January is naturally the month for new beginnings and setting goals. Ultimately, this time of year evokes a desire to enhance one’s wellbeing. Yet despite best intentions, it’s not always possible for people to achieve their new objectives in their current work environment. For example, if people want to take a healthier approach to travelling into work, is there a place for bicycles to be stored safely? Or are there adequate changing or shower facilities?
With health and fitness becoming an important part of our lives, more and more employers are, however, starting to recognise this and this interest is gradually manifesting itself in the workplace. With that in mind, this issue looks at exemplary projects that demonstrate exceptional commitment to quality workspaces.
In our Sustainability in Development focus, FC&A profiles the new London office of international multi-disciplinary engineering company, Cundall, which has achieved WELL Certification through the WELL Building Standard. As the first project in the UK and Europe to achieve this certification, One Carter Lane is a practical expression of the company’s long-standing focus on sustainability. To read more about the firm’s outstanding efforts to achieve this recognition, turn to page 16.
Continuing this theme, Michael Page, Joint Managing Director of Saracen Interiors, discusses the prominence of fitness and wellbeing in the workplace. From cycling facilities through to initiatives which encourage a less sedentary approach, employers can do so much to promote or accommodate an active and healthier workforce. Turn to page 20 to find out more.
Elsewhere in this edition, the Brick Development Association unveils why brick was the best material for the Courtyard House, Nic Clark of KLH UK gives readers the ‘lowdown’ on engineered timber solutions and Whitesales discusses the benefits of natural light on wellbeing and productivity.
I hope you enjoy this edition. Don’t forget, you can also access all of the magazine’s features, product news and supplier information at your fingertips via Future Constructor & Architect’s state-of-the-art app. To download your version free of charge, simply search ‘fc&a’ on Google play or the App Store.
Correction: With reference to a Technical Focus published in June 2015, FC&A retracts a statement which incorrectly claims Sika “as the UK’s only manufacturer to provide a complete range of structural waterproofing systems”.
