100 influences that have shaped the buildings market.

Buildings launches its 100th-anniversary celebration by showcasing some of the commercial and institutional buildings industry's most momentous happenings--in no specific order--all of which have affected the "business of buildings" throughout the past century. Discover the proven processes,

1. Energy deregulation. From the onset of deregulation, facilities professionals began expanding their energy strategies to include more than conservation; efforts in procuring and administering energy commodities quickly gained attention.

2. Access control--from keys to cards. Keys may have been a great conductor of electricity for Benjamin Franklin, but they were a real source of frustration for facilities managers 25 years ago. With the invention of smart cards, there was no longer a need to replace locks each time the employee roster changed. These intelligent access controls can lock out individual users with a few keystrokes.

3. Sick Building Syndrome. In the 1980s, the World Health Organization identified the symptoms of sick building syndrome (headache; irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; general fatigue; etc.). Further research by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health revealed the primary cause to be inadequate ventilation. Awareness about the effects of poor indoor air quality has continued to rise--evident today by the growing number of legal battles over toxic mold contamination in buildings.

4. Enclosed malls. The first enclosed mall, Southdale Center, was built south of Minneapolis in 1956 and changed shopping forever. Patrons no longer battled wind, rain, scorching heat, or snow to make their purchases. The modern mall has evolved into so much more than a retail experience. Malls today have been supersized and offer everything from dining options to roller coasters.

5. The invention of dyrwall. It took some time for the 1916 United States Gypsum Co. invention of drywall to catch on, despite its use in many of the 1933-34 Chicago World's Fair buildings. The widespread adoption of the product occurred largely as a result of the government's need for speedy construction during World War II. The product accelerated construction because the time-consuming application and drying required for multiple layers of plaster were eliminated.

6. Six Sigma. Initially developed by Motorola in the early 1980s for use in manufacturing lines, Six Sigma (as well as Total Quality Management, Baldrige criteria, and Intl. Organization for Standardization) is now being applied to perfect facilities management. It aims to maximize productivity and efficiency by streamlining operations, improving product/service excellence and eliminating mistakes.

7. Fluorescent lamps. The incandescent lamp aside, nothing revolutionized commercial lighting like fluorescent lamp technology. First sold in 1938 the fluorescent lamp provided greater light output and was four- to six-times more efficient than an incandescent lamp. More recently, compact fluorescents have revolutionized the industry even further.

NEW WAYS TO WORK ... and Learn and Communicate.

8. PCs.

9. The Internet.

10. E-mail.

11. Montreal Protocol. Signed by over 160 nations in 1987, the Montreal Protocol mandated that companies discontinue production of ozone-depleting substances. Refrigerants, fire suppression, insulation and aerosols used in commercial buildings would never be the same again.

12.The Merchandise Mart. Conceived as a model of modern, scientific efficiency in wholesale merchandising, The Merchandise Mart's purpose was to centralize Chicago's wholesale goods trade by consolidating its vendors and activities under one roof. At the time of its completion in 1931, the massive Mart was the largest building in the world at 4 million square feet, proving that size wasn't just about height.

13. WWII. Materials shortages and rationing, as well as a reduction in the usual workforce, led the news, but the most far-ranging consequence of this time period was the flood of women to the workforce. Did building design adapt to this influx of the feminine employee? You be the judge.

14. Hospital infections control. As the healthcare industry marketed a more residential, home like approach to the design of its facilities including softer elements such as carpet, wallcoverings, and textiles--industry suppliers created products with antimicrobial elements to minimize the spread of communicable diseases and infections. Today, these hygienic finishes are becoming a more de facto standard in all facility types.

15. 1970s energy crisis. Yes, the cry for energy efficiency became the industry's quest, and product suppliers stepped up their RSD efforts to produce a new line of more efficient equipment. These years also opened the doors (and minds) of some of today's most established environmental and research leaders, including the inventors and adapters of a multitude of alternative energy sources in use today.

16. Late-1980s recession. From boom to bust in a few short years. By measures such as unemployment and public perception, the North American economy was in recession continuously for years after 1987, with only brief periods of revival The stock market collapse in October of that year (larger than that of 1929) was handled well by the economy. However, the lumbering savings and loans were beginning to collapse, putting the savings of millions of Americans in jeopardy. Although the U.S. economy continued to grow as a whole, certain sectors of the market--particularly energy and real estate--slumped.

