The Construction Record™ Podcast

The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 363: How 9/11 changed construction

The Construction Record™ Podcast

Show Notes

On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with ConstructConnect director of news media Vince Versace on the 23rd anniversary of 9/11 about how the subsequent study of the tragedy led to new designs and building practices. Vince explained how new forms of egress were adopted in tall buildings in order to facilitate evacuations, how construction moved away from the "core pillar" design of the Twin Towers and improved resiliency not only against a hostile attack but other stressors. Another change was adoption across the world of more uniform building codes and improvement of those codes to ensure such an event doesn't happen again. As climate change continues to stress-test cities and buildings across the world, Vince speculated similar sharing might occur to improve resiliency of built forms. You can listen to our recent podcast with Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) president Jeannine Martin and British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) president Chris Atchison about the upcoming B.C. election here and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on Libsyn and at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music's podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services

More from The Construction Record™ Podcast

Dec 31, 2025

On this special episode of The Construction Record Podcast, ConstructConnect director of news media Vince Versace and daily news editor Lindsey Cole examine the significant trends and event that shaped the construction industry in 2025. The ongoing U.S. tariff challenge topped the list of topics, along with seismic shifts in Canadian politics and the construction industry's response to changing political conditions both federally and internationally. Lindsey also compiled a list of the year's biggest projects, including Site C, the ongoing challenges of developing the Ring of Fire, and the long-gestating Eglinton Crosstown LRT project in Toronto. Episodes of The Construction Record are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on Libsyn and at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. Thanks for listening.

Oct 31, 2025

On a special episode of The Construction Record Podcast, it is Halloween time as ConstructConnect director of news media Vince Versace and DCN-JOC editor Lindsey Cole gather around the news cauldron to discuss scary literature involving construction along with a look at the real-world fears keeping the industry up at night.

Sep 29, 2025

On this special episode of The Construction Record Podcast, ConstructConnect director of news media Vince Versace and correspondent Warren Frey report from the 36th annual VRCA Awards of Excellence held in downtown Vancouver. Vince and Warren discuss both the projects showcased, the current state of project building in B.C. and the legacy of the awards, created almost four decades ago by the Journal of Commerce. We also have an interview with Vancouver Regional Construction Association president Jeannine Martin, who both celebrated the projects and people recognized at this year's awards but also reflected on current trends such as recovery from supply chain issues and the effect of tariffs on the industry. Episodes of The Construction Record are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on Libsyn and at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. Thanks for listening.

Oct 31, 2024

On a special Halloween episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey is joined by ConstructConnect director of news media Vince Versace and contributing writer Peter Kenter to discuss both ghost towns and participate in our annual horror film geek-out. Peter has been crafting an article about ghost towns in both Canada and the U.S. and explains how abandoned places frozen in time can feel just as haunted as supernatural locales. Vince and Peter also discuss the phenomenon of "ghost cities" in China where entire neighbourhoods are built and unfilled and the eerie atmosphere of architectural styles frozen in time. Warren, Peter and Vince also speak to both the latest horror films they've been watching and some classic horror they think deserves another viewing. You can listen to our recent interview with VRCA president Jeannine Martin about the 2024 Awards of Excellence gala here. Our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on Libsyn and at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music's podcast section. Thanks for listening. The Construction Economy Outlook: 2025 Starts Now Night of the Living Dead Dawn of the Dead Evil Dead Terrified Rec History of the Occult DCN-JOC News Services

Oct 25, 2024

On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey and daily news editor Lindsey Cole look at not only the 2024 Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) Awards of Excellence but also the leading stories in construction across Canada. Lindsey spoke about the Ontario Building Trades convention covered by staff writer Don Wall, with a focus on the NextStar plant currently being built in Ontario, as well as coverage of RESCON's housing summit. Warren also talked about his recent story covering industry reaction to the recent B.C. election which as of publication still doesn't have a clear winner. We also have a feature interview with VRCA president Jeannine Martin, who talked about the changes to this year's awards, including VRCA director of advocacy and engagement Craig Larkins co-hosting the event with Juno winning Vancouver comedian Ivan Decker. She also explained the Awards role in celebrating the Lower Mainland's construction industry and some of its biggest and most innovative projects. You can listen to our recent interview with Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan (CIRP) executive director Vicki Waldron and Community Savings Credit Union vice-president of strategic partnerships Raj Khunkhun here. Our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on Libsyn and at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music's podcast section. Thanks for listening. The Construction Economy Outlook: 2025 Starts Now DCN-JOC News Services

See all episodes →