The regional competition brought together 44 student teams, more than 300 students, and over 100 volunteers, creating an energetic and collaborative environment where students presented their city models and shared the research and ideas behind their designs. Whether participating as part of classroom instruction or dedicating time outside of school hours, students worked together to explore emerging technologies and develop thoughtful solutions to complex urban challenges.

Many of the student concepts emphasized sustainable design strategies, efficient land use, renewable energy, and access to green space, reflecting a holistic view of how future cities can support both environmental responsibility and quality of life. The level of creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking on display highlighted the dedication of the students, as well as the teachers and mentors who guided them throughout the process.

As part of its sponsorship, our team presented the “Arora Innovation Award”, recognizing a student team for creative thinking and innovative approaches to solving complex urban challenges.

“I am inspired each year by the thought process that goes into these models to solve world issues for a better tomorrow,” said Donna Guzewski, PE, LEED Green Associate. “Whether students are involved in a daily classroom setting or participate on their own time, they research technologies, come to a consensus, and work together to build their city. The students, teachers, and mentors involved in Future City are extremely dedicated to thinking outside the box to make cities of the future a better place for all.”

Our team is proud to support Future City and similar STEM-focused programs that encourage curiosity, collaboration, and early engagement with engineering and design concepts, helping inspire the next generation of innovators.

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Volunteering at Future City allowed us to share our knowledge and experience while also learning from the fresh perspectives of the students. It was a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community and support the next generation of engineers. We were proud to see the students’ hard work pay off as they presented their cities to the judges with confidence and enthusiasm. The students came up with some truly impressive solutions to real-world issues, and their passion for engineering was evident in every aspect of their projects.

Allan Stock, AIA, Sr. Project Manager has volunteered with Future city for an impressive 10 years! He stated, “Volunteering for this competition has been an incredible experience. It’s inspiring to see young minds come together and develop innovative solutions for the cities of tomorrow.”

Donna Guzewski, PE, LEED Green Associate has volunteered with Future City for 8 years. She stated, “Being part of this initiative allows me to mentor the next generation of engineers. Seeing them apply their creativity and skills to shape the future of urban development is truly rewarding.”

Congratulations to all the winners and participants!

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Our Company Efforts
This donation is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting education and fostering a love for learning in our community. Our team members have been actively involved in various initiatives, from organizing book drives to volunteering at local schools. We believe that by investing in education, we are investing in a brighter future for everyone.

Community Contributions
A special thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to our book drive. Many of the books were purchased from an Amazon wish list created by the school, ensuring that we provided exactly what was needed. Your generosity and support have made this possible, and we couldn’t have done it without you!

Stay tuned for more updates on our community initiatives!

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Our Human Resources team organized the office outing including registrations, waivers, and travel coordination. Erica Michetti, Sr. Human Resources Specialist, Planning and Design stated, “We wanted to create an event that would bring our team together in a meaningful way. The shelter is always in need of a helping hand, and we saw this as a great opportunity to merge our mental health awareness campaign and employee wellness with a great cause.”

Animal shelters rely heavily on volunteers, with so many animals constantly being brought in, there are numerous tasks that need to be done. Volunteering just a few hours of your time each week can make a significant difference. If you’re interested in volunteering, reach out to your local animal shelter to inquire about opportunities and how you can get involved.

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The Arora Engineers (Arora) team joined 1,800+ of our colleagues at the 2024 APDC– the most well-attended conference in its 30+ year history! Across three days of dynamic presentations, experts in Aviation delved into important industry advancements and challenges while exploring cutting-edge technologies with topics ranging from the implementation of AI into airport operations and infrastructure, advanced air mobility, preparations for Olympics games, improving sustainability to meet the goals of the US Aviation Climate Action Plan, prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and so much more. The Arora team is excited to share our key takeaways from the 2024 Symposium.

