The 21st century has seen a huge surge in air travel, and airports have had to adapt to the changing needs of travelers. To meet these demands, airports are now incorporating innovative designs that make them safer, more efficient and more comfortable for passengers. From modular terminals, which allow airports to quickly adjust their layout to accommodate larger numbers of passengers or new services to the utilization of automated systems such as self-check-in kiosks and baggage drop-off points to reduce wait times and improve efficiency, airports are embracing new technologies to make air travel better. Aviation professionals are also using sophisticated software like flight watch, a premium flight tracking and monitoring system, to gain full operational awareness of their fleet in real-time. This article will explore these innovations and other cutting-edge technologies like biometric technology for security checks, facial recognition for boarding and a shift toward sustainability as a growing number of airports begin to incorporate green technologies into their designs, such as solar panels. Biometric Identification Offers Enhanced Protection at Airports Gates Biometric identification is a form of technology that uses physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition and iris scans, to identify individuals. This technology has been used in airports for years to help enhance security and reduce the risk of identity theft. By using biometric identification at airport gates, travelers can be identified quickly and accurately without having to present any form of identification. This helps speed up the process of getting through security checkpoints and reduces the chances of someone entering the airport with false credentials. Additionally, biometric identification offers enhanced protection against identity theft since it is much harder to forge or replicate physical characteristics than it is to copy a passport or driver’s license. Furthermore, biometric identification systems are often more secure than traditional methods since they use encrypted data that cannot be easily accessed by hackers or other malicious actors. Autonomous Technology: Making Airports Smarter and Safer Autonomous technology is revolutionizing the way airports operate, making them smarter and safer than ever before. Autonomous robots are being used to automate mundane tasks such as cleaning, security checks and baggage handling. This not only reduces the need for manual labor but also increases efficiency and accuracy. Autonomous vehicles are also being used to transport airport staff and passengers from one terminal to another, eliminating the need for long walks or waiting in line for a shuttle bus. By embracing these innovative designs, airports can ensure they remain up-to-date with the latest trends in air travel while providing a pleasant experience for all passengers. All of these technologies combined make airports more efficient, secure and comfortable for travelers.

Over the course of your home’s life, your roof and skylights will need to be replaced. If both are showing damage at the same time, it can often be easier, and more cost effective, to have both replaced at the same time.  Does My Roof Need to Be Replaced? In New England, the average roof will last 20-25 years. As your roof starts to approach this age, it is important to periodically inspect your roof for signs that it needs to be replaced.  One of the easiest signs to notice is leaks. If a leak develops in your roof, it will likely end up causing interior water damage to ceilings, which can often be expensive to repair.   Another indicator of a roof in need of replacing is the state of the shingles. If you see any cracked shingles, missing shingles, or mossy growth on shingles, then it is very likely that your roof is in need of a replacement. Shingle inspection can be made easier by checking your gutters for any debris. If you find shingle pieces in your gutters, you’ll know you have broken shingles on your roof.  You should also keep an eye on your roofline, which, in layman’s terms, is the very top of your roof. The roofline should be completely straight and level. If you notice any sagging in your roofline, your roof will need replacing as soon as possible. A sagging roofline is extremely dangerous, as it will eventually lead to a partial, or even full, collapse.  If you see any of these signs, it is likely that your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan and will need to be replaced imminently.  Does My Skylight Need to Be Repaired or Replaced? Just like your roof, your skylights will not last forever. The lifespan of a skylight is 20-30 years, depending on the manufacturer, the style of skylight, and the climate you live in. There are certain indicators you will want to keep an eye out for to determine when it is time to repair or replace your skylight.  Very similar to a roof that needs replacing, a damaged skylight can often cause water damage and stains. You will notice this in the immediate area around the skylight. If this happens, it means the watertight seal has failed, and your skylight is no longer capable of keeping water out. The condition of the glass is another indicator of a skylight’s condition. For example, if the glass is discolored, the maximum amount of sunlight is not getting through. You should also check for any condensation on the glass. The presence of condensation usually means that the watertight seal is broken. Finally, you will want to be cognizant of any and all cracks in the glass. Even a small crack is cause for concern, as it can grow into a large crack, and eventually cause the skylight to shatter.  If you notice any of the above, it is time to have the skylight repaired or replaced. For small issues, like a tiny leak, a quick repair may be all that is necessary. While a large issue, such as the watertight seal failing, may require a full replacement. You should contact a trained professional, who will be able to tell you whether a repair is all that is needed, or if a full replacement is necessary.  What Does a Skylight Replacement Entail? Replacing a skylight is a relatively easy and quick process, especially when compared to installing a brand new skylight. While installation of a new skylight may take multiple days, a replacement can usually be completed within four hours. A professional will come to your home, remove the exterior and interior pieces of your old skylight, and replace them with a brand new skylight. They will then paint the area around the skylight if needed, and clean up the work area. After that, all that is left is for you to enjoy your brand new skylight.  Who to Contact for Roofing and Skylight Replacement When replacing your roof and skylights, it is important to hire a professional who specializes in both skylights and roofing services. Using a contractor without knowledge of both could lead to time consuming and costly mistakes. It is also much more convenient,as you will only have to hire one contractor, as opposed to having to hire both a roofing contractor and a skylight contractor.  Replacing Only the Skylight Oftentimes, a skylight will need to be replaced before the roof does due to a difference in life expectancy. This is not a problem, it is very easy for a professional to replace skylights without replacing the entire roof. The roof should not be replaced unless necessary, as it is a very expensive process. 

