In his Presidential address in May, Stuart MacPherson urged us not to return to business as usual as we emerge from the current crisis. Hywel Davies considers what that might mean for building safety
Author: Alex Smith
Rethinking space: occupant densities post Covid-19
Social distancing because of Covid-19 will result in lower office densities, but how might this affect occupant satisfaction, asks WMEboom’s Roderic Bunn
The road to recovery
As the lockdown eases, Julie Godefroy outlines some of the key policy activity focused on supporting the transition to a zero carbon economy
The realistic route to zero carbon
To achieve carbon reduction targets, Chris Twinn says the UK should be looking at large-scale offsite renewables and achievable building performance targets that are rigorously upheld
Improving competency and testing for smoke control systems
New accreditation and certification schemes have been launched recently, to improve competency and compliance in the smoke control sector. Alex Smith talks to Allan Hurdle about the industry’s response to the Hackitt report
Chamber music: Brinson Staniland Partnership’s earth labyrinth ventilation for Kent College’s Great Hall
To help maintain comfort conditions in Kent College’s Great Hall, air is cooled using five giant, subterranean concrete chambers. Andy Pearson speaks to engineer Brinson Staniland Partnership about how the labyrinth ventilation system works
Adapting to university life: UCL’s Student Centre emerges from lockdown
The new Student Centre at University College London has reopened after lockdown, and its flexible design means numbers can increase as social distancing guidelines change. BDP’s James Hepburn describes the building
Building back digitally
There are calls to ‘Build Back Better’ as we seek to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. Hywel Davies describes the role digitalisation has to play in making buildings safer and more cost efficient
Maintaining thermal comfort in a changing climate
In a warming climate, what can be done to maintain thermal comfort and productivity levels in buildings without resorting to excessive cooling? Phil Lattimore reports from a CIBSE Health and Wellbeing Group video debate
Healthy and smart: Edge’s plans for a London Bridge office tower
Smart-office pioneer Edge is coming to London and aiming for the highest ratings possible for Breeam and Well certification. Andy Pearson speaks to Atelier Ten’s Meredith Davey about balancing sustainability and wellbeing, and designing safe services around Covid-19