All Features articles – Page 273
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FeaturesThe Shard: London's tallest building
Londoners have hardly been able to believe their eyes as the capital’s tallest building has shot up in front of them at dizzying speed. Building braves icy winds to report on an engineering triumph
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FeaturesDe-coding BIM
Building information modelling could be applied to save time and money on every government project within five years. But few people are using it and many don’t even know it exists. Here are seven key ways BIM will affect you and your work
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FeaturesThe better homes lab
Designing energy-efficient homes is the easy bit - making sure the dwelling performs as expected is more tricky. That’s why forward-thinking housebuilders are embarking on some serious research. Alex Smith verifies the results
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FeaturesHands up if you can cut 20%
We’re all more or less signed up to the government’s target of cutting 20% off costs in the next four years (or so we say). But how we do it is still the subject of fierce debate. Building asked three construction professionals what they would do
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FeaturesCost update: Q1 2011
Our quarterly analysis of costs and prices reveals an industry hit by wage agreement troubles and high input costs
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FeaturesWorking in Qatar: First person
The EC Harris partner in Qatar on the challenges and opportunities of working in the Middle East
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FeaturesView from my office: Rhodri Meredith
The F+G senior QS recalls his favourite view of a sunset on Ao Chaopao Beach in Thailand from his Cardiff office
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FeaturesSpecialist costs: Curtain walling
The London office market revival could be the boost that curtain walling contractors need. So what are the options in terms of cost, and meeting Part L requirements? Steve Mudie of Davis Langdon, an Aecom company, reports
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FeaturesRobert Care: looking up
Arup’s London office just got a much-needed burst of sunshine from Australia - Robert Care is here, with plans to steer the firm to success in the UK and abroad. David Matthews finds him characteristically optimistic
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FeaturesLegal tax avoidance: No place to hide
Legal tax avoidance is practised widely, but with mounting pressure from protest groups and the chancellor, is it still worth it? Here we weigh the financial benefits against the reputational risk
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FeaturesSculpting the Hepworth
Art meets industry in David Chipperfield’s Hepworth Wakefield gallery, reflecting two facets of its Yorkshire location’s heritage. But is this work of art devoid of humanity?
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FeaturesPeriod drama: The Holburne Museum
Bathonians were up in arms when Eric Parry Architects sought to add a modern extension to an 18th century, grade I-listed building. But the architect won out and the Holburne Museum shouldn’t have anyone reaching for the smelling salts
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FeaturesHey, big spender: Richard Pilkington
The UK development market is about to receive some much-needed good news: Oxford Properties is over from Canada with £3.5bn to spend - and that’s just for starters. Meet your new best friend, development director Richard Pilkington
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FeaturesThe tracker: A mixed bag
Construction activity is still in decline, but the situation is better than last month. Experian Marketing Information Services reveals that some sectors and regions are even looking healthy
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FeaturesConstruction statistics: Is it really that bad ?
Government statistics suggest construction contracted 5% last quarter, but it’s hard to find anyone who believes that is true. Joey Gardiner argues the reality is actually more positive and presents alternative data to back up his case
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FeaturesQ & A with AKII – Structurally sound
The downturn, increasing materials prices and regulatory changes are all having an impact on structural engineers. Building asks Paul Scott, a director at structural engineering practice, AKT II, how the sector is holding up
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FeaturesHigh Speed 2: full speed ahead
High Speed 2 is a project people love to hate. But it would reduce train overcrowding, boost business and pump billions into the construction industry
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FeaturesStudents propose scheme for Budapest development
Postgraduates of QS, surveying, planning and real estate will propose development schemes by the river Danube
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FeaturesUcatt: Out for the count?
In 2009 Alan Ritchie was voted leader of Ucatt - put there by 5.3% of its membership. But now the ballot has been ruled void and the union is having to spend its time appealing the decision and salvaging its reputation. How did it get into this mess?
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FeaturesCost model: City of London offices
With uncertain prospects for finance, recovery in office development is likely to remain cautious. Refurbishment and reuse will remain alternatives but the low-carbon agenda will transform both these and new build, say Iain Parker and Graham Jones of Davis Langdon, an Aecom company