Leading UK conservation specialist, DBR (London) Ltd, repairs historic marble urinal and sink within the Grade I listed Bank of England The Bank of England is the central bank of the United Kingdom and the model on which most modern central banks have been based. Sometimes nicknamed ‘the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street’ after a 1797 satirical cartoon by artist James Gillray, the Bank’s founding dates back over 300 years to 1694. As its nickname may suggest, the Bank’s architectural history begins with its 18th-century premises on the site of Governor Sir John Houblon’s home on Threadneedle Street. This building, home of the Bank from 1734 until today, was designed by little-known architect George Sampson. Works undertaken to expand the Bank’s buildings continued throughout the 18th and 19th centuries as business took off. It culminated with resident Architect and Surveyor Sir John Soane’s surrounding of the 3.25-acre site with an immense curtain wall in 1828. By the 1920s, it was clear that the Bank needed to scale up to larger premises, with Sir Herbert Baker engaged as the architect for a complete demolition and rebuilding of the Bank. The rebuilding featured limestone from the Hopton Wood quarry in Derbyshire for the interior; Portland stone for the exterior and bronze for the external and internal doors and window frames in all public areas. The reconstruction also included the preservation of two of the building’s original 18th-century rooms – the Court Room and the Committee Room. The new building, which remains standing today, was completed in 1939. As expected over a near century’s worth of footfall and regular usage, the interiors had suffered some wear and tear. A less glamorous, but essential part of the building, its toilets, were in desperate need of a refresh. Wanting to preserve the historic fabric of the Bank’s original facilities, whilst giving them a modern upgrade, DBR’s team of highly skilled conservators was tasked with the repair works of the historic marble urinal and sink. The upfront challenge was an extremely tight timeframe of three weeks to complete the work, coupled with the location of the repair work within close proximity to the still-functioning Bank. This meant DBR conservators had to tread carefully, putting health and safety precautions in place. This included regular monitoring of dust and air pollution levels, especially as the acrylic resin used to repair the ceramic fixtures omits potentially hazardous fumes. A wee piece of history The project, painstakingly undertaken by DBR’s Head Conservator Paolo Volpi, included the cleaning of silicon and limescale on both fixtures. The urinal, built of very hard ceramic, also required the manual cleaning of rust stains from aged metal components, using a poultice, as well as the cleaning of its surrounding marble mount. Additional repairs were also carried out using special ceramic resin, followed by the re-enamelling and repainting of the whole inside of the urinal. A further challenge was that the previous flush system was completely worn and needed to be replaced. Wanting to retain the original copper material of the historic system, DBR metal workers re-created a custom-made copper flush inside the ceramic chamber of the urinal. Cracks in the surface The washbasin was badly cracked, requiring emergency repair work to restore the sink to its former glory. The job was complicated by the presence of previous repairs using fibreglass, which needed to be fixed by installing new stainless-steel staples. The small, u-shaped brackets effectively held together the fibreglass, while resin repairs were carried out to the inside of the sink to keep the pieces together. Enamel retouching was also carried out on both fixtures to ensure a pristine finish on which the building’s bankers felt proud to spend a penny or two throughout the day. Commenting on the project, DBR’s Executive Director, Adrian Attwood said, “The proof is in the privy with this project, with the historic bathroom fixtures, which had certainly seen better days, restored to their former sparkling glory. Using a range of tried and tested techniques, DBR’s team painstakingly carried out the necessary cleaning and repairs by hand, navigating around previously attempted repairs to the utilities. “It’s a massive testament to the team’s agility that they were able to achieve exemplary results in such a short timeframe, not least that all the work had to be carried out with minimal disturbance to the Head of the Bank’s office, located right next door.” To find out more about DBR’s award-winning heritage conservation work click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Are you dreaming of becoming an architect? Undeniably, the career path you’ve chosen is a commendable one. The job of an architect is incredibly interesting, fulfilling, and well-paying. And a path to it always begins in college. If you are already studying architecture in college, you are on the right track. But it’s only a part of success. Of course, learning theory, writing essays, and dealing with other academic matters toward your degree are all important parts of becoming an architect. But the truth is that books and college tasks won’t make you a real professional. Only watching established professionals, earning hands-on experience, and keeping up with trends will. In the field of architecture, watching trends is just as important as having your own vision. It will help you remain an in-demand professional and skyrocket your career. And you should start watching them now, while still in college. To get started, find a reliable service like essayservice.com and free up your time from tedious and boring academic assignments. Continue reading to uncover the top five trends to watch out for in 2023! 