Enhancing Sustainability & Passenger Experience

Sessions presented for the Terminal/Landside track highlighted a growing trend in sustainable airport designs, highlighted in the session on “Innovation in Aviation: The Future of Mass Timber.” The panel, comprising Builder and A&E Design Firms, explored the practical, aesthetic, and sustainable possibilities of incorporating mass timber in capital improvement programs. Further, the workshop on “PDX Terminal Core Redevelopment – Roof Installation and Update” provided insights into sustainable construction practices, specifically innovative roof installation techniques over existing terminal buildings.

The “Digital Identification Program for Check-in” session highlighted developments in touchless self-service processing, underscoring the industry’s dedication to sustainability and innovative technology. “Wheels-up: The New Flight Path for Post-Pandemic Terminals” addressed evolving passenger needs and highlighted the importance of forward-thinking design practices.

Lastly, “Innovative Blending of Art and Immersive Multimedia to Create a Sense of Place” demonstrated airports’ creative embrace of sustainable and innovative design strategies, integrating art and multimedia technologies to enrich the passenger experience while reflecting local culture. The collective sessions accentuated the sustainable practices and forward-thinking designs shaping the future of aviation infrastructure.

Navigating Transformations in Project & Construction Management

Informative sessions across the PM/CM track discussed project and construction management in the dynamic landscape of the aviation sector. Sessions like “Integration Done Right – The Design-Builder’s Guide to Aviation Design Management” revisited the Professional’s Guide to Managing the Design Phase of a Design-Build Project, emphasizing the evolution of design management since its 2014 release.

The panel on “The Efficiencies of a GMP” provided a comprehensive exploration of Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) projects, detailing efficiencies across procurement, financial risk, collaboration, preconstruction/design evolution, and construction management.

The session “It’s a Seller’s Market Out There – How to Get the Best Team for Your Project” offered strategies to elevate procurement from an afterthought to a cornerstone, enhancing project appeal and fostering positive experiences. “Lessons Learned – Designing, Implementing, and Constructing a New Terminal” provided invaluable insights into terminal project development, offering practical lessons learned from real-life capital programs.

The session on “Exploring Innovations and Best Practices of ORAT Programs for Airport Infrastructure” delved into the digital transformation of project lifecycles, utilizing advanced data analytics, cloud-based collaboration, and mobile applications for efficient operational readiness and airport infrastructure development.

Pioneering Technological Advancements

Sessions under the Symposium’s Innovation Track underscored the aviation industry’s role as a hub for technological advancements. “Opportunities for AI in Aviation” explored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in airport planning and design, addressing applications, challenges, and prospects. “Bridging the Gap: Transforming Operational Problem Statements into Technology Solutions” delved into processes for implementing technology to address operational challenges and foster innovation within organizational culture.

“Sustainable Culture Change for a More Diverse and Inclusive Aviation Industry” provided insights into strategies to attract and retain a diverse workforce, a crucial step for industry advancement. “Raising your Profile and Expanding your Professional Reach” offered valuable strategies for sharing innovative contributions and becoming industry subject matter experts. These sessions collectively highlighted the industry’s commitment to embracing innovation and driving positive change in airport development.

Improving Airside Design

The Engineering/Airside track took a deep dive into the materials, methods, and tools crucial for successful airfield design. The “AAM for Airfield Engineers,” session addressed the policy and infrastructure challenges associated with Advanced Air Mobility, reflecting the industry’s commitment to embracing innovative technologies.

“Safety and Risk Management – Lessons Learned” provided valuable insights into enhancing safety management systems at airports, particularly for non-hub and Part 139 General Aviation Airports, while also discussing construction safety and phasing plans.

“PFAS & Other Contaminates – Water Quality Updates” addressed essential considerations for managing water contaminates near airports, focusing on technical implications and mitigation strategies. “Achieving ISI Envision Project Certification – The Sustainability Movement” emphasized the importance of sustainability and its practical implementation in airport projects. The “Airfield Rehabilitation – Materials & Techniques,” the session explored innovative materials and techniques driving industry growth and meeting evolving design criteria.

