Submitted by WA ContentsGiant ski resort features a 500-meter downhill slope with a pixelated multi-media faade in China China Architecture News - Dec 19, 2024 - 15:00 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Beijing and Shanghai-based architecture practice CLOU architects has designed a giant ski resort that features a 500-meter downhill slope with a pixelated multi-media faade in Wuhan, Hubei, China.Named Wuhan Ski Resort, the 178,000-square-metre structure comprises a variety of entertainment, sports, and retail facilities for groups around a central lake to form a super-large commercial complex, with architecture and facades in complementary scales of terraced three-dimensional pixels.Image Arch ExistSnow sports have gained popularity among China's younger generations as a recreational pastime thanks to the Beijing Winter Olympics, according to CLOU architects.This new kind of entertainment complex with a snow theme was created by the recently completed Wuhan Ski Resort, which combines real sports facilities with hotels, shops, theme parks, and other entertainment amenities. Professional sporting events, ski schools, and clubs are all included.Image Arch ExistWuhan Ski Resort, which is situated in the Huangpi district next to Mulan Ancient Town, is expected to become the area's new modern landmark. It consists of a large commercial complex that promotes snow sports year-round, with a central lake surrounded by a variety of entertainment, sports, and retail establishments.Wuhan Ski Resort establishes a new standard for all-inclusive entertainment with its well-balanced mix of outdoor theme park play areas, inside winter activities, and a connecting retail street.Image Arch ExistA unique super-sized complex where architecture and surfaces blend in complementary scales of terraced three-dimensional pixels, the masterplan combines carnival vibes, indoor and outdoor shopping precincts, watersports, and the abstracted vision of a mountain in an immersive experience.The complex is designed as a stage for 24-hour lakeside enjoyment. The framework of an integrative design language unifies three distinct building typologies of contrasting scale, enclosing three distinct leisure experiences.Image Arch ExistWuhan Ski Resort meets the desire for entertainment in one of China's most populated cities. Its 100-meter-high, half-kilometer-long indoor ski slope establishes a new standard for indoor winter sports. A vast outdoor carnival scene and a range of indoor and outdoor shopping options complement indoor snow fun.All of the components of a modular facade system include communal elements, which are subsequently decomposed and rearranged to produce identity in new synergies.Image Arch ExistIndoor-Outdoor urban living roomFoothills full of sports and nightlife venues spread towards the waterside, connecting plazas and retail streets with generously landscaped areas and interactive facades, below the half-kilometer long and 100-meter-high indoor ski slope with its pixelated multi-media facade.Image Arch ExistIndoor areas blend into the outdoors, revitalizing retail spaces both inside and outside with landscaping and entertainment options, and connecting to nearby transit hubs.Image Arch ExistImage Arch ExistImage Shrimp StudioImage Shrimp StudioImage Shrimp StudioImage Shrimp StudioImage Shrimp StudioImage Shrimp StudioImage Shrimp StudioImage Shrimp StudioImage Shrimp StudioImage Shrimp StudioImage Shrimp StudioConcept diagramConcept diagramConcept massingConcept diagramFloor planFloor planFloor planFloor planCLOU architects completed a kindergarten with white stacked blocks that features colourful additions in their faades. In addition, architects renovated Beijing's Huijing Twin Towers with a three-dimensional and light-filled city courtyard in Beijing, China.Project factsProject name:Wuhan Ski ResortArchitects:CLOU architectsClient:Wuhan Urban Construction GroupLocation:Wuhan, Hubei, ChinaSize: 178,000m2Design Director:Jan F. ClostermannDesign team: Zhi Zhang, Sebastian Loaiza, Zihao Ding, Liang Hao, Yiqiao Zhao, Christopher Biggin, Principia Wardhani, Artur Nitribitt, Jing Shuang Zhao, Liu Liu, Yinuo Zhou, Yuan Yuan Sun, Haiwei Xie.Landscape designer:WATERLILY DESIGN STUIDIOFaade engineer:China Construction Shen Zhen Decoration Co., LTDLighting Designer: Zhe Jiang Urban Construction Planning And Design InstituteConstruction drawings: CSADITop image in the article Arch Exist.All images Arch Exist, Shrimp Studio.All drawings CLOU architects.> via CLOU architects

