Parliament’s Elizabeth Tower has been shortlisted for the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize – the first time in the award’s history that a conservation project has been nominated.  One of the UK’s most recognisable landmarks, its restoration was considered a ‘veritable masterclass in conservation and craftsmanship’ by RIBA’s judges. Submitted for entry by Purcell – consultant architect on the project – the conservation was the most extensive and complex in the building’s history, combining traditional skills and crafts with cutting-edge upgrades that made the building fit for the 21st century.   Chris Elliot, Managing Director of UK Parliament’s Strategic Estates team, said: “This nomination celebrates the successful restoration of the UK’s most photographed landmark, achieved through close collaboration with our architects, Purcell, alongside our exceptional supply chain. As custodians of a UNESCO World Heritage site, we are proud to have maintained and preserved the Elizabeth Tower as a symbol of our national heritage.”   Running from 2017-2022, the project safeguarded the architectural integrity of the Elizabeth Tower and ensured that Big Ben could continue to ‘bong’ for decades to come. Prior to the restoration, the landmark suffered from many of the issues seen in buildings of its age, including crumbling stones, rusty ironwork, leaking roofs and, in this case, an aging clock.   Repairing problems that could not be fixed while the clock was in action, the project also conserved key elements of Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin’s design, including stone carvings, the clock dials and the gilded spire.  The restoration works repaired and redecorated the interior, renewed the building services, and made improvements to health and safety and fire protection systems. The works also improved energy efficiency, reducing the Elizabeth Tower’s environmental impact, as well as providing better access for maintenance and emergency services.  A wide range of specialist companies and tradespeople from across the UK were involved in the programme, including from:  Other areas involved include the North West England (building and M&E design), South East England and London (stone restoration and glass designers), South Yorkshire (stone replacements and cast-iron repairs) amongst others.   The conservation of the UK’s most iconic landmark has already earned widespread recognition, including a RIBA National Award, RIBA London Award, AABC Conservation Award, Michael Middleton Civic Trust Award and Digital Construction Project of the Year Award. Parliament’s Strategic Estates team has also been nominated for the RIBA Client of the Year award, acknowledging their role in championing excellence throughout the project.    Members of the public can find out more about the restoration through guided tours – and take home a piece of Big Ben memorabilia from the Houses of Parliament Shop. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

As the Planning and Infrastructure Bill makes its way through Parliament, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has secured an amendment to ensure design quality is at the heart of new development.   The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to speed up and streamline the delivery of new homes and critical infrastructure through reforms to the planning system and a number of legislative changes, including a focus on strategic planning implemented through Spatial Development Strategies (SDSs).   These will guide local plans, identify key infrastructure requirements and strategic locations for development. RIBA’s amendment to the Bill would require SDSs to include a design vision, which is a clear articulation of what an area or project should be like in the future, developed with the local community and stakeholders.   The inclusion of a design vision in SDSs is vital for high-quality design to be prioritised in the strategic planning process, and would ensure new development meets the practical needs of residents and communities, while embedding the principles of safety, sustainability and accessibility.  The amendment has been tabled by the Liberal Democrat Lords Housing Spokesperson Baroness Thornhill MBE, who RIBA is working closely with to amplify its call to prioritise high-quality development. It will be debated when Parliament returns from summer recess.   RIBA has also secured support for the amendment from the Design Council, the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and NLA, and support from Peers across the political spectrum.     RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki said:  “We are vocal advocates of a strategic approach to planning policy as a crucial way to ensure sustainable growth while meeting housing and infrastructure needs. However, high-quality design must be prioritised in new development from the outset.   Good design can create a wide range of improvements – from health and wellbeing to productivity. But without the requirement for a design vision in the Bill, there is no guarantee that this will be delivered.   We are grateful to Baroness Thornhill for tabling our amendment and look forward to working with parliamentarians and our partners across the sector to embed design quality in legislation.”  Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) President, Eddie Weir, said:   “High-quality design is fundamental to creating places that people love, and which meet our current and future needs, as well as those of the planet.  Integrating design visions within Spatial Development Strategies gives communities the opportunity to shape local development at an early stage, building support for new homes, amenities, and infrastructure.  As design professionals, Chartered Architectural Technologists regularly work alongside Architects, and CIAT is pleased to support RIBA in advocating for this important amendment.”  Design Council Director of Place and Infrastructure, Edward Hobson said:   “Good design is central to building the homes and infrastructure we need and ensuring it is fit for purpose, long-lasting and regenerates our environment. Creating a clear vision for a place’s future is fundamental to delivering innovative, sustainable places and resilient communities.  We fully support Baroness Thornhill’s amendment and look forward to working with RIBA and parliamentarians to place quality at the heart of the government’s housebuilding and infrastructure programmes.”  NLA Chief Executive, Nick McKeogh said:   “We welcome Baroness Thornhill’s amendment to the Planning & Infrastructure Bill. The NLA has worked closely with the GLA and successive London Mayors to put design vision at the heart of the London Plan, and we believe that there is much for the government to build upon from that work.