More Opinion
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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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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
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OpinionInto the wilderness? Or just an alternative view of the landscape?
The story of human culture is about taming the wild and making it home, but a new book has David Rudlin questioning how best to conserve the natural world that surrounds us
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OpinionBeyond the ceremony: My reflections on RIBA’s big award anniversaries
Each project recognised this and every year tells a story about what architecture can achieve and reinforces the value of architects in shaping places to which everyone can relate. That is something worth celebrating, writes Jack Pringle, chair of the RIBA board
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OpinionWhen everyone is responsible, noone is – the accountability gap in construction products reform
Brittany Harris argues that the government’s proposed reforms to the construction products regime will only succeed if accountability is clearly defined and backed by reliable digital evidence throughout the supply chain
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OpinionWhy national recognition changes everything for recycled kerbs
Phil Sutton welcomes a change in the rules that will allow the easier specification of more sustainable kerbing
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OpinionWhat a successful landscape-led urban framework looks like for future communities
The key to bringing beneficial change through public space design to densely populated, multi-generational urban areas, such as Central Somers Town, is demonstrating a people-first approach that centres residents’ voices and uses green spaces to strengthen community and access, argues Anne Wynne at DSDHA