Features

A seven-storey landmark commercial scheme in the centre of Cardiff’s Commercial Enterprise Zone, Number Three Capital Quarter, will provide 77,931ft² of high-quality office space with a central atrium and terraces on the sixth and first floors providing features that will ensure a pleasant and functional workplace for occupiers.

The much-anticipated Louvre Abu Dhabi opened to the public on November 11th last year, with a spectacular week-long series of celebrations. Designed by French Architect Jean Nouvel, the spectacular design of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s dome forms a cluster of stars when illuminated, lighting up the night sky.

As cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated, businesses are seeking Cyber Essentials Plus certification to prove their commitment to cybersecurity. According to Matt Rhodes, Commercial Services Manager at Quiss Technology, simply claiming proficiency in dealing with potential attacks is no longer acceptable, as clients are adopting stricter vetting processes when it comes to selecting a supplier.

Andy Swift, National Sales Manager for foam tapes supplier ISO-CHEMIE, says that with the latest technologies, the entire window installation – and not just the frame – can be energy rated effectively. Here, he explains further.

Uncertainty around the status of EU workers after Brexit has sharpened concerns about the construction skills shortage in Britain. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) estimates that the industry could potentially lose up to 176,000 jobs, or 8% of its workforce, depending on the details of any deal that the UK Government negotiates with Brussels.

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.

British Architect Will Alsop’s practice, aLL Design, in collaboration with The Spadina Group Associates (TSGA) – a joint venture of IBI Group, LEA Consulting and WSP – has designed and completed two of six stations on the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) new TYSSE (Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension).

While the traditional model for SEN (Special Educational Needs) school and college provision follows the mainstream example of classroom-based learning, Head Teacher of Michael Tippett School, Marilyn Ross, has very different ideas about what the students of the recently-established Michael Tippett College in the London Borough of Lambeth actually need.

The trade association Interpave has published a new case study showing how concrete block permeable paving provides a comprehensive sustainable drainage system (SuDS) for new housing developments without additional land-take.

Richard Besant, Sales Director at Powdertech (Corby), discusses how powder coatings are extending creative opportunities for architects and designers.