In conclusion, the 2024 AAAE/ACC Airport Symposium showcased the industry’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, safety, and diversity. As the aviation sector stands on the brink of transformative changes, the symposium served as a catalyst for industry leaders to converge, collaborate, and shape the future. The insights gained from various sessions spanning project management to innovative technologies will help propel the industry to new heights, ensuring a seamless and sustainable future for aviation.

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Since 1986, Arora has continually redefined the conventional role of MEP engineering firms. Our journey has been marked by a steadfast commitment to embracing technological innovations and refining processes that interconnect systems infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency, prolong longevity, and ultimately, enhance safety and convenience for end-users. Arora specializes in providing bespoke engineering solutions tailored to clients spanning aviation, transportation, education, government, and commercial sectors, fostering a profound understanding of the nuanced challenges and promising opportunities inherent in these pivotal industries.

At the heart of Arora’s national engineering practice lies a triumvirate of core values: innovation, hyper-responsiveness, and uncompromising quality. We engage with projects across the spectrum of the delivery process, from initial planning and design phases to program and construction management, and ongoing facilities management services. Our approach is characterized by a forward-thinking ethos, wherein we proactively introduce novel ideas, streamlined processes, and innovative methodologies to not only address immediate infrastructure needs but also to align with overarching business objectives and to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

We take immense pride in shining a spotlight on the profound impact each member of our engineering team exerts in shaping our world through their invaluable contributions. In conversations with some of our team members, we delved into their perspectives on the future of engineering and the advice they would offer aspiring engineers:

Fares Al Juheshi, PE, LEED, Sr. Electrical Engineer: I’m excited to see how sustainable energy solutions change everything about our infrastructure, especially in important places like airports. It’s mind-blowing to imagine how these changes could totally transform the way we power the world. The best part though, is seeing AI get involved. AI won’t just make processes more efficient, but it’s also sparking all kinds of new and innovative ideas to make our systems more reliable and resilient.

If you’re hoping to shape the future of engineering, here’s a tip for you: Keep on learning, no matter what. With technology taking the front seat now, it’s all about staying curious and keeping up with the latest relevant news and trends. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or to tap into the wisdom of more experienced folks who’ve been around the block. Together, we can build a future where innovation isn’t just about pushing boundaries, but also about doing it responsibly and ethically in a way that will benefit society at large and the environment.

Alex Alqaq, PE, ICC, LEED AP, Sr. Project Manager: The thing I am most looking forward to in the future of engineering is the impact of AI (Artificial Intelligence) on our lives and to be able to travel to other planets. Some advice I have for aspiring engineers is to learn as much as you can about other types of engineering and be absorbent like a sponge. For example, a Mechanical Engineer shall learn about Electrical Engineering, Fire Life Safety Systems, Plumbing Systems Design, etc. which will be a huge positive impact on their careers.

Mike Barbes, PE, LC, Sr. Electrical Engineer: I would like to see what AI will do to this business. The possibilities are quite interesting…it seems like it would be a perfect fit for this business. Is it possible to integrate our work with AI? Some advice for younger, aspiring engineers is to focus on Engineering projects, that will make for better projects, less issues, and greater profits.

Carol B. Chen, PE, LEED AP, Mechanical Engineer: I look forward to future of wide adoption of green, sustainable buildings. Rather than being “unusual” or “exceptional”, green buildings should become normalized for the sake of minimalizing fossil fuel consumption. Some advice I would give to younger engineers is to be humble and listen more than you speak especially when just starting out. You learn more from what other engineers are talking about than what you can learn by yourself.

Anastacia Michigan, PE, LEED Green Associate, Sr. Mechanical Engineer: With the rise in AI technology, I think it will be very interesting to how we are able to integrate it into our engineered designs to save ourselves time and our clients’ money. We are always adapting with changing technology, and I think AI will eventually become the new norm for building design.

