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"Sustainability is not just a financial decision; it’s a moral imperative." 🌍 At our recent decarbonisation roundtable in Liverpool, held in the inspiring setting of The Spine, we came together with industry professionals to explore how we can drive meaningful progress toward a sustainable future. By embracing innovative tools, fostering collaboration and designing healthier, more inclusive buildings, we’re taking steps to ensure a positive legacy for both people and the planet. Discover more insights in the full write up here: https://lnkd.in/eXzHQnXn Thank you for joining us, Sarah Birchall, Gill Smith, Phil Hyde, Ged McNicholl MRICS, Hollie Roberts, Liz Gatheral Dip Arch, MA, Dip Proj Man, RIBA, MAPM, Nia Prys-Williams, Kane Greenough, Faye Dolan, George Barclay and Alberto Lavela. #architecture #buildingconsultancy #healthybuildingdesign #decarbonisation #roundtablediscussion #retrofit 

Loved being down in London yesterday and attending NLA's Retrofit Summit at The Guildhall. Heard some great speakers taking us through interesting case studies such as the The London Museum, The Elephant / 318 Oxford St, New Zealand House and Zodiac. Was pleased to also see some iconic Northern projects shared with the audience by shedkm and Civic Engineers including Fort Dunlop, Littlewoods and Park Hill. Retrofitting can be a cost-effective alternative to demolishing and rebuilding, however it can also present significant challenges (and costs) especially with older buildings that have outdated systems or poor initial construction (‘bad bones’). Some insightful discussions amongst the panellists with agreement on some key points: ·      A requirement for more consistent government policy as well as what actually defines Zero Carbon / Net Zero ·      More collaboration and data sharing across industry with the need for data to be richer. ·      Better cataloging of building information and materials used providing invaluable information for future retrofit. A requirement for a central place to access this data - more transparency. ·      All buildings need a strategy to decarbonise. ·      Not all buildings are fit for retrofit. ·      Retrofit requires passion, commitment, communication and a champion(s)! 'Architects are not just designers of the future, but redesigners of the past' Dr. Austin Entonu, MBE, MBA, ACCA, PRINCE2 and CFA

Thank you NLA for the Retro fit summit, and to shedkm Civic Engineers HUB RESIDENTIAL LIMITED The Crown Estate Gensler Buro Four JLL Common Projects for the talks and case studies. Must admit retrofit as a new type of project description is glossing over that most of us have been doing this for years as cut and carve or refurbishment but if it gives focus to retaining as many existing buildings as possible then I’m with it. The case studies were impressive amd the effort clients and teams will go to, to reduce, reuse and recycle. Good to see so much of Londons existing stock being refurbished. We should not only focus on the cut and carve and the structure issues but also on the simple workspace refurbishment and getting more clarity on the supply chain circular economy and clear certification of accreditation of new products especially M&E where the majority of the cost is. Most simple refurbishments throw away the old finishes and services and most of us I feel would push for recycled products from the circular economy if we had a database or some form of accreditation to refer to. Anyone agree? I liked the concept of architects redesigning the past, that struck a chord.

Anthony Harris AIA, LEED AP, CDT, a senior architect at Quinn Evans, shares his insights on the transformative renovation of the Capital One Arena in a recent article by the Washington Business Journal. The piece highlights how local architects would reimagine the arena and its adjacent areas. In the article, Anthony emphasizes the area's significance as a focal point for civic and social infrastructure while also highlighting the opportunity for sustainability initiatives. "Sports teams, at their best, can be points of pride and connection, acting as civic institutions as that contribute to a city's identity. This can be especially vital to a city as diverse and transient as the District...[A] modernized Capital One Arena provides an opportunity for the building and the site to embrace its role as a civic asset – contributing not just to the commercial revitalization of the area but also to the civic and social infrastructure of a neighborhood. Capital One Arena could fundamentally reimagine the role of the sports arena by becoming a locus of social life and activity beyond game days or special events, providing a function for residents as well as fans and concert-goers." Learn more about our mission to discover design solutions that enrich lives and make a long-lasting, positive impact 🔗 www.quinnevans.com/mission Subscribed to the WBJ? Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3TTh2Rr #QuinnEvans #Architecture #UrbanDesign #Sustainability #CommunityDevelopment #CivicInfrastructure #SportsArena #WashingtonDC #WashingtonBusinessJournal

Why should you add the #TallBuildingConference to your events diary? Providing unique insight into the engineering feats that are shaping the UK's city skylines, the Tall Buildings Conference focuses on iconic superstructures that are transforming the high-rise sector. With an impressive array of speakers, the conference brings together those who are at the cutting-edge of the high-rise industry. I will be part of a panel debate titled "Can Skyscrapers be Circular?" To be clear - this debate will not be about curvy buildings, but how circular economy principles can be (or can they?) be integrated into the design, construction and operation of tall buildings. Should be an interesting and thought-provoking conversation. For more information and to book your ticket, visit: https://lnkd.in/eJXDi6BT #TallBuildings #mottmacdonald #circulareconomy

