(pronounced like the initials: bee-eye-pee-vee) The abbreviation for building integrated photovoltaics, which is one of the fastest growing areas of the solar power industry. Since photovoltaics is the method of using solar radiation (sunlight) to generate direct current electricity,

(pronounced BIHS-keht joynt) In the US, a biscuit is a delicious, round flour-based concoction best served with gravy or butter and jelly. In UK, a biscuit is a delicious, round flour-based concoction best accompanied by tea or milk. In

(pronounced BLAYN-keht) No, we’re not talking about the coverlet on your bed or Michael Jackson’s youngest child — here us out… The smallest textile samples are presented on cards or in books that can easily be stored in a

(pronounced BLEED-ing) We’re not talking about Medieval blood-letting here. No leeches in sight. This kind of bleeding has to do with colored dyes hemorrhaging into/onto one another. OK, enough with the macabre imagery here… Sometimes bleeding dye is a

(pronounced BLEE-zur) Related to trends within the hospitality industry, this term refers to a combination of “business” and “leisure.” Less formal than their business travel forerunners, bleisure travelers don’t need the formality of conference rooms and business centers to

(pronounced blawk ree-PEET) Pattern. Whether in music or design, the brain craves it, especially the distinct repetition of elements that produces either an aural or visual rhythm. The block repeat is the simplest of patterns and appears everywhere: on

(pronounced BLU-prihnt) Until the advent of large-scale xerographic photocopiers in the late 1990s, blueprints were the only way to accurately and rapidly mass-produce hardcopies of design professionals’ construction documents and manufacturers’ mechanical drawings. Blueprint shops would take the drawings

(pronounced BOHLT) In the A&D world, this word has several meanings: 1) A roll of cloth with a specified length. 2) A rod or bar used to fasten a door. 3) The portion of a lock that is inserted

(pronounced bahm-BAY or bo(n)-BAY) I’m sorry, but when I hear this word all I can think of is “Calling Dr. Bombay! Emergency! Come right away!" from the late 60s / early 70s TV show