The new safety regime introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022 came into force on 1 October 2023 putting residents at the heart of a new system of building safety. It makes all players in the construction industry more accountable for keeping buildings, and their occupants, safe. A leading architect and safety manufacturer each offer their thoughts on what the implications of this new act will be for architects.

In the wake of its recent victories, securing both the RIBA National Award 2023 and the RIBA London Award 2023, FC&A showcases the Holborn House project by 6a architects. This remarkable community building houses an integrated public artwork created for the Holborn Community Association (HCA).

Access 360, one of the UK’s leading access solutions manufacturers, delivered over 150 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminars throughout 2022, sharing expert knowledge and advice with over 3,000 architects, specifiers and contractors.

Architects and specifiers can access a new CPD on selecting the correct render system for MMC solutions.

A new CPD has been launched to help architects and specifiers improve their understanding of the fire safety considerations that must be made when specifying External Wall Insulation (EWI) systems.

ASSA ABLOY Project Specification Group is inviting architects and specifiers to complete its practical RIBA-accredited training courses to remain compliant and well-informed.

The latest RIBA CPD theme focuses on the ‘bubble’ that surrounds us as we live, play and work indoors. It suggests that as the physical boundary between the conditioned and unconditioned environment of a building, the building envelope must keep its users safe while also addressing the practicalities of day-to-day living. Many of the manufacturers and service providers which these CPDs feature are industry leaders in providing that protection. It reminds us that many of their popular seminars are still available online. Below are a selection of other pre-spring observations.

Making it easy for architects to update their knowledge whilst working from home, leading moveable wall specialist, Style, has made its RIBA approved CPD seminars available as highly accessible webinars.

The imposing heights and traditional industrial aesthetic of King’s Cross’ reborn Gasholders grant me with a heart-warming sense of nostalgia as I work through this month’s issue of FC&A. I distinctly recall passing these once obsolete grand edifices on frequent occasions as a young child – their shells intimidating and ungracious in my architecturally-fresh eyes. Today, however, I can appreciate the city’s intrinsic connection to its industrial heritage and the golden age of craft – and interpret these ‘eyesores’ in a modified, more graceful light. The restoration of our historical architecture is vitally important, and re-purposing old period structures for new employment has never been more vital – particularly in the wake of the UK’s largely-documented housing shortage. WilkinsonEyre’s salvation and transformation of King’s Cross’ industrial landmark has done just that; sensitively amalgamated the historical architecture I recall from back in the ‘90s whilst coinciding with Britain’s housing crisis.

GEZE UK will be celebrating the best in Scottish architecture when it sponsors the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) Awards Dinner for the fourth year running.