For the last few years, the construction sector has been high on the Government’s agenda, particularly around the subjects of fire and building safety. Recently thrown into sharper focus through the publication of the Hackitt Report and industry reaction, 2020 has seen an assertive drive towards the establishment of new laws and a dedicated regulator to improve building safety. Importantly, the new legislation will also act as a much-needed catalyst in the move to digital transformation, which has started to stagnate following an initial flurry of activity, writes Richard Waterhouse, Chief Strategy Officer at NBS.

MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong, has completed the restoration of the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel in Japan’s Niigata prefecture. The revitalisation project sees the installation of several permanent artistic spaces along the historic lookout tunnel, with the intention of bringing back the cultural energy that once empowered the region. The Tunnel of Light opened on the occasion of the 2018 Echigo-Tsumari Triennale.

Imperial Bricks has introduced a new CPD to guide architects, specifiers and developers to gain a better understanding of brick matching techniques, including recognising brick types, brick blending, colour correction and the use of brick slips for interiors and external facades.

Designed by Vietnamese-based firm Vo Trong Nghia Architects, Ting Xi Bamboo Pavilion is situated in a suburban area, surrounded by a lush forest near the centre of Xiamen – a beautiful coastal city in China. The functional requirements primarily consist of a restaurant and a cafe lounge with 200 seats. In addition to this, the internal space is designed to be a flexible space that can host many different types of events.

A number of innovations are emerging to help measure and enhance wellbeing in buildings, and they are starting to be rolled out in the UK.