BANS ON ...

17. Smoking.

18. Asbestos.

19. Lead paint.

20. Outsourcing.

21. The Telecommunications Act of 1996. The purpose of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was to provide lower prices and higher-quality services through competition and reduced regulation. Unfortunately, the act fueled a debate over mandated access for telecommunication service providers (TSPs). Since the mid-1990s, industry organizations like Real Access Alliance and BOMA Intl. have spent countless hours working to protect the private property rights of building owners, one state at a time.

22. Air conditioning. While the first "Apparatus for Treating Air" was patented by Willis Haviland Carrier in 1906, his biggest contribution to HVAC in commercial buildings came with the invention of the centrifugal chiller. Patented in 1921, this refrigeration machine offered the first practical method to cool large spaces. The invention opened the doors to widespread industry throughout the United States, including the sweltering Sunbelt.

23. The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Intl. As the industry association with the greatest longevity, BOMA Intl. has been providing building professionals with information on office building development, leasing, codes, legislation, and more since 1907. Founded as the National Association of Building Owners and Managers, the organization represents and promotes the interests of the commercial real estate industry and reports a North American membership representing a combined total of more than 9 billion square feet of commercial properties.

24. LEED[R] Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the flagship green building rating system from the Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council, quantified green in a measurable fashion after years of extensive (and, at the time, somewhat debated) development. Today, the LEED definition of high-performance, sustainable buildings has gone beyond new construction projects to encompass existing buildings, commercial interiors, and more. LEED certification of a building may not be the goal for every building, but many professionals are finding the system's detailed checklists can be an important tool in adapting and upgrading their existing operational-excellence programs.

25. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). When the ADA was passed by Congress in 1990, it not only protected the civil rights of disabled Americans but also altered how buildings were built and renovated. The ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) mandate access to public places and places of accommodation Revisions are ongoing.

26. The Donald. Up, down and back on top. Trump exemplifies the power of marketing.

27. ENERGY STAR[R]. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR program has been helping businesses and consumers reduce energy consumption since 1992. What started as a voluntary labeling program for building products has grown to include labeling of commercial and institutional buildings. Additionally, ENERGY STAR provides facilities professionals with information, tools, and best practices to help them achieve their energy management goals. Its predecessor--Green Lights--paved the way by promoting profitable investment in energy-efficient lighting.

28. Single-ply roofing. It's flexible, easy to install, and involves strict quality control requirements during the manufacturing process. With the invention of single-ply, the need to heat up bitumen vanished. Light-colored, reflective single-ply roofs also offer sustainable elements and can serve as a lightweight solution to accommodate unusual roofing designs.

29. Cell phones, PDAs, and 2-way radios. Communication has never been easier for facilities professionals working in the field and on campuses; they can make a call, text message, or communicate via radio waves and a network of towers and antennas. This technology has made working anytime from anywhere possible (which is, of course, good and bad).

30. The Great Depression.

31. Tilt-up concrete construction. While the first tilt-up building was constructed at the turn of the century, it wasn't until the 1940s (when the mobile crane and ready-mix concrete were invented) that the construction method really gained popularity. Today, the Mt. Vernon, IA-based Tilt-Up Concrete Association reports that, nationwide more than 15 percent of all industrial buildings (ranging in size from 5,000 to over 1.5 million square feet) are tilt-up, with design options ranging from utility to funky.

32. Hurricane Andrew.

Until Katrina hit in September 2005, Hurricane Andrew (1992) was the most destructive hurricane on record to run aground in the United States. Broken glass resulting from high winds and airborne debris caught the attention of Florida building officials, and Miami-Dade County building codes were strengthened to maximize future damage. Manufacturers responded. Case in point shatter-resistant window film.

33. Photoluminescent technology. Including a provision mandating photoluminescent markings in buildings 75 feet or taller, New York City's Local Law 26/04 (enacted recently by the NYC Department of Buildings) demonstrates one city's attempt to facilitate safe evacuation of building occupants. Buildings in the Big Apple are not alone in their use of photoluminescent technology. Owners and managers nationwide are installing these products near exits and in stairwells.

34. Elevators: from operators to microprocessor controls. It was once necessary to employ a conductor to manage elevator traffic efficiently. While the addition of microprocessor controls may have put those individuals out of work, these more sophisticated systems could now analyze traffic conditions and dispatch elevators as efficiently as possible, delivering the greatest amount of service with the least number of cabs.

