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

26.3m

The length of what is believed to be the world's longest 3D-printed concrete bridge, which was completed at the start of February in Shanghai, China. Created by a team at the Tsinghua University School of Architecture, the pedestrian bridge is 3.6m and spans a canal in the city. It was constructed from 176 discrete units, all of which were printed in 450 hours.

550m

The height of the planned Burj Jumeira, the latest skyscraper to be added to the Dubai skyline. Part of a vast new development in the city, it will feature digital displays across its façade and will feature a base shaped as the thumbprint of ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al.

£1bn

The cost of the Olympia London redvelopment project, which has received approval from Hammersmith & Fulham Council. The project will see Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC transform the Victorian exhibition hall into a vast entertainment, recreation and commercial space.

15%

The amount council planning budgets in the UK have shrunk over the past seven years, according to public spending watchdog the National Audit Office. The news has caused the watchdog to warn of a significant planning skills gap in the UK, which it says the government does not understand the extent or impact of.

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£9m

The amount the UK government has agreed to give developer Apex Airspace towards building 78 rooftop homes in the UK capital. The project is designed to provide a new approach to tackling London's ongoing housing crisis.

The Key Architecture News This Month

Neo Bankside residents lose in Tate Modern court case

A high-profile court case between residents of the Neo Bankside and the Tate Modern has seen the owners of the luxury flats lose a case that would have seen the art gallery forced to close a recently opened viewing platform. The residents had claimed that their privacy was being invaded. An appeal is now being considered by the residents.

Source: The Guardian

RIBA honours NEave Brown with Housing Award

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced a new award that will recognise high-quality housing projects built in the UK. Named for the late social housing pioneer, the Neave Brown Award for Housing will be awarded to projects that show design excellence, either through community impact or design innovation.

Source: Archdaily

Forbidden City Garden to open for first time after restoration

Qianlong Garden, a previously unseen part of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, will open to the public for the first time following a restoration project by architectAnnabelle Selldorf and led by the World Monuments Fund. Construction on the supporting visitor center is set to begin this year, with project completion scheduled for 2020.

Source: Archdaily

Malthouse defends Government building commission

Kit Malthouse, the UK minister for housing, has defended the Building Better Building Beautiful Commission, calling on architects to resist bland developments. The commission, chaired by Roger Scruton, has proved controversial over concerns it is furthering the divide between traditionalists and modernists within the industry.

Source: Dezeen

Mergers and Moves:

Industry happenings from around the globe

BDP Buys Quadrangle in North America Expansion

UK architecture practice BDP has purchased Canadian architecture and interior design practice Quadrangle for an undisclosed sum. The purchase forms the first North American office for the UK architect, with 200 staff and experience across commercial, mixed-use, residential and retail. The Canadian arm, which is based in Toronto, will continue to practice under the name Quadrangle.

Source: Building

Hiro Aso leaves Gensler by "mutual agreement"

Hiro Aso, the architect responsible for the celebrated redevelopment of King's Cross Station, has left his role as head of transport and infrastructure at global firm Gensler. The departure, which is said to be by "mutual agreement", comes four years after his arrival at the company from John McAslan + Partners. Prior to his departure, Aso was working on the Leeds station masterplan, which included an HS2 terminal.

Source: Architects Journal

Assael becomes employee-owned, turns down offer

London-based architecture practice Assael has become the latest firm to become employee-owned. As part of the restructure, Pete Ladhams will also become managing director. The decision follows an offer from an unnamed US practice, which co-founders John Assael and Russell Pedley opted to turn down. The employee ownership model is becoming increasingly popular within the UK architecture industry.

Source: Architects Journal

HTA Design opens Office in Manchester

HTA Design, the architecture practice run by RIBA president Ben Derbyshire, has opened a new office in Manchester's Piccadilly area. The practice, which specialises in housing, will open its new office with a team of 10, with eventual plans to expand to 25. The decision coincides with the company's appointment as masterplanner to a 1,200-home development close to the city.

Source: Architects Journal

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