Joint statement highlights apprenticeships role in addressing skills shortages and meeting government growth targetsSource: ShutterstockThe RIBA has issued a joint call with the RTPI, the CIOB, and RICS, calling for built environment Level 7 apprenticeships to be exempt from proposed changes to the Growth and Skills Levy.The four institutes, collectively representing approximately 200,000 professionals across the built environment sector, argue that the funding reforms could hinder efforts to address skills shortages and undermine the Governments growth and net-zero commitments.The government announced earlier this year that Level 7 apprenticeships, equivalent to a Masters degree, will recieve reduced funded through the Growth and Skills Levy. The change aims to shift funding priorities towards apprenticeships for young people and those at the start of their careers, as part of efforts to rebalance apprenticeship spending.Level 7 apprenticeships include RIBA Part 2 architectural programmes, such as the University of Cambridges Master of Studies in Architecture course. As part of the changes, employers are being encouraged to redirect funding towards apprenticeships for younger workers. This includes requiring businesses to cover more of the costs for Level 7 apprenticeships themselves.Universities have raised concerns that removing government funding could lead to their withdrawal from delivering Level 7 degree apprenticeships,exacerbatingthe skills gap across key sectors within the built environment industry.> Also read:Cambridge architecture apprenticeship produces first cohort of 16The institutes expressed concern that reduced access to levy funding would also limit employers ability to train or recruit Level 7 apprentices, potentially diminishing the sectors ability to meet the Governments stated growth objectives.In their statement, the organisations urged minister for skills, Baroness Smith of Malvern, that restricting employer access to levy funding for Level 7 apprenticeships could reduce the sectors capacity to meet increasing demand.The joint statement said:Built environment Level 7 apprentices play a key role in delivering the governments mission-led milestones of building 1.5 million homes over the course of this Parliament and the acceleration to achieving net zero. The governments recently published Plan for Change states that to deliver ambitions, it will require a rate of housebuilding and infrastructure construction not seen in over 50 years indicating an increased demand on capacity in an already under-resourced sector.As noted recently by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Plan for Change will require a cross-government approach. We strongly urge the government to deliver on that ambition by helping the built environment sector to address the skills shortage.The statement also emphasised the role of Level 7 apprenticeships in providing an additional route into built environment professions for individuals from underrepresented groups.

Historic England has spotlighted 17 of its most unusual buildings and places that were granted protection over the past year.The National Heritage List for England (NHLE) received 256 additions between November 2023 and November 2024 as well as 392 amendments to current listings.From a Brutalist church to paradise gardens, here is a handful of some of the most surprising items on the government advisors list:Broadmead Baptist Church, BristolSource: Historic England Archive1/7show captionBroadmead Baptist Church in the heart of Bristols Broadmead shopping centre is an example of post-war church architecture. Built between 1967 and 1969 to the Brutalist design of architect Ronald H Sims, it is locally referred to as the church above the shops.Retail on the ground floor provides income for the concrete-clad church facilities above, which internally features a sculptural timber screen known as the Cloud of Witnesses.The religious hub was the original base for Baptists in Bristol and the site has been used for worship since the 17th century, with the current church incorporating a collection of plaques and glass from the previous three iterations of the building.It was designated grade II-listed in August for reasons of architectural interest.The Mitre Inn, DudleySource: Historic England Archive1/5show captionThe Mitre Inn in Stourbridge was built between 1932 and 1934 to the Tudor revival design of Scott and Clarke Wednesbury, a firm responsible for many Black Country public houses during the inter-war years.The pubs exterior has black and white timber beams on the first floor and embellished glass windows. Meanwhile, the buildings interior retains its original fittings, including stained glass, bespoke fireplaces and a decorated ceiling.This style of pub became known as Brewers Tudor and marked a shift towards improved public houses that were aimed at attracting a growing middle class. This detailed design and history earned the Mitre Inn its grade II-listing in October.16 Warley Way, EssexSource: Historic England Archive1/3show captionBuilt in 1935 in the International Modern Style, Oliver Hills design focused on space and light. The detached house is compact and still has many of its original features, including curved walls, pine block floors and built-in cupboards.The open plan dwelling was the show-home of a planned seaside resort at Frinton-on-Sea that was never fully realised. Only 40 houses were completed on the 40-acre Frinton Park Estate development, which aimed to introduce modernist architecture to a wider audience. Of the 38 remaining homes, ten were designed by Oliver Hill.Alterations made to the flat-roofed house in later years such as the removal of the original metal-framed casement windows and tubular steel balcony rails were reversed in the late 20th