1.  Adaptive Reuse Adaptive reuse means adapting and repurposing existing structures instead of replacing them with new ones. This trend skyrocketed a few years ago and keeps gaining stride to this day. It began in 2020 with a record number (32,000) of apartment conversions. In 2021, adaptive reuse extended its reach to an additional 20,100 apartments, 7,400 offices, 3,400 factories, and 2,850 hotels. The biggest benefit of this approach is that it helps preserve the heritage and character of the original building while also giving it a more modernized makeover. At the same time, adaptive reuse also has a positive effect on the environment because breathing new life into old structures significantly reduces resource consumption and waste. This trend keeps gaining momentum. Today, there are already many great examples of this approach in architecture, including the Military History Museum in Dresden. So experts believe it’s indeed the future of architecture. 2.  3D Printing The concept of 3D printing has been around for decades. However, it only started gaining tangible popularity in the past decade. By this time, this technology had developed significantly and deeply integrated into various fields and niches, including architecture. As per Grand View Research, the global 3D printing construction market in 2022 held a valuation exceeding $18,175.7 thousand, forecasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of a staggering 101.9% from 2023 to 2030. The numbers speak for themselves—3D printing is another massive thing in architecture. So it’s also a trend students should keep an eye on. The use of 3D printers in architecture helps add more efficiency and sustainability. Also, it has the potential to make construction much more accurate yet cost-effective. But even that’s not all. The main reason for using 3D printing in architecture is that it enables designers to come up with unique, customized shapes and implement them in life easily. Keeping an eye on this trend will help students better prepare for the future of architecture. Experts believe that this tendency will stay with us for many years. If it happens, architects will gain the freedom to produce innovative and functional structures with textured forms, unusual shapes, and breathtaking details. Simply put, they will gain the freedom to unleash their creative geniuses. 3.  Energy Efficient and Compact Living Spaces If you will be working on designing living spaces, this is a trend you have to really keep an eye on. There’s been a marked shift toward compact and smart spaces in recent years. The emergence of this trend also offers a number of big benefits: All these benefits made intelligent and compact living spaces attractive both for money-conscious and eco-conscious homeowners. Of course, living in a small space might not be for everyone. However, the potential to create a more sustainable future for our planet while also improving the quality of people’s lives makes this trend a very promising one. So it’s expected to be here to stay in the future. 4.  Sustainability Along with energy efficiency, sustainability also remains one of the primary trends in architecture. For years, people across the world have been educating themselves on environmental hazards and becoming much more conscious in terms of ecology. Respectively, sustainability has integrated into different sectors too. In architecture, this trend is manifested in different forms. Namely, one of the biggest tendencies is seen in the choice of materials. Instead of using good-looking and cheap synthetic materials, more and more people switch to organic, natural, and recycled ones. Popular choices include bamboo, cork, cotton, etc. These natural materials are used in various architectural elements, from general building materials to design elements like textiles. 5.  Biophilic Urbanism Finally, we left the most exciting trend for dessert. The concept of biophilic design isn’t new. It arose back in the early 1980s. During that time, the biologist Edward O. Wilson came up with a hypothesis that all humans possess an innate, biological affection for the natural world. In simple words, this philosophy means that we all have an affinity for nature and benefit a lot from connecting to it. Spreading across the world, this philosophy eventually led to the rise of biophilic design. This concept implies integrating elements from the natural world into architecture and design. The core goal of this approach is to reconnect people with nature, which is proven to improve human well-being. Today, biophilic design is still popular and biophilic urbanism is especially trending. It brings together urbanism and biophilic design to bring more nature into dull urban environments. Some examples of this style are green roofs, courtyards, etc. Experts predict that this trend will be here to stay as well because of the positive effect it has on our environment, health, and wellness. The Bottom Line Architecture is an ever-changing industry. This industry has been a constant companion of human development throughout history. However, today, spurred on by the propulsion of technological advancements, its evolution is more rapid than ever before.