Quick trip across the Pennines earlier this week for a discussion around the repurposing and retrofit of existing buildings. Thanks to Deloitte's Katie Wray and John Cooper for the invite to come along. With people from the public and private sectors, across education, housing and commercial workspace, it was an interesting morning. Key takeaways for me: - The threshold for repurposing and retrofitting buildings rather than knocking them down and rebuilding is increasing. With the implementation of ever more sophisticated whole life cycle carbon assessments, from the RICS and BRE, the pendulum will continue to swing towards retaining an asset where possible. - Everyone loves a Victorian Listed Warehouse, but don't overlook brutalist 1960's architecture, whilst not everyone's cup of tea they can be reinvented in interesting and innovative ways. - Increasingly detailed data and insight in to energy consumption will allow the owners and occupiers of commercial buildings (new or existing) to fine tune the operation of an asset, driving down operational carbon output. - The skills gap in the real estate and construction industry is holding back our ability to repurpose existing assets which present more significant delivery challenges than a typical new build. - The Better Buildings Partnership launched its updated Green Lease Toolkit in January 2024.....seems to have stayed below the radar. I'll be finding time to have a look through over the next few weeks. #repurpose #retrofit #ukreiff

A skyscraper topples: The Trianon tower in Frankfurt is a 670 million project, a silver tower dominating the skyline, and most of all - insolvent. With energy and water supply difficulties, even the grandeur of architecture can hold little against it.  When rains flood cities and towns habitually and yet water is scarce only a few months later, not only the existing infrastructure is affected. We must plan expansions, and building projects accordingly.  The industry must not only adapt to the new climate, but to new regulations and societal expectations. Innovative approaches are a must. Integrating natural capital into project planning and turning additional costs into valuable investments in nature-positive infrastructure pave the way to a sustainable future. Read Prof. Dr. Martin R. Stuchtey's article in the FondsForum: https://lnkd.in/dB8acvxw

🚀 #London, get ready to rethink tall buildings and fire safety! AKT II directors Marta Galiñanes-García and Simone Miriana will soon be sharing their expertise on sustainability and the future of construction at this year’s London Build Conference. Want to join us for thought-provoking discussions on how we can design, adapt, and protect buildings for the future? See below for the details of their talks; 🎤 Wednesday, 20 November | 10:00 - 10:50 AM Director Marta will be presenting on "Adaptive Reuse: Towards Future-Proof and Sustainable Tall Buildings" with NLA. Discover how adaptive reuse principles can shape resilient urban landscapes, reduce environmental impact, and extend the lifecycle of high-rise buildings. Secure your place here: https://lnkd.in/ew8Hdyag 🎤 Thursday, 21 November | 16:00 - 16:50 PM #AKTIIEnvelopes Director Simone will dive into "Sustainable Fire Safety Methods & Materials - Where Will We Be in Ten Years' Time?" This session will explore innovative approaches to fire safety that prioritise sustainability, reduce carbon impact, and aim to revolutionise safety standards in construction. Secure your place here: https://lnkd.in/ejmb6saS If you’re attending #LondonBuild2024, don’t miss these sessions to gain valuable insights into the future of sustainable construction! Connect with the team or drop a message in the comments to let us know you are attending 👇 #SustainableConstruction #LondonBuild #AdaptiveReuse #Rethink #Connections

The Coreus team recently held its 'London Retrofit Market Update' roundtable discussion. Hosted at the fabulous Home Grown Club - private members, 18 industry leaders that included architects, contractors and funders joined the discussion to assess how ambitious government retrofit targets. Guests at the event explored the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for retrofitting buildings in London and looked at how this is aligning with the city’s sustainability goals, carbon reduction targets, and housing needs. Coreus has recently opened its offices in London and has ambitious plans, working with city leaders to support construction projects and improve sustainability outcomes for buildings in the city. Thank you to everyone that attended the event. • Kevin Robinson - Ark Plc • Michael Finlay – Ark Plc • Cliff Nay – Ark Plc • Hannah Brewster – ADP Architecture • Scott Lawrie – ADP Architecture • Ryan F. - Socotec • Lucie Plumley – Socotec • Matthew Edwards - Etch Associates • Dushyant Karnik - Etch Associates • Abigail Baggley – Boon Brown • Christopher Sanders MRICS – Coreus • Alice Hiley – Coreus • Oli Ballard – We Are Trailblazer • Michael Stanworth – Cavendish • Richard Venga - Mitsubishi Electric Europe! • Peter Fenwick – Spatial Dimensions • Nick Woodmoore – Landsec #roundtable #London #retrofit

Exciting News! The Landscape Team at Sweco is thrilled to kick off 2025 with our commission to undertake RIBA Stage 4 Technical Design for the Bishopbriggs Town Centre Regeneration Project in Glasgow. This initiative, which is part of the Glasgow City Deal, is set to transform the public realm, enhance business spaces, and create a people-focused town centre that will act as a catalyst for economic growth. Commissioned by East Dunbartonshire Council in 2022, we’ve already made significant strides with our conceptual masterplans during RIBA Stages 2 and 3. We have now been awarded the opportunity to advance the Stage 4 Technical Design of the flagship Bishopbriggs Civic Space. Our vision includes a versatile community space designed to host events, boosting footfall and enhancing the town’s perception. Key features of the Civic Space comprise a spacious plaza for cultural and economic gatherings, a sheltered performance area for live events, and sculptural seating that integrates bioretention planting to manage stormwater sustainably. We’re looking forward to bringing this vision to life and contributing to a thriving Bishopbriggs! #SWECO #Landscapearchitecture #Swecodifferencemakers