BDG architecture + design’s Post

Historical Restoration 🫱🏻🫲🏾 Modern Architectural Techniques Developer Soller Group has submitted plans for an incredible 18-storey ‘upside-down’ tech tower in Manchester which incorporates several buildings at street level. Dubbed the NXQ scheme, the project is set to create a truly unique and dynamic space. The aim is to retain and respect the 19th-century buildings and the nearby Grade II listed Daily Express Building whilst incorporating forward-thinking features like intelligent façades and mixed-mode ventilation. The cantilevered structure supported by an efficient raking column will marry the old with the new harmoniously. It will be interesting to see how the final structure integrates with Manchester’s cityscape and how tech companies will utilise this innovative space. Projects like this reflect a growing emphasis on creating buildings that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sensitive. #manchester #realestate #development #propertydevelopment

I am back in Preston and that means a visit to one of my favourite buildings Preston Bus Station: A Monument to Modernist Vision and Civic Resilience In the heart of Preston, Lancashire, stands a structure that embodies the intersection of ambition, design, and public service: Preston Bus Station. To many, it's more than just a transport hub—it's a symbol of civic pride, architectural brilliance, and resilience in the face of change. Opened in 1969, this iconic building was once Europe’s largest bus station, a bold testament to the optimism of the post-war era. Its sweeping, curved concrete lines and vast scale reflect the modernist vision of architects Keith Ingham and Charles Wilson, creating a sense of flow and dynamism that mirrored the progressive aspirations of the time. Yet, the story of Preston Bus Station isn’t just about its striking design. It’s a story of survival. In the early 2000s, the station faced the very real threat of demolition. For some, it was a relic of a bygone era, out of place in a rapidly evolving city. But for others, it was a landmark worth fighting for. A passionate campaign led by local communities, architects, and heritage groups culminated in 2013 when the building was awarded Grade II listed status, securing its place in the city’s future. Since then, Preston Bus Station has undergone a transformation, balancing its historic significance with modern functionality. The redevelopment, completed in 2018, saw a sensitive restoration that respected the original design while improving facilities for today’s commuters. It’s now a bustling hub once again, serving as a gateway to Preston and a reminder of the city’s rich architectural heritage. Preston Bus Station is more than just a place where buses come and go—it’s a symbol of how communities can come together to preserve their heritage, how thoughtful design can endure the test of time, and how modernism, even in concrete, can remain a living part of our urban landscape. Next time you’re in Preston, take a moment to appreciate this remarkable structure. It's not just a bus station; it’s a piece of history that continues to serve the community, connecting people and places while standing tall as a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring relevance of great design. #Architecture #Heritage #Modernism #PrestonBusStation #CivicPride #UrbanDesign

Bruce Carnegie-Brown, chairman of Lloyd’s of London, has objected to the redevelopment of the former Aviva building near Leadenhall Market into a 73-story skyscraper, known as 1 Undershaft. He argues it would eliminate an important public space. The skyscraper, designed by Eric Parry, would be nearly as tall as The Shard and include an 11th-floor public garden. Some architects also oppose the new design, preferring the existing modernist structure. A vote on the project is scheduled for later today【CityAM】 What do we all think? Do we want to put this up there? https://lnkd.in/etM42Sbz

BPTW has been appointed to design Phases 4 & 5 of the award-winning Rochester Riverside regeneration, with the reserved matters planning application recently submitted for approval. This appointment underscores our continued involvement in transforming this significant waterfront site, in collaboration with Vistry Group and The Hyde Group. This project is a lasting legacy to Chris Bath, who sadly passed away last month. He worked on this major regeneration project from its inception. His passion and enthusiasm for creating great places to live is evident and will continue with his talented team led by Caroline Dommett and Peter Sofoluke. Medway Council's flagship masterplan will provide over 1,400 new homes alongside commercial and community spaces in a landscaped public space network that connects the biodiverse riverside to the historic centre. Central to this vision is the commitment to placemaking which strengthens the local identity and creates a vibrant, cohesive community. The latest phases will introduce 353 new homes, comprising 115 houses and 238 apartments, built by Vistry under its Countryside Homes brand. 79 of the apartments will be provided as affordable homes. In addition, there will be ample car and cycle parking, and innovative public spaces, including an extension to the new river walk and green spaces that enhance connectivity with the historic Rochester High Street. Building upon the scheme’s established design principles, Phases 4 & 5 will further develop distinct designs that respond to the area’s industrial heritage. Phases 4 & 5 will utilise Vistry’s off-site manufactured timber frame structure for the houses, developed by BPTW, featuring standardised components that improve production efficiency and reduce carbon emissions during construction. A striking new entrance gateway at Eventide Park will feature strong frontage with a number of commercial spaces providing valuable amenities for residents. Public realm improvements are central to the scheme enhancing the river walk as a safe and inviting space for community interaction, while also supporting biodiversity. A temporary dock at Limehouse Wharf has been proposed by Medway Council offering the opportunity for river boat access including the Waverley Steamer, the world's last sea going paddle steamer. The project is set to progress through public consultation in the autumn, with a determination by Medway Council expected by winter. If approved, construction on Phases 4 and 5 is anticipated to commence in spring of 2025. Looking ahead, the masterplan will continue to evolve with the subsequent Phase 6, which will complete the regeneration of Rochester Riverside. CGI by Dean Wells #planningsubmission #architecture #regeneration #medway