century.Architectural and historic interest saw the property grade II-listed in March.Gardens and pleasure grounds at Brownsea Castle, DorsetSource: Historic England Archive1/6show captionThe early to mid-18th century garden was originally laid out around Brownsea Castle, a country house built on the ruins of a Tudor blockhouse on Brownsea Island. The landscape started as a small Arcadian pleasure ground and expanded in the 19th century across most of the island. Although a large part of the landscape was damaged by fire in 1934, the green spaces are now home to lakes, specimen trees, a network of walking routes and wildlife, including red squirrels.The castles walled garden is enclosed by historic brick walls and features a central sundial and a circular gazebo, while its terraced garden offers views across the open water.Brownsea Island hosted Lord Baden-Powells experimental scout camp in 1907 and is known as the birthplace of the scouting movement, as well as for its green spaces that reflect the evolution of English garden design.Wallasey Central Library, WirralSource: Historic England Archive1/4show captionThe Wallasey Central Library opened in 1911 with the support of prominent education charity the Carnegie Trust. Today, it stands out as one of the best-preserved Carnegie libraries with symmetrical facades in the country.Its Edwardian Baroque exterior is mostly terracotta-coloured, contrasting the aquamarine tiles along the lower walls and staircase. Meanwhile, the buildings original shelving, radiators and adjustable fresh-air vents are retained inside.The library became one of the earliest separate childrens libraries in 1915, marking a significant development of childrens library services in the early 20th century. It continues to serve as a childrens community library, following a remodelling to address Second World War bomb damage.Attached to the former Earlston House, which has been in use as a library since 1899, Wallasey Central Library, including Earlston House, was granted grade II-listed status in November.Former maternity ward at Princess Royal Community Hospital, HuddersfieldSource: Historic England ArchiveSource: Historic England Archive1/2show captionThe 1928 single-storey maternity ward was built in response to the 1918 Maternity and Child Welfare Act, which represented an important development in the provision of public healthcare for women.Designed in the Arts and Crafts style, well-ventilated single-occupancy rooms were chosen over traditional communal wards to raise the standards of infection control and reduce infant mortality.The ward formed part of the Huddersfield Municipal Maternity Home, established to give expectant mothers improved care. The facility also offered communal pavilion rooms and patios to enhance the wellbeing of recovering mothers post-partum and encourage socialisation.It spent 56 years as a maternity hospital until the last baby was born there in October 1984. It then became the Princess Royal Community Hospital.The former maternity ward became grade II-listed in August due to its historical significance and architectural interest, including itsrelatively unaltered exterior and interior with a good survival of original fittings and fixtures.Historic Englands 17 most remarkable heritage listings for 2024Former Maternity Ward, (Block 2), Princess Royal Community Hospital, Huddersfield (Grade II) HD1 4EWBroadmead Baptist Church, Union Street and 1 Whippington Court, Bristol, BS1 3HY (Grade II)Fingerpost at Toddington, junction of B4077 and Church Lane, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL54 5DQ (Grade II)Tomb of Mary Ellis, 5 metres south of the south porch of the Church of St Clements, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 1AR (Grade II)Tomb of William Goodlad, in the churchyard of St Clements Church, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 1AR (Grade II)Tomb of Mary Anna Haddock, in the churchyard of St Clements Church, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 1AR (Grade II)Electricity Junction Box on Fitzwilliam Street, Huddersfield, HD1 5AY (Grade II)Cromford Mills, Derwent Valley World Heritage Site, Derbyshire DE4 3RQ (List amednment at Grade I)Browndown First World War Practice Trenches, Gosport (part of a wider list entry) (scheduled monument)The Mitre Inn, Lower High Street, Stourbridge, Dudley, DY8 1TS (Grade II)Gardens and pleasure grounds at Brownsea Castle, Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Dorset, BH13 7EE (Grade II park and garden)Wallasey Central Library, including former Earlston House, Earlston Road, Wallasey, CH45 5DX (Grade II)16 Warley Way, Frinton-On-Sea, Essex Co13 9pa (Grade II)Ashby Walled Garden, Heath Road, Ashby de la Launde, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN4 3BT (Grade II)Inglis Portable Military Bridge (light type) over the Basingstoke Canal, Hampshire GU11 2HJ (Grade II)Wonersh United Reformed Church, Wonersh Common, Wonersh, Guildford, GU5 0PJ Surrey (Grade II)Church of St Mary and lychgate, Church Lane, Crossway Green, Worcestershire, DY13 9SQ (Grade II)

