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OpinionMaking the world a better place - through design
Building Design has launched a new initiative placing social value at the heart of our coverage
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OpinionBuilding envelope performance starts with the whole system
Danilo Gomes explores why building envelope design increasingly requires a coordinated approach to fire, thermal, acoustic and moisture performance, and considers the role of early collaboration in demonstrating compliance
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OpinionScotland’s fires provide many lessons for the heritage sector
Tragic events in Glasgow should prompt a UK-wide reckoning about maintenance, funding and what genuine regeneration requires, writes Matthew Mckeague, chief executive of the Architectural Heritage Fund says
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OpinionConstruction’s talent pipeline has been hiding in schools for years
The skills debate is back. But Class Of Your Own founder Alison Watson argues that construction already has a proven education pipeline – and that industry categorisation and schools policy have combined to keep it invisible
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OpinionThe government is right to be more interventionist on planning
Governments have tried assuming every council will plan maturely and conscientiously. But this hasn’t worked so Matthew Pennycook’s more robust approach is needed, writes Paul Smith.
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OpinionRetrofitting starts below ground
UKGBC’s April 2026 report highlighted that most buildings are set to remain in use until at least 2050. Retrofit is therefore critical and Jon Chevin explores why ground stability should be considered from the outset
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OpinionWhy architects need to rethink door specification under Martyn’s Law
Rob Mottram, head of product and compliance at steel door manufacturer Robust UK, explains how Martyn’s law impacts door specification
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OpinionClass L confusion – why a label isn’t a standard when it comes to battery storage
Matt Partridge argues you shouldn’t take a fire rating at face value when it comes to battery storage. He says a “class L” label on a battery storage cabinet tells you very little about how it will perform in a real lithium-ion fire – and explains what to look for ...
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OpinionThe impact of two world wars and the ‘golden era’ of the public sector architect: A history of building regulations (part II)
Eleanor Jolliffe considers the social trends and events of the past millennium that led to the development of rules which dictate the way we build
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OpinionWhat does your building say about the place it’s in?
Janie Mullaney argues the best way to avoid flat, featureless facades with all their character value engineered away, is to talk to facade manufacturers early in the design process
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OpinionWhy solar-control glass should be part of the UK’s overheating debate
Phil Brown says recent heatwaves should be a wake-up call about the overheating risk in our housing stock and that solar-control glass must be part of the solution
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OpinionWhere do I start with AI?
Tools like Claude and Chat GPT are the solution to architects’ woes, but we are using them the wrong way, says Oliver Lowrie
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OpinionThe real planning problem starts after permission is granted
Securing consent faster is only part of the challenge. If contractors are appointed too late, projects can inherit the most expensive version of the approved scheme, writes Beth West
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OpinionThe Old Truman Brewery taught me that great places can’t be rushed
The success of the Brick Lane complex was realised through organic evolution and experimentation, not chasing a quick return, writes Martyn Evans
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OpinionChoosing natural stone for swimming pools – what you need to know
Ellie Parker explores the challenges of specifying of natural stone for swimming pool environments – and explains why picking the right stone is more tricky than it might appear
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OpinionPaul Morrell: The problem with reforming construction professions is knowing where to start
Former government chief construction adviser examines MHCLG’s call for evidence on professions, trades and occupations - and argues progress will stall unless government is clear about what it can fix
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OpinionThermal comfort – the missing piece of urban mobility
Federica Buricco says that, in the face of climate change, we need to change the way we design our cities to make active travel more appealing in the heat and outdoor living comfortable all year round
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OpinionMeeting SEND demand through design
Traditional design and construction approaches are struggling to keep up with a surge in demand for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities facilities. We need to rethink how we deliver these places for those who need them, writes John Edwards
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OpinionSo comprehensive and yet so lacking, so controlling and yet so silent: A history of building regulations (part I)
Eleanor Jolliffe considers the social trends and events of the past millennium that led to the development of rules which dictate the way we build
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OpinionAn Olympics in the North should embrace the region’s polycentric DNA
The possibility of the UK hosting an Olympics outside London appears more real than ever. The North’s strength lies in its plurality, which makes it an ideal location