35.Gerald D. Hines. In 1957, Gerald Hines opened a one-man office in downtown Houston. Over the next 48 years; his company would develop more than 700 properties, including some of the most skyline-defining examples of architecture. Hines' developments are known for their innovative solutions. The company was an early adopter of harmonic distortion cancellation transformers, outside air economizers, mold-resistant shaft liners, and underfloor air distribution systems.

36. Professional designations. Industry organizations have responded to the call for more training and education, and have been offering the opportunity for individuals to earn a professional designation since the early 1990s. Professionals keep up and get ahead through the programs offered by IFMA (designations: CFM and FMP), BOMI (designations: RPA, FMA, SMT, and SMA), and IREM (designations: ARM and CPM), among others.

37. Speeche privacy. As an answer to the lack of privacy in open-plan office environments, soundmasking systems were implemented to ensure speech confidentiality, increase concentration among employees, and lessen anxiety. Today, soundmasking offers a wide array of specialized systems for the treatment of windows, walls, doors, HVAC air ducts, and utility penetrations.

38. 9/11

39. Earth Day and recycling. The establishment of Earth Day offered an occasion for many facilities management professionals to listen, learn, question, and discuss waste management, environmental standards, and sustainability practices. And as the concept of recycling has caught on across the United States, waste reduction and reuse have become top-of-mind issues as well.

40. The invention of curtainwall. Even though exterior curtainwall doesn't carry any of a building's loads, it must support its own weight, resist imposed wind loads, and remain structurally sound throughout its design life. It provides a water barrier, reduces noise levels, and separates the exterior climate from the interior via thermal insulation.

"By the Book"

41. Intl. Building Codes. In an effort to create a single set of building codes, the Building Officials and Code Administrators Intl. Inc. (BOCA), Intl. Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), and Southern Building Codes Congress Intl. Inc. (SBCCI) formed the Intl. Code Council in 1994. By developing a single set of model codes, code enforcement officials, architects, engineers, designers, and contractors can work with a consistent set of requirements throughout the United States. The result of ICC's work is an inventory of Intl. Codes, the Intl. Building Code being just one example.

42. ASHRAE 90.1. This standard has been reducing energy in buildings since the '70s. Today, the ASHRAE 90.1 building code continues to encourage the adoption of cost-effective design practices and technologies that minimize energy consumption. Widespread adoption resulted when the Energy Policy Act of 1992 required state and local governments to update their commercial building energy-efficiency codes to meet the ASHRAE 90.1-1989 standard. More recently, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 makes provisions for a tax deduction on new construction projects if annual energy and power costs on select building systems are 50-percent or more below ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001.

43. NFPA 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code" and NFPA 101 Life of Safety Code[R]. The National Fire Protection Association has strived to reduce fire incidences and life-safety hazards since its establishment in 1896. The NFPA 5000 and NFPA 101 codes fulfill that objective and seek to protect both life and property.

44. National Electrical Code (NEC) Adopted by the National Fire Protection Association, incorporated in 0SHA regulations, and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the National Electrical Code is the most widely adopted electrical code in the United States. The NEC provides guidelines for the safe installation of electrical and telephone cabling.

45. Whole-building What building product doesn't impact another? Savvy facilities and A&D professionals have embraced a holistic philosophy about a space--taking into account the optimal intersection of windows, ceiling, flooring, ductwork, etc. and how they work optimally as unit.

46. Design/build. According to the Washington, D.C.-based Design-Build Institute, design/build represents a return to the time-honored approach of the master builder. With this process, a single source has complete responsibility for both design and construction; a single point of responsibility ensures quality, cost, and schedule adherence. Fast-track construction is now also possible with design/build: Materials/ equipment procurement and construction work can begin before construction documents are fully completed.

47. The shift from analog to digital.

48. The creation of IFMA, and the establishment of "facilities management." Giving facilities management a unified voice with its 18,000 members, IFMA is now the largest and most widely recognized professional association for facility management. The organization certifies facility managers, conducts research, provides educational programs, recognizes facility management degree and certificate programs, and produces World Workplace in the largest facility management-related conference and exposition.

49. Emergency lighting/exit signs. Due to these two discoveries, occupants and tenants have been able to exit buildings safely--with help from lights and signage that operate despite power failures/ blackouts.

