The Architecture and Construction News Roundup
The latest news and data from the architecture and construction industry
In Data:
Architecture and Construction News in Numbers
90%
The percentage of time people now spend indoors, according to research by Velux. The emergence of what it calls The Indoor Generation is creating fresh challenges for architects to create healthy living environments and reduce the chances of respiratory problems among children.
£200,000
The amount lost by some construction firms following the collapse of industry giant Carillion, according to the Federation of Master Builders. The trade association also reported that some firms were so reliant on the construction major's contracts that they have gone out of business completely.
17
The number of post-modern buildings that have been given protection for the first time by Historic England. The buildings, 11 of which are in London, include cultural, residential, educational and commercial structures. Two received Grade I listing, the highest possible level of protection available.
2.7%
The drop in UK construction output in March, which is the most significant fall since August 2012. The drop has been attributed to poor weather, with snow and severe storms halting work. It has also led to calls for increased offsite modular construction.
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£1.4bn
The average amount of damage flooding causes in the UK each year, according to research by the RIBA. At present 1 in 6 homes are at risk of flooding, a number that will rise to 1 in 3 by 2050, prompting the institute to call for the construction of more floor-resilient homes.
Top Stories:
The Key Architecture News This Month
Will Alsop: 1947 - 2018
Renowned avant garde and modernist architect Will Alsop has died at the age of 70. He is best known for Peckham Library, co-designed with Jan Störmer, which won the 2000 Stirling Prize. Other notable works include Chips in Manchester, the UK, and the Sharp Centre for Design at Ontario College of Art & Design in Canada.
Source: The Guardian
RIBA Reportedly selling off commercial arm
The RIBA is set to sell off its commercial arm RIBA Enterprises, according to the Architects Journal. Citing unnamed sources, the title said that the business will be put on the market in July, with the RIBA thought to be retaining a 45% stake in the business.
Source: Architects Journal
Swedish court blocks David Chipperfield's Nobel Project
David Chipperfield Architects' £100m Nobel Center project in Stockholm has been blocked by Sweden's Land and Environment Court. The court said that the building, which was intended to function as a cultural centre and permenant home for the Nobel Prize, would cause "significant damage" to the city's waterfront. The city of Stockholm plans to appeal the verdict.
Source: Dezeen
Grenfell insulation did not pass safety test
The insulation that caused the deadly Grenfell Tower fire never passed a safety test and so should not have been installed on a building, an investigation by the BBC has found. It discovered the company that sold the insulation used extra fire retardent in the version that did pass safety tests, before selling a more flammable version to the public.
Source: BBC
Mergers and Moves:
Industry happenings from around the globe
Bjarke Ingels appointed as WeWork's Chief Architect
Co-working giant WeWork has appointed Bjarke Ingels, founder of BIG, as its chief architect. Ingels will continue his role at the architecture practice, while shaping future WeWork spaces. The co-working company, which is noted for striking designs, is seeking "larger and more holistic urban and architectural challenges," according to Ingels.
Source: ArchDaily
Kanye West's YEEZY diversifies into architecture via social housing
Contraversial rapper Kanye West's YEEZY brand has diversified into architecture with the launch of YEEZY Home. Its first project, a prefabricated neo-brutalist social housing scheme, has been developed by Petra Kustrin, Jalil Peraza, Nejc Škufca and Vadik Marmeladov, although there has not yet been any news as to when or where it will be built.
Source: The Spaces
Kirsten Lees appointed Grimshaw managing partner
Kirsten Lees has been appointed managing partner of Grimshaw, making her the first woman to take the role. Lees, who was shortlisted for an AJ Women in Architecture award in 2014, was voted unanimously to the position. She replaces Mark Middleton, who has held the role for the last six years, the maximum time permitted.
Source: Architects Journal
Darling Associates announces merger with Architect-CT in bid for North
Darling Associates has expanded its presence in the north of England through a merger with Manchester-based Architect-CT. The firm, which specialises in leisure and hospitality projects, will initially operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Darling Associates before gradually transitioning into the parent practice later in the coming year.
Source: Darling Associates
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