Heritage vs. Progress: A London Skyscraper Showdown Renowned architect Eric Parry's ambitious 1 Undershaft tower is set to be approved this week, but it is facing opposition from Historic England, who argue that the proposed design could still harm the character of St Helen's Square. The main arguments for Historic England are the installation of a 7-metre digital screen and the tower's footprint, which will encroach into the square. While the design team has made adjustments, heritage experts remain concerned about the impact on the historic landscape. This raises an important question for construction professionals: Where do we draw the line between innovative urban development and preserving our architectural heritage? #Construction #CivilEngineering #Heritage

South Station in Boston is named an “Architecture Project Set to Shape the World in 2025” by CNN - a fantastic recognition. 🏅 "A major expansion of Boston’s South Station, the busiest ground transport hub in New England, is wrapping up this year. Upon completion, the redevelopment project [by Hines] will have increased the terminal’s bus and rail capacity by 50% and 70%, respectively. Architecturally speaking, the challenge facing Pelli Clarke & Partners was not only to reimagine the hub’s concourse and erect a soaring 51-story skyscraper above it, but to respect the original Classical Revival station building. Listed under the US National Register of Historic Places, it has stood there since 1899. The resulting contrast — between gleaming glass and weathered stone — was always going to be stark. But the tower’s soft, sculptural form seeks to complement its historic counterpart. The expanded, arched concourse meanwhile offers visitors a more grandiose arrival into the city." Full story here: https://lnkd.in/gJaXzZ7s

Excited to share my research article, "Trafalgar Square, London: Norman Foster's Urban Redevelopment Masterpiece" on Urban Design Lab. This article tackles urban development strategies, objectives, and challenges that balance historical preservation and modern urban design in Trafalgar Square, the historic heart of London. Foster's sensitive approach preserved Trafalgar Square's architectural integrity, as well as its symbolic and cultural significance. Since then, the square has served as a model for urban redevelopment projects around the world, demonstrating how a thoughtful and multidisciplinary approach can revitalize historic urban spaces. #urbandesign #urbandevelopment #historicalpreservation #urbantransformation #urbandesignlab #TrafalgarSquare #Norman_Foster #urbanandregionalplanning #urbanplanningstudent #urbanplanninganddesig #landscapearchitecture #city #development #planning #architectural #landmark #community #architectureproject #architecturehunter #cityplanning #placemaking #masterplan #academics #publicspacedesign

London

A mid-rise proposal at the western edge of Yorkville has been fully revised and resubmitted for rezoning, in the heart of the rapidly densifying Downtown Toronto neighbourhood. Located just south of Davenport at 126 Avenue Road, Taheri Development Inc is looking to densify a row of low-rise properties with a new 11-storey mixed-use residential mid-rise. The project features retained heritage facades and is designed by Icon Architects, reported UrbanToronto.ca. "The property is currently home to three buildings of two and three storeys that contain ground floor retail and rental apartments on the upper floors. The existing structures were built in the 1930s and are contained within the East Annex Heritage Conservation District (HCD). While the HCD does not identify these specific properties as having particular heritage significance, the proponents have recognized the importance of it being a corner property and their contributions to the surrounding neighbourhood character, and so have opted to retain the heritage facades." https://lnkd.in/gCWr4EJq #toronto #redevelopment #mixeduse #residential

In a significant win for historic preservation, two landmark Chicago skyscrapers, the Century and Consumers Buildings, have been saved from demolition. These iconic structures, located on State Street, were initially set for destruction due to security concerns, given their proximity to the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse. However, after extensive advocacy and public pressure, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has shifted toward an adaptive reuse plan, ensuring the preservation of these architectural landmarks. The Century Building and the Consumers Building, completed in 1913 and 1915, respectively, these buildings are prime examples of the Chicago School of Architecture. They are significant not only for their innovative steel-frame construction but also for their terra-cotta facades. These features make them rare survivors of a key era in Chicago's architectural history, when the city was at the forefront of skyscraper design. #historicpreservation #landmark #skyscrapers #architecturaldesign