Features

France; a country rightfully recognised for producing some of the world’s most discerning architects and designers – from Jean Nouvel, Le Corbusier and Jean de Chelles through to Gabrielle Bonheur and Christian Dior. While the nation’s cities and towns boast historically-significant ornamental architecture that flank its charming bars and cafes, the contemporary designs produced both for and from this design-rich realm are equally notable. Here, FC&A explores one of France’s modern-day designs – a kaleidoscope-like ‘veil’ concealed inside a Parisian mall by Canadian-based practice, UUfie.

Here Paul Hutchens, Director of solar specialist Eco2Solar, explores the most cost-effective ways for house-builders to innovate and drive long-term sustainability from their developments.

As one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, Oman has transformed in just five decades from an underdeveloped Bedouin country to a modern state. Today, the Sultanate in the south-east of the Arabian Peninsula is considered the safest country in the Middle East and, as such, is becoming an ever-more attractive destination for business and leisure travel. In order to keep pace with the rapid growth that this has brought about, the Gulf State is investing billions in expanding its airport infrastructure.

The principles behind Building Information Modelling (BIM) have been around for years, although its integration into live construction sites is still relatively new. However, as Stuart Cadge, Sales and Marketing Coordinator at GeoSLAM, explains recent developments in hardware and software are making it more accessible to even smaller firms.

When architectural practice Scott Brownrigg designed a new building at the headquarters of FTSE 100-listed wealth management business St James’s Place, it wanted to give the building a suitably impressive centrepiece to welcome employees, clients and partners.

Fire resistant glazing plays a key role in creating buildings that give occupiers or users safe routes of escape in the event of an emergency. But as the spotlight falls on the fundamental question of how effective passive fire protection products actually are, it is vitally important that what we think we know is correct in terms of designing and installing fire resistant glazing, writes Cath McLean, Segment Manager for Glass at Promat UK.

Simon Gregory, Sales Manager at Proteus Facades, looks at how modern rainscreen cladding materials are helping architects re-purpose buildings that are listed or have other architectural merit, whilst still retaining their originality.

Gareth Clements, Commercial Director at Rumpus PR, discusses the importance of contractors evolving their PR and marketing efforts to remain relevant, responsive and engaging.

Metal finishing, be it painting, anodising or powder coating, is usually the last process a fabrication will undergo before installation, yet the performance of metal finishing and the effect it can have on the construction process and programme is greatly influenced by early design decisions. Richard Besant, Director at Powdertech Corby, outlines some simple but often overlooked considerations that should be made at the very start of a project.

There’s much to admire about our Scandinavian neighbours; whether it be the outstanding architecture of Stockholm, the minimalistic qualities of the region’s sought-after interior designs or, as suggested by the most recent Carlsberg advertisement, their love of natural environments. Steadily pushing the boundaries of interdisciplinary design, Scandinavia sets a precedence for architecture and design, and Oslo-based practice, Snøhetta, is indeed no exception.