (and then some) and cut roofing costs in half, saving $250,000.
› Read More
November 21, 2024
SUPERSTRUCTURES Celebrates at the SIAEA* Gala
Members of our team participated in the 42nd annual SIAEA New York gala at Pier 60 on November 9th. SUPERSTRUCTURES was a sponsor of the event. The gala is always a highlight of the year for us. Congratulations to all the event’s honorees and scholarship recipients!
› Read More
November 19, 2024
$3 Million Saved by 300-Unit Upper East Side Condo
Before embarking on a major repair campaign, the owners of this 35-story condo retained SUPERSTRUCTURES to conduct an independent investigation. The subsequent repair campaign cost $4 million and was accomplished within a single year, saving our client time and money, with far less disruption to the lives of the building occupants.
› Read More
November 14, 2024
Battling the Big Apple’s “Porticoes”
Bologna, Italy is famous for its stately porticoes (38 miles worth) and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. New York City’s utilitarian equivalent—sidewalk sheds—are similar in that both are sheltering, street-level spaces for pedestrians.  But the similarity ends there. SUPERSTRUCTURES' systematic approach to facade inspection and restoration offers the potential to get each project completed, scaffolding dismantled, and the sidewalk unobstructed as rapidly as possible.
› Read More
1 2 3 36
SUPERSTRUCTURES Engineers + Architects

14 Wall Street, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10005
(212) 505 1133
info@superstructures.com

SuperScript

Subscribe to SuperScript, our email newsletter.

SUPERSTRUCTURES LinkedIn
SUPERSTRUCTURES Instagram
SUPERSTRUCTURES YouTube
TOP
chevron-upcross-circle