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has appointed McLaren Construction to deliver a £100 million retrofit and extension of its 1950s building at 35 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, creating a new home for the Firoz Lalji Global Hub. Designed by David Chipperfield Architects, the project will be the largest Passivhaus retrofit in the UK and an exemplar of circular design and resource efficiency. Approximately 60% of the original structure will be retained, with the top three floors and roof plant enclosure replaced by a lightweight cross-laminated timber extension. The works will increase the building’s size from 9,856 to 11,848 square metres. A new atrium will be created through the removal of an internal infill structure, while a redesigned ground floor and partial first floor slab will enable level access. The refurbished facility will house the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa alongside the Department of Mathematics, Department of Statistics, Executive Education, and the Data Science Institute. It will feature flexible teaching spaces, lecture halls, seminar rooms, breakout areas, offices, dining facilities, an external terrace, and a ground floor café. The 270-seat LSE Agora will provide a multi-purpose venue for debates and broadcasts. Sustainability is at the core of the project, which targets BREEAM Outstanding, Passivhaus certification, and WELL Platinum accreditation, exceeding London’s environmental performance targets for carbon, energy, water use, and biodiversity. Materials from the original building, such as parquet flooring, brass inlays, lighting fixtures, ceramic tiles, and brickwork, will be salvaged and reused. Additional materials sourced from nearby sites will also be integrated. McLaren Construction, working with carbon consultant Buro Happold, has implemented strategies to reduce embodied carbon through material selection, removal of unnecessary components, and adoption of low-carbon alternatives. Digital monitoring tools will track sustainability performance and compliance throughout the build. The building’s exterior will be refreshed with a lime-based, off-white wash that preserves the texture of the brickwork while concealing imperfections. Located within the Strand Conservation Area, the site sits between the Grade II* listed Royal College of Surgeons and the Grade II listed former Land Registry Building, opposite the Grade II Registered Park and Garden at Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Completion of the project is scheduled for 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Dudleys Consulting Engineers is working with Greenfingers Charity to create a unique shelter that will form part of a ‘Together Garden’ showcase at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse before becoming a permanent home at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in Rotherham. The Together Garden is a thoughtful, deeply moving space created by designers Phil Hirst and Joanne Charlton. Designed to offer moments of reflection, connection and peace, the Together Garden features curved timber benches, inviting visitors to sit together with a bespoke canopy providing shelter alongside two sculptural elements representing hands held together to symbolise comfort and unity. After a debut at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse Flower Show, the garden will be reimagined as a permanent, tranquil space outside one of the hospice’s bereavement suites. It will offer bereaved families a peaceful place to make memories and find comfort during the most difficult times. Leeds based Dudleys Consulting Engineers were asked to support the project through its specialist structures team providing expert advice around the design and creation of the bespoke canopy. Rob Thomson, Associate at Dudleys Consulting Engineers, said: “We are honoured to have been asked to help in delivering the Together Garden that will provide a lasting legacy as a peaceful retreat and some comfort for those who most need it. “The canopy is a unique structure with curved columns and elliptical roof. Our challenge has been to minimise the size of the structural elements whilst making sure it remains stable and safe. We delivered multiple design iterations of a complex geometry using our state-of-the-art analysis tools, alongside our deep understanding of structural engineering within a tight timescale so that it is ready in time for the show later this month.” Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity which funds the design, build and care of children’s hospices nationally, said: “We are incredibly excited to be part of RHS Wentworth Woodhouse for the very first time. It’s a fantastic platform to raise awareness of the work we do, and to introduce even more people to the power of gardens in creating comfort and connection during life’s most challenging moments. “Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice is already known for its beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces, which play a vital role in its work with families. The addition of the Together Garden will further enhance this environment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

On Thursday 22nd May, Innovate UK marked 50 years of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) by holding their Regional Forum meeting at Northumbria University. During the event the Innovate UK team met some of the Northumbria Academics involved in the programme including the University’s RIBAJ Rising Star Award for 2024, Catherine Sinclair. At the meeting Catherine presented her work as a KTP Associate with leading architect and design firm, Space Architects, through which she is aiming to drive forward innovation in the field of low carbon. Early intervention is crucial for whole life carbon (WLC) reduction, and Catherine is on a mission to bring WLC analysis to the forefront of the design decision-making process. Through the partnership she is developing a digital tool that can analyse the WLC of design decisions from the earliest stages, including location, form and structure. This enables WLC analysis to be treated as a core rather than specialist activity within architecture. Rob Charlton, CEO of Space Group has been impressed by the work Catherine has completed, saying “We couldn’t be prouder of Catherine and all that she has already achieved in her career. Catherine exemplifies what it means to lead with vision, innovation and integrity, setting an inspiring example through her dedication to helping others and leading the research into Whole Life Carbon and reducing impact of the built environment.” Speaking on the benefits of undertaking her KTP Catherine said: “The partnership has allowed the opportunity for both Space Architects and Northumbria University to collaborate and progress early strategies for whole life carbon reduction across the design process. Embedding sustainability at the core of the design process and having developed the D-CARB tool to be used at the earliest stage of a project has already provided proven impact and outcomes in regard to whole life carbon reduction within our designs.” Following their visit to campus Richard Lamb, Head of KTP Programme, Innovate UK and John Clayton, Knowledge Transfer Adviser, Innovate UK KTN, met with the project team for the Northumbria University and Space Architects KTP. Speaking on the visit, Richard Lamb said: “It has been marvellous to visit Northumbria University as part of our wider North East tour celebrating the 50thbirthday of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme. It has been fantastic to hear about the ongoing KTPs at Northumbria and especially pleasing to meet Catherine and the team at Space Architects to hear about such a successful example of a KTP.” Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships bring together forward-thinking businesses and expert academics to tackle strategic innovation challenges to deliver economic, societal or environmental outcomes. The partnerships are tailored to the specific requirements of individual participants and businesses, each addressing specific needs. Through the placement of highly qualified graduates, businesses gain innovative solutions, new technologies and expertise over 12-36 months. Since 1975, KTPs have driven innovation and growth by creating collaborations between businesses and academic institutions. They have proven effective for businesses and universities, generating over £2 billion for the UK economy from 2010-2020, and currently support around 800 businesses, 100 knowledge bases (this could be a university, college, research and technology organisation or Catapult) and over 850 graduates. Find out more about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at Northumbria University. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals