Green or Living Walls are becoming a familiar feature of the built environment. Often incorporated as components of newer and more sustainable construction projects, they provide a visible statement of green intent and benefit city biodiversity, air purity, thermal environment, and noise abatement, and are of proven benefit to wellbeing
Nearly 400 have their say on how to improve construction quality A recent construction industry-wide survey seeking views on the issue of Contractor Design Portions (CDP) has been flooded with responses reflecting how important it is as a topic across the sector. The survey, issued by the Construction Quality Improvement
Leading groundworks specialist McCoy Contractors is delivering the earthworks package for the £30 million upgrade of the Arle Court Transport Hub (ACTH) in Cheltenham, as part of the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme. The project aims to support Gloucestershire’s Local Transport Plan and carbon neutral goals by enhancing the park
Broadnook Garden Village – Leicestershire’s newest purpose-built community – is looking forward to new residents being able to take a deep breath and enjoy the range of initiatives that will be in place to improve the air quality for its new home owners, including: Green space and tree planting for cleaner
Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, has invested more than £91 million into a housing regeneration scheme at the former AEI Cable Works factory site in Northfleet. Now named Cable Wharf, in honour of its historical significance, the scheme is being delivered by the housebuilder as part of a partnership with multiple
Warringtonfire’s upcoming laboratory at Birchwood Park has been recognised with a Considerate Constructors Bronze Award in partnership with main contractor Tilbury Douglas. Issued by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the award recognises the efforts of construction sites, organisations, and suppliers who commit to raising both environmental and community social value standards.
Northumbrian Water’s Innovation Festival will take place between 8 and 11 July at Newcastle Racecourse. Esh-Stantec, Avove and Galliford Try have teamed up with Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) to launch a ‘carbon sprint’ at this year’s Innovation Festival. Titled ‘Disrupting the Norm: Bold Path to Net Zero’, the four-day sprint
Finning UK & Ireland, the world’s largest dealer of Cat® machines, engines, equipment and power solutions, has launched a new power pack designed specifically for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the industrial sector. Designed, built and supplied by Finning using a Cat C3.6 engine, it provides a flexible, configurable solution that can
Fairham Business Park developers celebrate another practical completion as Unit A is handed over to the occupier. Works begun at Plot A4, Fairham Business Park back in October 2023, nine months later the 100,000 sq. ft unit has been built by lead contractor, TanRo and handed over to the
Tarkett, a global leader in recyclable flooring solutions, has launched its groundbreaking virtual reality ‘Human Conscious Design Platform’ (HCDP). This technology enables users to experience how physical spaces may look, sound and feel from the perspective of someone who is neurodivergent. One in seven people is estimated to be neurodivergent, meaning
Green or Living Walls are becoming a familiar feature of the built environment. Often incorporated as components of newer and more sustainable construction projects, they provide a visible statement of green intent and benefit city biodiversity, air purity, thermal environment, and noise abatement, and are of proven benefit to wellbeing and mental health. Credible as these facets are, there remains a need to consider the implications that the provision of Living Walls may have for the resilience of the building, and the continuity of business or provision of services that are provided from it. Many Living Walls are of a scale and location that presents no additional risk to the scenario that would warrant further consideration, but others, applied at larger scale to a building, might have the potential to exert great influence on the safety and insurability of a building – and others around it – if not properly designed and maintained. Green and Living Walls as External Cladding: A Joint Guide to Managing Risk has been produced collaboratively between key Living Wall (LW) providers and UK insurers via the FPA’s RISCAuthority research scheme to address the potential risks from fire, escape of water (EoW), and weather events that these systems may present if incorrectly designed or managed. With endorsement from the FPA, RISCAuthority, Vertical Meadow, Viritopia, ABI, Biotecture, Growing Revolution, and Scotscape, the document is arranged in two key parts: The guide provides a comprehensive review of the core principles of risk control for Living Walls, outlining the documentation, materials, design and maintenance of Living Walls systems, as well as providing an in-depth questionnaire that allows the opportunity for the specifier, façade designer, or architect to describe the proposed Living Wall system to any authority having jurisdiction. Commenting on the release of the joint guide, Professor Jim Glockling, consultant and former RISCAuthority Director who contributed significantly to its authorship said, “This new risk management document, produced with exceptional collaboration between all stakeholders, sets out an agreed suite of core control principles, provides a framework for information exchange with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), and establishes methods of control so that the design may be tailored to meet the needs of all. With some solution parameters currently unverified, the document is as much a call for further research and testing as it is a guidance document.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nearly 400 have their say on how to improve construction quality A recent construction industry-wide survey seeking views on the issue of Contractor Design Portions (CDP) has been flooded with responses reflecting how important it is as a topic across the sector. The survey, issued by the Construction Quality Improvement Collaborative (CQIC) which was established in early 2023 to further embed and promote a quality culture across Scotland’s construction sector, sought the views on what needs to change to improve the CDP process. In total there were 380 respondents from a wide spread of organisation types and sizes covering a variety of professions and occupations from across the construction sector. Over the last 25-30 years there has been an increasing tendency to use CDP for construction projects where a range of specialist sub-contractors are required to contribute towards the overall design and construction of major buildings. However, many believe the CDP system is being used inappropriately and too late in the process. The top line results from the survey show: Colin Campbell, Associate Director at the Scottish Futures Trust, who co-chairs and provides the secretariat for the CQIC work, said: “This has been a phenomenal response to the survey, showing just how passionately industry feels about the issue. We will now begin sifting through all the submissions with a focus to engage further with industry later this year, with the aim to produce best practice guidance for the sector to follow.” Iain Kent, Commercial Director of Morgan Sindall Construction and co-chair of the CQIC, which is the Quality Working Group within the Construction Leadership Forum’s Transformation Action Plan, noted: “The use of CDP has grown over the years and it can have an impact on the quality of the design and construction. Whilst there is undoubtedly a need for CDP in specialist areas of construction, the level of response to this survey shows change is needed that will benefit the whole of the construction industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading groundworks specialist McCoy Contractors is delivering the earthworks package for the £30 million upgrade of the Arle Court Transport Hub (ACTH) in Cheltenham, as part of the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme. The project aims to support Gloucestershire’s Local Transport Plan and carbon neutral goals by enhancing the park and ride facility with expanded parking, electric vehicle charging points, a café, and an indoor bus passenger terminal with amenities. Appointed by principal contractor Kier, McCoy Contractors is responsible for delivering the comprehensive groundworks package. Working ahead of the project programme, the team is committed to completing all final groundworks by June 2024. McCoy’s scope of works for the 14,000 m2 project encompasses earthworks, foundations, ground floor concrete slabs, external drainage, service trenching, reinforced concrete upstands, and hard landscaping. The company’s expertise in groundworks construction is vital for establishing the infrastructure required for the new four-storey, wood-faced steel-framed car park building and bus hub. “We are honoured to contribute our groundworks capabilities to this sustainable transport initiative that will benefit the entire Gloucestershire region,” said Chris Haughey, Managing Director of McCoy Contractors. “Our team is working diligently to lay a solid foundation that will enable the seamless delivery of this modern transport hub.” Once complete, the upgraded Arle Court facility will offer expanded park and ride services with additional bus routes, improved connections to walking and cycling paths, and electric vehicle charging amenities. It is hoped this will reduce congestion and pollution levels in Cheltenham’s city centre whilst promoting a greener, more connected transportation network. The M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme is a transformative infrastructure project funded through the UK Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) to reduce congestion, enhance safety and support economic growth in the area while aligning with environmental targets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Broadnook Garden Village – Leicestershire’s newest purpose-built community – is looking forward to new residents being able to take a deep breath and enjoy the range of initiatives that will be in place to improve the air quality for its new home owners, including: Green space and tree planting for cleaner air Broadnook Garden Village is designed with nature in mind. More than 50 per cent of the total development will be open green spaces, providing residents with ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. More than 500 trees have already been planted throughout the village with thousands more to come on 11.982 hectares of land that has been designated for woodland planting, actively increasing the tree population in the local area. These trees play a crucial role in pollutant and carbon capture, helping new residents to breathe easier as they pull pollution out of the air. While the air quality for Charnwood and Broadnook’s local area is traditionally good, Broadnook Garden Village is committed to helping ensure it remains at healthy levels. Air quality data recorded in 2022 by Defra suggests that Charnwood meets recommended levels, but there is still room for improvement with some Charnwood areas exceeding healthy WHO guidelines for pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide.* By planting trees and creating open green spaces, Broadnook and its developers aim to maintain and even improve this air quality, which is essential for health and well-being. Lower pollutant levels can reduce the risk of respiratory diseases and enhance overall quality of life. Iain Pickering, Design Director for Davidsons Homes said: “Our commitment to creating a sustainable and healthy living environment is at the core of Broadnook Garden Village. By dedicating half of our space to greenery, establishing car-free zones, investing in bus services and planting a substantial number of trees, we are making strides towards a cleaner and healthier future for our residents. “New homes at Broadnook will meet higher modern standards for emissions and sustainability too, helping to make the village a beautiful place to live inside and out.” Steve Kelly, Director of Growth Marketing at Cora Homes said: “Healthy living is at the heart – or should that be lungs – of Broadnook Garden Village. We’re committed to providing access to five times more than the national average of green, healthy spaces where residents of Broadnook – and the surrounding Charnwood villages – can relax and take a breather in nature. When complete, Broadnook will be the greenest of all the Charnwood villages. As well as wild-flower meadows, Broadnook will benefit from purpose-built sports playing fields, and even allotments, as part of our commitment to the Garden Village way of life.” Investment into bus services and car-free zones Broadnook Garden Village will encourage residents to ditch the car in favour of the bicycle or bus, promoting a healthier lifestyle and reducing pollutants entering the air locally. To reinforce this, Broadnook’s developers are investing £750,000 into local bus services that will help to make local transport hubs easier and more accessible without the need of a car. Broadnook will also feature a car-free central walk that will offer residents a break from traffic, contributing to better air quality and a more peaceful living environment. Cycle and walking routes lined with trees and Broadnook Park are also integrated into the community layout, making getting around easier by foot or bicycle. Residents of Broadnook will have easy access to local walks and cycle trails in Charnwood, allowing them to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the countryside air. Reduced carbon emissions from new homes Broadnook Garden Village is also committed to reducing carbon emissions in its homes. Developers at Broadnook are dedicated to supporting the air quality for its residents and promoting lung health through its innovative design and better building practices with properties being designed to meet – and exceed – higher modern standards for emissions and sustainability with discreet solar panels and electric vehicle charging points fitted as standard. Each new build home at Broadnook will, on average, reduce carbon emissions by 2.2 tonnes compared to non-new build house. This significant reduction demonstrates Broadnook and its developers’ dedication to sustainable living and environmental responsibility in all aspects of village construction. The vision of Broadnook Garden Village is being brought to life by Davidsons Homes, Cora and Bovis Homes, with the first residents expected to move in this autumn who can look forward to experiencing the benefits of cleaner air, serene surroundings and a community designed with health and reduced emissions in mind. To find out more about Broadnook Garden Village’s new houses, visit broadnook.co.uk and follow @BroadnookGardenVillage on social media. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, has invested more than £91 million into a housing regeneration scheme at the former AEI Cable Works factory site in Northfleet. Now named Cable Wharf, in honour of its historical significance, the scheme is being delivered by the housebuilder as part of a partnership with multiple stakeholders to create new, energy-efficient homes that will replace 28.6 acres of brownfield land. Cable Wharf was also previously home to Northfleet Power Station and the once renowned Rosherville Pleasure Gardens that sit between the River Thames and the A2/M2, both of which are being transformed through the housebuilder’s investment. Completion of the development is planned for 2035, when Cable Wharf will form part of a 598-strong housing development nestled on the banks of the River Thames and nearby Gravesend. As the development approaches the halfway point on the final phase of the transformation, delivering the final portion of the new, mixed tenure homes, the housebuilder reflects on the modern, well-designed neighbourhood created to meet the needs of the local community. Adam Knight, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, South Midlands, said: “We’re thrilled to be continuing delivery under our strategic partnership model to build quality, sustainable homes for the latest phase in this historic regeneration project. “As the Cable Wharf project nears completion and our communities begin to flourish, it’s extremely rewarding to hear positive feedback from residents and breathe new life into the area.” Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality new homes across the UK at prices people can afford. To date, almost 70 percent of its current developments are on brownfield sites. To find out more, please visit: keepmoat.com/cable-wharf-northfleet Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Warringtonfire’s upcoming laboratory at Birchwood Park has been recognised with a Considerate Constructors Bronze Award in partnership with main contractor Tilbury Douglas. Issued by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the award recognises the efforts of construction sites, organisations, and suppliers who commit to raising both environmental and community social value standards. The Birchwood Park site, which is nearing completion, achieved a perfect 45 out of 45 score. The report judged the site on three different pillars: Respect for the Community, Care for the Environment, and Value for their Workforce. The site received top marks in all categories, earning an ‘excellent’ rating for each and individual praise for its environmental and social policies. Warringtonfire and Tilbury Douglas implemented a series of measures to demonstrate the social value of the site, including an open doors week and hosting a Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity site presentation on mental health, promoting health and wellbeing conversations. The teams also made further charitable donations to Warrington Youth Zone and the Trussell Trust Food Bank, and purchased sanitary products for the workplace via the Hey Girls social enterprise. The report highly commended Warringtonfire and Tilbury Douglas for the project’s environmental pledges, which included a Net Zero 2050 carbon reduction plan, avoiding diesel-powered plant and equipment during the construction, promoting the use of HVO fuel, and planting over 50 trees. Tilbury Douglas’ ISO 14001 accreditation, the international standard for environmental management systems, further reinforces the project’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. Local students from Warrington Vale and Royal College were also welcomed to the site throughout National Apprenticeship Week, with several offered future work experience placements. Iwan Lewis, Project Manager of the site for Tilbury Douglas, said: “Investing in the next generation of construction professionals is a key priority for my team and together with Warringtonfire we have actively engaged in educational outreach activities with Warrington and Vale Royal College to address the skills shortage in the construction and fire stopping industries.” Martin Horne, Regional Director at Tilbury Douglas, said: “We are proud of the value created through our partnership, the successful outcomes achieved, and the alignment of goals and values between our organisations.” Phil Shaw, Managing Director at Tilbury Douglas, said: “It’s a great result and evidences the team’s inherent culture on site driving our sustainability strategy, ‘People, Planet, and Performance’, or PPP, which sets out to deliver improved social and environmental outcomes for our business, customers, and supply chain.” The 101,000sqft Birchwood Park site is set to be the new hub for Warringtonfire’s fire testing services. Due to open its doors in January 2025, it will triple the company’s testing capacity. The laboratory will have two vertical furnaces, two horizontal furnaces, and one indicative furnace ready for test specimens when it launches, with two more furnaces to be added by the end of 2026. Dafydd Llewelyn-Jones, Project Manager for Element Materials Technology, said: “This award recognises all the hard work put into the project, both from our team and Tilbury Douglas. We’re particularly proud of our social value scores, especially our outreach with the local community. Warrington has always been our home, so it is important that we continue to make valuable contributions to both the next generation and the environment.” To learn more about the new site at Birchwood Park, visit https://www.warringtonfire.com/about-warringtonfire/warrington-site-relocation-and-expansion Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Northumbrian Water’s Innovation Festival will take place between 8 and 11 July at Newcastle Racecourse. Esh-Stantec, Avove and Galliford Try have teamed up with Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) to launch a ‘carbon sprint’ at this year’s Innovation Festival. Titled ‘Disrupting the Norm: Bold Path to Net Zero’, the four-day sprint will consider the path to net zero construction and how NWG’s Five Point Plan will deliver the lowest carbon AMP8 Programme possible. Returning for the eighth time and taking place between 8th and 11th July, NWG’s Innovation Festival will bring together attendees from the worlds of construction, science, technology and more, at Newcastle Racecourse to solve some huge environmental and societal challenges. Partners working with NWG through its capital delivery frameworks including Living Water Enterprise and the Ecosystem, as well as suppliers of products and services, delegates from local authorities, education and other related industries, are urged to secure a place at the sprint and work together to develop ideas and initiatives that will improve carbon performance. Sprint delegates will engage in thought-provoking discussions and work collaboratively to consider new ideas for successfully implementing the “The Five Client Carbon Commitments”, launched by the Construction Leadership Council under its CO2nstruct Zero initiative which NWG has recently signed up to. Themes for discussion will include fossil fuel use, low carbon concrete, low carbon steel and PAS 2080 adoption. David Pratt, Divisional Director at Esh-Stantec, said: “The subject of carbon reduction and the road to net zero is of huge significance to the way construction projects are delivered now and in the future. It is a challenge, but also a huge opportunity for real change to be delivered throughout the AMP8 programme, ensuring sustainable practice is woven through all areas of construction, from procurement to design and delivery. This sprint is another important step in that journey.” The theme for this year’s festival is ‘Speed and Scale’ and will focus on growing good ideas at pace and will also help to progress on existing ideas from previous festivals. The sprint concept follows a specific and structured five-stage process – created by New York Times bestselling author, Jake Knapp, when he worked at Google – and is led by a sprint lead. Leading the sprint from NWG are Donna Rawlinson, Principal Project Manager, and Ben Gilbert, Project Manager, who commented: “Our Innovation Festival has supported our carbon reduction journey hugely over recent years, each sprint delivering real value helping us get to where we are currently. We expect this year’s sprint to help us accelerate our delivery of our reduction commitments outlined in the Construction Leadership Councils ‘CO2nstruct Zero initiative’, by delivering real reductions through key areas such as procurement, material selection and improving the construction processes we use in delivering our capital investment programme.” Earlier this year, Esh-Stantec and Avove were named as Living Water Enterprise partners by NWG – a collaborative delivery vehicle made up of the water company and 12 supply partners responsible for delivering its large-scale construction programmes throughout AMP8 and beyond. Galliford Try is appointed to deliver on NWG’s Wider Ecosystem Framework. To register a place at ‘Disrupting the Norm: Bold Path to Net Zero’ sprint visit: https://www.innovationfestival.org/the-festival/sprints/avove-and-esh-stantec-and-galliford-try/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Finning UK & Ireland, the world’s largest dealer of Cat® machines, engines, equipment and power solutions, has launched a new power pack designed specifically for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the industrial sector. Designed, built and supplied by Finning using a Cat C3.6 engine, it provides a flexible, configurable solution that can be integrated into a wide range of machines, helping OEMs streamline their engineering and testing processes. The new power pack is part of an effort from Finning to support customers in their energy transition activities by developing customer-centric solutions that meet emissions regulations. It has been designed and built as a bespoke industrial power pack for the recently released Cat C3.6 industrial power unit – although designs are also available for other Cat engines – and enables integration with alternators, hydraulic pumps or hybrid systems. Steffen Barrett, Sales Manager, Industrial Engines, at Finning UK & Ireland, said: “Our new Cat C3.6 power unit, which we’ve been developing for over three years, draws on our extensive experience in supplying power systems to the industrial sector. The unit is designed to be an end-to-end drop-in solution, reducing the number of suppliers OEMs need to manage while simplifying the integration process, as well as reducing engineering needs. “What sets this power pack apart is its flexibility. It can be configured to fit a wide range of machines, and the design accommodates different engines, power ratings and emissions levels. This adaptability, combined with the robust construction suitable for harsh environments, makes it an ideal choice for industrial OEMs. By providing a comprehensive and configurable solution, we aim to help OEMs simplify their machine development process and bring their products to market faster.” The power pack features a 300-litre fuel tank that can be serviced from the left or right-hand side, providing up to 16 hours of running time at a 70% load factor with the 100kW engine. Serviceability is a key focus, with all service items located in one area and drain ports positioned outside the canopy for easy access. Finning can also supply a full wiring and control system for all driveline types, including direct drive, hydraulic, electric drive and hybrid configurations. The control system is capable of managing both the engine and the machine itself. The Cat C3.6 power unit is now available in the UK and Ireland through Finning. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fairham Business Park developers celebrate another practical completion as Unit A is handed over to the occupier. Works begun at Plot A4, Fairham Business Park back in October 2023, nine months later the 100,000 sq. ft unit has been built by lead contractor, TanRo and handed over to the occupier. The unit is neatly located next to the stand-alone units totalling 260,000 sq. ft purchased by international property investment and asset management company Hines and a 100,600 sq. ft bespoke building for a local company who will be moving into their premises next year. The brand-new purpose-built premises comprises of a 95,379 sq. ft warehouse with 12,292 sq. ft office and welfare space over three storeys, situated at the front of the building. There are 84 car parking spaces at the front of property with ten electric vehicle (EV) charging bays. There will also be a large service yard to the rear with ten dock levellers and four level access to meet the needs of the occupier. Clowes will be providing a fully photovoltaic (PV) ready frame. James Richards, Director at Clowes Developments commented on the completion: “Nine months after works began on site and we’re now handing over to our client, who will be formally identified in the next few weeks. It’s testament to our professional delivery team who can perform to such a high standard and according to a tight schedule. It is fantastic to see the ongoing development of Fairham Business Park, as one completes, another ramps up on plot A2. “ As the occupiers of A2 sign the deal for a bespoke 100,600sq ft unit, ground works have already been concluded and steel frames are due to be erected in the coming weeks. In total, this will mean over 600,000sq ft of industrial, warehouse, distribution and manufacturing space has been snapped up at Fairham Business Park, with further announcements expected in due course. Tim Gilbertson, Director at FHP Property Consultants added: “High demand for commercial units at Fairham says something about the transport links of Fairham Business Park and it’s positioning outside of Nottingham’s workplace parking levy. We are excited to market phase two of the business park, where potential occupiers can make use of more varied commercial opportunities such as office, trade counter or retail schemes.” With well over half of the site now under offer or sold, there remains opportunities for build to suit facilities on the prominent site adjoining the A453 and outside of Nottingham’s Workplace Parking Levy. The next phase of the development will see not just manufacturing and distribution space available but also space suitable for offices, a hotel, leisure facilities and other conveniences including roadside retail and trade counters. Fairham Business Park offers a unique opportunity for Nottingham businesses to expand, harvest investment and nurture local talent. The business park has excellent transport links into the city of Nottingham including fully accessible cycle routes and walkways. Fairham Business Park is within easy reach of Junction 24 of the M1, East Midlands Airport and adjoining the NET Tram Park & Ride site, with further transport improvements expected. Fairham Business Park offers the perfect location for conducting business and harnessing local talent. Further information regarding site wide activity and latest news can be found at www.fairhambusiness.co.uk. Parties interested to learn more about the commercial opportunities at Fairham Business Park are invited to contact the site’s agent, FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tarkett, a global leader in recyclable flooring solutions, has launched its groundbreaking virtual reality ‘Human Conscious Design Platform’ (HCDP). This technology enables users to experience how physical spaces may look, sound and feel from the perspective of someone who is neurodivergent. One in seven people is estimated to be neurodivergent, meaning their brain functions, processes information and reacts to sensory stimuli differently than those considered neurotypical. Common examples include ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and dementia. Increasingly, communities and organisations recognise that fostering true inclusivity requires designing environments suitable for every neurotype. “Our new Human Conscious Design Platform represents a major leap forward in Tarkett’s ‘Human-Conscious Design’ philosophy of creating spaces that are good for people and planet. It builds on our existing industry-leading work around designing for dementia and the ‘Through their eyes’ VR experience that we launched in 2018,” said Shaz Hawkins, Segment Marketing Manager at Tarkett. “This latest technology continues our drive to cultivate invaluable empathy and understanding amongst architects, designers, organisations and the public by allowing them to experience an environment through a neurodivergent lens first-hand. This can help shape more accommodating, equitable spaces where all individuals feel welcomed and are able to thrive.” The HCDP has been developed following a couple of years worth of research and development including interviews with neurodivergent individuals, teachers, businesses and support organisations as well as extensive desktop research. The platform immerses users in virtual environments like offices, schools, hospitals and care homes rendered to highlight sensory stimuli that may overwhelm, understimulate or distress someone with sensory processing differences. Users can toggle augmented sound, lighting and other elements to vividly experience an environment from multiple neurodivergent perspectives. To support the launch of the VR platform, Tarkett is also rolling out a RIBA-accredited Human Conscious Design continuing professional development (CPD) course to educate architects and designers on the principles and best practices for inclusive design addressing neurodiversity. The team has also published a report, Human Conscious Design Principles, to help organisations and designers understand neurodiversity better along with practical advice on how to create inclusive spaces. To download the guide and learn more about Tarkett’s Human Conscious Design approach and the new HCDP virtual reality platform, visit the website. Architects and designers interested in the RIBA CPD course can find out more here [Tarkett CPD materials – ribacpd.com]. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