Tallest building will be 42 storeysPlans to build two towers at the former Earls Court exhibition venue have been attacked by local residents, planning documents have revealed.The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC), a joint venture between Delancey, Dutch pension fund manager APG and Transport for London, lodged a 7.5 million sq ft masterplan for the 10bn scheme in west London in September.Architects working on the hybrid planning application include Maccreanor Lavington, Sheppard Robson, dRMM, Haworth Tompkins and Serie.How Sheppard Robsons 42-storey tower will lookOthers working on the development include consultants T&T, Cast, Hoare Lea, G&T and WSP.Two towers of 42 and 27 storeys, designed by Sheppard Robson and Maccreanor Lavington respectively, have been criticised as being too high, according to objections filed on Kensington & Chelseas planning portal. The other local authority determining the application, Hammersmith & Fulham, has not made comments publicly available on its site.Sheppard Robsons 42-storey tower will comprise 278 homes for open market sale as well as a lounge, workspace and gym at level one. Levels 39 and 40 would feature a double-height conservatory and private dining area with two terraces.Meanwhile, Maccreanor Lavingtons 27-storey tower will provide 202 homes and comprise a mix of studios, one to three bedroom flats and two town houses.But in a joint statement, the Kensington, Hammersmith, Fulham and Earls Court Societies and the London Forum Lillie Road Residents Association said the tallest tower is about the same height as the Walkie-Talkie building on Fenchurch Street and would dominate local views for miles around.ECDC said: We are committed to delivering beautiful, well-designed and sustainable buildings of the highest quality. Delivered in the first phase, our taller buildings will demonstrate the design excellence of the new Earls Court, putting it on the London skyline.In all, 4,000 homes are planned with the first residents expected to move in in 2030. Later phases will be built out over the following years with completion of the wider scheme scheduled for 2041.

The winner is Studio Weavewith Wright & Wright Architects, Webb Yates Engineers, Tom Massey Studio and Daisy Froud.The shortlist included Periscopewith Assemble; Publicawith Carmody Groarke; and EastArchitectureand Hayatsu Architects with Bradley-Hole Schoenaich Landscape.Collective Cultures comprising OMMX, AANF, Msoma Architects, YAA Projects with J&L Gibbons was also among the finalists.AdvertisementThis contest was only open to members of Lot 4 of the Greater London Authoritys Architecture + Urbanism Framework.The project is intended as a rapid, high-quality response to improve the museums arrival experience, which currently involves an open-air queuing system and a series of temporary tent-like structures for security screening. The central London museum receives more than 6 million visitors annually.The scheme is intended to serve as a precursor to a permanent project reconsidering the complexs relationship to its surrounding public realm. This is expected in a later phase of the museums ongoing regeneration masterplan.The shortlisted teams were asked to develop high-quality, flexible and sustainable proposals, with a clear end-of-life plan that will also account for the reuse of any structures erected on the site.The winning team will now work with the British Museum and local partners to develop the designs and prepare a planning application, with new pavilions expected to be in place by spring 2026.AdvertisementThe entrances competition sitesNicholas Cullinan, director of the British Museum, said: As the most visited building in the UK, and one of the top three most visited museums in the world, first impressions count. With the visitor welcome pavilions were striving to create the most inspiring greeting possible for the 6.2 million people (and counting) from across the nation and around the world who come through our doors each year whether it's their first visit or fifteenth, aged five or 95.We were very impressed by Studio Weaves initial proposals. They perfectly balance athoughtful visitor experience while remaining true to the British Museums historic building. Im delighted to be working with them, and I look forward to leading the development of the designs in consultation with the London Borough of Camden and other key stakeholders to create something very special for everyone.Je Ahn,foundingdirector of Studio Weave, said: As Londoners, and long-term visitors, we are honoured to be part of this moment in the Museums history. With the entry, our team wanted to celebrate the British Museum as both a global and a local museum, and create an internationally exemplary space that will improve the experience of Great Russell Street and Montague Place for everybody.Our proposal aims to resolve complex issues on the site. The project will preserve the appearance of the historic Grade I-listed buildings, address the changing climate and look forward to the future of the institution. It will also introduce new soft landscaping and plants, dotted with engaging installations encouraging curiosity and becoming a memorable highlight of every visit.The winner announcement comes just four months after the British Museum revealed the five design teams shortlisted to overhaul more than a third of its gallery spaces and rework behind-the-scenes areas.It also coincides with initial design exercise models and images by the shortlisted teams going on display in the Museums Round Reading Room.The exercise asked each of the teams to provide visionary approaches for the project, alongside the outline design of a limited selection of museum displays, rather than to create concept designs for the scheme as a whole.That parallel contest, which launched before the welcome experience competition and has faced controversy due to financial backing from fossil fuel giant BP, focuses on the western area of the Grade I-listed museum, which currently hosts collections of Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman artefacts.The job will be the museums biggest building project since the 1820s when work began on Robert Smirkes original Greek Revival-style quadrangle. The 100,000m museum has around 3,500 different rooms and features more than eight million items in its permanent collection.Three years ago, the museum named four architects on a 45 million construction consultancy services framework: Avanti Architects, Dannatt Johnson Architects, Nex Architecture and Wright & Wright Architects.Stanton Williams completed a new Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World at the British Museum in 2019. In 2014, RSHP completed the museums World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre extension.The entrances shortlistCollective Cultures (OMMX, AANF, Msoma Architects, YAA Projects) with J&L GibbonsEastArchitectureand Hayatsu Architects with Bradley-Hole Schoenaich LandscapePeriscopewith AssemblePublicawith Carmody Groarke[WINNER] Studio Weave with Wright & Wright Architects, Webb Yates Engineers, Tom Massey Studio and Daisy Froud

The winner is GPAD, POoR Collective, MRG Studio, Sutton Vane Associates, Cundall, and MDA Consulting, with their Beyond the Bridge proposal, which aims to boost community engagement, sustainability and safety while reflecting the rich cultural identity of Wandsworth.GPAD and POoR Collective said: We are delighted to be selected to design the Transformation of Falcon Road Bridge. We know the area very well, as the team have worked with local schools and co-designed installations nearby.We are super-excited to co-design another project in Wandsworth and to include local young people, residents and community groups throughout the process. This project gives opportunity for meaningful community engagement that will help shape the design to enrich the local environment for residents and visitors alike.AdvertisementWinner: GPAD, POoR Collective, MRG Studio, Sutton Vane Associates, Cundall, and MDA ConsultingThe other finalists included Adams & Sutherland with Studio ANF, make:good and Artin Light; andre kong studio with Arup and Kanda; Assemble with Samara Scott, Flock Together, Studio Dekka, Stinsensqueeze and Momentum; and Voice B4 Vision.Also shortlisted are Alvaro Barrington with Casswell Bank Architects, Aldo Rinaldi, Our Building Design, ARUP, and Stockdale; and Flanagan Lawrence with Social Space, Arup, Expedition, Light Follows Behaviour, Mo Almedia, Mark and Theo Chaudoir.Each team received an honorarium of 1,500 to further develop their designs and present them to a public audience for consultation. All seven designs were also displayed in three local locations and online with the public invited to submit feedback.The competition invited architects, landscape architects, designers and artists to draw up concepts for the poorly lit, congested and under-maintained town centre underpass, which would transform it into a new vibrant, artistic space connecting north and south Battersea.It also aims to improve safety and accessibility, create a pleasant and joyful environment for all users of the 100m-long route, and deliver a visually striking intervention that promotes sustainable travel while celebrating local heritage and diversity.AdvertisementThe winning team will now lead the fabrication and installation of their concept, to be completed by autumn 2025 to coincide with Wandsworths year as the Mayor of Londons Borough of Culture. The budget includes an indicative 12.5 per cent to cover design fees and other management costs.LFA director Rosa Rogina said: Beyond the Bridge beautifully embodies the spirit of transformation and inclusivity that is at the heart of the London Festival of Architecture. By weaving the voices and stories of Wandsworths communities into the design, this project celebrates local identity in a deeply meaningful way.We are thrilled to see such a visionary and community-focused proposal come to life, redefining Falcon Road Bridge as a landmark of connection, creativity, and pride for all who pass through it.Simon Hogg, leader of Wandsworth Council, which is backing the scheme, said: Im delighted to welcome the winning bridge design team to Wandsworth to help us make a real difference to the Clapham Junction area and involve local people in the project.As part of our Decade of Renewal, the makeover to Falcon Road Bridge will be paid for by property developers. This new bridge design will provide a better and brighter route and create a new landmark for the borough during our year as London Borough of Culture 2025.The Falcon Road Bridge covers a 100m-long stretch of road running underneath railway tracks at the eastern end of Clapham Junction station in the heart of Battersea. Source:Image by Kes EcclestonContest site: Falcon Road Bridge, BatterseaThe competition judges included artist Helen Cammock; Anthony Dewar, professional head buildings and architecture at Network Rail; Jagdip Jagpal, art curator and chair of UP Projects; and Satu Streatfield, specialist associate, night-time and lighting at Publica.The competition comes four years after an overhaul of nearby Thessaly Road railway bridge was completed by artist and designer Yinka Ilori. His Happy Street concept won an earlier LFA contest. Emerging practice Projects Office won an LFA competition to revamp a disused railway arch in Nine Elms in 2021.The Winning Design: Beyond the BridgeWinner: GPAD, POoR Collective, MRG Studio, Sutton Vane Associates, Cundall, and MDA ConsultingBeyond the Bridge transforms the underpass into a welcoming and inspiring environment, addressing key community concerns such as safety, lighting, and noise reduction. Central to the design is the concept of community ownership:Dynamic Lighting: Responsive and artistic lighting enhances visibility and celebrates local cultural events, creating a vibrant and safe space day and night.Green Gateway: A focus on air quality and biodiversity introduces pollinator-friendly plants and accessible micro-gardens.Community Wayfinding and Art: The underpass features a 'Memories of Wandsworth' wayfinding wall, co-designed with local residents, celebrating landmarks and stories through art and dynamic murals.Acoustic Comfort: Panels integrated with artistic elements reduce noise and improve comfort for all users, including neurodivergent individuals.The shortlistAdams & Sutherland with Studio ANF, make:good and Artin Lightandre kong studio with Arup and KandaAssemble, Samara Scott, Flock Together, Studio Dekka, Stinsensqueeze, MomentumAlvaro Barrington, Casswell Bank Architects, Aldo Rinaldi, Our Building Design, ARUP, and StockdaleVoice B4 VisionFlanagan Lawrence with Social Place, Expedition, ARUP, Light Follows Behaviour, Gustafson Porter + Bowman, Mo Almedia, Mark and Theo Chaudoir[WINNER] GPAD, POoR Collective, MRG Studio, Sutton Vane Associates, Cundall, and MDA Consulting

The Chicago-based practice has submitted early drawings to the City of London Corporation for the redevelopment of 1 Silk Street, to replace an office building tucked into the north-east corner of Chamberlin, Powell and Bons celebrated Brutalist landmark.SOMs 100,000m proposal would demolish the existing 1980s office building on the 0.57ha site, formerly home to law firm Linklaters, to make way for a 21-storey office building comprising two towers.According to the scoping report, the proposed development would comprise a single building capable of being viewed as two separate east and west elements and capable of subdivision into separate tenancies. The existing substructure would be retained as the foundations of the new development.AdvertisementThe mixed-use scheme would include landscaped terraces, new public routes through the site and new open space and commercial space at ground level. Source:Google EarthExisting building at 1 Silk StreetSOMs early visualisations form part of a scoping opinion request for the site, submitted by developer Lipton Rogers on behalf of investor La Salle.The existing 1 Silk Street building currently dominating the site consists of two interlinked towers designed by Fitzroy Robinson Partnership the 17-storey Milton House to the east and 13-storey Shire House to the west featuring heavily glazed faades.The buildings were internally and externally refurbished to designs by Sheppard Robson between 1994 and 1996.The proposed redevelopment is to ensure that offices at 1 Silk Street align with new requirements that come into force next year for commercial buildings to have a minimum EPC rating of C.AdvertisementIn the scoping report, 1 Silk Street is described by environmental consultants Trium as a utilitarian office building that does not represent the best work by either firm of well-known architects associated with its construction and refurbishment.The consultants explain: Architecturally, the building is not distinguished, nor does it present an innovative approach to office design; rather, its current condition reflects the office requirements of the time of its refurbishment in the mid-1990s.The existing building is not considered to have any architectural merit, and it detracts from the streetscape as a result of the inactive frontages and lack of permeability.The proposed development seeks to improve the ground floor experience and introduce a building of higher architectural quality, explains the report.A full planning application is expected to be submitted next year and, pending approval, completion is scheduled for 2032.SOM and La Salle have been contacted for comment.

Hot off the press! Our last newsletter of the year is here.This special edition provides a trip down memory lane as we reminisce on all the incredible things our amazing DNEG and ReDefine crews have accomplished over the last 12 months.Heres a sneak peek:INSPIRING COLLABORATIONS Reminisce on our biggest releases of the year, including Dune: Part Two, The Garfield Movie and moreAWARDS AND INDUSTRY RECOGNITION Catch up on the recognition our amazing crews received in 2024 (so far!), from our Emmy award for The Last of Us to our AEAF wins for both Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Godzilla x Kong: The New EmpireEXCITING DEVELOPMENTS Uncover the ways we went above and beyond this year to deliver the best version of everything that we doClick to read:Thank you to our teams for another great year of movie magic! Enjoy this supercut of some of the extraordinary films and shows we were honoured to help bring to life this year:Want to stay up to date in 2025? Subscribe here! See you next year!

A federal government shutdown is looking increasingly likely as theHouse of Representatives failed to pass a short-term spending bill Thursday. The House was scrambling to approve a budget after House Republicans and President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday said they opposed an earlier short-term spending bill that would have kept the government running into next year. "This chaos would not be happening if we had a real president,"Trump said in a statement. "We will in 32 days."Lawmakers have until the end of Friday, Dec. 20, to pass a spending bill that will fund the federal government into next spring while it hashes out the long-term federal budget. If that deadline passes without Congress approving funding, the government will enter into a shutdown period until one is passed, during which time federal employees will be furloughed without pay and certain government services will cease to operate.The US government has been shut down 10 times in its long history, the first one coming in late 1981. The most recent shutdown started in December 2018 and was arguably the most significant of them all, lasting a record 35 days. While the government hasn't shut down since then, the threat of one has become increasingly more common in recent years whenever funding deadlines approach.Should a shutdown occur to close out 2024, you can expect some vital services to persist while others stall. You can read on for all the details. For more, find out how to protect your Social Security number from thieves and how long you have left to sign up for ACA health insurance.Will I still get Social Security during a government shutdown? Upgrade your inbox Get cnet insider From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated. The Social Security Administration has plans in place to ensure that Social Security checks will still be sent out in the event of a government shutdown. This applies for Social Security benefits as well as Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance.You could, however, expect to see delays for other Social Security Administration services, including the issuance of new Social Security cards and appointments for benefit applications, as well as responses to requests for customer service. Other things like benefit verifications and processing overpayments will stop entirely.Will I still get Medicare during a government shutdown?Just like with Social Security, you can expect to continue receiving benefits during a government shutdown if you have Medicare or Medicaid. According to a rundown posted by the office of Virginia Rep. Jennifer Wexton, these benefits, however, could cease in the event that a shutdown lasted longer than three months, but such a possibility is considerably outside the realm of historical precedent.Will a government shutdown impact federal nutrition programs?Food assistance programs are at a significant risk of losing funding in the event of a government shutdown. If you're among the tens of millions of Americans who participate in programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, your benefits could run out shortly after the start of a shutdown. The Department of Agriculture is also authorized to send out SNAP benefits for only 30 days from the start of a shutdown, funding or no.Will a government shutdown impact air travel?Federal employees in this field are still expected to work during a shutdown despite the fact that they will not be paid during it, so you will most likely not see an immediate impact on air travel. This includes air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration officers, and Customs and Border Protection agents.However, according to Rep. Wexton's breakdown of government shutdowns, it isn't unheard of for these employees to not show up during a government shutdown, which can result in the flow of travel at airports being heavily delayed.What is keeping Congress from approving a short-term budgetOn Wednesday, Trump came out against a proposed budget resolution that looked to have enough support to pass the House, demanding that it be reworked to either raise the debt limit or abolish it entirely,writing in a joint statement with Vice President-Elect JD Vancethat "anything else is a betrayal of our country." GOP support of the resolution in Congress stalled as Trump suggested that any who supported it would be targeted in future primary elections.The debt limit imposes a cap on how much debt the US Treasury can take on, which largely impacts how much it can borrow to pay down obligations. The limit was previously raised during funding negotiations in 2023 and raising it again was not initially part of negotiations."GOP extremists want House Democrats to raise the debt ceiling so that House Republicans can lower the amount of your Social Security check, Hard pass," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries saidin a statement posted to Bluesky.For more, find out what sort of changes could be on the way for Medicare in 2025.

Internet in Jersey City is somewhat limited with just a few providers available. However, residents can still get access to multigig internet speeds.