Some advice I would you give to aspiring engineers who are shaping the future is collaboration and communication are key to a successful project. Sometimes it’s difficult to hear criticism on your work or to question your own design choices, but everyone on your team wants you to succeed. I’ve learned so much from my coworkers, and criticism is intended to help you mature into a professional engineer.

As we navigate the exciting frontier of engineering, Arora remains committed to pioneering solutions that transcend conventional boundaries, empower progress, and forge a path toward a future defined by innovation and excellence.

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Saudi Arabia is currently undertaking its most significant aviation expansion program, with a goal to triple the country’s airport capacity by 2030. The country is projected to experience the fastest passenger traffic growth in the Middle East from 2020 to 2040. Air transport stands as a pivotal element of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to connect with over 250 destinations and ascend among the Top 5 global air passenger transit hubs as part of its economic expansion over the next decade.

The Global Aviation Issues Conference is a two-day event that will convene more than 500 attendees, including leaders in Saudi transport and aviation, global experts, and suppliers. The primary focus will be on discussing collaborative strategies to achieve Saudi Arabia’s aviation objectives and foster broader industry growth, sustainability, and global profitability. Among the attendees will be global leaders and professionals from various sectors of the aviation ecosystem, including Saudi and Middle Eastern aviation authorities seeking to enhance their expertise and forge essential connections to execute their aviation strategies.

This conference will serve as a key platform for U.S. companies looking to establish a foothold in the Middle East’s aviation sector and for U.S. airport executives aiming to stay abreast of industry trends. The event will feature engaging panels led by industry experts, centered around the theme “Navigating the Future of Aviation,” offering unparalleled insights and networking opportunities.

SESSION INFORMATION:

Manik will be presenting on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, from 10:10 AM to 11:00 AM (GMT) in Session 6 titled “Digital Transformation and Aviation 4.0.” This session will delve into the profound impact of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, new aircraft technologies (e-VTOLs), and the Internet of Things (IoT) on the aviation industry. The panelists will discuss how these technologies are revolutionizing various aspects, including aircraft maintenance, operations, passenger experiences, existing airport models, and air traffic management.

Joining Manik in this panel are featured speakers:

• Ian Bache, Director of EuMEA Airports, Collins Aerospace (Moderator)
• Abdul Razzak Mikati, Managing Director, Dubai Technology Partners (DTP)
• Ertugrul Ozkaptan, Head of Commercial & CFO, TAV Technologies
• Julian Jank, Chief Executive Officer, Aeroficial Intelligence

About Manik Arora, PE

As President & CEO, Manik’s most important responsibility is to Arora’s clients, ensuring their needs are met and exceeded. Within the firm, Manik promotes Arora’s values of innovation, collaboration, and hyper-responsiveness to the firm’s 200+ professionals nationwide.

Arora recently announced the opening and inauguration of Monyx Engineers Private Limited (Monyx), a fully owned subsidiary of Arora. Monyx is a fully owned subsidiary of Arora, situated in Bengaluru, India. It is dedicated to providing support for infrastructure projects for clients globally, with a focus on India, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, in addition to its support for clients in the United States. As a crucial component of Arora’s international expansion strategy, Monyx will function as the global design and technology hub, facilitating the seamless execution of projects worldwide.

Monyx’s mission is to deliver expert professional services and technology solutions in line with Arora’s standards. By blending international expertise with local insights, Monyx aims to provide innovative solutions that surpass client expectations. Monyx offers a wide array of services to cater to the diverse requirements of infrastructure projects, leveraging its local design, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and technology staff, along with the support of over 225 global resources from Arora, EDI, and the firm’s other subsidiaries.

