The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today revealed the judging panels for the 2023 President’s Medals. Awarded to work produced by architecture students, RIBA’s President’s Medals celebrate talent and promote excellence in architectural education, with entries welcomed by invitation from schools of architecture across the globe. Established in
SNC-Lavalin (TSX:SNC), a fully integrated professional services and project management company with offices around the world, is launching its decarbonization service for the industrial sector – enabling industrial users in global markets to make informed, tailored and data-led decisions about reaching Net Zero targets. The move is the latest progression
A housing association has been recognised in an award that champions excellence in decarbonising the housing sector. Platform Housing Group – one of the UK’s largest social landlords – has been highly commended in the Green Homes Upgrade award at the first ever Unlock Net Zero Awards. The awards ceremony took place on 27 June in Manchester; members of the
A new venture focusing on passive fire protection and health and safety training in the property and construction sector has been launched in the north west with virtual reality at its heart, in what is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK. Jason McKnight and Joseph
Three-quarters of Network Rail’s suppliers have, by emissions, committed to setting their own science-based emissions targets. Network Rail has thanked its suppliers for getting on board with its ambitious sustainability targets after 75% of suppliers, by emissions, committed to implementing their own science-based emissions targets. Supporting the UK government’s target
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has published three new Advisory Notes and updated another. The documents cover a range of topics related to firestopping, penetration seals and smoke seals. Advisory Note (AN) 13 covers the testing of partial penetrations, for example, socket boxes, which are installed into dry
Elevation Training Academy has partnered with recruitment agency, Secure & Recruit. This partnership aims to bring new talent into the fire and security industry and drive the next generation of fire and security engineers. The skills shortage and aging workforce within the industry has received significant attention, and as the
Leading life safety manufacturer Hochiki Europe have today announced the results of their latest survey of both UK and overseas customers, revealing that four out of five (over 80%) of Hochiki customers believe that the company manufactures and designs innovative, high quality, and robust products. The survey went to customers
The gaming landscape is no longer confined to living rooms and basements; it’s breaking boundaries and shaping our world in far-reaching, fascinating ways. For example, gaming lounges, designed as social havens for gaming enthusiasts, are making waves in the leisure industry. These dynamic spaces offer not just games but an
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today revealed the judging panels for the 2023 President’s Medals. Awarded to work produced by architecture students, RIBA’s President’s Medals celebrate talent and promote excellence in architectural education, with entries welcomed by invitation from schools of architecture across the globe. Established in 1836, they are the institute’s oldest awards and are regarded as the most prestigious prizes in architectural education globally. This year, a record number of 503 institutions located in 100 countries have been invited to take part in the awards. Presented at RIBA’s headquarters at 66 Portland Place, London, the recipients of this year’s medals will be announced in December. The full list of judges for the Dissertation Medal, Bronze Medal, and Silver Medal is as follows: Dissertation Medal Panel: Bronze Medal Panel Silver Medal Panel Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SNC-Lavalin (TSX:SNC), a fully integrated professional services and project management company with offices around the world, is launching its decarbonization service for the industrial sector – enabling industrial users in global markets to make informed, tailored and data-led decisions about reaching Net Zero targets. The move is the latest progression for the award-winning* DecarbonomicsTM service, following its initial launch at the start of 2022 for commercial and government sector building portfolios. SNC-Lavalin has adapted the tool to enable its expansion into sectors such as industrial, mining, power & renewables and aviation infrastructure. What is DecarbonomicsTM Julie Gilmour, industrial decarbonization lead in Nuclear & Power at Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, said: “Industrial users need to pinpoint what interventions and actions will deliver the most cost-effective, efficient route to Net Zero for each individual site. Through DecarbonomicsTM Industrial we’ll combine our data-driven approach and carbon knowledge with process engineering expertise to analyse even the most complex sites, and bring together a wider range of data to identify process efficiency improvements and develop site-specific roadmaps.” Tom Waterman, project manager in Nuclear & Power at Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group added: “DecarbonomicsTM Industrial empowers clients to meet Net Zero targets and improve strategic decision making by providing early, data-driven insights and essentially making carbon visible. By allowing scenario comparisons and providing robust and accurate roadmaps clients can fully understand the impacts, and cost, of each combination of interventions and carbon reduction measures. These are delivered alongside clients’ industry-aligned, existing solutions, reporting systems and streamlined audit processes, to implement the changes required.” SNC-Lavalin has delivered this scope of work for multiple clients including its role as Engineering Partner for the UK Government’s Industry of Future Programme in 2022. It is now looking to global markets where it has regional coverage in the UK and North America to co-create with clients as the proposition evolves and scales. As a group, SNC-Lavalin’s core expertise serves clients across a range of markets including Transportation, Buildings & Places, Defence, Industrial & Mining and Power & Renewables – as well as a complete range of services in instrumentation and automation of industrial processes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A housing association has been recognised in an award that champions excellence in decarbonising the housing sector. Platform Housing Group – one of the UK’s largest social landlords – has been highly commended in the Green Homes Upgrade award at the first ever Unlock Net Zero Awards. The awards ceremony took place on 27 June in Manchester; members of the Sustainability team along with key partners attended the ceremony which was held alongside The Chartered Institute of Housing 2023. The entry focused on the work Platform has carried out under the Green Home Grant and the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund in retrofitting 384 homes as well as securing funding and commencing work on a further 1095 homes. Stephen Edwards, Head of Sustainability at Platform Housing Group said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received this acknowledgement in what was a very competitive category. The awards showcased around 150 projects and initiatives across 21 categories demonstrating and championing the positive work going on across the country to decarbonise the UK housing sector. It is a great honour for Platform to be part of all these inspirational projects and this represents a great step towards our target to achieve EPC C by 2030 and Net Zero Carbon by 2050.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new venture focusing on passive fire protection and health and safety training in the property and construction sector has been launched in the north west with virtual reality at its heart, in what is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK. Jason McKnight and Joseph Dillon have set up trainingEXP as a sister company to their construction and project management business RECOM Solutions, which is based in Salford Quays. The duo have invested a six-figure sum in the venture and have recruited experienced fire protection professional Adam Steed to head its team of trainers. Adam has joined trainingEXP from Warringtonfire, a testing, inspection and certification company. He was an inspector of fire protection systems registered under Warringtonfire’s Fire Certification Scheme (FIRAS). The new venture is providing in-depth passive fire protection training aimed at the residential, health and social care, commercial, leisure, education, heritage and industrial sectors as well as fire and rescue services, professionals such as architects, tradespeople and operatives. VR training that replicates live environments to raise awareness of common fire protection hazards in buildings is a key feature of the courses. Jason McKnight said: “We have developed innovative and bespoke software which is unlike anything else available in the UK and Europe. “It works in a similar way to the hazard perception section of the driving theory test. By replicating live environments, such as hospitals, users can take virtual walks around buildings to carry out passive fire surveys and identify fire protection hazards in an immersive way. Unlike other available software, this is entirely interactive and our delegates can interact with the simulations we have created.” He added: “We are committed to improving fire safety awareness, knowledge and skills across the built environment and to help raise standards. It’s a growing industry and there has been recent legislation which has made the provision of quality hands-on training even more necessary. “We initially created a training academy for our own specialist passive fire protection operatives, supervisors, project managers and surveyors. However, in response to client demand we decided to expand it into a full-scale venture. “We believe there is a great need for this service, and we are using VR as a central component of the training to enhance the experience. “Given our project management and construction experience, the new venture aligns well with what we do as RECOM and we are confident our experienced trainingEXP team led by Adam will deliver a compelling service to the sector.” The range of online health and safety courses launched by trainingEXP focus on construction environments and cover areas such as asbestos, design, regulation, first aid and manual handling. All courses are recognised or accredited by industry bodies such as the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health and the Association for Specialist Fire Protection. Adam said: “It’s an exciting opportunity to head trainingEXP. Our mission is to help companies and organisations better understand their obligations and provide industry professionals with specialist knowledge that will improve fire safety “The training aims to create an in-depth understanding that passive fire protection is a life safety feature and compliance within this industry needs to be fully understood to move forward.” RECOM’s own passive fire protection division is the fastest-growing arm of the group. A raft of contract wins has seen it expand into a nationwide operation, and it has doubled the size of its