50. Retail entrepreneurs. Americans love to shop--thanks to such retail pioneers as James W. Rouse, who pioneered indoor malls and is often credited with rejuvenating downtown areas in the United States during the 1970s; Melvin Simon, who formed his own company in 1960 and through marketing savvy and acquisitions became the "Landlord of Choice"; and Sam Walton, who took the big-box to broader and more successful interpretation.

51. Building commissioning.

52. Fire/smoke detectors. Life safety technology now embodies a more proactive approach.

53. Carpet tile. Revolutionizing commercial flooring, carpet tile was developed as a new way to extend the life of carpet. Find a stain in a high-traffic area? Pull the old tiles up and replace them with fresh tiles--easy and fast. This concept has transformed the way carpet is installed and maintained.

54. Electric hand dryers. In a big step toward conservation, the introduction of electric hand dryers now saves building owners mess and material cost, and reduces washroom waste.

55. Window film. Applied to existing windows, window film provides protection from hazards such as flying shards of glass; decreases beat, glare, and fading; and reduces the "smash" capability of glass. Now, technology has taken it to a new level: bomb and blast resistance.

56. Access flooring. Access flooring was developed in the early 1960s in reaction to unique environmental concerns within large mainframe computer rooms. In addition, the substantial quantity of cooling and air-conditioning required by supercomputers created the need for a flooring system that allowed air circulation, wire management, and load-bearing support for the heavy equipment. Today, more and more building owners turn to raised floors to give the office masses control over personal climates (raised-floor ventilation delivers conditioned air through adjustable vents in each workspace). Wire/cable management is practically invisible.

57. John L. Tishman. The chairman and CEO of major owner/developer/construction manager Tishman Realty Construction Co. Inc., New York City, John L. Tishman helped bring landmark buildings--the World Trade Center in New York City; John Hancock Center, Chicago; Renaissance Center, Detroit; and Walt Disney's EPCOT Center, near Orlando, among others--to market. His and his company's biggest thrust, however, was in establishing the value of the "team" in the entire development process, introducing (then fine-tuning) the concepts of fast-track construction and the systems approach to product specification, as well as involving manufacturers/suppliers in finding innovative solutions to building problems. Case in point: Tishman Research helped U.S. Gypsum develop the drywall construction method for elevator shafts and stairwells, now an industry standard.

58. Empire State Building. Location, location, location. When the Empire State Building soared to new heights 75 years ago, it cemented the marketability of an address--one, if not the first, building with its very own zip code.

59. MGM Fire. With hundreds of injuries and 85 lives lost, the Nov. 21, 1980, fire at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino in Las Vegas was unlike anything else ever before seen. Once the fire (which originated in a wall soffit due to an electrical ground fault) ignited, it quickly traveled into the ceiling and the giant air return and was further fueled by the facility's flammable furnishings. Stringent codes regarding sprinklers, emergency egress (including elevators, stairwells, and doors), smoke pathways, and more ensued.

60. FM- and construction-related software. While computers replaced drafting pencils for the A&D community, construction and operations personnel followed suit with the adapt ability of software programs that would help collect and build a standardized repository of current and consistent project and building data. The potential? All professionals involved in a building could now work from the same accessible set of documents.

61. Y2K.

62. Spot cooling. Technology created its own set of problems; namely, excess heat in computer and electrical rooms.

63. Touch-free washroom fixtures. Hygiene concerns, vandalism, and conservation of resources (like water) have made these former luxuries building staples. Technology and product development have brought more pleasing form to these functional workhorses.

64. Distinctive architectural styles. Just look around: The architectural styles and Art Deco influences of Raymond Hood and William Van Alen; Mies van der Rohe's simple but impressive boxes; the post-modernism exuberance of Michael Graves and others make up America's most significant skylines--each telling its own tale of philosophies adopted by design schools and embraced by community leaders.

65. Telecommuting/ hoteling (alternative work environments). Catering to the knowledge worker (someone who can work anywhere and is location-independent), facilities professionals have had to offer new ways for tenants/ occupants to work efficiently and effectively. The amount of dedicated office space that these tenants/occupants need has also affected the amount of shared space in office buildings.