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Arora’s own Marco Viola, Vice President, Global Business Development, Enterprise Solutions, was proud to join his colleagues at this year’s meeting and collected key takeaways on the noteworthy discussions and trends shared at the event which highlighted the importance of asset management, communication, sustainability, and technology in optimizing airport operations and passenger experiences.

Key Takeaway 1: Successful Asset Management Metrics
During the meeting, presenters discussed the key metrics for successful asset management programs. Understanding asset installation dates, the number of historic work orders associated with each asset, and asset life expectancy were deemed crucial metrics for any effective asset management program. This data allows airports to make informed decisions regarding maintenance, repair, and replacement of assets, ensuring smooth operations and reducing downtime.

Key Takeaway 2: Mapping Facilities for Operational Efficiency and Communication Improvement
Presenters and panelists emphasized airports’ increasing need to map their facilities not only for operational purposes but also to effectively communicate the status of their infrastructure. Having a clear understanding of where assets are, and the condition of their equipment, is vital for efficient decision-making and securing project funds. By implementing indoor maps and advanced communication systems, airports can streamline their processes, enhance collaboration, and improve overall facility management. In addition, mapping can help airport leaders more effectively implement crisis management strategies, emergency response protocols, and business continuity plans.

In her session detailing a Maintenance Project Communications Study, Kelly Phelps of PSM2 shared that organizations are increasingly relying on indoor maps to communicate project updates and changes within their facilities. This session shed light on the importance of using visual tools to convey information effectively and help stakeholders understand the status of ongoing maintenance projects. By leveraging indoor maps, airports can enhance communication, facilitate collaboration, and improve project management efficiency.

Key Takeaway 3: Capital Improvement Projects and Facility Redesign
The meeting host, Sky Harbor International Airport, highlighted their significant investments in capital improvement projects, and the challenges their facility operators face during the design and construction process. For example, Terminal 4 at Sky Harbor International Airport is slated for redesign yet handles roughly 80% of the airport’s traffic, forcing the airport’s facility managers to think strategically about to achieve their redesign without completely interrupting normal operations.

The meeting emphasized the value of cooperation between airport operators, airlines, government agencies, and service providers in driving innovation and delivering exceptional airport experiences.

Key Takeaway 4: Maintaining Unseen Assets with Enterprise Asset Management Systems
In his session, Tim Dodson, Senior Asset Manager, CVG, educated attendees on the importance of efficiently maintaining assets that are not visible with sophisticated Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems. These systems play a crucial role in managing and tracking assets that are not easily accessible or visible. With a comprehensive EAM, airports can optimize maintenance schedules, reduce downtime, and extend the life of critical infrastructure components.

Key Takeaway 5: Sustainability Initiatives and Partnerships
Sustainability emerged as a significant focus area during the meeting. Knut Herrmann, PHX Energy Management Engineer and Jennifer Maples, PHX Special Projects Administrator shared that many airports, including Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), are committed to achieving “net zero” goals in the coming years. PHX and other airports are actively seeking collaborations with organizations offering sustainability solutions. PHX, for example, is launching the “Green Business Partner Program” to foster partnerships and implement environmentally friendly initiatives such as EV charging stations. Deep understanding of design principles and utility capacity/load analysis is crucial for successful sustainability projects.

Marco also observed a significant focus on incorporating renewable energy sources, optimizing resource usage, and reducing carbon footprints. Sky Harbor International Airport shared its success story in implementing sustainable practices, including solar energy generation, water conservation measures, and waste management strategies. The airports operations command centers solar-covered parking has a 210kW capacity and can generate 357,000kWh of power yearly. This is enough to run 33 family houses, or chill 3.47 million gallons of beer. This system avoids 183.4 metric tons of CO2 annually, which is equal to removing 40 gasoline automobiles off the road.

The emphasis on sustainability reaffirmed the aviation industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the need for innovative solutions to mitigate the mounting impacts of climate change.