team of directly-employed installers to over 40 in the past 12 months. The team undertake projects at locations including NHS trusts and hospitals, schools and universities, government offices, social housing schemes, apartment blocks and office buildings. RECOM is an approved contractor under FIRAS for its fire protection services, which include passive fire protection installation, fire door surveys and installations, repairs and upgrades, fire strategy reviews, compartmentation surveying, advice and guidance, training, development and support. The company, which was founded in 2015 by Jason and Joseph, also undertakes construction project management and main contracting work across sectors including healthcare, education, retail and leisure, commercial and residential. It also provides consultancy services to assist in the design and delivery of health and safety, sustainability and cladding projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Three-quarters of Network Rail’s suppliers have, by emissions, committed to setting their own science-based emissions targets. Network Rail has thanked its suppliers for getting on board with its ambitious sustainability targets after 75% of suppliers, by emissions, committed to implementing their own science-based emissions targets. Supporting the UK government’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, Network Rail became the first railway company to set independently verified Science Based Targets in October 2020, and challenged its suppliers to set their own. Suppliers, such as manufacturing and construction companies, generate around two-thirds of the railway’s emissions, so Network Rail has worked with its partners in setting their own targets and will support in monitoring and measuring their performance to encourage shared learning. Ripesh Patel, Network Rail’s Commercial & Procurement Strategy Director, said: “I’d like to say thank you to our suppliers, who have shown genuine enthusiasm and desire to do their part in bolstering rail’s position as the greenest form of transport. Rail is already a very environmentally friendly way to travel, however, we can do more and need our suppliers’ help to become an industry powered by renewable energy. “Seeing this level of commitment is a really important step on our journey towards a better, more sustainable railway for the future, and we’re looking forward to working with our suppliers to identify improvement opportunities and standardise the recording and reporting of their targets.” In order to engage with suppliers and encourage them to set targets to cut emissions, Network Rail has run four cross-industry Science Based Target workshops in the past 18 months, in collaboration with National Highways, HS2, HS1, TFL, and East West Rail. These workshops have been focused on providing the supply chain with practical information to help them on their journey to cut emissions. The four workshops were attended by 1,925 people and have played a key role in helping suppliers to set their own targets. Targets adopted by companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are considered “science-based” if they are in line with what the latest climate science says is necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement: limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and making efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. Science Based Targets form a key part of Network Rail’s comprehensive Environmental Sustainability Strategy, which sets out a clear pathway for a better, greener railway for Britain. Details of Network Rail’s Science Based Targets workshops can be found at: www.networkrail.co.uk/industry-and-commercial/supply-chain/working-with-us Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has published three new Advisory Notes and updated another. The documents cover a range of topics related to firestopping, penetration seals and smoke seals. Advisory Note (AN) 13 covers the testing of partial penetrations, for example, socket boxes, which are installed into dry wall systems. Firestopping products are made to help maintain the performance of a wall where such electrical boxes have been added. A CEN standard is currently being drafted to cover the testing of these products. However, in the interim period AN 13 suggests that the firestopping of these products is undertaken using an ad-hoc approach, based on testing to BS EN1364-1: Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements. Walls Advisory Note 30 covers the transition from CE marking to the UKCA mark. It explains how all of the different passive fire protection product families are affected, describing the likely next steps in the process. It aims to help manufacturers and specifiers alike to understand what will be required during the transition period. Advisory Note 31 covers smoke seals used in conjunction with active fire curtains. AN 31 was produced in response to false claims that manufacturers used draught excluders to prevent the passage of cold smoke and that these would be of limited use in a fire resistance test scenario. The document explains that the performance smoke seals used are the same technology as might be used in smoke leakage-rated fire-resisting doors. Where smoke seals are added for a leakage test, they also have to be present for the corresponding fire test. Advisory Note 15 has been updated. This explains the interchange of flexible wall systems for service penetration seal systems. When first published, this note provided pictorial clarification of a long-winded statement in BS EN1366-3: 2009: Fire resistance tests for service installations. Penetration seals. This standard has been amended, and some of the scenarios permitted in the 2009 version are not now reproduced