66. Blackouts/ brownouts. The electrical power industry has served the nation for close to a century, with the electrical power grid designed to provide 99.9-percent reliability. Today, power reliability equals productivity, and blackouts and brownouts have stressed its importance; existing electrical service from power utilities isn't designed to meet the needs of today's critical facilities. As a result, facilities professionals have had to find other ways to enhance power-source reliability (UPSs, emergency generators, battery back-ups, etc.).

67. More demanding tenants. Today's tenants/occupants are accustomed to environments where the end-user is king, and they're making choices based upon desires and requirements. Sophisticated and demanding tenants have led facilities professionals to concentrate on customer relationship management. Developing and preserving first-rate relationships with tenants and occupants is one of the wisest (and most cost-effective) investments facilities professionals can make.

68. "Uptime all the time." Providing access to any and all information at any time of day has transformed the maintenance and operations of facilities across the country. System failure means lost efficiency and lost profit, and it oftentimes rests on the shoulders of building professionals to guarantee business continuity.

69. Dotcom bubble. The dotcom boom produced a renewed focus on flexible, unique, and responsive workplaces that encourage innovation. It also brought about the concept of "raw" interiors: concrete floors, exposed brick walls, visible ductwork, etc. Then, the bubble burst and significant amounts of available space made occupancy rates in select areas plunge.

70. Kynar coatings for metal. Protective coating systems now exist to lengthen the life of metal on a building's exterior, top to bottom. This resin technology allows high-quality coatings to guard metal so that it won't chalk, rust, corrode, or fade, making metal an even more practical, long-term option.

71. CAD 3-D modeling. One- and two-dimensional blueprints and floorplans took on an added dimension when computer-aided design and drafting allowed professionals--and clients--to envision a space from all geometric angles before construction began. While the technology helped reduce design/construction errors, its surprise value was as a marketing tool to pre-lease space.

72. Energy-related rebates. A resurgence in lighting rebates--based, in part on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Green Lights program (the precursor to ENERGY STAR[R])--proved, once again, that building professionals seek "creative" financing opportunities in their capital procurements. Manufacturers and consultants alike shared operational savings while assisting owners and managers with initial outlay; some variation of this "win-win" formula exists today.

73. Electrical wiring conduit/raceways. The creation of conduit allowed physical protection and routing of electricity conductors and cables, and also served as an equipment-grounding conductor (necessary to prevent fires or shock hazards from ungrounded equipment). The invention of raceways has allowed wires and cabling to run throughout high-traffic environments without unsightly messes.

74. Rooftop HVAC. Saving space and eliminating indoor venting, rooftop HVAC systems have allowed the building community to free up interior space when it was formerly at a premium.

75. Nylon carpet fiber. Nylon was first introduced to the carpet industry in 1947 and grew steadily to dominate the market as tufting technologies became more common and widespread. Today, most manufacturers agree that the single most important development in the industry was the introduction of bulk continuous filament nylon yarns. These yarns provided a luxurious-quality, durable carpet similar to wool, but one that was more economical to produce.

76. Home-like healthcare design. Healthcare facilities have responded to the empowered consumer, offering choices regarding everything from lighting levels to room temperature to cooking their own meals. Patients want to spend recovery time in a facility that allows them to make their surroundings as comfortable and as home-like as possible.

77. Lighting controls. The origination of occupancy sensors, dimmers, timers, and DAM ballasts has offered energy savings, end-user flexibility, and higher-quality building environments.

78. High-performance schools. With a growing number of studies confirming that physical surroundings affect learning and teaching capabilities, a new philosophy of school design and operation has transformed educational environments. These facilities not only remove obstacles to learning and teaching, but supply a setting in which students can excel, teachers can explore new methods and approaches, and the community can gather together.

79. Four Times Square. Other buildings were efficient and embraced green concepts, but The Durst Organization found a way to market it. And they did it well, gaining an expanded reputation as an environmental steward with New York City's high-profile Four Times Square.

80. Voice-over-Internet Protocol.

81. CCTV. Closed-circuit television originated in the 1950s; its main objective was to replace humans in visual security surveillance. Today's advances in CCTV technology--digital and movement activated--have turned video surveillance into one of the most valuable loss prevention, safety/security, and management tools available.

82. Water conservation in hotels. From the well-known towel/bed linen exchange programs (where multiple-night guests are given the option of re-using towels and linens during multiple-day stays) to faucet aerators/restrictors and low-flow showerheads and toilets, hotels across the country are making an effort to dial down the amount of water being used in their facilities.