In recent years, investing in student accommodation has increasingly gained popularity among savvy commercial real estate investors looking for lucrative opportunities. That’s because this sort of investment usually means attractive returns and stable cash flow. Student accommodation is often in high demand, and the leasing process is a lot simpler than with other properties. Plus, locations near colleges and popular hot spots usually lead to favorable property appreciation. This only adds to the appeal of an already promising investment opportunity. So if you’re looking for your next investment, you may want to stick around. In today’s article, we will delve into some of the most compelling pull factors that make investing in student accommodation an attractive prospect in the current market. 1. Attractive Returns on Investment (ROI) One of the main reasons investors are drawn to student accommodation is the potential for higher rental yields compared to traditional residential properties. Also, a key factor contributing to an appealing ROI in student accommodations is low vacancy rates.  Since there’s a consistent flow of students entering universities each academic year (in 2021/22, there were 2.86 million students at UK higher education institutions), demand for housing remains steady, helping maintain a high occupancy rate throughout the term. This reliable market demand ensures a stable source of rental income for investors. To maximize your returns, selecting an ideal location is crucial when investing in student accommodations. Proximity to universities or city centers with good transport links and local amenities will attract more students, bolstering both occupancy rates and rental income. By carefully considering these factors, investors can enjoy attractive returns from this promising real estate segment. 2. Global Diversification Opportunities Regions such as Europe, Asia, and North America have witnessed significant expansion of their higher education sectors, particularly due to rising international student numbers. The same is true for the UK, where the number of international students is on an upward trend. So, this can be a good opportunity to diversify your investment portfolio at a global level. This is important as it allows for better risk management by reducing exposure to economic downturns or political instability in any specific country or region. Moreover, targeting different markets provides access to unique property-segment nuances and consumer behaviors, potentially unveiling profitable niches for investments. However, before you can even think about dipping your toes into international investments, you must make sure your current resources are well-organized. You need to keep your money tracked and accounted for to understand the number of available finances and how any future investments may impact your budget. 3: Increasing Demand Driven by Rising Student Population Recent years have seen a surge in students pursuing higher education, fueled largely by global demographic trends. With a growing segment of the population opting to attend universities and colleges, the demand for suitable housing options naturally follows suit. Notably, advancements in global connectivity and cross-border educational opportunities have further boosted this trend. Students can now easily access information about international institutions, apply online, and virtually tour prospective campuses before making decisions on where to study.  As a result, there’s been an upswing in the number of students pursuing their degrees abroad, which lead to heightened demand for comfortable housing options worldwide. Given these prevailing trends, it’s likely that the need for quality student accommodation will only continue to grow.  Wrap Up In conclusion, the student accommodation sector presents a plethora of attractive opportunities for discerning real estate investors. The potential for attractive ROIs, the opportunity for global diversification, and the increasing demand driven by a rising student population are factors to keep closely in mind. By understanding these compelling factors and strategically incorporating them into your investment strategies, you can easily position yourself for success. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

When it comes to specialist design, there are few projects more niche than the creation of studios for online live dealer gambling. While they share some characteristics with TV or film studios, the interactive nature of the product means they have their own unique requirements. While live dealer gaming is one of the strongest current growth verticals in online gambling, it is still not an area everyone is familiar with. So here is a little background into this type of gaming. While online casino gambling has been around for a while, the most played games have been digital versions of fruit machines. These come in all kinds of themes and guises, with expert reviews at online-slot.co.uk sorting them into the best and also-rans. Animated versions of popular table games like roulette and poker are always popular, too; however, they lack a sense of reality and are often played solo. Live dealer gambling allows players to get a real-life casino experience without leaving home. They get to interact with a real croupier and ‘sit’ alongside other real players at the casino table. There is a wide choice of card and dice games to choose from. The gameplay is immediate and 100% interactive, so it happens in a virtual, immersive way. The irony is that while the player feels like they are in an actual casino, the live dealer is in a studio somewhere and possibly nowhere near a bricks-and-mortar casino. While some of the games are broadcast from the floors of large international casinos, there are