From an “expanding” classroom to the use of virtual care at medical centers and methods to keep hospitals functioning while under renovation, construction pros are having to think way outside the box.

For energy efficient designs, builders are learning to use a new tool called ecoMetrics, which makes it possible to compare and measure different energy-saving measures and extrapolate data for use in project design. And there’s the Xylem pods, a futuristic community style pod that can lower outdoor temperatures by as much a nine degrees F. 

Read the full article, which includes more trends, from The Boss Magazine.