AEW Architects has successfully secured four Gateway 2 approvals under the Building Safety Act for a housing estate in Newton Heath, north east Manchester. Comprising 312 homes across four high-rise towers and two low-rise terraced blocks, the scheme will be its largest retrofit project to-date. AEW is both the architect
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published the results of the second survey among its members into attitudes towards, and usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The RIBA AI Report 2025 shows a jump in the number of architects’ practices now using artificial intelligence, from 41% in 2024 to
Architectural practice Stephen George + Partners (SGP) has announced that work has completed on a scheme in Salford, Greater Manchester, that has seen the redevelopment of previously derelict railway arches into new destinations for businesses to occupy. Triton Construction was appointed as main contractor for the scheme late last year,
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
Designs for Phase Two of a tech development at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus have been approved by the Vale of White Horse District Council for planning. Designed by Scott Brownrigg, Tech Foundry West will create 70,000 sq ft laboratory, advanced manufacturing, and office space to support a growing community
Leading Community architects Architecture Unknown has submitted plans to reimagine the former Middleton Conservative Club as a banqueting hall and community space. The elaborate plans, submitted on behalf of local business Kohinoor Banqueting Ltd, show the site transformed into a wedding venue and multi-use function space for the community. The
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the Government’s plans to deliver new homes and national infrastructure. The Chancellor of the Exchequer made the announcement in a speech today in Oxfordshire. Muyiwa Oki, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, said: “The Government’s focus on delivering
THE recent expansion of the University of Southampton’s Jubilee Sports Centre, designed by AJ100 practice GT3 Architects, is bringing an elevated sport, leisure, and wellbeing experience to students and residents alike. The £24.7m expansion of the existing sports facility includes a fitness suite with more than 200 stations – making
With each architecture studio delivering a separate collection, Pala Zion has now launched sales of four of 22 residences Today marks the official unveiling of Pala Zion, an innovative residential development and “architectural gallery” that unifies some of the world’s most innovative firms – Morq, GOMA and Taller Hector Barroso
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced that it will receive the support of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program to enable the storage, preservation, and accessibility of digital items within its world-class architectural collections. The RIBA collections – one of the largest and most wide-ranging architectural collections
AEW Architects has successfully secured four Gateway 2 approvals under the Building Safety Act for a housing estate in Newton Heath, north east Manchester. Comprising 312 homes across four high-rise towers and two low-rise terraced blocks, the scheme will be its largest retrofit project to-date. AEW is both the architect and retrofit designer on the development and worked collaboratively with Manchester City Council (client), Casey (principal contractor) and several specialist sub-contractors to develop a robust set of proposals for the regulator. AEW’s proposals will help Croydon Drive become a 21st Century, model social housing estate. Each block will undergo a PAS2035 compliant Retrofit under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) route to dramatically improve its energy efficiency and safety. Proposed works include installation of new insulation, upgrades to existing insulation, new windows and doors, introduction of new passive fire measures and creation of winter gardens. In addition to performance improvements, another key element of the project is enhancements to building and estate aesthetics to make them more contemporary. Colin Savage, director at AEW Architects, said: “This achievement is a unique milestone for AEW and reaffirms our commitment to delivering safe, sustainable and high-quality refurbishment. As we move forward, we remain focused on setting the highest industry standards. “Our team has worked tirelessly with the key stakeholders to ensure we meet every requirement and this approval from the Building Safety Regulator is a testament to its dedication and expertise.” Gateway 2 is part of a series of critical gateways introduced under the 2022 Building Safety Act to enhance safety standards for higher-risk buildings, introduced in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The focus is now on site works and maintaining a robust Golden Thread of information throughout the construction phase required for Gateway 3. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published the results of the second survey among its members into attitudes towards, and usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The RIBA AI Report 2025 shows a jump in the number of architects’ practices now using artificial intelligence, from 41% in 2024 to 59% in 2025. With many contributors now reporting that they view AI as having the potential to be a valuable tool for addressing some of the significant challenges the industry faces. Well over half the architects taking part — some 65% — think that AI will have an increasingly positive effect on productivity in the construction industry. 