Why does the “DELETE ” icon on the latest iPad resemble a steel trash can? A trash can that has itself been replaced by newer designs? “Blueprints” have been antiquated for 80 years, but we occasionally use the term to refer to construction drawings when we feel that reference to “construction documents” might be confusing to a client.

…but more critically, General MacArthur reportedly added, “Always give orders that can’t be misunderstood.” This aphorism applies to exterior restoration contract documents (CDs). We always follow the “five Cs” of effective CDs—correct, complete, clear, concise, and consistent. In other words, “include all essential information and nothing but the essential information.”

Our principals attended the ICRI’s “Ask the DOB: FISP & Beyond” session last week. We learned that, as of now, there are no substantive changes planned for FISP (Local Law 11) Cycle 10. But, while there’s nothing new to note, here are a few things to remember.

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.

According to the “iron triangle,” a product or service can be good, cheap, or fast—but you can only pick two. That’s why a unicorn inhabits the center of this Venn diagram. As engineers and architects focused on restoration and renewal, we think the iron triangle is better characterized as an exercise in informed compromise among a variety of factors—through which we can get close to the unicorn.

As opposed to a new corporate headquarters or a transit hub, exterior restoration projects are not “aspirational.”  Often, a successful project is one where the casual observer wouldn’t know anything had been done. Clients want effective solutions with minimal risk. Fortunately, risk can be minimized in several ways.

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.

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.

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.

“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.