also bespoke studios that have been created to appear to be in a casino but are actually coming from the equivalent of a TV studio. Like a film set, they look like the real deal but are, in fact, a façade. To the player, they have everything you would expect to find in a top glamourous casino, but for the operating company, they are a set for the tech that drives them. As with any TV or film studio, soundproofing and lighting are critical. The world of online gambling is truly global, and it is a 24/7 operation. This means that live-dealer specialists like Evolution Gaming will have studios in various locations around the world. The studios are linked to enable continuous gameplay regardless of time zone. The gambler might play at the tables at different times of the day. To them, everything will look the same, but the gameplay could be coming from anywhere. So the design needs to be a format that can be replicated in multiple locations and look identical in each place. However, the studios also need to be customisable. This is because there are only a few companies who have the software and know-how to operate the studios, but every online casino wants to be able to offer their customers a unique experience tailored to their brand. Therefore, within a block of studios in one location, there could be individual studios for various operators. In a way, the design needs to be like that of a theatre, where everything is in place for the set designer to create an immersive world. It is essential that the design has plenty of space for the technology to be installed. Live dealer gaming is mostly about the technology. The best dealer and game-makers in the world will have no chance to shine if their services cannot be broadcast. In addition, the gambler at home has to feel fully part of the action. This is achieved by having a large number of cameras in situ which offer the player multiple camera angles from which to view the play. The gameplay itself is facilitated through Optical Character Recognition (OCR), where the images on the cards are digitised and readable by computer software. Bets placed and cards laid are processed instantly, so play appears in real-time. It goes without saying that the design has to take into consideration available connectivity, as upload and download speeds are critical.

In the ever-evolving commercial landscape, organizations are continually challenged to keep up with swiftly changing workstyles. A significant part of this adaptation lies in the design and utilization of office spaces. Over recent years, commercial architecture has seen a shift towards a trend in favor of flexible and agile office design. This approach aims to create multifunctional spaces that adapt to the diverse needs of modern employees, promoting innovation, collaboration, and productivity. Why The Shift Towards Flexible And Agile Office Design The shift in work styles, driven by technology and new generational expectations, necessitates a departure from traditional, static office designs in commercial architecture. Flexible and agile designs address this change, providing dynamic spaces that can adapt to varying tasks and needs. These designs incorporate versatile furnishings and diverse work zones and foster a spirit of collaboration. The Benefits Of Flexible And Agile Office Design Flexible and agile office designs offer several advantages to organizations, employees, and the environment. The advantages of the flexible and agile design are multifold—enhancing productivity, fostering collaboration, promoting sustainability, and optimizing space use. Implementing A Flexible And Agile Office Design Transitioning to an agile and flexible workspace doesn’t imply stripping an office down to its skeleton and beginning from scratch. More often, it requires the incorporation of progressive changes that convert a traditional office into a dynamic, responsive environment enhancing productivity, collaboration, and employee satisfaction. 1. Versatile Furnishings The furnishings in an office play a pivotal role in creating an agile environment. Versatile, movable, and reconfigurable furniture offers employees the flexibility to tailor their work areas as needed. Investing in versatile furnishings allows workspaces to be functional, adaptable, and supportive of employees’ varied needs and tasks. 2. Zoning Zoning in commercial architecture adds another dimension to the agile workspace. By dividing the office into different zones, each designed for a specific type of work, employees can transition to the area that best suits their current tasks. Zoning is an effective strategy to cater to different work needs, creating responsive workspaces that accommodate diverse workforce requirements. 3. Technology Integration Technology is a cornerstone of the modern, agile work area. To support a flexible and mobile workforce, integrate advanced tech solutions into the workspace design. In today’s digital age, technology integration in workspace design is critical, facilitating collaboration, flexibility, and mobility. 4. Nature And Well-being Employee well-being should be a priority in an agile workspace. The integration of biophilic design elements can foster a healthier, more pleasant work environment. Incorporating nature and well-being into workspace design boosts employee satisfaction and productivity, fostering a positive work culture. The Takeaway The shift towards flexible and agile office design in commercial architecture is a response to the evolving needs of the modern workforce. By understanding and implementing the principles of this design approach, organizations can create spaces that genuinely adapt to the changing workstyles, ensuring their relevance and success in the commercial landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals