View Point – Nigel Ostime from Hawkins\Brown

Nigel Ostime, delivery director at architects Hawkins\Brown and chair of the RIBA Client Liaison Group, looks at how a ‘chain of custody’ approach is fundamental to a new toolkit created to ensure a focus on quality in projects Last December... View Article

A brighter future for our kids

Imma Boada of Kingspan Light + Air looks at how the need for effective daylight within our schools extends far beyond issues of academic attainment In 1999, Heschong Mahone Group conducted a comprehensive study that analysed the academic performance of... View Article

Taking a circular route to emergency care efficiency

A new hospital in Cramlington, Northumberland, is the first in the NHS to be purpose-designed for emergency cases. Neil Harvey of Ramboll explains how the building simplifies the route from admission to specialists using a ‘panopticon’ ward design The Northumbria Specialist... View Article

The power of nature

HLM’s Aline Browers and David Greig explain how the benefits of biophilia are increasingly being recognised by designers working in educational environments Biophilia is a term popularised by American psychologist Ed Wilson in the 1980s. When you ask people where... View Article

Practice Profile: Saunders

With a pragmatic approach and a retail pedigree Saunders is broadening its horizons, with a newfound focus on the residential sector. Sébastien Reed spoke to the firm’s Martin Williams to find out more Saunders was established 30 years ago by... View Article

Clear innovation

Adrian Adams of Saint-Gobain Building Glass outlines the current and future ‘megatrends’ that are influencing architectural glazing specification: Architectural glazing is an exciting area, and there are always new trends and product developments. However, there are also a wide range... View Article

An introduction to specifying self-cleaning glass

Phil Brown of Pilkington UK offers a guide to the benefits of self-cleaning glass, and the science behind the product: Glass is the one of the ‘go-to’ materials used to create modern commercial and residential developments. Its ubiquity is a... View Article

Sourcing done right

Jane Buxey from the stone industry’s trade body speaks to Hutton Stone’s Marcus Paine about what the sector’s focus on ethical sourcing means in practice. Stone Federation Great Britain is the official trade association for the natural stone industry, which... View Article

Will brick facades slip up?

Arup’s Alexis Harrison says that while the bricks sector has responded to increased demand from architects seeking to use the material in highly crafted exteriors, they still have questions about the long-term performance of brick slips. When I joined the... View Article

How architectural lighting can enhance buildings

Why incorporating architectural lighting in your building planning and design is crucial. Contemporary architecture and planning relies so heavily on the use of lighting for so many varied functions that it has become a design feature and architectural element in... View Article

The top five properties most in need of crash barriers

You will often see products from Armco Barrier Supplies used on crash barriers on roadways without actually knowing that you are seeing the UK’s leading supplier of products that keep vehicles safe from oncoming collisions. You will also see them... View Article

The different types of temporary structures

When it comes to temporary building structures, this term doesn’t mean that the building is fragile or even short-lived. Many of these temporary structures have lasted for months or even years and are used for a variety of purposes. A... View Article

RIBA responds to the Government’s Spring Statement

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) responds to the Spring Statement in which the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, gave an update on the UK economy. Speaking today, RIBA President Ben Derbyshire said: “We welcome positive news on the British economy, but to... View Article

Future Watch – Embracing density

James Parker looks at how the new London Plan could transform the capital, as it puts high-density housing high on the agenda. London’s planning decisions, is still in draft form. When finally published next year it could have big repercussions... View Article