The amount of green belt land likely to be released as a result of the governments grey belt policy is likely to be lower than speculation has suggested, according to the housing minister.Appearing in front of the House of Lords built environment committee on Wednesday, Matthew Pennycook said he could not say exactly how much land would be released and refused to put a target on the level of delivery expected from the grey belt, although he said it would likely be less than 10% of overall green belt.Source: MHCLG / FlickrHousing and planning minister Matthew PennycookWere only talking about releases where local authorities are unable to meet assessed housing needs through brownfield development alone, but where it does need to be released, it will be based on a local figure, and that will differ in lots of different areas.So it is not, Im afraid, as easy as plucking a sort of single digit figure out of the air.Im quite happy to say we dont think it will be a significant quantity of land, but it will be a modest amount of land that does make a difference, he said, while challenging suggestions from peers that such a limited release would not be meaningful.He also said the level of release as a total proportion of the green belt would be lower than the double-digit estimates made by organisations such as Lichfields and LandTech.I think what we could say about those sorts of figures in those ranges is they are not overlaid with the policy requirements Im talking about, he said, noting that they did not take into account the governments golden rules and other requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework.What I would say is that Im confident that we will see green belt release through grey belt in single digits in terms of a total proportion of the green belt, and thats what I mean by not significant, he said.Pennycook stressed that the purpose of the grey belt policy was to make the release of green belt land more strategic.We thought there was a smarter, strategic way to release the right parts of the green belt, he said.Pennycooks appearance came at the end of the built environment committees short inquiry into the grey belt policy, which saw the original definition of the category called into question.> Also read:From green to grey: How the grey belt could steer development towards the wrong places> Also read:NPPF: Government drops 50% affordable housing requirement for grey belt sitesWitnesses suggested that the definition of grey belt lacked clarity and would lead to confusion among planners and a surge in legal challenges.Such concerns resulted in the government tightening up their definition of the term in the final version of the NPPF, published last week.Pennycook told the committee that the terms that the new definition are based on havecommon sense meaning in the courts.I dont think it introduces a level [] of ambiguity that is not present in other parts of the National Planning Policy Framework, I think its quite clear what the definition is, he said.The final version of the NPPF also saw the government drop its 50% affordability requirement, replacing it with a 15% premium on local requirements.Explaining the change, Pennycook said the previous approach would have made a huge swathe of sites in the Midlands and the North unviable.Quizzed on why the government had not set out interim targets for achieving its overall aim of building 1.5m homes across the parliament, Pennycook blamed the inheritance from the previous government.If we had inherited from the previous government a steady state of supply at a high level. We could have said we intend to continue with that steady state of supply or increase it by a margin amount, he said.>Also read:Lack of clarity over grey belt definition will lead to confusion and legal challenges, Lords told>Also read:Will Labours grey belt plans boost housebuilding or turn out to be an ill-defined gimmick?What we have instead inherited is a very sharp downturn in supply, I go so far as to say a collapse in affordable housing supply in many parts of the country. So we are in a real trough.He acknowledged that the 1.5m target was incredibly difficult, suggesting that a lower target of 1.1m would have been very easy to deliver given the scale of the governments planning reforms.We decided not to do that because I dont think it would have been commensurate with the scale of the housing crisis we see across the country, he said.Pennycook also spoke about the thoroughly depleted nature of local planning departments, which he blamed on historic cuts.Im slightly Im sort of straying outside my brief but when you sort of confront the challenges of the housing and planning system that weve inherited, you pretty much bump up against the fact that the state has been hollowed out in several areas that directly impact upon the functioning of that system, he said.

The government has published its proposals for changing compulsory purchase order (CPO) powers to allow councils to buy land for affordable housing development at a lower price.CPOs can be used by the public sector to procure land for development in the public interestIn a consultation paper today, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government set out plans aimed at making it easier for councils, combined authorities and other bodies, including Homes England, to buy vacant land from landowners.Under the proposals, public bodies will not have to pay hope value costs which include an estimate of what the land could be worth if developed on in the future if the development is in the public interest.The previous governments Levelling Up and Regeneration Act brought in a power for directions to be included in CPOs to remove hope value from calculations of compensation to the landowners.The Labour government is now proposing expanding this further to allow CPOs to be made on behalf of town and community councils by local authorities to remove hope value where they schemes are facilitating affordable or social housing.The paper said the governments engagement with town councils has indicated there is scope for an increased use of CPOs on their behalf to enable small schemes where back-to-back agreements could be arranged with registered providers of affordable housing.Matthew Pennycook, housing minister, said:In our manifesto, we committed ourselves to further compulsory purchase reform to deliver more housing, infrastructure, amenity, and transport benefits in the public interest.>>See also:Updated National Planning Policy Framework explainedThe consultation we are launching today is the next step in fulfilling that commitment proposing reforms that will make the process faster and more efficient, enabling more land value to be captured and then invested in schemes for public benefit.The consultation will run into 13 February.The government also announced in a separate consultation that it will remove the New Homes Bonus in its current format after 2025/26.The bonus is paid to councils as an incentive to ensure delivery of housing in their areas, however it has faced criticism for not being allocated according to need.A brief history of compulsory purchase and hope valueCompulsory purchase powers in the UK date back to the Lands Clauses Consolidation Act of 1845, which established a legal framework for acquiring private land for public infrastructure projects, such as railways and canals. These powers allowed authorities to override landowner objections in the interest of delivering essential public works. While the framework evolved over the years, the 1947 Town and Country Planning Act marked a turning point, embedding compulsory purchase within a modern planning system and enabling large-scale developments, such as new towns.Source: ShutterstockThe 1947 Town and Country Planning Act enabled public sector development corporations to purchase agricultural land without the uplift of hope value, facilitating the creation of new towns such as StevenageIn the UK, a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) is a legal tool that allows public authorities, or bodies acting on their behalf, to acquire land or property without the consent of the owner when it is deemed necessary for a project that serves the public interest. CPOs are typically used for developments such as infrastructure projects, regeneration schemes, housing developments, or other initiatives that deliver clear public benefits.The process is governed by legislation, including the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 and various acts specific to the type of development, such as the Highways Act 1980 or the Housing and Planning Act 2016. Before a CPO is granted, the acquiring authority must demonstrate that the acquisition is essential for the proposed scheme, that the scheme is viable, and that it balances the public benefit against the impact on affected landowners. Landowners are entitled to fair compensation, which typically reflects the market value of the property in a hypothetical no-scheme world, as well as additional costs and losses incurred due to the acquisition.The 1947 Act established a fundamental principle of the UK planning system: landowners were not entitled to compensation for potential development value if planning permission was refused. This no-compensation rule ensured that local authorities could exercise planning powers without the risk of crippling liabilities to landowners whose schemes were turned down. Crucially, it enabled post-war new town corporations to acquire agricultural land without significant value uplifts, facilitating large-scale development at manageable costs.Source: ShutterstockCPOs were extensively used to acquire land along the route of the HS2 rail projectIn 1959, this system was altered by a Conservative government responding to concerns from landowners. The Town and Country Planning Act 1959 reinstated compensation awards based on market value after a 12-year period during which public authorities had been able to acquire land at existing use value. The Act introduced the principle of the no-scheme world, ensuring that compensation excluded any increase in value arising from the proposed public scheme. At the same time, however, it enshrined landowners rights to compensation for the loss of prospective planning permissions that might have been granted in the absence of the public acquisition. This recognised the concept of hope value the additional worth of land based on its potential for future development and marked a significant shift in the balance between public benefit and private gain.In 1974, a Court of Appeal ruling reinforced landowners rights to hope value, requiring public authorities to compensate for potential future development value in compulsory purchases. This decision significantly increased acquisition costs for public sector projects, making large-scale developments, such as affordable housing, more expensive and less viable.In recent years, the application of hope value has come under scrutiny due to its impact on public sector land acquisitions. Critics argue that compensating for speculative future value inflated costs for public projects, hindering the delivery of affordable housing and infrastructure. The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 introduced reforms to cap or remove hope value in specific cases, such as for affordable housing, enabling authorities to acquire land at lower costs. These changes, implemented in 2024, aimed to rebalance the system and make public land acquisitions more viable while addressing the long-standing tension between private gain and public benefit.

A complaint from the Enviroment Agency put scheme on back burner in January 2021South Cambridgeshire District Council has approved up to 4,500 homes for a new neighbourhood north of the village of Waterbeach.Source: South Cambridgeshire District CouncilWhat Waterbeach New Town East is expected to look likePlans for Waterbeach New Town East include 30% affordable housing, a 20-acre country park, one secondary school, two primary schools and a sixth-form centre.LDA Design has spearheaded the vision and masterplanning, coordinated the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and offered landscape and heritage advice as part of the strategic leadership team.Frazer Osment, chair of LDA Design said: Establishing a new town is a social endeavour. Waterbeach will be no isolated dormitory town, but rather a place for businesses to thrive, a place alive with play, and a place where it is easy for all residents to meet and get to know each other.An objection from the Environment Agency delayed planning permission when the application was first considered by the district council in January 2021. The government body cited water scarcity as a major issue but replaced its objection with a recommendation that conditions be imposed in November 2024.The Waterbeach Development Company, a joint venture between Aquila Investments, Royal London Asset Management and Turnstone Estates is behind the scheme and will contribute over 100m for local infrastructure.As part of the development, the existing Waterbeach Train Station will be relocated to the new town, due to reopen in 2027. The greater Cambridge Partnership, which is the local infrastructure improvement and housing delivery body for central government, will work with Homes England on the relocation.>> See also: Top 150 Contractors & Housebuilders 2024>> See also:Housebuilding targets to help grow economy next year, RSM saysTumi Hawkins, lead cabinet member for planning at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: Being able to issue the final permission for this site will help the Council to meet the growing pressure on local authorities to identify and bring forward sites for new housing.In Greater Cambridge our annual housing target has grown this month from 1,675 homes per year in the adopted 2018 Local Plan to 2,309 homes per year. Ensuring with our partners, such as the Greater Cambridge Partnership, that Waterbeach can fully contribute to meeting that annual target as soon as possible is therefore important.The upcoming neighbourhood forms part of the 560-hecatre site identified by the council in its 2018 local plan as suitable for up to 11,000 new dwellings.Urban and Civic secured planning consent in 2019 for 6,500 homes on the western portion of the site, located at the former RAF Waterbeach base

The Apple Mac mini helped make mini PCs trendy, but like any mini PC, it is also hampered by limitations of its design. Make no mistake, its a powerful computer for its size, but its elegant minimalist design has inspired not a few docks and accessories to compensate for its perceived flaws in equally stylish ways. Some docks, for example, mirror the design language of the Mac mini to masquerade as a natural extension of the small box.One design quirk that the new M4-powered Mac mini has, however, is the position of the power button at the bottom, forcing owners to tilt the box up just to power it on after shutting it down. While there are many ways to get around this odd design, one solution tries to change the identity of the Mac mini at the same time by making it look like a true miniature version of the current-gen Mac Pro desktop.Designer: ZEERATruth be told, the Mac Pro design is a bit divisive even among Apple fans. After the notorious trash can 2013 Mac Pro, the current design has been derisively nicknamed cheese grater because of its aluminum body paired with perforated front and back sides. In contrast, the Mac mini has retained its rather simple box appearance while sticking to the minimalist design language that Apple has been famous for.The ZEERA MacForge case for the Mac mini M4 completely flips that identity while also flipping the Mac mini to stand on its side. Technically, the enclosure is labeled as a cooling case exactly because of that orientation. With the cooling fan facing sideways, there is better airflow compared to when it is blocked by a table. The aluminum material of the case also helps draw heat away from the Mac mini, creating a passive cooling solution as well.That vertical orientation also solves the aforementioned design oddity of the M4 Mac mini. The power button is now more accessible and exposed via a protruding metal button at the side. It might be a small thing for Mac mini users who put their computers to sleep rather than shutting them down, but more energy-conscious owners will appreciate that small quality of life improvement.The ZEERA MacForge tries to emulate the design of the Mac Pro in more ways than the towering position. It has handles at the top that make it easier to carry the Mac mini around with just a single finger. It also has elongated holes in the front more for embellishment than thermal management. The $160 price tag (currently $130 during the pre-order period) might seem excessive, but the CNC aluminum construction promises durability and elegance that 3D printed enclosures can hardly match.The post Mac mini M4 cooling case transforms it into a miniature Mac Pro first appeared on Yanko Design.

Our reliance or even over-dependence on electronic gadgets has seen us fighting over power outlets or going through hoops just to ensure our devices are properly powered and charged. Its not uncommon for some people to even bring power strips or extension cords with them just to meet the needs of their more mobile lifestyles, whether its for work or play.Useful as they may be, the design of power outlets and strips is outdated, uninspiring, and unable to keep up with the demands and lifestyles of the current generation. This concept design for a modular ecosystem of accessories tries to deliver not only power but also lighting that can adapt to the ever-changing needs of people, whether theyre working at a coffee shop, bunking at a hotel, or simply staying at home.Designer: Andrea MangoneTheres no hard rule that says power strips need to be long boxes. It just happens to be the most efficient shape for cramming power outlets without plugs getting in the way of each other. Efficiency doesnt always translate to effectiveness, however, especially when theres not only wasted space but also wasted potential in how we can best utilize these power sources. After all, you cant expand or shorten a power strip beyond its original size, nor can you even stick it to a wall temporarily for a vertical arrangement.NODES is a concept for a set of modular power accessories that tries to change the way we interact with outlets and sockets. At the heart of this system is the power strip module that looks nothing like a traditional power strip. Its almost spherical in shape but has flattened sides and a plug sticking out from one side. The other three sides have AC outlets, while one side has two USB-C ports, covering most outlet needs. The plug can be directly connected to a power socket, an extension cord, or, as well see later, the battery module. Although not explicitly stated, it might be possible to daisy chain these spheres to expand the number of outlets.Another part of the system is the light module, which is basically a light bulb with a plug. The textured dial at the bottom of the diffuser acts both as an on/off switch as well as a dimmer, offering a direct and tactile method of controlling the light. Its simple design makes it trivial to have a bedside night lamp wherever youll be staying, or a makeshift desk lamp for working while glamping.Last but not least is a tall dome-shaped battery module, offering single-outlet access to a 20,000 mAh battery. Its perfect for turning the light module into a temporary table lamp, and you can get around the outlet limitation by plugging in the power strip module first. With just these three modules, the NODES system can already expand and cover the needs of most people today while still leaving room for future designs that will cater to specific needs and use cases.The post Modular power strip concept offers a flexible upgrade to power and lighting needs first appeared on Yanko Design.

In an era where sustainability is more than just a trend, 2024 has seen a remarkable surge in eco-friendly designs that blend innovation with responsibility. From everyday essentials to luxurious indulgences, these products are setting new standards in sustainable living. We have curated the top 10 sustainable designs of the year they showcase how creativity and conscience can coexist beautifully.These innovative products prove that sustainability and style can go hand in hand, offering consumers responsible choices that enhance their lives and the world around them, without adversely impacting the environment and Mother Earth. Dive in!1. Kreis CupDubbed the Kreis Cup, this coffee cup is designed to be sustainable and durable. It will enhance and elevate your coffee-drinking experience, and is available in different styles a cup and a travel-mug. This cup is reusable and made from used coffee grounds and other plant-based materials. The cup is free from petroleum-based plastics.The Kreis Cup is heat-resistant, and it will keep your coffee hot for longer. It is an exceptional design since it is biodegradable, unlike the plastic-based to-go mugs you see at your local cafe. Once the cup reaches the end of its lifespan, it will disintegrate into the soil, leaving nothing behind.Why is it noteworthy?Crafted to promote a circular economy, the Kreis Cup is made from used coffee grounds that are dried, treated, and embedded in a natural, plant-based polymer. This process not only gives the cup a rich appearance reminiscent of coffee grounds but also imparts a subtle, distinct coffee aroma. The polymer binding the grounds is food-safe, heat-resistant, and highly durable, offering a significant advantage over ceramic cups and mugs, which can easily break when dropped.What we likeCrafted from spent coffee grounds that have been dried, treated, and then suspended in a natural, plant-based polymer.Blessed with the faint, unmistakable scent of coffee.What we dislikeHas a limited lifespan, since it is biodegradable. Will need replacement.2. Sustainable Cutlery SetThe Sustainable Cutlery Set revolutionizes the way we think about dining utensils. Crafted from a special plastic polymer reinforced with glass fiber threads, this minimalistic set is both durable and environmentally friendly. Its portable design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, making it perfect for on-the-go lifestyles.The cutlery set is resistant to stains and odors, ensuring a fresh dining experience every time. Available in a range of elegant colors, including black, white, blue, and pink, it offers a stylish and sustainable solution for conscious consumers who want to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising on design.Click Here to Buy Now: $49.00Why is it noteworthy?This cutlery set showcases an innovative use of materials that are not only durable but also recyclable, addressing the growing concern over single-use plastics. The incorporation of 316 stainless steel provides a stable connection between parts, enhancing its longevity and performance. Its lightweight and dishwasher-safe features make it convenient for everyday use.What we likeMade from recyclable polymer and glass fiber, reducing plastic waste.Easy to assemble and disassemble, suitable for various dining settings.What we dislikeWhile stylish, the color range may not suit all personal tastes.3. AromaCraft Clothes BrushThe AromaCraft Clothes Brush transforms garment care into a luxurious ritual. Crafted by the Miyakawa Hake Brush Workshop, a family-owned business with over a century of expertise, this brush removes dust and pollen while refreshing clothes with a gentle fragrance.The innovative aromatic paper insert allows users to customize scents with essential oils, adding a personal touch to their wardrobe care routine. Made with the finest white boar hair and a walnut wood handle, this brush combines traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality.Click Here to Buy Now: $149.00Why is it noteworthy?The reusable washi paper insert is made from eco-friendly Japanese paper, aligning with sustainable practices while offering a customizable fragrance experience. This product not only elevates garment care but also promotes mindfulness, turning a routine task into a meditative ritual. Its elegant design and unmatched functionality make it a valuable addition to any wardrobe.What we likeAllows personalization with essential oils.Made from biodegradable washi paper and sustainable wood.What we dislikeRegular cleaning is needed to maintain bristle quality.The investment reflects craftsmanship and materials used.4. Limbo ChairCalled the Limbo Chair, this seating design features a swooping, sculptural form that merges art and functionality. It is designed for both indoor and outdoor use and perfectly balances flexibility and support. It is the perfect chair for relaxing, reading, and unwinding.The striking design makes it a museum-worthy art piece, and it is comfortable and durable for daily use as well. It invites users to experience and unravel a whole new level of comfort while adding some elegance and sophistication to your living space.Why is it noteworthy?Crafted from sustainable materials, this chair reflects a commitment to eco-friendly design without compromising on style or comfort. By offering a versatile seating solution that complements various environments, the Limbo Chair exemplifies the potential of sustainable design to transform everyday living spaces.What we likeSuitable for both indoor and outdoor use.Unique form adds elegance to any setting.What we dislikeMay require ample space due to its size and shape.5. Earth-Friendly Stacking CupThe Earth-Friendly Stacking Cup is a testament to sustainable design, combining minimalist aesthetics with eco-conscious materials. Crafted from plant-derived biodegradable resin, this cup offers a unique texture reminiscent of ceramic or wood, providing a tactile and enriching drinking experience.The design not only complements modern living spaces but also serves as a daily reminder of our environmental responsibilities. The cup is coated with a harmless urethane finish, adding a matte black texture and water resistance, making it both stylish and practical for everyday use.Click Here to Buy Now: $25.00Why is it noteworthy?This stacking cup is made using biodegradable resin, which breaks down into water and CO2 through natural microbial action. This feature significantly reduces its environmental impact, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers. Safe for use with warm drinks, it combines functionality with sustainability, offering a guilt-free beverage experience.What we likeBreaks down naturally, reducing landfill waste.A matte black finish complements modern aesthetics.What we dislikeNot suitable for extremely hot beverages.May not withstand rough handling compared to traditional materials.6. Harmony Flame FireplaceThe Harmony Flame Fireplace offers a safe and sustainable way to enjoy the ambiance of a real fire indoors. Handcrafted by artisans who specialize in brass musical instruments, this lamp uses eco-friendly bioethanol fuel to create enchanting flames. Its brass construction reflects light and shadows, enhancing the mood of any space.It is perfect for patios or dining tables, this lamp combines the warmth of a traditional fireplace with the convenience and safety of modern design, offering an elegant alternative to artificial lighting.Click Here to Buy Now: $239.00Why is it noteworthy?This lamp uses bioethanol fuel, which is odorless and smokeless, providing a clean and eco-friendly source of light and warmth. Its handcrafted brass construction showcases the skill and care of its makers, ensuring a unique and durable piece. The Harmony Flame Lamp requires no installation, making it easy to integrate into any setting.What we likeUses bioethanol, reducing environmental impact.Made by skilled artisans, ensuring durability and uniqueness.What we dislikeRequires access to bioethanol, which may not be widely available.Suitable for well-ventilated areas only.7. Earth-Friendly TumblerThe Earth-Friendly Tumbler redefines daily hydration with its commitment to sustainability and style. Made from biodegradable resin sourced from paper and corn, this tumbler marries form and function seamlessly. Its tactile appeal mimics the comfort of ceramic and wood, yet it pushes the boundaries with advanced eco-friendly synthetics.Designed to withstand temperatures up to 248F, this tumbler is perfect for both hot and cold beverages, making it a versatile addition to any eco-conscious household. It is a sustainable kitchenware that maintains a sleek and seamless aesthetic, making it an excellent addition to your kitchen.Click Here to Buy Now: $25.00Why is it noteworthy?What sets this tumbler apart is its unique material composition that biodegrades into water and CO2, minimizing its ecological footprint. Each piece features subtle variations due to the natural materials used, ensuring that no two tumblers are alike. The harmless urethane coating provides a matte black texture and water resistance, enhancing its durability and aesthetic appeal.What we likeMade from biodegradable resin, promoting sustainability.Each tumbler has distinct variations, adding a personalized touch.What we dislikeMay not be suitable for boiling liquids.Requires careful handling to avoid damage.8. Evolution HoodieThe Evolution Hoodie by Coalatree is a versatile and sustainable garment made from a blend of spent coffee grounds and recycled plastic bottles. This innovative fabric offers a soft and supple feel while incorporating over 20 features designed for travel and adventure, such as secure zippered pockets and key loops.The use of recycled coffee grounds and plastic bottles demonstrates a creative approach to sustainable fashion. It showcases that modern fashion can be sustainable and eco-friendly as well, we dont need to cause destruction to the environment to look good and feel great about ourselves.Why is it noteworthy?By transforming waste materials into functional fibers, Coalatree reduces environmental impact while providing consumers with a high-performance garment. The Evolution Hoodies thoughtful design caters to travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering practicality without compromising on style or comfort.What we likeCombines recycled coffee grounds and plastic bottles.Includes secure pockets and travel-friendly features.What we dislikePrimarily targets travelers and adventure seekers.This may not suit all body types or style preferences.9. Saye ShoesSayes sneakers are designed with sustainability, style, and affordability in mind. These sneakers feature chromium-free leather, addressing the harmful effects of traditional leather tanning processes on both workers and the environment. Available in five colors, they cater to both men and women, offering a fashionable yet eco-conscious footwear option.They showcase a sustainable approach to fashion, with a focus on health and environmental impact. Chromium has been eliminated from the leather tanning process, which makes it a conscious footwear that will not harm the environment very much.Why is it noteworthy?As mentioned, the elimination of Chromium significantly reduces the risk of health issues for tannery workers and minimizes environmental harm. The sneakers design reflects current fashion trends, proving that sustainability does not have to come at the expense of style or affordability.What we likeSafer for workers and the environment.Aligns with current trends without a premium price tag.What we dislikeCurrently available in only five colors.Faces competition from other sustainable footwear brands.10. Nike Grind DumbbellsNike has taken a significant step towards sustainability with the introduction of their Nike Grind Dumbbells. These dumbbells are crafted using Nike Grind Rubber, a material derived from the waste generated during the footwear manufacturing process.Each dumbbell contains at least 20% recycled rubber by volume, making it a sustainable choice for fitness enthusiasts who are conscious of their environmental impact. So, if youre someone whose into fitness and being green, then the Nike Grind Dumbbells are an excellent option for you.Why is it noteworthy?The Nike Grind Dumbbells are a testament to Nikes commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainability. By repurposing footwear manufacturing waste, Nike not only minimizes landfill contributions but also creates a durable and functional product. The unique texture of the dumbbells provides excellent grip and comfort, making them ideal for rigorous workouts.What we likeUtilizes recycled rubber from footwear waste.Designed to withstand intense workouts with enhanced grip.What we dislikeMay not be widely available in all regions.The use of recycled materials might impact the price point.The post Top 10 Sustainable Designs of 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Unveiled yesterday (19 December), the visuals show each of the shortlisted teams responses to a design exercise run as part of the second stage of the competition selection process.The shortlist, announced in August, includes architect-led multidisciplinary bids headed by 6a architects, David Chipperfield Architects, OMA, Lina Ghotmeh, and a collaboration between Eric Parry Architects and Jamie Fobert Architects.Models and images were submitted as part of a day-long charrette with the museum to test the capabilities of each architecture team shortlisted for the overhaul of the western area of the Grade I-listed museum. They are not final designs.AdvertisementKey aims include the introduction of contemporary architecture and innovative gallery displays, alongside sensitivity towards the need to respect and restore the highly significant and celebrated listed buildings on the site.The British Museum previously said that the second stage of the competition process would assess their approach to historic fabric, as well as different elements of spatial, environmental and exhibition design, with a focus on the collections of Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman artefacts.The 6a architects-led design response creates a biodiversity-led ecosystem of artefacts through greening and the reopening of courtyards dating back from 1838, while a top-lit finish to the Mausoleum of Halikarnassos would open up its brick vaults for the first time, the project team said.David Chipperfields response proposes two large public halls to turn the British Museum into a pluriversal space through a series of interconnected strategies. The practice adds that it would open up the museum to allow greater public participation.Floor plates would be opened up and walls peeled back under Jamie Fobert and Eric Parrys early design proposals to foster a new-found freedom of movement at the museum. The team added that revealing vaults and basement spaces would shed light on the buildings original architecture and artefacts.AdvertisementThe Lina Ghotmeh response includes spaces for experiences and bold interventions to the museum to create an archeology of the future and places for visitors to meet, while the OMA concept centres on delivering maximum impact and minimum intervention, with reuse of two internal courtyards and a focus on digital curation.The international competition has proved controversial, due to the significant financial backing the museum is receiving from fossil fuel giant BP. In January environmental campaigners called on architects not to take part in the contest because of the 50 million funding pledged to the Bloomsbury-based institution by BP.In recent years, BP and other oil and gas companies have been increasingly shunned by Britains cultural industries, with Tate, the National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Shakespeare Company among those institutions turning down such sponsorship.When the British Museum announced its partnership with BP in late 2023, it prompted the resignation of trustee Muriel Gray, former chair of the Glasgow School of Art, while Doug Parr, the UK policy director for Greenpeace, said the deal must surely be one of the biggest, most brazen greenwashing sponsorship deals the sector has ever seen. Source:Trustees of the British MuseumHowever, the high-profile competition, organised by Colander and aimed at finding a team to transform the central London museums Western Range, attracted more than 60 entrants from six continents.The scheme is part of a decade-long renovation masterplan unveiled late last year and billed as one of the most significant cultural redevelopment projects ever undertaken.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.The museums chair, former chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne, said earlier this year: The redevelopment of the British Museum is one of the biggest projects of our time. We asked for the best of the architectural community to step forward to help and they have, from Britain and across the world.The competition comes three years after 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.Each of the shortlisted teams are expected to receive an honorarium of 50,000 to participate in the design phase of the competition. A winner will be announced in February 2025.The teams designs are now on display in the museums Round Reading Room.The five shortlisted teams6a architects with Advanced Integrated Solutions, Arup, David Bonnett Associates, Gitta Gschwendtner, Kellenberger-White, London School of Architecture, Purcell, Studio ZNADavid Chipperfield Architectswith AEA Consulting, Adamson Associates, Alan Baxter Associates, Arup, Atelier Brckner, Atelier Ten, Lobe Lloyd, Julian Harrap Architects, Plan A, Reusefully, Neal ShasoreEric Parry Architects and Jamie Fobert Architects with Buro Happold, David Bonnett Associates, Max Fordham, Mima, Price & Myers, Purcell, Space Syntax, Studio ZNALina Ghotmeh Architecture with Ali Cherri, Arup, Holmes Studio, Plan A, PurcellOMA with Arup, Benoy, Cookies, Ducks Scno, EQ2 Light, Purcell, Salvatore Settis, Studio ZNA Source:The Trustees of the British MuseumInside the British Museums Great Court

Once upon a time, architecture on television wasnt just dumbed-down Changing Rooms-style makeovers or will-they-wont-they-succeed, one-off house projects for the one per cent. Architects, buildings and the future of our cities were given significant airtime, often in documentary series that were surprisingly opinionated. Then programme makers began moving towards formats like Grand Designs described by its host Kevin McCloud as more experiential television. But some of those earlier gems can easily be found today. Here we list some of the very best from the archive, all of which still deserve a watch in a spare moment this Christmas. Architecture at the Crossroads (1986)Episode time: 40 mins. Available on: BBC iPlayer and dailymotionIn the mid-1980s, the BBC ran this compelling, groundbreaking 10-part series, which is (partially) still available on iPlayer. There has been nothing really like it since. This is high architecture made accessible for the small screen. AdvertisementNarrated by Andrew Sachs (Manuel from Fawlty Towers), it was a major, well-researched undertaking which offered an unexpectedly critical view of architectural styles, current design fashions and how contemporary buildings met (or didnt) societys needs. The BBCs own blurb says the programme looks at how some young architects are reacting against Modernist sterility with an exuberant return to traditional forms.Provocative episode titles include Doubt and Reassessment and Stop the Bulldozer. In some ways it is a manifesto for the (then in vogue) Postmodernism trend. But many of the messages, including those about reinvention and reuse, are as relevant today as they were 40 years ago. RWI Love This Dirty Town (1969)Episode time: 50 mins. Available on: BBC iPlayer and YouTubeI suppose this is a lament for the death of the city, begins biographer and novelist Margaret Drabble in this hard-hitting 50-minute counterattack on the nations burgeoning, anywhere-place, suburbia.Pictures of sterile, peopleless streets of semi-detached villas are juxtaposed against snapshots of energetic but gritty town centres (mainly swinging 60s London). AdvertisementDrabble and her selected interviewees, including theatre director Joan Littlewood, take remarkably informed swipes at the ham-fisted and paternalistic planners who have driven (she hates cars too) tightly knit urban communities out to empty middle-class ghettos.Though targeted at the utopian dreams of out-of-touch post-war town planners, this humane visual essay remains uncannily prescient.She bangs the drum for high density, mixed-up mixed-use, walkable neighbourhoods and cultural vibrancy many of the things that make up the same backbone of decent urban design today. RWNairn Across Britain: Trans-Pennine Canal (1972)Episode time: 30 mins.Available on: BBC iPlayer and YouTubeIn June 1955, the Architectural Review published Outrage, a now-famous issue edited by architectural critic Ian Nairn. He used the occasion to take a swipe at the UKs unimaginative subtopian sprawl based on a nightmarish road trip that took him from the South to the North. From the late 1960s until 1978 he took his journeys on to television, picking out the places (or parts of places) he especially liked or hated and often offering his thoughts on what could be done to improve them.The series Nairn Across Britain was first aired in 1972 and is packed with his usual wit and venom. In the episode From Leeds into Scotland, he laps up the solid and sane town of Appleby before ripping into addled and characterless Carlisle. Here, during his Trans-Pennine barge adventure, Nairn is clearly exasperated at how post-industrial Northern cities had turned their back on the canal, asking why they hadnt embraced meaningful waterside development. Half a century later his words still seem remarkably far-sighted. RWBuilding Sights: Hauer-King House (1996)Episode time: 10 mins.Available on: BBC iPlayer and YouTubeThe four series of Building Sights ran between 1988 and 1996. They were fun, bite-size architectural love letters, each showcasing a hosts favourite building.The fangirls/fanboys were often top name architects such as Richard Rogers, Eva Jiin and Zaha Hadid but more mainstream stars of their day also gave their own architectural critiques: Damien Hirst noseys around Leeds Brutalist Worsley Medical building; Jools Holland pops out the top of One Canada Square at Canary Wharf; and Janet Street-Porter shows off her bonkers CZWG-designed Clerkenwell home.Some are more successful than others. Norman Fosters off-the-wall ode to a Boeing 747 could be from a different series. Will Alsop, however, has a field day in Future Systems glass-walled Hauer-King House in Islington. He even takes a bath there. Given the Twentieth Century Society is currently trying to list the wedged-shaped greenhouse, theres even more reason to watch the episode. RWWhere We Live now: New town, home town (1979)Episode time: 58 mins.Available on: BBC iPlayerThis documentary written and presented by writer and visionary Colin Ward is ideal viewing for anyone interested in planning and architecture, especially given Starmer and Rayners new towns policy.Ward visits Letchworth, Harlow, Peterlee, Runcorn and the emerging Milton Keynes to ask ordinary residents how successfully these grand visions have turned out. Ward is a fan of new towns, describing them as the one positive achievement of British planning since the war, yet proves himself a balanced critic, able to point out design misses as well as hits.Whats refreshing about the film isnt just the focus on lived experience (what todays architects would call PoE) but the welcome prominence given to the voices of working-class people something that reflects poorly on todays television. Most seem pleased to have escaped the inner city, with peoples quality of life enhanced by local jobs, transport links, walkable neighbourhoods, and that blend of city and country living first envisaged by Ebenezer Howard. WHVisual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman (2008)Episode time: 1 hour 23 minutes.Available on: YouTubeMade just a year before legendary architectural photographer Julius Shulman died aged 98, this life-story is a sometimes patchy but watchable oddity. Its a televisual coffee table book, crammed with his luscious snaps of US Mid-Century Modern gems.Yet, despite the rollcall of star name architect clients (including Frank Gehry) and narration from Dustin Hoffman, the documentary, directed by Eric Bricker, is let down by amateurish graphics while the interviews look like theyve been done on acamcorder.Even so, Shulman, an early environmentalist, comes across as both good-humoured and humane. His stunning photographs he explains the famous night shot of Pierre Koenigs clifftop Stahl house overlooking Los Angeles shaped international taste and helped make the architects he featured. It is a story, too, about the buildings themselves, some of which are now shadows of their acetate perfection. A flawed but still fascinating film. RWChristmas viewing 2024-12-20Richard Waitecomment and share TagsChristmas viewing

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