More Focus – Page 188
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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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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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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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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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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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Features
Culture clash - Las Arenas, Barcelona
What do you get when you turn a 19th-century bullring into a 21st-century shopping centre? A theatrical melding of Spain’s cultural past and present
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FeaturesCanada: 'Where $340bn dreams come true'
What makes Canada possibly the most attractive country in the world for contractors right now? Perhaps it’s something to do with the billions of dollars it has to spend on construction. The trick is breaking into this highly lucrative market
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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
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FeaturesWho's afraid of Zaha Hadid?
London developers are, says the world-renowned architect. But that’s not going to stop her increasing her presence in the UK and following up her aquatics centre success with tall buildings in the capital. She talks about work, high points and low - and why her clubbing days are over
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FeaturesFirst Impressions: Gensler’s 'Snow in the City'
Student architects discuss the proposition to convert the Olympic park media centre into an indoor snow centre
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FeaturesChoose your weapon: The defence sector
For those hoping to fight for some of the £2.9bn of annual construction work from the MoD’s property arm, the target has shifted
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FeaturesCountry focus: India
Strong demand for construction activity in India continues, partly due to infrastructure needs and rising expectations of improved living standards
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FeaturesEveryone loves a Wedding
Thought construction firms would struggle to make a connection with Will and Kate’s big event? Think again - here’s our pick of the tenuous publicity stunts
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FeaturesBloom time: Dave Ward
Want to boost your chances of being nominated this year’s best employer in Building’s Good Employer Guide? Then have a listen to last year’s winner. Dave Ward, chief executive of Winvic, talks about how paying staff fairly has been the key to business success
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FeaturesFeeling the heat: Fire door specification
Incorrectly specified fire doors could, at worst, cost lives. Now a landmark legal case could mean that it’s the contractor and specifier who will end up in court.
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FeaturesJames Caan: Hear me roar
Any good story has a rags-to-riches theme and James Caan doesn’t disappoint. And as he makes a surprise move into property, he’s keen to share the cash around. This is the Dragon who hates to follow the crowd.
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FeaturesAffordable rent: a numbers crisis
The government hopes that allowing housing associations to charge higher rents will lead to more new homes built with less subsidy. But many in the sector think it will have exactly the opposite effect.