in the 2021 version. The drawings in AN15 have been amended to bring them in line with BS EN 1366-3: 2021. ASFP Advisory Notes are available to download for free from the ASFP Publications library, visit: https://asfp.org.uk/page/Publicationslist Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Elevation Training Academy has partnered with recruitment agency, Secure & Recruit. This partnership aims to bring new talent into the fire and security industry and drive the next generation of fire and security engineers. The skills shortage and aging workforce within the industry has received significant attention, and as the number of companies securing apprenticeships continues to increase, it has become a long-term investment for their company growth. Secure & Recruit has a continuous flow of entry-level candidates who are eager to obtain their place in the sector. These candidates have connections to the industry through friends and family, or they have already completed self-funded industry courses, proving their dedication to their chosen career path. Elevation Training Academy, an apprenticeship training specialist in fire and security, says it is confident that this partnership can address the skills shortage and provide the industry with the skilled workforce it requires. Secure & Recruit believes its success in placing fire and security tutors for the apprentice scheme also gives its team a good understanding of the full cycle. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Secure & Recruit in our efforts to bridge the skills gap within the industry and provide the next generation of engineers with the training and opportunities they need to learn, grow and evolve,” says Jolene Taylor, Managing Director of Elevation Training Academy. “Our partnership with Secure & Recruit aligns with our commitment to developing a highly-skilled workforce within the fire and security industry. We are confident that with the help of Secure & Recruit, we can make a significant impact in addressing the skills shortage and supporting the industry’s growth.” Sophie Hallam, Managing Director at Secure & Recruit, adds: “Secure & Recruit are proud to be supporting Elevation Training Academy with their award-winning training of bringing in new talent to the fire and security industry. “As an acclaimed provider of skilled candidates within the fire and security sector, we are well placed to understand what it takes for the making of an accomplished fire and security engineer. “This new drive for the next generation of Fire and Security Engineers resonates with Secure & Recruit’s ethos and we’re extremely excited to be a part of this.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading life safety manufacturer Hochiki Europe have today announced the results of their latest survey of both UK and overseas customers, revealing that four out of five (over 80%) of Hochiki customers believe that the company manufactures and designs innovative, high quality, and robust products. The survey went to customers across the UK, Europe, Middle East and India and included direct customers, distributors, systems partners and indirect customers (for example purchases made via a distributor). The survey revealed that the top vertical sectors that customers operated in were across construction, education, health care, the leisure and tourism industry, rail, security, social housing, warehousing, but also included industries such as energy, oil and gas, commercial property, travel hubs, technology such as data centres and retail. Customers were quizzed on product, technology, supply chain, customer service, sales, team expertise and what they might want in the future from this global manufacturer of life safety systems. A whopping 93% of customers think that Hochiki products are “reliable” and nine out of ten agree that they “help to reduce false alarms” – particularly important when considering the continuing impact false alarms have on production and the economy globally. Looking at the survey results around ease of installation, ongoing maintenance, and ease of use of Hochiki products for the end user, over 80% of the responses were positive. Many customers noted a desire for cloud solution technology, and for a more expansive range of emergency lighting fittings. This is exciting news as the survey was completed just before the launch of FIREscape Nepto, Hochiki Europe’s newest emergency lighting system. FIREscape Nepto already offers a wider range of products, but a brand new feature which is due to be released later this year will enable the system to be monitored and interrogated live and remotely through a simple web browser interface. Email notifications can then be sent to report faults and alerts and system reports can be accessed/downloaded, all across the cloud. Something which Hochiki work hard on is to ensure that the whole team is able to provide expert customer service when required, and this was reflected in the survey results. An impressive 94% of those surveyed rated the Hochiki team as “helpful” or “very helpful” and over 96% of customers felt the team also understood their needs. The overall level of service provided by the technical support department was voted “excellent” or “very good”, with the same percentage of respondents rating the accuracy of the solution offered by technical support as “excellent” or “very good”. Anecdotally there was a consistency in responses that included words such as “reliable”, “intelligent”, “good” and “up to standards”. This sentiment is also reflected in Hochiki’s most recent customer story from Atlas World who installed a range of Hochiki products at Titanic Distillery in the world-famous Belfast’s Thompson Dry Dock. Commenting on the range of products installed, Gavin Nesbitt, Technical Sales Manager said: “For the standard, reliability, and ease of install I would not hesitate to recommend Hochiki Europe next time.” Commenting on the customer survey results, Mr Shinsuke Kubo, Commercial Director for Hochiki Europe, Middle East, Africa and India said “The results of our customer survey are really encouraging, especially considering what the world has experienced over the last few years. Manufacturing across all industries has felt the impact, but the credit must go to our team of dedicated fire industry experts. They have ensured that our customers receive a best-in-class service, continue to bring innovative products to market, and all the while ensuring that Hochiki continues to be the world’s most trusted name in life safety. We know there are areas to improve, we really value this insight, alongside ongoing feedback from projects in motion right now. It’s this two-way communication with our customers that is invaluable and will help us to continue to move forward – committed to meeting the needs of our customers and the market, now and in the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The gaming landscape is no longer confined to living rooms and basements; it’s breaking boundaries and shaping our world in far-reaching, fascinating ways. For example, gaming lounges, designed as social havens for gaming enthusiasts, are making waves in the leisure industry. These dynamic spaces offer not just games but an environment that thrives on interaction, competition, and immersive experiences. So, let’s navigate this exciting terrain together. We’ll explore the unique design elements that bring these spaces to life and look at their transformative impact on our social and gaming spheres. Keep reading to learn all about the interesting interaction between gaming and interior design. Background of Gaming Lounges Gaming lounges, which can trace their origins back to the traditional arcades of the 70s and 80s, have undergone a dramatic transformation over the years. Once the homes to pixelated classics and pinball machines, they have evolved into modern social hubs dedicated to video gaming. This shift was motivated by the increasing complexity and interactivity of games, necessitating a more immersive environment for players. Gaming lounges today offer a platform for eSports and social gaming, attracting a diverse range of gamers with their communal atmosphere and advanced technology. The rise of digital casino gaming has also contributed to the trend. For example, the Dr. Toonz slot game available on PokerStars Casino demonstrates the appeal of modern gaming lounges. This space-themed title features a variety of colorful extra-terrestrial characters created by a UFO-riding scientist. With its dynamic features, such as the cascading and Quantumeter features, Dr. Toonz exemplifies the immersive, interactive gaming experience that gaming lounges increasingly offer. The trend towards these sophisticated developments points towards a bright future for gaming lounges. Design in gaming lounges isn’t just about curating a visually appealing space. It’s about crafting an environment that amplifies the gaming experience. Every element, from the mood-setting lighting and soundproofing to the arrangement of seats and gaming equipment, is meticulously planned. The goal? To create a space where gamers can truly immerse themselves in their digital adventures while ensuring comfort for extended play sessions. Essential Features of Gaming Lounge Design Designing a gaming lounge is akin to assembling a puzzle, with each piece equally crucial. Naturally, state-of-the-art gaming equipment sits at the core. But a host of other elements come into play. Comfortable seating arrangements ensure gamers can enjoy longer sessions without discomfort, while the lighting is tweaked to create an engaging atmosphere without straining the eyes. Soundproofing enhances the immersive experience of the game’s sounds without causing noise disruptions. Advancements in technology also leave their mark on gaming lounge design. Uninterrupted, high-speed internet access is vital for smooth online gameplay, while virtual reality (VR) spaces and large screens cater to the evolving tastes of the gaming community. Gaming Lounge Designs Around the World Across the globe, numerous gaming lounges have successfully crafted spaces that resonate with gamers and spectators alike. Take Tokyo’s Esports SQUARE, renowned for its plush seating, top-notch gaming gear, and large screens that let spectators partake in the thrill of the game. Melbourne’s Fortress Esports lounge is another stellar example, boasting dedicated gaming zones, observer seating, and a bouquet of tech-forward features. Impact of Gaming Lounges on the Hospitality Industry The rise of gaming lounges is shaking up the leisure and hospitality industry. Traditional venues, including hotels and restaurants, are increasingly weaving gaming lounges into the fabric of their buildings, aiming to attract tech-savvy audiences. This blend of gaming and hospitality not only diversifies their clientele but also infuses a unique flavor into their services. Future Trends in Gaming Lounge Design As the gaming community’s needs and preferences evolve, so will the landscape of gaming lounges. Looking ahead, we might see more VR and augmented reality spaces, integrated eSports facilities for hosting professional gaming events, and highly personalized gaming environments. The guiding principle remains the same: crafting immersive, comfortable, and technologically advanced spaces that meet the needs of modern gamers. As gaming continues its meteoric rise in popularity, gaming lounges will undoubtedly be at the forefront, shaping the future of the leisure and hospitality industry.