Key Takeaway 6: Smarter Airport Management with Arora ATLAS
Marco’s presentation, Smarter Airport Management with Indoor Maps and Mobile Solutions, generated a lot of excitement around the idea of achieving better Airport Management through the integration of Indoor maps with a mobile asset management solution like Arora ATLAS®. Marco explained that the integration of Indoor GIS and ATLAS allows key staff to manage all pertinent facility information in one authoritative system and engage with different stakeholders through desktop and mobile applications to solve for their most complex space management, asset management, workorder management and passenger experience challenges.

In addition, the meeting highlighted the critical role of technology in enhancing the overall passenger experience. Presenters discussed the implementation of smart airport concepts, including real-time information displays, automated security systems, and advanced wayfinding solutions.

From maximizing asset management efficiency to embracing sustainability initiatives and implementing smarter airport management solutions, Arora gained valuable insights on the future of airport infrastructure at this year’s IFMA Airport Council’s Spring Meeting. We look forward to seeing our colleagues at IFMA World Workplace, September 20-21, 2023 in Kansas City, come see us at Booth 578!

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Nebraska native J. Sterling Morton was an advocate for planting trees which can protect biodiversity, enrich the soil, and sequester much of the world’s carbon from the atmosphere. Morton proposed a tree planting holiday to be called “Arbor Day” at a meeting of the State Board of Agriculture, and on April 10, 1872, it was estimated that more than one million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day. Today, Arbor Day is celebrated in all 50 states. The most common date for the state observance is the last Friday in April, but many states Arbor Days are at other times depending on their best tree planting weather.

Arora volunteers joined DCH early Friday morning on April 28, 2023, at Oakmont Park in New Castle, DE ready to get to work! Members of DCH gave a quick demonstration of the various assignments that volunteers would be doing throughout the afternoon. Last year, DCH planted 70 trees in the park, and volunteers were tasked with the important job of maintaining the trees. Volunteers were asked to mulch around trees, plant native violets which will help encourage native plants to grow around the trees, as well as pick up trash throughout the park.

Despite the inclement weather, our volunteers had an incredible time volunteering. Arora is proud to contribute to our environment while also fulfilling our mission of Rethinking Infrastructure. We look forward to continuing to make a positive social impact for our communities as well as the world.

About Delaware Center of Horticulture

Since 1977, DCH has cultivated a greener community by creating and maintaining the first Urban Farm in the city of Wilmington, beautifying public landscapes, planting and advising on the placement of urban trees, mobilizing volunteers, and hosting community events and educational programs. DCH is the only nonprofit membership organization in Delaware that mobilizes and inspires community greening statewide in urban and suburban environments.

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This year, key conference themes included:

ESRI and their partners will focus on nurturing and expanding critical foundational data to:

• Enhance land, resource, and asset management
• Enrich decision making with spatial analytics
• Improve business and government outcomes with modern GIS

ESRI will be growing in the following markets to serve more customers:

• Physical Infrastructure investment*
• Indoor GIS & Facility operations*
• Sustainable operations
• Security operations

ESRI will be capitalizing on key technology trends:

• Cloud First
• Instrumenting the planet
• Mission & business critical Enterprise Systems

*Arora participated on-stage at the plenary discussing these topics.

Arora’s own Marco Viola, Vice President, Global Business Development, Enterprise Solutions, was thrilled to take part in the plenary session to discuss exciting new developments and applications for Indoor GIS to improve facility operation and explain the ways in which organizations can capitalize on their physical infrastructure investments using ESRI products. He shared the following key takeaways from the plenary and subsequent workshops:

• There is a lot of excitement in the Indoor GIS space!
• Investing in infrastructure is key.
• Organizations that prioritize 3D mapping are seeing significant operational and communication improvements across their enterprises.
• There is tremendous opportunity for partner-to-partner collaboration.

For additional information about the ways in which Arora’s geospatial group can help you capitalize on ESRI’s exciting development to revolutionize your facility operations click here or email info@aroraengineers.com.

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