83. Historic preservation. With the advent and support of historic preservation, restoring/renovating old buildings became just as appealing as bulldozing and starting new (especially with available tax incentives). Rehabilitation costs less than new construction and creates usable space faster.

84. Emergency planning/disaster recovery. Perhaps the most important result of numerous natural and manmade disaster conditions has been the industry's preparedness and action plans to address such calamities. Building professionals have accepted product and design innovation, too, from technologies that literally strengthen a structure to withstand extraordinary circumstances to wider stairwells that enable more expedient egress. Savvy-minded professionals established the concept of back-office operations--off-site--to ensure that business continuity was 24/7.

85. Automatic sprinklers recommended in high-rises. In the 1967 revision of the National Building Code, automatic sprinklers were advocated in new high-rise buildings, encouraging proactive fire and life-safety measures.

86. Federal clean air quality standards.

87. Urban sprawl. Master-planned downtowns with finite space spurred a move of housing, retail, and community activities to the suburbs. Growth was the operative word--few community leaders established long-range and all-encompassing development strategies, however.

88. From water closets to autoflushes. Automation took on a whole new realm when the sophistication of indoor plumbing grew by leaps and bounds. Automatic flush, which uses a triggering vs. a water-propulsion mechanism, maintained a higher level of hygiene in public washrooms than ever before.

89. Life-cycle analysis. Durability and longevity of products and projects became a strategic focus when professionals began looking at total cost of ownership vs. initial capital outlay. It took many years of hindsight, however, to become a broadly accepted standard of effecting the business of buildings. Hindsight still drives it.

90. Benchmarking. Measurable performance became the key--both against one's own organization and similar structures and operating philosophies (involving like-minded professionals).

91. Glazing technology. With innovations such as low-E, colored, and insulated glass, lower energy costs, improved comfort, diminished sound transmission, and decreased condensation are all realizable--not to mention the added and significant design options.

92. Urban heat islands. As vegetation is replaced by asphalt and concrete for roads, buildings, and other structures necessary to accommodate growing populations, these surfaces absorb rather than reflect the sun's heat, causing surface temperatures and overall ambient temperatures to rise. Coupled with the polluting activities of these larger populations, such as automobile use and the influx of industry, the result may be a local-to-expanding greenhouse effect.

93. Power reliability. Taking it to the "9s" took a new meaning with the advent of personal computers and data operations. These more sensitive pieces of equipment--now an integral part of business operations and continuity--turned former surge and power quality inconveniences into pressing business problems.

94. Ergonomics.

95. Facilities Management degrees. In the past, individuals tasked with building operations and management gravitated to the profession via hands-on experience or after studying a number of different disciplines--architecture and engineering, to name a few. Today, some U.S. colleges and universities are offering specialty training, certification, and degrees in facilities management.

96. Open-plan offices. With the adoption of open-plan design in the 1960s, flexibility increased, moves were simplified, and bosses grudgingly shared office spaces with subordinates. The new arrangement gave birth to space-planning software and acoustical products aimed at increasing privacy and productivity.

97. System integration. Whether you call it building automation, system integration, or intelligent buildings, the concept is the same: Equipment and systems (HVAC, security, lighting, etc.) work in concert to optimize building performance and efficiency. As various building systems share data via a communication protocol, they respond to building conditions (fire, security breaches, daylighting, etc.) with lightning speed. The result? Smooth building operations, maximum comfort and safety for occupants, and cost savings through increased efficiency.

98. Vinyl flooring. Originally used only in high-traffic areas, vinyl flooring has eventually become the most popular choice for floor in almost any hard-surface application. Today, resilient flooring is second only to carpet in floorcovering sales in the United States.

99. Chemical-based fire suppression. The popularity of the PC, proliferation of data centers, and importance of servers today has motivated the manufacture of clean-agent fire suppression systems that use chemicals rather than water. Most of these systems rob the fire of the oxygen it needs, smothering it and leaving computers, artwork, and furniture unharmed. A fire can damage your building, but it no longer has to cripple your business.

100. Outpatient care. Healthcare design has been revolutionized by minimally invasive surgeries and shorter recovery times. Space allocation has changed drastically as hospitals today need fewer beds and more technology.

By Linda K. Monroe, Editorial Director; Jana J. Madsen, Managing Editor; and Leah B. Garris, Associate Editor