With the increasing demand for sustainable and efficient solutions, more and more professionals are discovering the benefits of combining RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Bright and the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Solar system to boost the performance of photovoltaic roofs What key benefits does RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Bright offer for your solar projects?Reduced temperature for better performance: RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Bright membrane helps to lower the temperature on the roof surface, thus promoting a cooler environment for the solar panels. This results in higher energy efficiency and a longer life for the modules.Increased light reflection towards the solar panels: thanks to its high reflectance, RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Bright allows the solar panels to capture more light from different angles, improving their overall performance and ensuring higher energy production.Create the perfect synergy for your solar projectBy combining RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Bright and the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Solar system, you can create a comprehensive solution that optimises the photovoltaic performance of your project and ensures long-lasting and sustainable waterproofing.The RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Solar system: lightness and reliability without perforationsIt is the modular and lightweight fastening that guarantees an installation without perforations and completely watertight, some of the benefits it offers are:Light load: less than 17kg/m2.Modular and adaptable to the integration of solar panels.Fast, simple and reliable installation.No ballastBe one of the professionals who already use our roofing solutions, contact us.2024-11-11AJ Contributorcomment and share

The 29-year-old building, which has sat empty for nearly a decade, is due to be flattened as part of the major redevelopment of the Adelphi Village area backed by the university, Salford City Council and the English City Fund, the AJ can exclusively reveal.Its only possible chance of survival is a listing bid, which has been made by the Twentieth Century Society.The Hodder block was completed in 1995 and was described as a dynamic, modern and sophisticated exercise in steel, glass and concrete when it won the first RIBA Stirling Prize the following year. It was originally designed to be the School of Electrical Engineering before a change of use, during construction, to the Faculty of Art and Design Technology.AdvertisementIn 2018, plans were unveiled to convert the building into a primary school under wider proposals by 5plus Architects for the universitys existing campus and surrounding area, which included the delivery of a significant amount of new housing.But the school scheme has now been ditched and the development team, having explored multiple options for the long-vacant four-storey block, said it intended to press ahead with demolition.A spokesperson for the project backers said: While the Centenary Building has been part of our university estate for a number of decades, unfortunately, its ageing infrastructure means it no longer meets modern standards and requirements. It has now been vacant for a third of its built life.Careful consideration has been given to the history of the building, and the partnership, which includes Salford City Council, ECF and the University of Salford, intends to demolish the building as part of the comprehensive development of Adelphi Village.Reacting to the news, Hodder Associates founder Stephen Hodder said he had received the news of the demolition with great dismay.AdvertisementHe told the AJ: This is not borne out of nostalgia, it being the inaugural RIBA Stirling Prize winner, or indeed the importance of the building to the development of our practice, but as an original signatory to Architects Declare and past chair of the Construction Industry Councils Climate Change Committee, I simply cannot support the demolition of a building that is only 30 years old.The former RIBA president said he had previously been encouraged by the earlier 2012 Crescent Development Framework, which proposed retrofitting the building as either a community or social facility.Hodder said that the universitys previous director of estates had invited his practice to submit a fee proposal for its reuse, but it had never received a reply.He added: [Were] not aware that there has been an exhaustive effort to repurpose the building.For a university that promotes its sustainability credentials, the intention to demolish surely undermines the credibility of its policy. We urge it to reconsider, and hope the architectural community and wider industry collectively exclaim its concerns.Meanwhile, Historic England has confirmed it received an application for listing the building last month and was considering the application.The Twentieth Century Society, which made the bid before the universitys official confirmation of its plans to flatten the academic building, said: The disciplined romanticism of the Centenary Building at the University of Salford saw it recognised with numerous awards at the time of its completion, most notably the inaugural RIBA Stirling Prize in 1996.'Its hugely disappointing that the commendable previous proposals for conversion to a school or for community use have floundered, and to now see the vacant building proposed for demolition. That would be wholly irresponsible and unnecessary outcome, and we urge the University to reconsider.'It added: This is a sophisticated piece of modern architecture, with clear opportunities for adaptive reuse. It acted as a catalyst for regeneration before and could do so again.The [listing] application provides an intriguing test-case for the heritage status of previous Stirling Prize winners, as the award approaches the 30-year anniversary of its founding.'If the buildings which have made the greatest contribution to the evolution of architecture [as per RIBA's Stirling Prize definition] only have a shelf-life of 30 years, what does that say about the current state of British architecture?'The RIBA has been contacted for comment.See the Centenary Building in the AJ Buildings Library

The Line first phase 'core' design (November 2024) Source:&nbsp DMAA/Gensler/Mott Macdonald for The LineGenslers London office has been named as one of three firms leading on detailed designs for the first phase of Saudi Arabias controversial 170km-long linear city, The Line The practices European headquarters in London is working with Austrian practice Delugan Meissl Associated Architects (DMAA) and UK engineering and consultancy giant Mott MacDonald on the scheme, which is at the heart of Saudi Arabias wider NEOM megaproject.NEOM announced today (11 November) that Gensler, DMAA and Mott MacDonald would together shape the core design, city planning and engineering for the Hidden Marina, The Lines under-construction 2.4km-long first phase. The AJ understands that architects on common design elements on The Line also known as vertical neighbourhoods are due to be announced in early 2025.AdvertisementUK firms Assael Architecture, AHMM, PLP Architecture and SimpsonHaugh are among 24 international practices understood to have competed for work on The Lines vertical neighbourhoods but it is not yet known whether they have won jobs on the scheme.The announcement comes on the heels ofreports that an estimated 21,000 workers, mainly from Nepal, India and Bangladesh, have lost their lives since 2016 working across Saudi Arabias so-called giga projects, according to an ITV documentary last month, Kingdom Uncovered: Inside Saudi Arabia.Saudi Arabian authorities have denied the claims made in the report, which also documented 16-hour work days and poor working conditions on The Line the flagship project at the heart of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Saudi 2030 Vision development drive.In a statement to the AJ, human-rights charityAmnesty International said it was vital that architecture firms considering operating in Saudi Arabia are doing proper due diligence to ensure theyre not contributing to labour exploitation and other human rights abuses, which it said were inevitable given the size of Saudi Arabias development push.The documentary, which did not make direct links between specific schemes and worker deaths, said The Line alone had a 140,000-strong workforce.AdvertisementITV also cited a doubling of executions in the country since 2015, under the rule of bin Salman, the figurehead of Saudis pivot to development. In addition, it is understood that five people have so far been given death sentences for refusing to leave their homes to make way for The Line and that 50 people have been arrested for similar reasons.The design update on The Line comes after the AJ revealed in June that DMAA had taken a leading role on the linear city following the departure of US firm Morphosis. A dozen names were featured in The Line exhibition in Riyadh in late 2022, as the AJ exclusively revealed last January. Since then, several firms have since withdrawn or ended their involvement in the scheme. These include Adjaye Associates, Coop Himmelb(l)au, and HOK.Genslers managing principal, Europe, London-based Duncan Swinhoe, said: The Line presents an extraordinary opportunity in the history of urban development to redesign and reimagine a new future for our cities.[We] are working around the globe to design places for people and to shape the cities of tomorrow. We look forward to bringing our design values and expertise and collaborating with the greatest minds from across the world to develop one of the most transformative, resilient, and innovative architectural projects of our time.Mott MacDonald group managing director Cathy Travers said: The Line is a hugely complex project with an ambition to change the way we think about urban living. It requires deep technical expertise across multiple engineering disciplines, planning and design, and, alongside our partners, we are well placed to realise this vision.DMAA partner Martin Josst described The Line as a groundbreaking project in relation to traditional ways of making the city.He said: It introduces the variables of a city, such as its infrastructures, mobility, public or private spaces, the organisation of activities, and the extensive list of hierarchies and topics typical of a complex organisation, all within a new logic derived from the ultra-compassionate nature of its unique proposal. Zero-gravity urbanism envisions scenarios for a new livability, where the relationship between physical spaces and human experience is redefined through a three-dimensional approach to urban design.'The Line is planned to complete in 2045, holding nine million people across 140 modules measuring 200m wide and 800m long. The first phase will house three separate modules. Earlier this year, however, there were rumours that the plans were being scaled back.In April, Bloomberg reported the number of residents forecast to be living in the scheme by 2030 had been revised down from 1.5 million to 300,000. Bin Salman who is NEOMs chairman has long said only a first phase of The Line would be completed within the next six years.A NEOM spokesperson told the AJ last year the first section would still welcome its first residents and visitors by 2030.Other UK names previously or currently involved in The Line include Weston Williamson + Partners, AtkinsRalis and Aecom.Saudi Arabian press have also reported that the countrys National Council for Occupational Safety had strongly refuted claims suggesting a rise in worker fatalities due to poor working conditions in the country and according to astatement issued last week, and reported by the Saudi Gazette, the council confirmed that Saudi Arabias work-related fatality rate stood at 1.12 per 100,000 workers, claiming it was one of the lowest rates globally.2024-11-11Gino Spocchiacomment and share

Source:&nbsp ShutterstockThe government has announced 47 million in funding to unlock up to 28,000 homes stalled by nutrient neutrality rules The Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund, announced on Thursday (7 November), will support development across seven councils in England that have been hit by the wastewater run-off rules designed to protect the environment.Areas to receive funding include the Norfolk Broads and the River Wensum 8.8 million to unlock more than 6,000 new homes; the Solent nearly 7 million to unlock more than 2,700 new homes; and the River Axe 4 million to unlock around 1000 new homes.The money will be used to protect local rivers and precious habitats in the affected areas, ensuring new homes built there do not come at the expense of the environment, according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).AdvertisementIt will support locally led schemes, such as creating new wetlands and upgrading septic tanks to enable sustainable housebuilding.The seven councils will each receive a cut of 45 million of the funding, while 20 of the largest sites affected by nutrient neutrality rules will each get an additional 100,000 to support planning teams implement pollution solutions in their area.Building work in the affected areas is expected to start shortly, according to the MHCLG.New nutrient neutrality rules were introduced by Natural England in March 2022 to prevent new dwellings from adding wastewater run-off particularly phosphates and nitrates.The rules affect 74 local planning authorities in rural areas and apply to applications that propose a net increase in the number of dwellings.AdvertisementIn order to gain planning consent in the affected areas, applicants must calculate nutrient neutrality to prove that their proposed development avoids adding pollution.But the rules have stalled the development of thousands of homes. Shortly after their introduction, the RIBA said they were bringing development control to a standstill in some areasas planning officers were caught off guard by the new restrictions.Speaking about the new funding, housing and planning minister Matthew Pennycook said:We must build more homes across the country and unlock growth, but this must not come at the expense of our natural environment.Through this fund and alongside major reforms to the planning system, we will accelerate housebuilding and deliver nature recovery, creating a win-win outcome for both the economy and for nature.Environment Minister Mary Creagh added: Britain faces a housing and nature crisis. This new government was elected with a mandate to get Britain building again and restore nature. That is why we will deliver a planning system that unlocks the building of homes and improves outcomes for nature.Areas to receive nutrient neutrality funding:Norfolk Broads and the River Wensum - 8.8 million to unlock over 6000 new homesRiver Axe - 4 million to unlock around 1000 new homesThe Solent - nearly 7 million to unlock over 2700 new homesRiver Wye - over 2.7 million to unlock over 3000 new homesRiver Mease - over 2.5 million to unlock over 700 new homesRiver Lambourn - over 2.4 million to unlock over 800 new homesRiver Eden, River Derwent and Bassenthwaite Lake, River Kent and Esthwaite Water Catchment - over 15 million to unlock over 13,000 new homes 2024-11-08Anna Highfieldcomment and share

David Chipperfield Architects' model of the former Royal Mint Source:&nbsp David Chipperfield ArchitectsChina is blocking Eric Parry Architects proposals for a new British ambassadors residence in Beijing in response to delays to Chinas own London embassy plans, designed by David Chipperfield Architects The UK wants to demolish the existing British embassy and ambassadors residence in China's capital, with Eric Parry designing the new ambassadors home.But, according to a report in The Guardian, Chinese officials have resisted the UKs requests to rebuild its embassy complex for at least a year. The AJ understands that plans for the site were first submitted to authorities two years ago.It is understood a tweaked planning application was submitted in July by the British embassy for city centre site in the Chinese capital.Although Eric Parry's name is attached to the ambassadors residence, it is unknown which architect is working on the new embassy building itself.AdvertisementChina has expressed frustration at the years-long planning saga surrounding David Chipperfield Architects plans to overhaul the former Royal Mint in east London into a new Chinese embassy complex.A Chinese embassy spokesperson told the AJ last year that it had urged the UK government to fulfil its relevant international obligations over the stalled project.And in August this year, the embassy released a statement saying: Both China and the UK have the need to build a new embassy in each others capital, and the two sides should provide facilitation to each other.Last month housing and communities secretary Angela Rayner called in Chipperfields resubmitted scheme.Tower Hamlets councillors refused the scheme in December 2022 with China not appealing the decision.However in July this year, shortly after the UK general election, it resubmitted an almost identical scheme for the plot.AdvertisementCiting a British source close to the former Royal Mint proposals, The Guardian said China see[s] it as a reciprocal-type thing where both people want changes, but our system doesnt really work quite as centrally as theirs does.It quoted a Conservative Party source adding: Until that one gets moving, the British embassy in Beijing wont move [and] the grounds for turning it down were pretty spurious It came about more because they were so angry that [planning permission for the Chinese embassy in London] was just turned down without any support.Eric Parry Architects won an international competition in 2020 to deliver the UK ambassadors residence as part of a wider overhaul of the 1959 embassy, located within the Chinese capitals diplomatic district.The London and Singapore-based practice won a competition run by the RIBA and the Foreign Office, beating a shortlist that included Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, Carmody Groarke, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and The Manser Practice.In August, the Foreign Office put out a tender for a 100 million job to demolish and deliver the new embassy. As AJ sister title Construction News reported in August, the Foreign Office expects to publish a contract notice next March and to award the contract in December.The same tender document said: Planning permission has been submitted in Beijing seeking the approval of the proposed design. The works are split across two adjacent sites in Beijing which currently provide both embassy office space and [ambassadors] residence.'A government spokesperson told the AJ: Applications for a new Chinese embassy in Tower Hamlets have been called in for Ministers at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to decide. A final decision will be made in due course.The China UK embassy was approached for comment. Eric Parry Architects declined to comment. Source:David Chipperfield ArchitectsDavid Chipperfield Architects' model of the former Royal Mint2024-11-08Gino Spocchiacomment and share

Over an impressive and influential career, King worked on a number of important buildings, including during stints with Denys Lasdun & Partners and Arup Associate. He also taught for more than a decade at the Liverpool School of Architecture.Urban Splashs Jonathan Falkingham, with whom he co-founded Shedkm in 1997, praised him as a true inspiration for an entire generation of architects.Tributes (see below) have also come in from former colleagues and pupils, including musician Chris Lowe who was taught by King at Liverpool before forming the Pet Shop Boys with Neil Tennant.AdvertisementCurrent shedkm managing director Hazel Rounding described him as a truly unforgettable man, an absolute character and the reason she joined the practice in 1998.King was born in Liverpool in 1938 and grew up in Bromborough on the Wirral, later moving to Hoylake where he lived above a bank managed by his father.After attending Kings School in Chester, in 1956 he went to study architecture at Manchester University, where he would become friends with Mike Cummings, John Drabble and Norman Foster. However, he would return to Hoylake every weekend to race dinghies and he continued sailing until the last weeks of his life.He left Manchester to work at Liverpool firm LAG Prichard in 1962, joining Denys Lasdun & Partners in London three years later.There he worked on Christs College Cambridge, the University of East Anglia and the National Theatre. King was a keen photographer, and the picture he took of the South Bank landmark was used for the National Theatres publicity (pictured below).Advertisement Source:Dave KingNational Theatre, London, through treesIn his memoirs, King recalls: I retained the photo. Not because I designed the building (only bits of it), but because it kept me in touch with both Denys and the theatre for many years after I left. It paid for all my Nikons and it reminds me of formative years in that office [and] the magic of the late 60s. Working for Lasdun was very special indeed.In 1970, he moved to Arup Associates, joining the practices Group 1 to work on Dock Support Buildings at Portsmouth Naval Base.Six years later he became a lecturer at Liverpool School of Architecture and shared his time between London and Liverpool with brief spells working at Foster + Partners and Ahrends Burton Koralek during the long holidays.In 1986, he was approached to design the new studio for the Liverpool School of Architecture with Rod McAllister, another former student, and they subsequently set up a practice together, King McAllister.Working with Lee Bennett, Andy Purvis and James Weston, the practice based at the side of his home in Lark Lane, Liverpool would go on to design the schools Student Services Centre (SSC) and its Guild of Undergraduates (G95) as well as competing in numerous competitions. Source:Nick HuftonMatchworks, Liverpool by shedkm for Urban SplashTen years later, aged 60, he set up Shedkm (the km referencing King McAllister) along with Falkingham who was already having success with emerging developer Urban Splash.One of the practices first jobs was for Urban Splash, converting the closed Mersey Match Factory, Garston, into offices and workshops. Renamed the Matchworks, the scheme was completed in 2001.Two years later Shedkm took the wraps off a new landmark pavilion on the end of Southport pier. Then, in 2008, it completed the radical and inventive revamp of a group of rundown and derelict Victorian terraces in Salford to create Chimney Pot Park also for Urban Splash.In 2012, the practice expanded into London and King moved to the Barbican. In his later years, he remained a mentor and consultant to the practice, as well as working as a visiting lecturer at the Liverpool School of Architecture.More recently he lived in Old Portsmouth with his wife Sue and, according to his daughter Sophie, enjoyed doing up his racing boat every day, even sailing it sometimes.King, who also loved skiing, died peacefully following a sudden onset of pneumonia with added heart complications. He is survived by Sue, his children Rachel and Matthew (from a previous marriage) and Sophie as well as two grandchildren, Max and Molly.Dave King with his wife Sue on the rooftop test track at the Lingotto, Turin (Christmas 2015) where part of the film The Italian Job was filmed. The former fiat factor was converted by Renzo Piano (2003)Jonathan Falkingham, Urban Splash and Shedkm I, along with many colleagues in the profession, am deeply saddened by Dave's passing. Dave was my go-to tutor at Liverpool University, my co-founder at Shedkm and, above all, a lifelong friend and mentor.A passionate Modernist, Dave was an exceptional thinker and designer and, as an educator, a true inspiration for an entire generation of architects. His unique spirit and vision made him a rare talent and it was a real privilege to have worked alongside him.As a designer, he contributed to Urban Splash over three decades joining us on a daring journey from our early days when he designed the Matchworks in Liverpool and continuously bringing fresh ideas to new, trailblazing projects. His creativity and determination to approach things differently were constants, shaping many of our projects with his innovation, clarity of thought and eye for detail winning us many awards on the way.His impact on the profession and a generation of designers cannot be underestimated; I for one will really miss him.Hazel Rounding, managing director, ShedkmAlmost 30 years ago, Dave became my biggest critic, fan and challenge. He is the reason I joined Shedkm in its infancy.An absolute character and inspiration, he exuded wisdom. We've shared an insatiable desire to live every second, follow dreams, understand our purpose, nurture youth and make a workplace a home and (of course) to consistently create bold, clear, timeless, design solutions with a little splash of colour to keep things bright!He guided and entrusted me with others to grow Shedkms ethos and approach from the start, and his insight and impact certainly live on. A truly unforgettable man. Source:Morley von SternbergMatchbox in Liverpool by shedkm for Urban SplashChris Lowe, Pet Shop BoysIll never forget he had a piece of glossy red card hanging on his wall and introduced me to minimalism. Inspirational!Rod McCallister, an original partner in King McCallister (where the KM in Shedkm came from)Dave was unique, and a mentor to a huge number of us who met him in Liverpool. His background in Modernism and technology sprang from the Manchester School and his pre-Liverpool days, working with inspiring designers like Denys Lasdun, Jan Kaplicky, Norman Foster, Chris Wilkinson, Philip Dawson and Peter Foggo on many fabulous projects, including the University of East Anglia, the National Theatre and Portsmouth Dockyard. In turn, he inspired us with his relentless pursuit of harmony with a minimal palette of form and colour. He was my tutor, and landlord, and became my architectural partner and life-long friend.In 1986, he asked me to help him with the new studios and galleries project at the school of architecture. Upon completion in 1988, we founded KM. With Lee Bennett, Andy Purvis, Jenny Jones and later James Weston and others, our small team worked closely together on university projects and design competitions in the Lark Lane studio in Liverpool, obsessing about geometry, proportion, symmetry, politics, coffee and grappa. Daves clear, bright and optimistic design leadership continued after KM merged with Shed in 1997. I already miss our endless debates and evenings of laughter.Nik Randall, founder of reForm and Reimagine Architects, and a student at University of Liverpool (1978-1984)Dave was my tutor while studying architecture at the University of Liverpool in the 1980s. He stood out, not only because of his impressive experience working for some of the countrys leading architects but due to his passion for architecture, and his cool black and red attire. He had credibility and style.In my final year, Dave got funding from Arup for me and a fellow student, Pete Brimelow, to make a documentary covering the design and construction of the Liverpool Garden Festival Building a fantastic opportunity to see a project close up in all its stages and to interview and learn from those involved.But the film had to follow the building programme, and ate into the time we had to design our final schemes. I'd set myself a design task that was experimental and, with a month to go, felt I had not resolved everything I had set out to achieve and had little to show. I was considering deferring until the next year until I had a tutorial with Dave. He saw something interesting in my emerging design that I couldnt see, and said: Nik, draw what youve done and dont worry about what youve not done. So I did, non-stop for a month, and he was right.Daves advice was a good lesson for life. I have tried to work to my strengths ever since.Dave became a friend and someone whose advice I always trusted. I didnt see him nearly as often as I should and deeply regret that now. He just seemed to be someone who would always be around, to moan about a poor piece of design, enthuse about one he liked or just to chat about life. His wry sense of humour could be missed by others but he always made me smile.As an external examiner at Leeds, I met his daughter Sophie who was presenting her final project. I had to declare an interest and step aside, but I could see Daves talent for architecture and presentation had been passed on.I am thinking of Sophie and Sue now and send them all my love.Tom Bloxham, chairman and founder, Urban Splash Dave was a clever, crazy, fun and eccentric individual. He was one of the smartest architects I ever met and as close to genius as anyone Ive had the fortune to know.We shared a love for skiing, and Ill be forever grateful for him introducing me to Marcel Briers ski resort in Flaine. Ive grown to really love the place as my favourite resort and Dave even designed an amazingly beautiful home there for me and my family.He will be sadly missed. Source:RIBA88029New Court, Christ's College, Cambridge by Denys LAsdun & Partners: detail of the concrete guttering under construction. Photograph by Dave King

Unlike the two earlier editions of the Building Beauty Awards, awards organiser the Royal Fine Arts Commission Trust has pre-announced the individual category winners from which the overall victor will be chosen later this month.The four practices competing for the top prize all won their individual categories, namely: building; little gem; public space; and engineering.The winner of this years Building category is the Faith Museum at Auckland Palace, designed by former Stirling Prize-winner Nall McLaughlin Architects with Purcell and completed in 2019. The museum received an RIBA National award earlier in the year.AdvertisementWinning the Little Gem category, meanwhile, is Lynch Architects addition to Westminster Coroner's Court addition which opened this summer and was recently covered by the AJ.Previous editions of the prize involved shortlists for the four categories with the winners of these, as well as an overall winner, all announced on the night.The AJ understands that the 12,000 cash prize on offer to winners in 2022 and 2023 was connected to Ballymore's sponsorship of the awards, and that this has ended after a two-year deal. The cash prize was the biggest in UK architecture.The Building Beauty Awards were set up in 2021 to advocate for design excellence in architecture and the built environment. Former winners include Tintagel Castle in Cornwall by William Matthews and Laurent Ney for English Heritage (2022) and Bayside Apartments in Worthing, Sussex, by Allies and Morrison for Roffey Homes (2023).The awards were set up at the same time the Conservative government established an Office for Place to improve building design standards and aesthetics in homes and public spaces, and promote then housing secretary Michael Goves now-axed building beautiful agenda.AdvertisementThis years ceremony will take place on 21 November at a dinner in central London.2024 category winnersBuilding Faith Museum at Auckland Palace, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, by Nall McLaughlin ArchitectsLittle Gem Westminster Coroner's Court Extension, Horseferry Road, south London, by Lynch ArchitectsPublic Space The Grand Courtyard and Pavilion at the OWO, south London, by Daewha Kang DesignEngineering: HS2 Colne Valley Viaduct, South Buckinghamshire/Hillingdon, by ALIGN JV (Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McApline and Volkerfiitzpatrick) with Ingerop and Jacobs (engineers) and Grimshaw (architects)

The Architects JournalMae and Archio join Studio Egret West on 1,700-home Lewisham schemeMae Architects, Studio MULTI and Archio have joined Studio Egret Wests giant 1,700-home regeneration scheme for Lewisham town centre in south-east LondonThe post Mae and Archio join Studio Egret West on 1,700-home Lewisham scheme appeared first on The Architects JournalGino Spocchia

The Architects JournalRayner to massively restrict right to buy for new council homesAngela Rayner will restrict tenants rights to buy new council homes in order to avoid losing social housing stockThe post Rayner to massively restrict right to buy for new council homes appeared first on The Architects JournalAnna Highfield

The Architects JournalUS architects react to Trump comeback: Im sick to my stomachArchitects have spoken of their fear of a regressive impact on architecture and sustainability after Donald Trump was re-elected as US presidentThe post US architects react to Trump comeback: Im sick to my stomach appeared first on The Architects JournalRichard Waite

A decision on whether to refurbish and extend the existing ground, or demolish it and build the biggest stadium in the Premier League was due to be made before the end of this year, the AJ previously reported.However, Manchester United bosses will not make a final choice until next summer, The Telegraph reported yesterday (5 November). The newspaper said the club will wait for post-budget developments before deciding whether to build [a] new stadium.United has yet to name an architect for a new or refurbished stadium but it has been rumoured that Foster + Partners, which has the wider stadium district architect role, is also lined up to take on the ground redevelopment itself.AdvertisementInitial plans for the development of the area around Old Trafford were unwrapped in September alongside a fan consultation on the AJ100 practices early vision for a new stadium district. At the same time, images and video teased what a 100,000-seater stadium at the heart of the Fosters masterplan could look like.Manchester United said yesterday that a recent fan survey showed overwhelming support for a new ground to replace the Premier League side's 124-year-old stadium, with 90 per cent of supporters saying they were positive about regeneration.The club said it took on board the difference in opinion between younger and older season ticket holders, with the former favouring a refurbished Old Trafford and the latter preferring a new stadium at the centre of a redeveloped Old Trafford mixed-use neighbourhood and stadium district.A feasibility study conducted by the Old Trafford Task Force, an advisory group composed of local leaders and national experts, was reportedly presented to United bosses earlier this year, recommending an all-new ground with 100,000 seats.The taskforce includes London 2012 boss Sebastian Coe, Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, and ex-United defender and property developer Gary Neville, who has spoken publicly in support of an all-new Old Trafford.AdvertisementThat could cost an estimated 2 billion, according to the report presented to United officials earlier this year. Refurbishment of Old Trafford would cost between 1 billion and 1.2 billion and reduce stadium capacity while work is underway.Based on initial feasibility plans drawn up by Populous, Fosters masterplan for the area around Manchester Uniteds main ground in the Salford Quays area aims to create a world-class football destination for fans as part of a wider vision which includes homes and workspaces which will benefit the local community.The stadium itself will not form part of the design work, which will only begin once the club has decided on the development options. However, the club said a stadium will ultimately sit at the heart of the proposals and help act as a catalyst for wider regeneration.Fosters founder Norman Foster previously said of the Old Trafford masterplan: As a proud Mancunian, Im passionate about building a vibrant sustainability community on the foundations of Manchesters industrial heritage.United revealed earlier this year that Fosters was leading a planned 50 million revampof the football clubs Carrington Training Complex.Old Trafford is the UKs second-largest football venue after Foster + Partners and Populouss Wembley Stadium.

Proposed entrance pavilion to International Slavery Museum Source:&nbsp FCBSThe government is likely to scrap funding for Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS) Liverpool museums plans, along with cash pots promised to other major Northern projects In last weeks Budget (30 October), Labour said it was minded to cancel the as-yet unfunded Levelling Up Culture and Capital Projects which were announced in the previous governments final Budget earlier this year.The move throws into question a number of major projects planned in the North, including FCBSs proposed 58 million transformation of Liverpool Slavery and Maritime Museums, a new northern branch of the British Library in Leeds, and schemes for the National Railway Museum in York.FCBSs project for National Museums Liverpool (NML), which only received planning consent last month, was promised 10 million Levelling Up funding in the March budget from the Conservatives. It is relying on external funding and has secured other grants including 9.9 million National Lottery funding.Advertisement Source:FCBSEntrance Pavilion International Slavery MuseumMeanwhile, the British Library North, which is set to transform the Grade I-listed Temple Works in Leeds, was promised 10 million of Levelling Up cash, and the National Railway Museum in York was promised 15 million. Feilden Fowles is working on a new entrance hall and public face for the rail museum. It is unknown whether this scheme, known as the Central Hall project and originally scheduled to complete in July next year, will be affected.Further pots of 5 million, 2.6 million and 10 million had also been promised towards the National Poetry Centre In Leeds, the Victoria and Albert Museum in Dundee, and Venue Cymru in Conwy, North Wales, respectively.The Labour government said the funding cuts would ensure investment is focused on the [governments] growth mission.Separately the government confirmed it would be providing funding for core Levelling Up Fund projects from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Governments (MHCLG), including 1 billion in 2025 and 2026 to revitalise high streets, town centres and communities. It said it will consult with potential funding recipients before making a final decision.AdvertisementFCBS said it was aware that its 10 million Levelling Up funding was under review following the Budget.A spokesperson for NML added: We will be consulting with colleagues in government, ensuring the local, national and international significance of this project is understood.'National Museums Liverpool and FCBS remain committed to this important and deeply impactful project, which has been years in development and has grown with the collaboration and guidance of many, including our community stakeholders.'The MP for Liverpool Riverside, Labours Kim Johnson, has contacted ministers to express her concern and disappointment in the decision, according to the i, in particular over the timing of the slavery museum funding pull during Black History Month.In Leeds, campaigners have expressed similar outrage at the potential funding pull for the National Poetry Centre, warning it could lead to a further 15 million loss of funding if other partners pull out. Project founder and poet laureate Simon Armitage said the funding would be devastating for culture and communities in the city.The British Library North project has been in the pipeline since 2020 when Temple Works, a listed former flax mill, was earmarked as the new home of the 8,000m facility. As yet, no architects have yet been named as working on the project.A spokesperson for the British Library said: Following the autumn Budget announcement, we are consulting with DCMS, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and regional partners to navigate the next steps.The British Library remains as committed as ever to working closely with communities in Leeds and West Yorkshire from our existing base in Boston Spa, and we are exploring a range of options to advance the British Library North project.Announcing theBudget to the House of Commons last week, chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves promised major funding for housing, schools and HS2.She reiterated Labours pledge to rebuild Britain during a decade of low growth, insisting that increasing investment in building new infrastructure would be among seven key pillars of the governments growth strategy.2024-11-06Anna Highfieldcomment and share

The practice, working with GRID Architects, submitted plans to Islington Council earlier this month to redevelop a disused 19th-century infirmary into a mixed-use scheme for developer Seven Capital,GRID will create 178 homes by revamping the locally listed building, while former Stirling Prize-winner Nall McLaughlin Architects is designing the controversial 82m-tall tower housing 242 student beds and adding new lower-rise blocks with affordable homes.Corbyn, the now-independent MP for Islington North, said in comments shared with the AJ and first reported in the local press, that the proposals were both inappropriate and unacceptable because of the size of the skyscraper.AdvertisementHe said: Im already receiving feedback from constituents in the Archway area who are appalled at this development and strongly opposed to the proposal for a 27-floor tower block adjacent to the site, which would tower over everything in the area.Corbyn said he cannot support this application in its current form, backing opposition voices including local campaign groups. He also questioned the social housing provision on site less than 60 units are earmarked for social rent of the more than 420 new units promised in the scheme.He added: This site has now been unused for a very long time and I, of course, want to see the wonderful existing buildings preserved and enhanced, whilst appropriate largely social housing is built around it [and] If Islington does not reject the proposal, I would expect the mayor and secretary of state to call it in as an inappropriate development.Nall McLaughlin Architects said in planning documents that the tower needed to be around 30 storeys if it is to acquire elegant proportions and sufficiently differentiate itself from its surroundings, which are up to 18 storeys tall.The team previously likened the skyscraper to Richard Seiferts Centre Point tower, describing it as a singular object that stands out from its surroundings [which] needs to be significantly higher than nearby buildings to achieve this character.Advertisement Source:Niall McLaughlinNall McLaughlin and GRID's Archway Campus scheme (October 2024)The submitted scheme is already eight storeys shorter than proposals for the site put to consultation last year for a 35-storey student skyscraper.Seven Capital snapped up the site from Peabody in 2021 after plans drawn up by Haworth Tompkins for 400 homes were not progressed.In response to Corbyns criticism, a spokesperson for Seven Capital said: Rather than making unrealistic requests which would make any scheme on this site undeliverable, we believe those who recognise the chronic need for affordable housing in Islington should be supporting this scheme, which will provide over 50 per cent affordable, including 58 actual social rented homes for people in need to live in.

The two-stage procurement will select an integrated consultant team to uplift, connect, and rejuvenate a 3.2km-stretch of waterfront covering Skippingstone, Bangor Marina and Harbour, Seacliff Road, Kingsland and Ballyholme Promenade and adjoining areas in the historic resort.The transformational project is one of five schemes within the wider Bangor Waterfront Redevelopment programme, intended to re-establish Bangor as a thriving City and prime visitor attraction in Northern Ireland. The design contract has an estimated 2.5 million value.According to the brief: The Bangor Waterfront Redevelopment project is a tourism-led regeneration scheme which has secured funding through the Belfast Region City Deal to turn Bangor into a destination of choice, as a place to live, work, visit, study and invest, through a series of interconnected developments and experiences along Bangor Waterfront.AdvertisementThe Urban Waterfront and Public Realm Redevelopment project aims to transform a 2-mile stretch of waterfront in Bangor, to uplift, connect, and rejuvenate the entire waterfront route and provide a strong foundation for the seamless integration of the other four, interdependent constituent projects under the Bangor Waterfront Redevelopment Programme.The project site extends across five diverse Character Areas, each requiring its own site-specific, sensitive, and sustainable design response, to address existing deficiencies and unify the waterfront route through interconnected spaces, buildings, facilities, place making initiatives and public realm improvements.Bangor is a popular resort and commuter town located around 22km east of Belfast city centre. Ards and North Down Borough Council appointed TODD Architects to masterplan the 75 million mixed-use development of Queens Parade on the marina front at Bangor six years ago.In 2022, the local authority Ards and North Down Borough Council launched a search for a design team for a major upgrade of Ward Park in Bangor. Last year, the council commenced recruiting a design team for a regeneration of the Pickie Fun Park in Bangor.The latest commission is one part of the wider Bangor Waterfront Redevelopment project which aims to make the coastal settlement a destination of choice through the delivery of several interconnected tourism-led developments and experiences along the waterfront.AdvertisementBids to deliver the contract will be evaluated 60 per cent on quality, 10 per cent on social value, and 30 per cent on cost. Bidders selected to tender will each receive a 7,500 honorarium for submitting a concept design.Applicants must hold employers liability insurance of 10 million, public liability insurance of 10 million and professional indemnity insurance of 5 million.Competition detailsProject title ANDBC Pre-Qualification Questionnaire - Provision of Integrated Consultancy Services for Urban Waterfront and Public Realm under Bangor Waterfront RedevelopmentClient Ards and North Down Borough CouncilContract value 2.5 millionFirst round deadline Midday, 19 December 2024Restrictions TbcMore information https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035621-2024

The project, sited a stones throw from the sea (hence its name), upgrades an old bungalow, transforming it into a light-filled house.The existing house was poorly arranged with living space tucked in at one end while the sunny end of the site was dominated by a double garage. Mole has upgraded the fabric with new double-glazed windows and doors while adding new loft insulation and a timber-framed extension.The new layout means the house now faces the sea with a new lofty living space filled with light and views. Its high ceiling is broken partway by a triangular rooflight, and an angled column now separates this slightly elevated living space from the dining and kitchen beyond. The kitchen features a counter formed of a block of marble, which sits on a floor of end grain woodblock.AdvertisementArchitects viewThe clients had owned the 1960s bungalow as a second home for many years and explored the idea of replacing it with a new house. However, much about the bungalow was fine, and their needs were not appreciably different in terms of accommodation. They decided, instead, to retain and extend the bungalow, rearranging the house to make better use of the plot. The brief was to increase the living space and add an en-suite bathroom.Our solution was to move the kitchen and living room which were at the southern end of the plot, missing out on sunlight and views of the garden due to the proximity to trees on the southern boundary. A large (rarely used) garage was at the north end of the plot so has been replaced by the new extension, which projects into the garden, allowing the new living room to have a south-facing view to trees beyond the garden. A large east window faces the sea with views of the sky.The extension deliberately elevates the scale of the house, creating a space that is modest but grand. A change in level creates a more intimate living area, and a triangular fireplace and rooflight allow south light into the middle of the plan. The overcladding of the existing house unifies the new extension to the existing house.Meredith Bowles, director, Mole Architects Source:Mole ArchitectsProject dataStart on site October 2021Completion date August 2024Gross internal floor area 214m2 (total); 140m2 (refurbishment); 74m2 (extension)Form of contract JCT Intermediate Building Contract with contractor design portion 2016Construction cost 425,000Architect Mole ArchitectsClient PrivateStructural engineer JP Chick & PartnersM&E consultant ALHQuantity surveyor Gill AssociatesPrincipal designerMole ArchitectsCDM coordinator Mole ArchitectsApproved building inspector We Make ShoreMain contractor SandlingsCAD software used Vectorworks

Network Rail, the station owner, confirmed today (4 November) that the Swiss practice is no longer working on the redevelopment of the station following opposition from heritage groups against the giant over-station development. Developer Sellar has also exited the scheme.Proposals unveiled today, drawn up by ACME, include new entrances, an increase in escalators from four to eight and a bigger station concourse. In contrast with Herzog and de Meurons design, the fresh plans feature a new office building that wraps around the Grade II*-listed former Great Eastern Hotel rather than sits above it.ACME says the new scheme is lower than the earlier, controversial design the highest point is now 97m, compared with 108m previously and that the proposal will still be constructed over the station concourse but will be sufficiently set back from the hotel so as not to dominate it in the way it did before.AdvertisementThe team added that there would be no works on the hotel apart from minor works to adjust how the train shed roof meets the hotel.In a statement, Friedrich Ludewig, funding director at ACME, said overhauling Liverpool Street station was a monumental design challenge that will create a world-class transport gateway in the City of London.He continued: Working with Network Rail Property, we are creating a transport hub that will work for the city and all Londoners.The 1990s saw a few stations such as Victoria, Cannon Street and Charing Cross compromised by Over-Station Development. [But] At Liverpool Street, we will retain the sense of a tall and airy concourse, with a flexible workplace building above to fund the development of the station at street level.The consultation on the updated scheme comes less than two months after the AJ revealed that substantially different plans would be submitted to replace initial proposals lodged in early 2023 by Herzog & de Meuron on behalf of Sellar.AdvertisementThat scheme by the Swiss stars received more than 2,200 objections over a proposed part 15, part 21-storey building sitting above the Grade II-listed station providing 78,000m of office space. Contentious changes to the Grade II*-listed former Great Eastern Hotel building also came in for criticism.In October 2022, Historic England announced updated and expanded listings for Liverpool Street to include the 1990s station elements for the first time. Simultaneously, the former Great Eastern Hotel buildings listing was upgraded from Grade II to Grade II*.Historic England said in January that objected in the strongest terms to what it argued was extraordinarily high levels of harm to the 1870s and 1990s trainsheds and the former Great Eastern Hotel building andentirely remove the significance of the 1992 trainshed and profoundly damage the character of the station as a whole.The body added that Herzog & de Meuron and Sellars plans were fundamentally misguided and called for a comprehensive redesign to remove the harm caused by the proposals.A spokesperson for the City of London told the AJ in September: Revised proposals present an elegant and intelligent solution that integrates the station and hotel whilst addressing concerns about the potential impact on the historic assets. This is a heritage-led response that will also deliver a world-class station within a sustainable, mixed-use landmark destination for London.Robin Dobson, group property director at Network Rail Property, said of the ACME proposals: Investing in transport infrastructure is key to unlocking future economic growth. Weve spent time talking and listening: our latest plans celebrate Victorian features including the original train shed and the Great Eastern Hotel.He added: Network Rail Property is leading a new team with a new approach which will respect the stations unique heritage simple in design, embracing Londons mix of the old with the new. A new office building on top of the station concourse will generate the money to pay for these improvements.A consultation on ACMEs scheme runs until 4 December and a planning application is due next year.Herzog & de Meuron and Sellar have been contacted for comment.

A request for information has been published notifying designers of an upcoming opportunity to redesign the level two south gallery within Tate Moderns Herzog & de Meuron-designed Switch House extension.The project aims to reduce the costs and environmental impact of staging multiple temporary exhibitions within the space displaying a wide variety of artwork typologies with different wall configurations. Last financial year Tate Modern spent 400,000 on gallery space alterations.According to the brief: This project will commission specialised designers to design a set of modular, movable and re-configurable walls to use in Blavatnik L2 South Gallery. This would allow us to respond to project-specific spatial needs by achieving multiple layouts with flexible setworks, making substantial efficiencies in construction costs, materials, labour and waste.AdvertisementBlavatnik L2 South Gallery will enable us to pilot new ways of working in exhibition productions, providing a template that could be applied to other spaces at Tate Modern and other sites. This will also highlight Tate as a leader in developing new approaches to sustainable and circular exhibition production approaches for the wider art sector.The Herzog & de Meuron-designed Tate Modern opened inside Londons former Bankside Power Station 24 years ago. The practice completed the Switch House extension to Tate Modern in 2016.The latest project will explore the potential for creating a modular, re-configurable, and sustainable set of walls which could be used to reduce fit-out costs and the environmental footprint of staging temporary exhibitions.Competition detailsProject title Tate - Tate Modern Blavatnik L2 South Gallery re-design - Creating a flexible and sustainable exhibition space - Request for InformationClientContract value 200,000First round deadline Midday, 15 November 2024Restrictions TbcMore information https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/ca4c969b-1339-459c-a749-df366e750f4d

The winning team will submit a reserved matters planning application for 10 new homes comprising six homes for social rent, four shared ownership dwellings and associated works.The project planned to complete in 2026 will redevelop the site of a former disused playing field next to Northfield House and the citys Eastern Bypass Road.Proposals should use brick, help to meet the councils net zero carbon ambitions and be deliverable for less than 3,200 per m.AdvertisementAccording to the brief: Oxford City Council is working to address the considerable housing challenges facing households in the city.Business leaders highlight the availability and affordability of housing in the city as a major constraint and Oxford is consistently named as the most unaffordable place to buy or rent in the UK. As a result, Oxford City Council is taking steps increase the supply of affordable housing.Oxford is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK, with 152,000 residents as well as 46,000 commuters and 9.5 million visitors every year. The latest project comes almost two years after LDA Design was chosen for a public realm upgrade of St Michael's Street in the city centre.Oxford City Council launched a search for a design team for a 6.87 million overhaul of its historic Covered Market in April.Bids for the latest commission will be evaluated 50 per cent on quality and 50 per cent on price. Applicants must hold employers liability insurance of 5 million, public liability insurance of 5 million and professional indemnity insurance of 2 million.AdvertisementCompetition detailsProject title Northfield Phase 2 Oxford City CouncilClientContract value TbcFirst round deadline Midday, 18 November 2024Restrictions TbcMore information https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/notice/3a4df203-3e82-4946-b56e-4f4d9e74d90b

According to an ITV documentary aired last Sunday (27 October), Kingdom Uncovered: Inside Saudi Arabia, an estimated 21,000 workers from Nepal, India and Bangladesh have lost their lives since 2016 working on Saudis so-called giga projects.Projects that make up Saudi 2030 Vision include NEOM and the Line, the countrys flagship scheme, as well as developments in the second biggest Saudi city, Jeddah, and preparations for the 2034 World Cup, which FIFA is set to award to the country next month.In a statement to the AJ, human-rights charity Amnesty International said it was vital that architecture firms considering operating in Saudi Arabia are doing proper due diligence to ensure theyre not contributing to labour exploitation and other human rights abuses.AdvertisementThe organisations head of labour rights and sport, Steve Cockburn, said the enormity of the Saudi 2030 Vision projects meant they would inevitably rely on a huge workforce of migrant workers who face significant risks of exploitation and even death.Baker-Brown, an RIBA councillor, architect, academic, and runner-up in this years RIBA presidential election, wrote on LinkedIn: To all the RIBAmembers working on this project, could you please tell me what it will take for you to resign from this project or tell me why this article is not true.In the ITV documentary, workers testified about 16-hour work days and poor working conditions on The Line, a 170km-long linear city, which reportedly has a 140,000-strong migrant workforce.The programme, which did not make direct links between specific schemes and worker deaths, also cited a doubling of executions in the country since 2015, under the rule of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the figurehead of Saudi's pivot to development.It is understood that five people have so far been given death sentences for refusing to leave their homes to make way for The Line, and that 50 people had been arrested for similar reasons.AdvertisementIn 2023, the United Nations said it was alarmed at the risk of execution of tribe members it claimed had been arrested for opposing The Lines construction. Human rights organisation ALQST said at least one person, Abdul Rahim al-Huwaiti, has been killed for protesting against the displacement of tribal villages for NEOM in 2020.In May, Heatherwick Studio founder Thomas Heatherwick and RIBA vice-president Valerie Vaughan-Dickdefended appearing at a UK-Saudi trade show advertising work on The Line and NEOM after the BBC published claims that Saudi authorities had issued a kill order in 2020 for clearing land in al-Khuraybah to make way for The Line.The AJ contacted Heatherwick Studio for comment over the latest reporting but did not receive a response.The RIBA said the latest reports of worker death were serious and concerning and referred to the institutions Code of Professional Conduct and Code of Practice about architects impact on the environment and society.Chapter 14 of the RIBA code states that members shall have proper concern and due regard for the effect that their professional activities and completed projects may have on users, the local community and society.The RIBA added: We wholly agree that practices working internationally should ensure that they are upholding universal principles on human rights, labour, and anti-corruption within their projects and through their supply chains.RIBA exists to promote the highest standards in the built environment to champion architecture and support the transfer of knowledge and skills worldwide.Wherever our members are working, our Code of Professional Conduct and Code of Practice outline core member responsibilities, including considering the impact of any professional activity on the environment and society.RIBA president-elect Chris Williamson, co-founder of WW+P, which has worked on the rail link within the Line project, told the AJ that the allegations made by ITV were extremely serious.He said: I would like to see [the issues] investigated further because all RIBA members, wherever they work, are required to uphold universal principles on human rights and working conditions within their projects and throughout their supply chains.The AJ has reported on the names of dozens of other UK architecture firms involved in the Saudi 2030 Vision. They includes Foster + Partners' role on a 2km-tall tower, at least one Red Sea resort and a new major airport. However, the practice did not comment when asked about the ITV report.Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) is reportedly working in the country on a 330m-tall tower as part of the Trojena ski resort. The practice did not respond to a request for comment.Populous, which is behind designs for around a quarter of the dozen stadiums for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, declined to comment when approached by the AJ. And AtkinsRealis, which is behind a 400-tall cube skyscraper in Riyadh, did not respond to a request for comment.NEOM told ITV: We are assessing the claims made in this programme, and where required, will take appropriate action. We require all contractors and subcontractors to comply with NEOMs Code of Conduct, based on the laws of Saudi Arabia and the policies of the International Labour Organization, and they are subject to frequent inspections of their workers' living and working conditions.Saudi Arabian press have also reported that the countrys National Council for Occupational Safety had strongly refuted claims suggesting a rise in worker fatalities due to poor working conditions in the country.According to a statement issued on Friday, and reported by the Saudi Gazette, the council confirmed that Saudi Arabias work-related fatality rate stood at 1.12 per 100,000 workers, claiming it was one of the lowest rates globally.CommentCharlie Edmonds, Future Architects FrontThe trafficking, forced labour and deaths of construction workers are not unprecedented considerations for architects to make. In 2014, Zaha Hadid claimed I have nothing to do with the workers when asked about the deaths of migrants involved in her office's Al Wakrah stadium in Qatar. Ten years later, ZHA, now led by Patrik Schumacher, along with numerous other architecture practices, is contributing to NEOM: a development project with comparable working conditions.It has been over two years since three members of the Huwaitat tribe were sentenced to death for protesting the construction of The Line on their ancestral land. In this context, architects working on NEOM cannot claim ignorance and must be considered complicit.Many architects have made efforts to defend working on these projects. A recent example was attempted by RIBA president-Elect Chris Williamson. But it is long overdue for the wider profession to reject hollow deflections and work towards holding complicit firms accountable.For the architecture profession to retain any shred of credibility, our institutions must boycott and sever ties with the practices that continue their involvement in NEOM. They must not be welcome in universities, they must not be considered for awards, and they must be made to understand that the violation of human rights anywhere in the world will not be tolerated.In the same way that theFinch vs Surrey County Council Casedemonstrated the necessity to assess ecological impacts throughout entire supply chains, architects must embrace and build upon initiatives like the BDS Movement when accepting work or procuring services.Without concerted action, the profession risks further enabling modern slavery, state-sanctioned murder and crimes against humanity. And for what?

The winning conservation landscape architect-led multidisciplinary team selected for the estimated 320,000 contract will restore and upgrade the Grade II-listed park which is located around 10 minutes walk from Palmers Green station.The project will restore several lakes within the 21ha park, repair a lawn, replant borders, improve paths and see the ruined, Grade II*-listed Broomfield House disassembled and memorialised in consultation with the local community.According to the brief: The team will be responsible for a full range of architectural and landscape design services, bringing together diverse expertise under the leadership of a landscape architect with a focus on conservation.AdvertisementThe team will be appointed to undertake design and planning work to bring an unused area of the Grade II-listed historic park back into use including the dismantling and memorialisation of Broomfield House.Broomfield Park was originally built in the 16th century as a private garden of Broomfield House. The 21ha park in Palmers Green was purchased by the local authority in 1903 and opened to the public.Broomfield House was struck by several fires in the 1980s and 1990s and is currently in a ruined state protected by scaffolding. The latest project will see the 200-year-old structure disassembled and memorialised as potentially a garden or structure.The latest commission is broken into two stages to align with the National Lottery Heritage Funds development phase, covering RIBA Stages 2-to-3, and delivery phases, covering RIBA Stage 4 onwards.The contract will have a break clause at the end of the development phase and retention of the design team will subject to performance and receipt of funding from NLHF for the delivery phase.AdvertisementAlongside a landscape architect and conservation architect, the winning team will be expected to feature a conservation structural engineer, heritage consultant, interpretation planner and designer, planning consultant, access consultant, MEP engineer, ecological advice and hydrology advice.Found two bids for the commission will be evaluated 70 per cent on quality and 30 per cent on price. Applicants must hold employers liability insurance of 5 million, public liability insurance of 10 million and professional indemnity insurance of 5 million.Competition detailsProject title Unlocking Broomfield Park for the Community: Conservation Landscape Architect led Multidisciplinary TeamClientContract value TbcFirst round deadline 2pm, 29 November 2024Restrictions TbcMore information https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035230-2024

The institute said it had hired gender equality charity the Fawcett Society to carry out a major new study looking at the true scale and complexity of gender inequity of the UK architectural profession.Less than a third of architects are women (31 per cent), while the sector had an average gender pay gap of 16 per cent, according to RIBA research published in May.The new study will explore the experiences of female architects and women who have left the profession, while also looking at the intersection of gender with other protected characteristics.AdvertisementThe report will detail the causes of gender inequity in architecture, set out why the profession needs to be more equitable and outline best practice from other sectors and the architecture profession overseas.It will also make recommendations for improving equity in architecture, considering next steps for the RIBA and other professional bodies, employers, universities and the government.RIBA chief executive Valerie Vaughan-Dick said:You dont have to tell most architects that the profession has a problem with gender equity they already know, not least because many feel the impact of this bias every single day.Following decades of research, the pace of change remains far too slow compared to other professions, and significant action is still needed. Understanding the barriers to making more rapid progress is critical.The Fawcett Society, named after suffragist Millicent Fawcett, is a charity that campaigns for gender equality. It was founded in 1953 and is currently chaired by Harriet Harman, a former cabinet member and solicitor general who was the second-longest serving female MP in British history. AdvertisementIts report will be editorially independent of the RIBA.Fawcett Society chief executive Jemima Olchawski said: With less than a third of architects being women, and despite multiple studies that have sought to understand the problem, now is the time for action.Our research will shine a spotlight on tangible evidence-based actions that the profession urgently needs to take to reach gender equity, as well as deliver a realistic roadmap of how it can get there. We look forward to speaking to women in the profession to hear their priorities for change.Campaign group Women in Architecture UK said it was supporting the study, adding: Real progress requires bold action and collaboration, and were excited to be part of a project that seeks not only to diagnose the challenges but also to drive meaningful and lasting change in our industry.Source:9b Careers2024-11-04Will Ingcomment and share

Swindon Borough Council commissioned the designs for a multifunctional venue as part of its Cultural Quarter masterplan in the Wiltshire towns Kimmerfields district.Stufishs proposals reference the towns railway history with double-pitched roofs and steel construction as well as lightweight, sustainable cladding.The London practice also took inspiration from its Abba Arena in east London, with modular elements, such as offices and dressing rooms, and an outer shell.AdvertisementThe Swindon venue would have a permanent capacity of 1,200 with the capability to expand for large events.Stufish said the proposed site leverages Swindons strong transport links, including proximity to the main train station and bus terminals, facilitating easy access for audiences across a wide catchment area.It added that a pedestrian-friendly layout would connect seamlessly with surrounding neighbourhoods.Stufish chief executive Ray Winkler said: Drawing on extensive experience in show and venue design, we have refined a modular construction approach that embodies the elegance and depth of traditional architecture.Our work surpasses the conventional box or shed aesthetic, creating thoughtfully crafted, purpose-built spaces that captivate and engage.AdvertisementJulian Russell, director at theatre design consultant Blue Horizon Ventures, which worked on the design, said it not only meets the needs of modern entertainment but also fosters significant social value.He added: This venue will be more than just a performance space. It is designed as a dynamic hub for community connection, local engagement and cultural growth.We look forward to seeing it enrich lives, support local talent and strengthen Swindons position as a beacon of creativity and community in the region.Front-of-house plans include a canopy that offers shelter from the elements rather than an enclosed lobby, including lightweight, uninsulated construction materials that reduce the buildings reliance on heating and cooling systems.Stufish said the theatres southern frontage, oriented towards the pedestrian approach, would be a focal point for gathering, relaxation and entertainment.Surrounding plazas are envisioned as dynamic spaces with potential for seasonal events and markets.The plans are yet to be submitted for planning approval.

Last month councillors approved a hike in the schemes budget, taking it to 430 the second time the expected outlay has soared in just 15 months. In mid-2023, the budget was re-estimated at around 354 million, up from the initial budget of 305 million.Purcell won consent for its revamp of the Grade I listed 19th-century town hall in January 2020. The Gothic Revival building, designed by Alfred Waterhouse, had fallen into disrepair.The project restores the buildings grand entrance hall and council chamber while adding new facilities including a caf, bar and rooftop terrace.AdvertisementManchester City Council deputy chief executive Paul Marshall said that since extra funding was requested in July 2023, constant, further challenges had been uncovered by the project team.There has not been a single week without a discovery event that has had cost and time implications, he wrote in a report to councillors last month.Marshall said the construction programme was so complex that it comprised 22,000 activities and there had not been a single month since Notice to Proceed in which the project had been in steady state.The council added that as a result of the projects many technical challenges, a number of contractors had either been stood down or asked to stay on site longer, leading to more than 80 financial claims.The project was initially expected to complete this summer. Main contractor Lendlease still has it scheduled to finish in July 2026 but this timetable is considered highly vulnerable, according to the latest report.AdvertisementMarshall told councillors that ongoing design requirements remained a major threat to hitting the latest completion target.Of the 97 per cent of packages that have achieved ready-for-construction status [as of May 2024], there are 233 early warnings relating to further information required to allow works to be progressed on site, he wrote.The risk of further delay to completion of these design activities is, together with further discovery, the principal risk to further delay to the date for completion.The latest update said the scheme was three-quarters of the way through its construction phase.As progress continues to be made, and scaffolding is removed from completed sections, more of the iconic building is being restored to public view and the exceptional quality of skill and craft delivered by these tradespeople will be increasingly evident, wrote Marshall.Lendlease and Purcell have been contacted for comment. Source:Royle Media/Lyndon SBGManchester Town Hll renovation worksProject dataArchitectPurcellStructural and civil engineerRamboll UKLandscape designPlanit-IEBuilding services and engineeringOve Arup & PartnersQuantity surveyorFaithful+GouldConstruction manager LendleaseClient Manchester City Council

The existing terraced house in Stoke Newington was disjointed, with a failing conservatory facing the garden.CAN has redesigned the ground floor plan by introducing a glulam-framed extension at the side and rear, allowing a total reworking to make the living, kitchen and dining areas open plan.The ground floor features full-height hemp fibre curtains and Douglas fir shutters to allow the clients spaces to be opened up or closed off as needed.AdvertisementInspired by tranquil forest references, the scheme has a material palette of majority timber and a meadow-planted roof. A green structure adds visual emphasis and reflects the client familys interest in sustainability.At the centre of the house is the kitchen, which has a roof light supported by bolted trusses and a combination of Ikea cabinets paired with bespoke-designed fronts designed by CAN. Breathable lime wash paint and recycled timber terrazzo kitchen worktops are also used in this space.The floor level in the extension has been lowered by 200mm to create a sense of openness without altering the structure.Throughout the extension, variously toned oak boards are alternated to create a repeating stripe pattern and to tie in with an earthy palette.The west-facing garden is framed by a custom-built curved window. The extensions exterior is clad in hemp fibre corrugated cladding.AdvertisementArchitects viewThe project was about creating a soft but high-impact design that is personal to the client and celebrates natural materials. Every part of this home is crafted with intention, from the trusses in the kitchen to the way materials and textures come together to create a space that reflects the clients tastes and the way they want to live.Mat Barnes, founding director, CANProject dataLocal authority Hackney CouncilLocation Stoke Newington, LondonStart on site September 2023CompletionFebruary 2024Gross internal floor area 65m (ground floor)Construction cost UndisclosedArchitect CANForm of contractTraditionalClient PrivateStructural engineer Foster StructuresLandscape designer GRDNApproved building inspector StromaMain contractor MxH ConstructionCAD software used AutoCAD

Prior to Wednesdays (30 October) Autumn Budget, the first set out by a Labour government in 14 years, it was clear that housing is an area earmarked for attention. The role of housebuilding in creating economic growth is a cornerstone of this governments economic approach and it has become a near-permanent fixture of the news in recent weeks.Next springs Spending Review is set to outline longer-term spending plans for the next five years, and this budget can be seen as a precursor to where we can expect to see more substantive funding with some promising initial steps.For starters, the announcement of an extra 500 million for the Affordable Homes Programme is a welcome inclusion. Its arguable that the case in favour of large-scale housebuilding has been won, but its vital that social housing provision makes up a significant proportion of this to meet identified need.AdvertisementHowever, with only 5,000 social and affordable homes projected to be delivered through this injection of cash, theres a lot more to be done. Its high time to look to ambitious measures, focusing on identifying and enacting creative solutions and utilising expertise from across the built environment sector.Our recent report,Foundations for the Future: a new delivery model for social housing, proposes a new way to meet some identified need. Based on a one-off initial investment from central government to local authorities, the model sees this money used by local authorities to build homes on publicly-owned land, for both social rent and market sale.Receipts from market sale homes are then retained and reinvested, creating funding for the next tranche of development of market sale and social rent homes. Not only does this promote mixed-use development, it also reduces reliance on continuous central government funding to secure social housing provision especially with land cost eliminated or vastly reduced.The governments commitment that details of future grant investment beyond the current Affordable Homes Programme will be laid out in the Spending Review is positive, but it must be more ambitious in its scope.Elsewhere, chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the governments commitment to implement a long-held RIBA recommendation allowing local authorities to retain 100 per cent of the receipts generated by the sale of housing stock under Right to Buy. This welcome measure, which means receipts will be used to reinvest in social housing, will give local authorities greater ability to respond to local housing need.AdvertisementThe role of infrastructure in laying the foundations for growth cant be underestimatedWhile investment in housebuilding is deeply necessary, infrastructure spend is also a key part of the puzzle. The role of infrastructure in laying the foundations for growth cant be underestimated transport links, employment opportunities and investment into local industries are vital to create thriving places and communities.To meet the governments target of 1.5 million new homes across this Parliament, it will need to enable housebuilding in both established and entirely new settlements. However, if we want to create successful, integrated and healthy places that people want to live in, we cant build homes in isolation and expect good results.Instead, housing delivery must be accompanied by the delivery of public transport and high-quality public spaces. Retail offers, education settings, healthcare facilities, and community spaces are also vital to promote a vibrant civic life. There should also be a clear plan to manage and maintain these something that is usually forgotten about. In particular, given the governments focus on establishing a generation of new towns to meet housing need, its commitment to a 10-year infrastructure strategy must include the investment needed for this vision to come to life.Creating homes without scrimping on quality will be a challengeThe government describes this budget as the beginning of a decade of national renewal. For the rhetoric to become reality, we need to see a commitment to ambition in terms of both economics and imagination. Creating the homes and places that are so sorely needed across the country without scrimping on quality will be a challenge, but one the government has shown intent to meet head-on.Were already working with government to showcase the importance of quality and the integral role that architects can play in designing places fit to meet the needs of our communities both now and in decades to come.Were looking forward to continuing this in the coming months, and situating architects at the forefront of delivering the governments housing ambitions.Muyiwa Oki is RIBA President and an architect at construction company Mace2024-11-01Richard Waitecomment and share

Source:&nbsp Shutterstock The latest Pay 100 survey shows an 'unusually high' number of people are leaving architecture for better opportunities, according to its organisers The anonymous architecture salary survey, now in its third year, published its 2024 results online today (1 November).This years survey, which received around 1,000 submissions, brings unexpected findings in the form of unusually high reports of talented employees sadly leaving the profession. The architecture salary advocate organisation said it had received reports of people leaving the profession in parallel with its data collection, adding that economic opportunity [is] playing an undeniable role in the exodus.The activist-led initiative, which aims to drive fairer pay for those in the earlier stages of an architecture career, has also decided to reveal the names of every practice it collected data on this year, not just the top 100, as well as their practice locations.AdvertisementThe organisers said the decision to publish locations was made following numerous requests from survey participants, and led to the subsequent decision to reveal the names of all 484 practices, as many locations outside London fall beneath the top 100 listed practices.In a statement, Pay 100 said: This was not an easy decision to make, as we have always sought to celebrate the top paying practices and create an incentive for financial improvement, as opposed to shaming those who fall lower down in each published list.Results of the survey are made public online, on Pay 100s salary-based competitive leader board of practices.The table shows reported average salaries as well as reported unpaid overtime within many of the UKs most prominent practices, including Foster + Partners, Zaha Hadid Architects, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Hawkins\Brown, Buckley Gray Yeoman and dMFK.The survey results are split into three categories: Part 1 architectural assistant (less than three years), Part 2 architectural assistant (less than three years) and architect/architectural designer (less than five years), and salaries are given as a mean average of the submissions.AdvertisementOrganisers said this years data recorded a marked increase in reported salaries for architects and architectural designers, though no significant improvement for Part 1 and Part 2 positions.Reported salaries ranged between 21,000 and 33,500 for Part 1 assistants, between 24,500 and 42,000 for Part 2 assistants, and between 27,000 and 54,000 for architects/architectural designers.Updated thresholds have left an increased number of practices falling below living wage requirements for Part 1 Architectural Assistant wages, according to Pay 100.For Part 1s, half (27 of the 54 firms whose Part 1s reported their salaries) are paying less than the UK living wage, according to information submitted by their staff. Living wage currently stands at 13.15 per hour in London and 12.00 per hour in the rest of the UK.Pay 100 said: We are still optimistic about the power of co-operation, and continue to welcome collaboration from the ARB, RIBA and practices across the profession.It urged practices falling below living wage levels to reconsider the value and living standards of their employees, as required by the RIBA, adding: We sincerely hope this data will be used as inspiration for progression going forward.Pay 100 was launched by a group of anonymous activists in summer 2022 to inspire wage transparency in the hope of driving up salaries across the industry.Pay 100s manifesto and aspirationsEncouraging financial improvement across the entire profession.Incentivising practices to compete financially to attract the best talent.Reducing potential fee-undercutting between practices, so those who truly value their employees are more likely to win work, and in turn become more profitable.Encouraging wages to begin to keep up with inflation.Combating pay inequality.Providing a tool for recruitment professionals that actually appeals to potential employees, therefore allowing said potential employees to specifically target applications towards the most financially desirable prospective employers.Encouraging healthy role promotion within practices, so as those who have invested significant time in their role are compared less against others under the same title.Helping employers improve the success of their business via more satisfied employees and increased staff retention.2024-11-01Anna Highfieldcomment and share

Chris Williamson in his own wordsSocial media is a strange beast. There seems to be few nuanced opinions, even on the rarified platform of LinkedIn.I wrote about a recent competition run by the Norman Foster Foundation looking for ideas about how to rebuild Kharkiv and how much I had enjoyed preparing the submission, collaborating with great engineers and learning new skills.I can appreciate how others might take a different view on some competitions and respect their choice not to participate. I am not unaware of different attitudes towards competitions and agree that they need to be better organised.I would like to see all architectural competitions focus on ideas rather than asking for detailed work. And more realistic reimbursement for the time spent on design and presentation.In recent years the RIBA has published guidelines but these are not always implemented. In Australia and elsewhere it seems to be a much fairer system. The City of Brussels has a great guide, too.There seems to be an even split on those who think competitions can be useful and those who hate the very idea. Some of the vitriolic comments lead me to assume that people read what they want to read not what is written.Or maybe its a genuine misunderstanding. I remain open to suggestions on how to improve the way in which architects are commissioned but am not convinced that banning competitions is the best way forward.I'm not convinced banning competitions is the best way forwardPersonally Ive never felt entitled to assume that, because one project was successful for one client, that I should be appointed by an entirely different client with an entirely different problem. It might be nice if the profession was as it was in the 1960s, but its not. And it is changing even more rapidly now.Competitions were important in the formation of Weston Williamson. We didnt have contacts and clients. We had to generate work.We entered the Venice Bus Station Competition in 1989. It was judged by James Stirling and won by Dixon Jones. Our entry was commended and because we had analysed all the bus, coach, taxi, car and pedestrian movements with the help of Arup.It helped us get an interview with the Jubilee Line Chief Architect, who happened to be Italian. Without that competition, we wouldnt have been shortlisted for London Bridge.If there were no suitable competitions Andrew and I used to invent projects to demonstrate ideas. This was at the suggestion of RIBA President Michael Manser. We drew up an entirely spurious scheme for a research laboratory in the Italian Alps and it was accepted into the RA Summer Exhibition and led to a project for English China Clays in Cornwall.Steve Jobs used to talk about his ideas long before he knew how he might realise them. As did da Vinci, Corb, Gropius, Khan, Cedric Price.Architects teach and write (or used to) exciting manifestos but were not accused of giving their ideas away. Were Andrew and I really going to hang on to our ideas until someone commissioned us? We would be waiting a very long time.I can't remember the last time we were commissioned on the evidence of what we had done for others. Clients quite rightly want to know what you can do for them.There are a set of videos on Youtube on the submissions for 425 Park Avenue New York. It is a masterclass by Norman Foster on how to win the work which I advise everyone I mentor to watch.Perhaps we all need to get better at presenting our ideas in a way that avoids excessive work. It is an issue we share with other industries advertising agencies often air similar complaints as do artists.One of the best presentations I have seen was from Rachel Whiteread, when we were interviewing artists for Victoria Station. A few other artists had done a lot of work to explain their proposals. Rachel had done a lot of thinking. She read from a single A4 sheet which explained what she would do. It was a genius proposal.I think competitions allow young architects the opportunity to show their ideas on a level playing field. Young architects need more help now than ever.What I was trying to say on LinkedIn obviously not very well is that competitions need to be well-run, inviting a response to a problem, not a detailed solution, and a conversation with the client. Done properly, it is an opportunity to demonstrate our worth. Not to give it away.But perhaps its time to introduce an Ethical Fee Scale which we should expect no chartered architect to fall beneath if we are to maintain integrity and ensure the right grade of personnel are to be engaged to ensure safety, sustainability and professional competence can be maintained. This would be linked to PI premiums.This should apply to competitions too. So, if an honorarium is 10,000 per entry, that is what you sign up to spend. My conscience would be clear.I was glad to present my ideas to rebuild Kharkiv and grateful for the opportunity to work with brilliant engineers Steve Webb and Andrew Downey. The winning entry, from the UK (Cundall, in collaboration with Gensler) which we should applaud, was wonderful and I hope all the ideas are found to be useful and are implemented soon.Chris Williamson, co-founder of Weston Williamson + Partners (now WW+P), will become RIBA president on 1 September 2025

A competition design for Kharkiv by Chris Williamson Source:&nbsp Chris WilliamsonRIBA president-elect Chris Williamsons defence of architectural competitions has provoked a heated debate Williamson, who won this years RIBA presidential election, said in a recent LinkedIn post that design competitions were critical for young architects and helped to form Weston Williamson +Partners (now WW+P).The architect, in his piece In Defence of Architectural Competitions, praised well-administered competitions that didnt ask for too much work [which] dont ask for detailed designs and [are] primarily interested in ideas.He went on: True, there is always the risk that the organiser will take the ideas and give them to someone else. But it depends how precious you think your ideas are. I belong to the school which thinks there is very little that is truly unique we all re-use, rather than invent.'AdvertisementHe added: I have often had difficulty convincing my partners who are much less supportive of the competition process and much more prone to the disappointment of not winning. For me not winning is not taking part. Losing is learning. And Ive learnt a lot.However, his post on the networking platform, split commentators, with some greeing with Williamson while others condemned competitions over unpaid work and fairness.Sarah Wigglesworth, founder of the recently closed Sarah Wigglesworth Architects, argued in a reply to the WW+P co-founder that competitions perpetuate the condition of form over substance instead of a clients needs.She argued: Seductive drawings lure clients into a false sense of power and security. [But] they wont know whether the proposal works until too late. Architects should beware and not participate in this sham.Meredith Bowles, director at Mole Architects, suggested that although competitions have been around for centuries they are poorly conceived, poorly administered, and a massive waste of resource.AdvertisementHe added that competitions have become the de facto method of procuring architects services, leading to a massive financial burden just to win work, concluding: Come on, lets get this issue sorted, Chris.Others pointed to the loss of money working on competitions using Williamsons own example of a 2004 competition for Urban Splash to deliver a 1.4ha scheme on the River Irwell in Manchester. WW+P won the design job but the scheme was never realised.Keir Regan-Alexander, founder of Arka Works, commented: The Urban Splash example: lets assume all of the entrants to the competition spent 10,000 in resource (a conservative estimate) 100 entrants is a total cost of 1,000,000 in wasted resource. [So] the risk to reward makes no sense any more, yet we have to keep bidding on bad terms because there is no alternative.Others, however, agreed with the WW+P founder, including architectural designer Dominik Arni, founder of Stiller Projects. He commented: Brilliant! Couldnt agree more with Chris Williamson. From the perspective of a young architectural practice without all the necessary references and insurance covers, well-run competitions are an essential tool for acquisition, experimentation, portfolio building and finding your own language.Williamson said in further comments to the AJ (read the full length version here) that competitions allow young architects the opportunity to show their ideas on a level playing field, and that young architects need more help now than ever.He added in defence: What I was trying to say on LinkedIn obviously not very well is that competitions need to be well-run, inviting a response to a problem, not a detailed solution, and a conversation with the client. Done properly, it is an opportunity to demonstrate our worth, not to give it away.Williamson was recently shortlisted in the competition run by the Norman Foster Foundation to rebuild the Saltivka neighbourhood of Kharkiv, Ukraine. Source:Chris WilliamsonA competition design for Kharkiv by Chris Williamson2024-10-31Gino Spocchiacomment and share

The 11,500m2 building is the final phase of the universitys Adam Smith Business School and contains facilities arranged around a central atrium designed to encourage innovative working.Part of a 1 billion campus development and expansion programme, the building forms a gateway to the campus. A series of academic offices, workspaces, teaching spaces and specialist hubs are laid out around a central atrium that also acts as a collaborative breakout space.The building has two main entries, the southern one facing out towards the city and a north-eastern one facing towards the campus.AdvertisementIt takes the form of a series of stepping blocks breaking up its bulk, its faade primarily formed from masonry with vertical elements, creating a solid, civic presence which is designed to sit coherently beside the context of Anderson College and the nearby Kelvinhall campus.Internally the design layout aims to facilitate collaboration and interaction between all users of the building students, staff and professional visitors.Hassell conceptualised this layout as three programmatic stacks separated by light wells. The southern one is for research and academic work, the northern for teaching and learning and the central one containing collaborative spaces. The latter includes a reconfigurable hothouse space that hosts industry-led activities such as entrepreneurial hack-a-thons, workshops and careers events, as well as student-led societies.Architects viewIt has been a privilege to collaborate with the University of Glasgow in designing the Business School, which honours the enduring legacy of Adam Smith's enlightened contributions to economic theory and practice. Our design for the school centres on the principles of interdisciplinary research and collaboration to cultivate and boost innovative thinking and entrepreneurialism, supporting the business leaders of tomorrow. Positioned as a welcoming gateway to the Gilmorehill Campus from Dumbarton Road, the distinctive masonry facade references the city's iconic red sandstone tone, subtly combining with the hues and textures of the local townscape.John OMara, principal, HassellClients viewI am delighted with our new building. It is a beautiful, light open space that offers many opportunities for delivering excellent learning experiences for our students, and collaborative, welcoming offices, meeting rooms and spaces for our staff and external partners. The opening of the cafe on the ground floor will benefit our community, offering a welcoming place for staff, students, partners and the local community to come into the Adam Smith Business School, enjoy a refreshment and have a look around our fabulous new building. I very much look forward to spending time in the cafe and to welcoming staff, students and visitors into our new building.Professor Eleanor Shaw, head, Adam Smith Business School Source:HassellProject dataStart on site October 2017CompletionDecember 2023Gross internal floor area 11,500m2Gross (internal + external) floor area 12,500m2Form of contractNEC3 Contract Appointed by University of Glasgow at the outset and novated postConstruction cost UndisclosedConstruction cost per m2 UndisclosedArchitect HassellClient University of GlasgowStructural engineer ARUPM&E consultant ARUPQS Currie and BrownBriefing Spaces that WorkPlanning North Planning and DevelopmentFire ARUPFaade Montresor PartnershipLandscape consultant LUCAcoustic consultant ARUPProject manager AtkinsRalisPrincipal designer ORSACDM coordinator ORSAMain contractor MultiplexCAD software used RevitEnvironmental performance dataOn-site energy generation 20%Airtightness at 50Pa 2.72m3/h.m2Heating and hot water load 18.12kWh/m2/yrOverall area-weighted u-value 0.19W/m2KDesign life 60 yearsAnnual CO2 emissions 14.5kgCO2eq/m2Advertisement

More on this topicBudget: Rachel Reeves pledges funding for housing, HS2 and schoolsRachel Reeves outlined plans to rebuild Britain once again through economic certainty and investment in areas including housing, the creative industries and infrastructure in her 85-minute budget speech.That included government commitments to 5 billion in spending on housing, with 500 million for the 2021-26 Affordable Homes Programme. Reeves also outlined a five-year rent settlement for local authorities and housing associations, reform of Right to Buy receipts and 230 million to deal with homelessness.In his response to the budget, RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said the cash injection for the Affordable Homes Programme was desperately needed. However, he pointed out that the budget wouldnt house everyone who needed a home. AdvertisementOki said: Given the huge demand for housing, the 500 million top-up to the Affordable Homes Programme is desperately needed. But this pocket-sized sum isnt going to deliver a home for everybody who needs one, including the hundreds of thousands of people waiting for social housing.He cautioned against making housing a numbers game and called for well designed places and supporting infrastructure because, ultimately, we must create places where people want to live.Similar comments were made byJay Morton, director at Bell Phillips. She told the AJ: I also question whether the 500 million allocated for social housing will be enough to meet the demand and ensure these homes meet the highest standards of quality, as social housing should set a benchmark for the best we have.Morton added that the new government had bought stability to the housing sector [and] while some were cautious of the Budget, the ambition to build and improve planning processes is reassuring and will add to stability.Matthew Chamberlain, of Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt, told the AJ it was encouraging to have a government making housing a main priority with an emphasis on providing longer-term certainty that will, we hope, create the confidence that is needed to increase investment.AdvertisementChamberlain said government needed to take a broad view, however, to ensure infrastructure was in place to ensure homes are successfully delivered and businesses and communities can thriveCiting the recent collapse of ISG and the knock-on effects, he explained: We are 10 years into a scheme that will create 120 new homes, with another three to go, with a fair wind. This isnt a unique situation, but the factors that have caused this need urgently addressing.Schools and hospitals are also set to benefit from Labours first budget in 14 years, with 40 billion in tax rises contributing to 70 billion in capital spending in this parliament. That will mean 1.4 billion for 500 new schools and a pledge to rebuild some hospitals.Michael Woodford, director of London studio at White Arkitekter, said Reeves commitment to continuing the New Hospitals Programme was welcome but investment in the NHS estate was crucial for both health outcomes and the climate crisis.He told the AJ: The UKs healthcare system has been suffering from inefficient funding for too long [] We will be looking attentively at how the funding for the next financial year will be distributed, strongly encouraging the government to account for renovation and planning policies that will enable us to deliver modern, healthy hospitals for its patients, people and employees.Richard Risdon, managing director at Mott MacDonald for UK and Europe, responded to the budget by saying the biggest challenge to realising these infrastructure investment plans is still the people which he linked to the investment in new schools.Calling on the government to engage in training workers to deliver new schools, hospitals and infrastructure, Ridson said: Boosting funding for the schools rebuilding programme by 1.4 billion to target rebuilding 500 schools is critical to creating the right environment for our young people to thrive. However, it will take time for that young talent to come through into our sector and we urgently need government to work with us on the skills issue. I welcome the further commitment to Skills England in the Budget, as we cannot build this vital infrastructure without the right people.A 25 billion slice of the 40 billion in increased tax revenue will come from increased National Insurance contributions, Reeves announced.Stride Treglowns Pierre Wassenaar said: Whilst a hike in the cost of running the business is never ideal, we had already accounted for the increase in employers NI contributions one of the advantages of the Budget being so heavily trailed.Wassenaar continued that his practice was optimistic about the focus on encouraging investment and the willingness to change rules to do so, but added: We do also need to be aware of unintended consequences with respect to quality.>Oliver Goodhall, co-founding Partner at We Made That, responded to Reeves commitments by saying: As an employer, and someone who cares about the health of our nation, Im happy to pay more tax. Labours revenue-raising Trojan horses have been so heavily trailed I dont think there were any surprises left.Goodhall also backed Reeves commitment to millions in funding for life sciences and the creative industries by calling for intelligent investment in infrastructure that aligns with the Industrial Strategy outlining the creative industries as a key sector for growth, and fairness locked into the growth mission.He continued: The recasting of Reeves fiscal rules is welcome. 2024 has been like moving through treacle with so much uncertainty for public-sector clients. Weve now got to both escape the cycle of short-term thinking and simultaneously start delivering.Other major announcements made by Reeves included funding for rail improvements outside London and metro systems in Sheffield and Leeds-Bradford, and ensuring that HS2 will go to Euston. However, no funding was set aside for the Euston terminus itself.Responding to the government's commitment to Eustons HS2 arrival into central London, WW+P's Ali Mowahed told the AJ it was encouraging that the government has made the right decision to commit to funding the high-speed rail line to central London.Mowahed added: Questions as to whether Euston station remains the right solution should now be put to one side.CommentsPooja Agrawal, chief executive, Public PracticeWhile we welcome the governments announcement of hundreds of new planners, we are keen that this is used as an opportunity to bring the right skills to the right level of public sector decision-making, to prioritise the quality of places rather than just focusing on delivering 1.5m homes.I have always seen the definition of a public sector planner being quite broad. I would like to see these 300 planners being recruited not just for the development management process, but to take a more strategic role contributing to strategic planning, new towns, updating local plans and protecting the environment.Architects have the right skills to contribute to the new governments agenda by bringing their spatial understanding and imagination, communication and project management experience, and crucially, their passion for improving peoples lives.Jack Taylor, associate director, A is For ArchitectureIt is great to hear that the government has finally taken notice of the housing crisis that is troubling the UK and making provisions for more housing investment particularly affordable housing.However, crucially, is where and how you build which is often overlooked in the pursuit of profit and speed of delivery.It would be a catastrophe if most of the new housing stock ends up as endless suburban sprawl with little to no connection to urban life, the high-street, infrastructure or public transport. As an industry we should be ready to embrace alternative models of more compact developments, bringing people back to town centres.Ben Derbyshire, chair, HTA DesignAt HTA Design we have long argued that public investment in housing as infrastructure is the only effective means of tackling the crisis in affordability, as supported by our partnership with Architects Action for Affordable Housing (AA4AH). Done right, this investment should also reduce spending on temporary housing, contribute to mitigating the climate and ecological emergencies and create a platform for green growth.So, we are tentatively encouraged that the chancellor has modified the rules that govern debt incurred for infrastructure investment, provided a substantial slice of that goes towards council house building. According to the Institute for Government, a broader assessment of public assets would yield headroom in excess of 60 billion so by that measure she could, and we say should, have gone further. 5 billion on housing, of which 3.1 billion for social and affordable housing is welcome, but more is needed if we are to meet the shortage.And of course, the intended benefits will only emerge if new and renovated housing is effectively planned, designed and built. The chancellor has recognised this through recruiting hundreds of planning officers. But in order to boost and upskill local planning authority capacity the government should utilise the plethora of experts around to support this effort and give them the opportunity to contribute. As we know to our terrible cost, the downsides of poor investment are as great as the possible benefits if the investment is well spent. We and AA4AH stand ready.Andrew Leaver, director, tp bennett During the elections, the Labour Party stated it would deliver the biggest boost to affordable housing for a generation. The pledge of 500 million towards the governments affordable programme is a welcomed start in the delivery of additional social housing, without which there would be a significant shortfall. But I urge the government to commit to bringing its investment up 500 million towards a 11.5 billion programme is unlikely to meet the target of 180,000 affordable homes.I also question how this funding will be distributed to councils across the country without expecting local authorities to bid against each other in order to support their communities with such basic needs. So, while I support the AHP, these investments must be genuine and consider building the right types of homes: attainable, community-focused schemes and designed sustainably for a mix of tenures to address both the housing and climate crises. The government needs to maintain this focus and not derail before the next round of housing grant programme next spring.Miranda MacLaren, director, Orms and member of the New London Architecture housing expert panelThe announcement of an additional 500 million for affordable housing is welcome. This investment is a small step towards addressing the housing crisis and ensuring more and affordable homes are built for those in need. However, Id like to understand more about how this will be complemented by immediate measures to address the pressing issues within the private rental sector. High rents within poor-quality accommodation are a key driver in the current housing crisis and, without robust standards and enforcement, these problems will persist.Allowing social landlords to fix rent increases for a five-year period may provide some stability for tenants. However, we also need stronger regulations and funding to prevent evictions, improve the quality of shared housing, and ensure councils have the resources to enforce standards. Addressing these issues is essential to prevent homelessness and reduce the reliance on emergency and temporary accommodation.Additionally, it is good to see the small funding boost to council planning teams. Planning authorities require funds to support their residents in securing safe and long-term accommodation. Currently, there are sparse resources and a lack of joined-up thinking within planning and housing departments, which hampers their ability to make the necessary impact in their boroughs. While this funding boost is a step in the right direction, more substantial support is needed to ensure these teams can effectively serve their communities.Ali Mowahed, chief executive, WW+PWith regards to HS2, it's encouraging that the government has made the right decision to commit to funding the high-speed rail line to central London, questions as to whether Euston station remains the right solution should now be put to one side. It was always going to be very difficult to convince the private sector to fund this aspect of the transport network without enhancing the associated development potential. We're disappointed that there is still a lack of clarity around commitments to extend the benefits HS2 will provide to the UK's Northern cities; we maintain our belief in the transformative potential of sustainable transport investment. However, this will continues to be a missed opportunity as long as we regard connectivity and growth as isolated problems to solve. The budget lacked clarity around the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme in its entirety, which we believe can provide a step change in advancing connectivity across the UK, and can foster economic growth while enhancing sustainability; Rachel Reeves' commitment to the Transpennine Route Upgrade addresses only some aspects of this. We're pleased that the chancellor committed funding to other projects that will have meaningful impact to growth across the UK such as East West Rail, which unlocks a significant amount of new housing and employment. The challenge now is to ensure the committed programmes of investment maintain the UK's position as a world leader in design and innovation.Melanie Leech, chief executive, British Property FederationWith no concessions on the overall business rates burden, todays announcements on this are just robbing Peter to pay Paul. However, the chancellor has at least recognised the business rates system is broken and has signposted the direction towards a reformed system. In the meantime, recognition of the unsustainable burden on retail, leisure and hospitality sectors and measures to continue to support them are welcome, but the employer tax increases announced dont go far enough to provide our high streets with the protection they need.Measures to support the delivery of more homes are welcome but the chancellor knows that much more is needed if the government is to deliver on its 1.5 million homes pledge. The promised housing strategy needs to be much bolder and go much further. This includes unlocking the billions of pounds of investment into the build-to-rent sector, so it is particularly disappointing that Rachel Reeves did not take the opportunity to reverse the previous governments decision to abolish multiple dwellings relief announced in spring.Mark Braund, head of housing, BDPThe increase in funding for affordable and social housing is extremely encouraging for the future of the sector. We work tirelessly with councils and developers to unlock viable and underutilised land across the country to bring about housing that the country truly needs, and we hope this can be the catalyst for local authorities to push their plans forward.We know that the government has also pledged to create a series of new towns and we support the desire to create places that deliver infrastructure, offices and leisure facilities alongside new homes. Its fantastic to see a 56 million investment in Liverpool Central Docks identified by the chancellor. The Liverpool city region is one of the UKs most successful destinations and it is already acting as the test-bed for new, housing-led masterplans and development including our Hind Street development, which recently received more than 50 million in funding from Homes England and the Liverpool Combined Authority, helping unlock much needed housing in sustainable places. We are excited to see the impact of this funding alongside our approved plans in the Wirral and our development of the Liverpool Waterfront Regeneration Strategy.Stevan Tennant, managing director development, BallymoreIt was encouraging to see investment ring-fenced for affordable housing in todays budget. But, the government needs to go further and reconsider taxation measures to ensure that the residential property sector is incentivised, rather than stifled.The cost of building affordable housing in London excluding land is significantly higher than the value Registered Housing Providers are willing (or able) to pay for these homes. This effectively means affordable housing becomes a tax on development, and there is no financial incentive for a developer to build affordable housing.We are in danger of being distracted by conversations about a myriad of other factors that may impact on housing delivery, but at the core of the issue is viability, the costs of home ownership and funding and how it can be used. With costs rising dramatically and development values decreasing, many projects are simply no longer viable. Ultimately, we need to be building more homes across the country, at all levels of the market and all tenures, but developers cannot deliver them if its not financially viable to do so.Matilda Agace, senior policy and advocacy manager, Design CouncilWe welcome the focus on retrofit and repair with an extra 2 billion for school repair and an initial 3.4 million for home heat decarbonisation; with our carbon budgets tight, upgrading the buildings we have is key.It is good to see the extra investment in building affordable homes. If 1.5 million homes are going to be delivered within 1.5C climate commitments, it is crucial that central government funding is used to drive up the design quality and climate credentials of the homes we built. The budget re-confirmed the governments commitment in making buildings cleaner and cheaper to run as part of the UKs journey to net zero. However, there remains a significant policy gap on embodied carbon.While Rachel Reeves announced 1 billion for the aerospace sector and over 2 billion for the automotive sector, it was a shame to see no headline investment figure announced for the Governments other key growth sector the creative industries, where design and architecture sit.Shelagh Grant, chief executive, The Housing ForumThe Housing Forum welcomes today's announcements on funding for new housing. Our members from across the housing sector work together to increase the quality and supply of housing, including affordable housing. We know how badly these new homes are needed to address rising levels of homelessness and enable everyone to have a quality home. We are particularly pleased to see conformation of the Right to Buy discounts being reduced and councils given the full receipts to reinvest, as these are measures we have been calling for to give councils confidence to build and increase the supply of much-needed new homes.Muyiwa Oki, RIBA President Given the huge demand for housing, the 500 million top-up to the Affordable Homes Programme as part of todays Budget is desperately needed. But this pocket-sized sum isnt going to deliver a home for everybody who needs one, including the hundreds of thousands of people waiting for social housing.Alongside calling for next years Spending Review to boost the social housing pot, we urge the government to consider its overall approach to funding social homes. This includes exploring different models that reduce the net cost of delivery, such as that outlined in our report, Foundations for the Future.Fundamentally, housebuilding needs to be more than a numbers game. Places must be well-designed, well-connected, inclusive and accessible, which means ensuring sufficient infrastructure is developed alongside new homes. That means building on todays infrastructure announcements because, ultimately, we must create places where people want to live.Ben Marston, director, Jestico + Whiles and chair of the NLA Expert Panel on EducationAs the National Audit Office reported last year, our school estate has been deteriorating faster than the Department for Education has been able to refurbish or rebuild it, with very low numbers of schools being delivered on the Schools Rebuilding Programme. Progress has gone backwards the chancellor observed in her speech.The 21,600 schools in England form the backbone of our public sector estate, but a generation of post-war school buildings have reached the end of their design life. RAAC got a specific mention, given the publics unexpected familiarity with autoclaved aerated structures, but that is one issue of many afflicting the school estate school buildings not fit for our children, as the chancellor described them. Rebuilding, refurbishing, and decarbonising the existing estate into inclusive modern learning environments should be essential national renewal. It will never be enough, but the additional capital investment in our schools, alongside the increases in operational funding, particularly in vital SEND provision, is overdue and welcome.

This years eclectic finalists range from new homes in both 'deeply rural and densely urban areas' to a pair of 'sensitively upgraded listed buildings'. The prize is awarded to the best new house or house extension designed by an architect in the UK. The shortlist includes two houses already vying for the Manser Medal AJ House of the Year Award, namely 31/44s Six Columns house in south London and Surman Westons first self-build project, an energy efficient home that reinvents the terraced house in Peckham.They are joined by 'brand-new beautifully-crafted' countryside homes - Farmworkers House, Cornwall by Hugh Strange Architects and Eavesdrop, Sussex, byAdvertisementThe list is completed by the revamp of a 16th century house in the Kent Downs by TaylorHare Architects and the rescue of a Stable Block, Monmouthshire, by emerging Camberwell-based practice Studio Brassica Architects.RIBA president Muyiwa Oki described the shortlist as 'high-quality residential architecture with impact'. He said: 'Exemplars in sensitive restoration, climate-conscious design and ingenious urban placemaking they each present a bold, creative solution to meet housing needs.'Individually, they are truly remarkable, breathtaking pieces of architecture; together they offer scalable solutions to issues faced by our built environment from reinventing existing buildings to working with complex and constrained sites. However, their true success lies in the health and wellbeing of those that live inside them: there can be no greater mark of achievement for an architect.'Je Ahn, this year's award chair, said the jury had been impressed 'by the ambition of both the architects and clients', adding: 'A house can be many things this years shortlist shows the breadth of possibilities. From rural contexts to tight urban sites, including fine craftsmanship and intergenerational living amongst other driving forces all these houses are essentially about the people who live inside.The finalists offer scalable solutions to the urgent issues of today'Together the shortlisted exemplars offer scalable solutions to the urgent issues of today displaying care towards sustainability and social changes, including the revival of historic buildings which don't negatively impact the natural environment.'AdvertisementLast year the prize was collected by a home in Tottenham, north London by Hayhurst & Co described as a riad-inspired urban oasis (pictured below).Hayhurst & Cos low-cost, five-bedroom Green House beat projects by Denizen Works, Studio Weave, Rural Office and Nall McLaughlin Architects.The RIBA House of the Year award was set up in 2013. Previous winners include McGonigle McGrath for House Lessans (2019), HaysomWardMiller for Lochside House (2018), Richard Murphy Architects for Murphy House (2016), Skene Catling de la Pea for Flint House (2015), Loyn & Co for Stormy Castle (2014) and Carl Turner Architects for Slip House (2013).Again, the announcement will not be not made on television. In 2023 Channel 4 cut ties with the RIBA earlier this year, axing its Grand Designs House of the Year programme which showcased the finalists.The winner of the RIBA House of the Year 2024 will be announced in December.RIBA House of the Year 2024 finalists:Farmworkers House, Cornwall, byHugh Strange ArchitectsNestled into a wooded field, this deceptively simple home adopts an introverted courtyard house typology, its L-shaped plan sheltering a south-facing garden. Thick masonry walls of monolithic clay blocks form the protective wings, simply finished with textured lime render. Beyond the walls, the surrounding agricultural land is left untouched, allowing livestock to graze right up to the boundary walls. Inside, smooth unpainted lime plaster mirrors the roughcast outside, while dark brick floors throughout recall Victorian stable pavers, and an exposed roof structure of locally-grown Douglas Fir hangs above.Peckham House, London, by Surman WestonThis small but generously-spaced family home is full of enthusiasm and playfulness, with a faade defined by a distinctive pattern of hit-and-miss brickwork that playfully interprets the local houses. It sits on the end of an unassuming urban terrace, which makes the most of a small site, including a roof terrace to provide some needed outside space.Eavesdrop, Sussex, byTom Dowdall ArchitectsDesigned for retirement, the home is focused on wellbeing, calm and flexibility, with level thresholds for full accessibility, as well as light, tranquil spaces that open up to host friends and family. A generous central courtyard provides sunlight, fresh air, and year-round enjoyment of plants and wildlife. With its sweeping, rising roof, simple construction, and stone finishes, the house fits seamlessly into the landscape, while close up, the beauty of its stone detailing is revealed.The Hall, Kent, by TaylorHare ArchitectsSituated in the Kent Downs, this Grade II-listed 16th century residence has been extensively and sympathetically refurbished into a sustainable home. Interiors have been both restored and modernised, with finely crafted detailing and considered new interventions that work in harmony so that the historical compliments the contemporary. The house is an exemplar of green living, while simultaneously restoring the surrounding listed outbuildings and adding a pool, pool house, tennis court, stable block, and a new lake. The end result is a demonstration of how to extend the life of a historic building, while creating elegant living spaces for the future.Plas Hendy Stable Block, Monmouthshire, byStudio Brassica ArchitectsA Grade II-listed Arts & Crafts stable block has been rescued and restored to create a novel and accessible family home. Simple materials, detailing, and variation are applied in spirited and thoughtful ways, balancing aesthetic, heritage, and ecological obligations, while upgrades to sustainability and references to the Arts & Craft movement such as sawtooth brickwork and quarry tiles create moments of playfulness while demonstrating the many benefits of repurposing existing buildings.Six Columns, London, by 31/44 ArchitectsDesigned to meet a familys changing needs, Six Columns is a flexible, future-facing home intended to evolve with its occupants. It makes efficient and sophisticated use of space, and materials, with sustainable and cost-reducing features. Brutalist references and creative flourishes a stepping brickwork wall, rustications and pilasters, and a green marble panel make for a distinct and refreshing aesthetic. Wherever possible, self-finished materials are employed; the ground floor has exposed painted brickwork, and readily-available spruce panels are used to create many of the fittings and joinery, which can be adjusted with ease over time. Source:Kilian O'SullivanWinner of RIBA House of the Year 2023: Green House by Hayhurst & Co

New housing development seen on a brown field site in Essex, UK Source:&nbsp ShutterstockMore than 50 councils have been awarded a slice of a 68 million government fund intended to unlock brownfield sites The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has named 54 councils that will receive funding from the Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF).The news comes ahead of the budget announcement this afternoon (30 October), during which Rachel Reeves is expected to outline further details on spending to hit Labour's 1.5 million homes target.The list of councils includes Manchester City Council, which has been awarded 4.1 million. Of this, 2.9 million has been targeted at a single vacant brownfield site earmarked for 220 much-needed affordable homes.AdvertisementOther local authorities on the list include Eastbourne City Council, which has been awarded 2.2 million for 100 new homes, Weston-Super-Mare, with 1.7 million towards more than 100 town-centre homes, and Northampton, with 1.4 million to transform a former bus depot, delivering 72 new homes. See the full list of funding and councils below.The money was released from the second brownfield land release fund (BLRF2), launched by Boris Johnson when he was prime minister, which has already awarded 95 million to councils.The latest 68 million pot from the fund, made available earlier this month, is expected to enable 5,200 homes to be built across the country.The BLRF funding will allow councils to cover the costs such as decontamination, demolition and clearance works of empty buildings and car parks, and to improve infrastructure like internet, water, and power.Housing and planning minister Matthew Pennycook said: The government is committed to a brownfield-first approach to housebuilding ... the funding announced today will support the delivery of thousands of new homes and boost economic growth by unlocking development on scores of abandoned, disused and neglected urban sites across the country.AdvertisementPrime minister Keir Starmer said: I said this government is on the side of the builders, not the blockers. And I meant it.This funding for councils will see disused sites and industrial wastelands transformed into thousands of new homes in places that people want to live and work.Our brownfield-first approach will not only ramp up housebuilding but also create more jobs, deliver much-needed infrastructure, and boost economic growth across the country.Local authorityBLRF Award ()Basildon Borough Council994,151Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council310,000Bracknell Forest Council2,200,000Bristol City Council2,488,643Bromsgrove District Council722,748Cambridge City Council904,851City Of Wolverhampton Council1,400,000Crawley Borough Council3,853,935Cumberland Council1,300,000Darlington Borough Council470,030Eastbourne Borough Council2,200,000Essex County Council1,418,000Exeter City Council860,500Gloucester City Council688,484Gravesham Borough Council1,628,757Great Yarmouth Borough Council81,074Halton Borough Council517,500Isle of Wight Council153,410Kingston upon Hull City Council1,435,318Kirklees Council1,253,031Lancaster City Council73,440Lewes District Council630,000Liverpool City Council305,000London Borough of Barking & Dagenham1,286,899London Borough of Barnet1,276,367London Borough of Camden3,261,639London Borough of Croydon1,258,800London Borough of Hackney855,680London Borough of Haringey2,747,057London Borough of Newham1,720,974Maidstone Borough Council1,898,520Manchester City Council4,123,108Medway Council643,449Mid Suffolk District Council135,000Newcastle upon Tyne City Council2,402,550North Somerset Council1,703,551Peterborough City Council100,000Plymouth City Council540,000Salford City Council1,615,000Sheffield City Council690,000Southend-on-Sea City Council467,000St Helens Council1,019,640Stoke-on-Trent City Council2,217,232Stroud District Council118,993Sunderland City Council4,033,259Surrey Heath Borough Council1,480,300Tandridge District Council250,159Thurrock Council734,370Wakefield Metropolitan District Council1,030,000Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council243,500West Northamptonshire Council2,599,500Wokingham Borough Council1,104,233Worcestershire County Council1,093,234Worthing Borough Council178,891Grand Total68,717,7772024-10-30Anna Highfieldcomment and share

Announcing the autumn budget in front of an animated House of Commons this afternoon (Wednesday, 30 October), Reeves reiterated Labours pledge to rebuild Britain following a decade of low growth.Reeves, who is Britains first female chancellor, said difficult decisions had been made in order to tackle a 22 billion black hole in public finances inherited by the Labour government.Increasing investment in building new infrastructure will be among seven key pillars of the governments growth strategy, she explained as she delivered the partys first budget to be brought forward by the party since 2010.AdvertisementShe went on to pledge major funding drives for housing, schools and major infrastructure projects including HS2.Elsewhere, Reeves announced that the National Living Wage for people aged 21 or older will rise by 6.7 per cent from 11.44 an hour to 12.21 from April 2025.HousingThe government will invest 5 billion into delivering its housing plan, which includes Labours pledge to build 1.5 million new homes in its first five years in power.Funding for the Affordable Homes Programme will be increased by 3.1 billion to provide 3 billion worth of support in guarantees to boost the supply of homes and support our small house builders, Reeves explained.She also outlined plans to renovate sites across the country, including 56 million funding for 2,000 new homes to be delivered at Liverpool Central Docks, and funding for Cambridge to help the city realise its full growth potential.AdvertisementAnd she pledged to increase affordable housing supply by reducing right-to-buy discounts, explaining that local authorities would be able to retain the full receipts of sales so that we can reinvest them back into the housing stock and into new supply.The chancellor said transforming planning rules would be key to getting Britain building again, and reiterated Labours pledge to hire hundreds of new planning officers.She also pledged an additional 230 million pounds to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping. Speaking briefly on the aftermath of Grenfell and last months second and final report into the 2017 tragedy at a west London tower block, Reeves said 1 billion will be provided by central government to remove dangerous cladding from buildings. Source:Peel WatersLiverpool Waters' masterplan and Liverpool Central DocksSchoolsReeves announced a major funding boost for crumbling schools, with 1.4 billion to rebuild over 500 schools in the greatest need, including St Helens Primary School in Hartlepool and Mercia Academy in Derby.The funding will form part of 6.7 billion total capital investment by the Department for Education next year a 19 per cent real-terms uplift on this years funding, according to the chancellor.HS2 and other major infrastructure projectsThe chancellor confirmed that the government was committing to HS2s embattled London link, one of the sections of the rail project that was scrapped by the Conservative government, and pledged funding to begin tunnelling work from Old Oak Common in west London to Euston.She also committed to transforming northern rail connectivity through the Transpennine Route Upgrade between York and Manchester, via Leeds and Huddersfield, as well as improving rail connections between Oxford, Milton Keynes, and Cambridge with East West Rail.Reeves also promised 25 million to the North East Combined Authority, to help deliver the 4D Studio-designed Crown Works Studio in Sunderland, billed as an iconic landmark for the North East.Life sciencesIn a promising pledge for Life Sciences projects, Reeves promised record funding of 520 million for research and development to harness the full potential of the UK science space.Running a practiceFor business, the chancellor said a rise in employers National Insurance contributions from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent would raise 25 billion. Separately, the threshold for paying National Insurance on a workers earnings will be lowered from 9,100 to 5,000.2024-10-30Anna Highfieldcomment and share

The scheme, worked up for developer Seven Capital, was submitted to Islington Council earlier this month. It features both new-build elements, improvements to public realm and the retrofit a former 19th-century infirmary.Former Stirling Prize winner Nall McLaughlin Architects has overseen the new buildings. Controversially, these include a 27-storey tower with 242 student beds, which has provoked local criticism.The practice said in planning documents that the tower needed to be around 30 storeys if it is to acquire elegant proportions and sufficiently differentiate itself from its surroundings, which are up to 18 storeys tall.AdvertisementIt said: A landmark tall building, such as Centre Point [by Richard Seifert], needs to be a singular object that stands out from its surroundings. It needs to be significantly higher than nearby buildings to achieve this character.GRID is working on the sites non-student residential buildings, including restoring the former infirmary, a Grade A locally listed building dating back to 1875, which has been vacant for several years. Source:Niall McLaughlinNall McLaughlin and GRID's Archway Campus scheme (October 2024)Of the 178 new homes due to be delivered by GRID, 51 per cent will be affordable.When plans were put to consultation early last year for residential units and a 35-storey tower, local campaign groups Stop Archway Tower and the Highgate Society hit out at the planned height.A petition against the scheme set up by Stop Archway Tower has already received more than 1,500 signatures. It states: No tower block more than twice the height of Archway Tower, creating more wind blight, overshadowing and impact on views across north and central London [should be built].AdvertisementIf approved, the scheme will involve demolishingf some buildings on site, including estate facilities buildings and a 1970s extension.Seven Capital snapped up the site from Peabody in 2021 after plans drawn up by Haworth Tompkins for 400 homes were not progressed.A Seven Capital spokesperson told the AJ that the company was proud to have submitted a transformative development proposal to the London Borough of Islington, featuring over 50 per cent affordable housing.The scheme will deliver high-quality, modern residential accommodation in newly constructed buildings, including a landmark apex tower providing student rooms, alongside the careful renovation and restoration of historic buildings to respect the sites heritage.The development will address local housing needs and make a lasting, positive contribution to the community and wider area through public realm enhancements and the provision of flexible community/commercial space.

The Architects JournalDowen Farmer submits plans for backland homes in south-east LondonDowen Farmer Architects has submitted plans for six new houses in a back garden in Mottingham, south-east LondonThe post Dowen Farmer submits plans for backland homes in south-east London appeared first on The Architects JournalWill Ing

The multidisciplinary team chosen for the estimated 157,185 contract will design, plan, coordinate and manage a series of accessibility improvements to schools for pupils with special educational needs in Herefordshire.The programme will run from 2025 to 2027 and will involve the full scope of services from projet inception through to completion. Key aims include creating environments that are fit for purpose and conducive to high quality education and improving the educational experience for students.According to the brief: This tender relates to the procurement of professional consultancy services with a multi-disciplinary design team to manage the delivery of Herefordshire Council's schools' programme of improvements and adaptations (accessibility) required for pupils with special educational needs.AdvertisementIt is anticipated that the multi-disciplinary team will undertake all tasks included within RIBA Stages 1-6. The contract is for approximately 2 years, with services commencing on 29th January 2025.The works programme is to be planned and delivered from 29th January 2025, through 2025/26 and 2026/27 for works to complete up to 31st March 2027, excluding any defect liability periods. The contract will include a defects liability period up to 31st March 2028 with an option to extend up to 6 months. Any extension is subject to further budget and governance approvals.Herefordshire is a largely rural West Midlands county of around 190,000 residents. The latest project focusses on the renewal and expansion of various school facilities spread across the county.Architype completed an 11 million hospice building in Hereford the county town of Herefordshire nine years ago. Other recent projects in the area include Hereford College of Arts by Hewitt Studios.The search for a design team comes more than a year after Herefordshire Council announced a search for a design team to rethink the future of its Grade II*-listed town hall. In January, the local authority launched a search for a design team for an upgrade of Hampton Dene Primary School.AdvertisementBids to deliver the latest contract will be evaluated 48 per cent on quality, 12 per cent on social value and 40 per cent on price. Applicants must hold employers liability insurance of 10 million, public liability insurance of 10 million and professional indemnity insurance of 2 million.Competition detailsProject title Invitation to Tender for the provision of Professional Consultancy Services/Multi-Disciplinary to manage delivery of Herefordshire Council's schools' Improvements and Adaptations ProgrammeClient Herefordshire CouncilContract value 157,185First round deadline Midday, 21 November 2024Restrictions TbcMore information https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/notice/b668577a-b036-40fd-89d8-744b08c076c6

The opportunities include the Robert Adam Rome Scholarship where the winning candidate receives three-months board and accommodation at the British School at Rome along with a monthly 800 research and travel grant to study the tradition and evolution of classical architecture in Rome and Italy.The other awards include The Rome Scholarship in Architecture which is awarded to an exceptionally promising post-graduate architecture graduate or early career architect, and the Giles Worsley Rome Fellowship which offers a three-month architectural history research residency and the chance to carry out a discrete piece of work and deliver a final presentation to the school.According to the brief: Now, architects, urban designers and architectural historians have three ways they can spend three inspiring months on their own work and research at the British School at Rome.AdvertisementWith three scholarships available, each with its own criteria, applicants can choose which fits with their ambitions. All come together to create a thriving architectural community, a part of the unique and inspiring artistic and academic community at the British School at Rome.Added to this, the annual Reading Rome one-week summer school for architects at the British School at Rome, is led by award-winning practitioners. Working architects can learn how Rome has inspired modern practice.The British School at Rome was founded in 1901 with architecture as one of its main disciplines alongside archaeology and the fine arts. It moved into its Edward Lutyens-designed home in the city in 1916.The original Faculty of Architecture was established in 1912 but closed in the 1990s. The latest call for applications comes more than two years after Allies and Morrison founder Bob Allies was named as the head of the newly re-established British School at Romes Faculty of Architecture, leading a team of big-name architects.Founding faculty members of the newly relaunched faculty Denise Bennetts, co-founder of Bennetts Associates, Nall McLaughlin of Nall McLaughlin Architects, Tim Bell, director at Bell Phillips Architects, Marco Iuliano, reader in architecture at the University of Liverpool and art historian MaryAnne Stevens.AdvertisementCompetition detailsProject title Three Roads Lead to RomeClient British School at RomeContract value TbcFirst round deadline 2 December 2024Restrictions TbcMore information https://bsr.ac.uk/awards-residencies-architecture/

Old Oak Common Development Committee (OPDC) councillors unanimously approved plans for Egyptian developer ALDau to redevelop a 0.39ha site at 4 Portal Way, building what would be Londons tallest residential building.The site is currently home to a nine-storey Holiday Inn hotel, which will be replaced by 90 rooms in Apts mixed-used, residential-led, scheme.Apts skyscrapers are the same height as a never-progressed, twin-tower scheme by KPF for the same plot, which received consent in 2021. ALDAU was also behind those plans.AdvertisementIt appointed Apt to redesign the skyscraper scheme to accommodate updated fire safety regulations and to respond to market changes.KPFs scheme would have been the tallest residential scheme in London, reaching 237m. Although marginally shorter at 236m, Apts proposal would also take the crown as the capitals tallest residential building.That title is understood to be currently held by Squire & Partners 233m-tall Landmark Pinnacle building in the Isle of Dogs, east London (completed in 2022).KPFs scheme included a 159-bedroom hotel and office conference space, with 702 residential units.The Greater London Authority warned that KPFs plans raised a range of visual, functional and environmental issues. However, planners at the west London borough of Ealing recommended approval, arguing it was a well-designed scheme which benefited from a creative but also carefully measured design approach.AdvertisementApts newly consented plans include 669 flats with a 6,780m2 hotel, 733m2 of commercial space, and a connecting base podium plus landscaping.Build-to-rent residential accomodation makes up 65 per cent of the tenures offered, with 35 per cent of homes (203 units) earmarked as affordable.OPDC planning officers recommended the updated plans for approval. They said Apts scheme represented a high-quality architectural approach [and] the differentiation between the two buildings in terms of materiality, expression and height is considered to make them successful as a pair.Apt director and project leader Bram van der Wal said he was thrilled by the approval adding that the proposal would not only complement North Actons emerging Southern Gateway cluster but also create a new destination for the local community.

Wrexham Association Football Club announced yesterday (24 October) that it had hired the stadium specialist to redesign the proposed new Kop stand as part of a masterplan for the entire STK Cae Ras stadium.Populouss initial focus will be on redrawing the proposed 5,500-seat stand. AFLs previous design included a hospitality lounge and office and retail space, along with facilities for the Wrexham AFC Community Trust.Populouss appointment comes after a pause and review of the existing plans for the Kop and a full tender process for a design team to oversee development of the stand and a wider masterplan.AdvertisementWrexham had hoped to open the stand in time for the 2024/5 season but no start date for the build was ever set.The earlier AFL scheme won planning approval in November 2022 but the club later admitted that several matters need to be resolved before the stand could progress. Outstanding issues included the grant funding agreement from Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) and changes to the existing lease structure of the ground. Prior to the takeover by Reynolds and McElhenney, the club had a complicated ownership structure which involved the local university and several other stakeholders.Wrexham says the Populous overhaul of the ground will make the Kop fully compliant with UEFA Category Four stadium requirements and will be completed in time for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship final tournament in 2026. This will allow the league one side to bring international football back to north Wales.Wrexham AFC chief executive officer Michael Williamson commented: We are determined to ensure the new Kop stand and the future vision of the STK Cae Ras satisfies the needs and expectations of our fans and the local community, and the appointment of Populousas architect for the redesign reflects that.We appreciate the efforts of those who have worked on this project to date, allowing us to now focus our attention on the activation of areas within the new stand, while remaining consistent with the capacity and volume that was previously presented.AdvertisementPopulous global director and senior principal Declan Sharkey added: Were extremely proud to be appointed to work on the new Kop stand and to explore the potential for a wider vision and masterplan for the future STK Cae Ras.Our aim is to create a home for Wrexhams passionate fans and the community that pays tribute to the heritage and traditions of the club and the city itself. The Kop stand will be the epicentre of the atmosphere at the ground on matchday while incorporating enhanced facilities that can be used every day throughout the year. Source:AFLAFL's unrealised Wrexham plans2024-10-25Gino Spocchiacomment and share

Thelma Ruby Source:&nbsp Tildsley FranceA former TV soap star has kicked up a racquet over Allies and Morrisons Wimbledon expansion plans Thelma Ruby, who appeared as Lily Dempsey in ITVs Coronation Street in the 90s, is now the star of the Save Wimbledon Park campaign.She says she is ready to rally over the evil plan, insisting she will chain herself to a tree and face arrest before she sees work commence on the Grand Slam site. The All England Lawn Tennis Clubs said plan which will see hundreds of trees felled to make way for 39 new tennis courts has already had to bounce back from Wandsworth Councils refusal, a decision that was recently overturned by the Mayors Office. AdvertisementNow they face another volley from 99-year-old Thelma, who told Astragal: The fight is not over. Once it is inevitable that they plan to start, then I will truly chain myself to a tree. New balls please!Have the thought-provoking Negroni Talks met their match? The small but highly sought-out design debates, at which architecture practice fourth_space plies built environment specialists with liquor then throws them a topical bone to scrap over, have a tendency to get heated.But one speaker at a recent Negroni Talk on, ahem, problems in the architecture press, was disillusioned enough by the ruckus to set up a rival event. In what can only be interpreted as a two-fingered salute to the Negroni Talks, its would-be nemesis, Negroni Sbagliato, promised a less bitter, more bubbly atmosphere at its October launch. AdvertisementHosted by PATCH Collective, the event claimed to be collective, communal, diverse and still critical. Surely theres room for two at the bar2024-10-25Astragalcomment and share