The American Institute of Architects has reported that despite September gains, the Architecture Billings Index dropped below 50 in October, indicating a contraction in the demand for non-residential construction projects. Kermit Baker, AIA’s Chief Economist, points to the credit squeeze for new building proposals and a still sluggish economy as major reasons for decreased construction activity. This most recent ABI reading has analysts predicting a rather slow and volatile recovery, with no significant growth until late 2011 at the earliest. To read more about these predictions, click .