65% also feel it will help the sector meet its net-zero targets, and 63% believe it will enable architects and developers to create buildings that will better meet current and future performance requirements. Only 18% of practices envisage that AI will lead to job losses, and just 4% of those surveyed think that human creativity will no longer be needed for building design because of AI. Nevertheless, a significant proportion (35%) remain concerned that AI will threaten the profession, 67% worry that it will increase the risk of work being imitated, and 44% are concerned that it will enable those without sufficient professional knowledge to design buildings. Despite this, however, the overriding sentiment among the architects who responded is that AI offers a route to enhancing some of the professions’ core offering and boosting design innovation and creativity. RIBA is working to develop guidance and demand greater transparency to ensure that architects can harness AI without losing agency over their creative output. UK architects are increasingly interested in the latest developments in AI technology and RIBA’s first AI in Practice Summit, held this May, attracted 240 members. RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki said: “What a difference a year makes. The sharp rise in AI use among our members illustrates how all-encompassing this technology is becoming and how willing architects are to embrace new ways of working, to achieve even better results. Despite the very legitimate concerns many have around imitation and the reliability of data, it’s clear that architects are keen to be on the right side of digital innovations and lead by example rather than be left to catch up. RIBA is committed to making sure the profession continues to reap all the benefits that AI offers and I’m excited to see what the future holds.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Architectural practice Stephen George + Partners (SGP) has announced that work has completed on a scheme in Salford, Greater Manchester, that has seen the redevelopment of previously derelict railway arches into new destinations for businesses to occupy. Triton Construction was appointed as main contractor for the scheme late last year, following a receipt by the Arch Company of planning consent. Alan Soper, Studio Director at SGP, comments: “We are delighted to see work complete on the transformation of these historical arch structures into spaces for businesses to develop and thrive. Located in a key area of regeneration and renewal within Greater Manchester, The Arch Company’s investment will help to provide new spaces where businesses can thrive.” As design architect for the scheme SGP has drawn on both its technical expertise and strong track record working with historic buildings to create contemporary spaces, which nod to the industrial heritage of the arches. The scheme includes new glazed frontages, new services and drainage and internal lining to make the accommodation dry and ready for new businesses to occupy. The design incorporates high-quality materials that have restored an attractive appearance to the elevations on Norton Street, creating a parade of arches that will appeal to a range of businesses. Working in partnership with SGP, multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard provided structural, civil, and MEP engineering services to support the transformation of the arches. Matt Barron, Associate Structural Engineer at Pick Everard, commented: “The refurbishment of the arches required a sensitive approach to ensure the integrity of the existing structure was maintained while enabling the modifications required for the project. With careful coordination of the structural interventions within the existing arch structures, our team worked closely with SGP to achieve the architectural design intent for the arch spaces. It’s been a fantastic project to be a part of, and we look forward to seeing these rejuvenated spaces contribute to the benefit of the local area.” SGP’s design has sought to overcome a number of technical, environmental and planning constraints that are inherent within existing urban infrastructure of this type, as Alan Soper explains: “By any standards, arches are not a ‘normal’ building type and realising the potential of these spaces takes experience and good technical know-how if we are to refurbish them to modern occupancy standards.” Norton Street is just one of several projects on which SGP is working with The Arch Company, with a number now on site or completed. In London, work has already been completed on the redevelopment of six vacant railway arches on Witan Street into high-specification commercial premises for light industrial use; while on America Street in Southwark, work has completed on the transformation of four dilapidated railway arches into commercial spaces. For further information visit www.thearchco.com 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
Designs for Phase Two of a tech development at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus have been approved by the Vale of White Horse District Council for planning. Designed by Scott Brownrigg, Tech Foundry West will create 70,000 sq ft laboratory, advanced manufacturing, and office space to support a growing community of leading scientists, engineers, and innovators within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. The speculatively designed building will occupy a site on the north-western corner of Harwell campus adjacent to Phase One of the development, Tech Edge 1 & 2, which is currently under construction. The design creates a clear distinction between pedestrianised public spaces and service areas with vehicular access by dividing and extruding the floorplan across an east west axis. A sawtooth roof both unifies and defines nine individual mid-tech units, each benefitting from a private entrance and views out across extensive landscaping to the south. Provision of individual units combined with a flexible layout ensures the building will be fully equipped to accommodate multi-tenancy and meet a variety of spatial requirements now, and in the future. A carefully considered palette of materials – dark standing seam and naturally finished timber cladding – will complement the natural setting and enhance the building’s striking architectural form. Supporting Harwell’s sustainability objectives and commitment to delivering a Campus Fit for the Future, the design follows a fabric first approach. Use of modulated brise soleil on south facing glazed facades and polycarbonate on north facing facades optimises natural light, manages solar gain, and minimises artificial light spill to the surrounding environment. The buildings serrated profile creates opportunities to introduce Photovoltaic Voltaic (PV) panels onto southwest facing sections of the roof. Landscaping proposals focus on enhancing biodiversity on site through the introduction of juvenile trees and planters inspired by woodland tree leaf cells. Provision of valuable outdoor amenity to support the wellbeing of building users includes the completion of a pedestrian nature trail that weaves through the campus. With construction now started on site, Tech Foundry West is expected to complete in early 2026. Project team: Client: The Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Limited Partnership Architect: Scott Brownrigg Project Manager: Bidwells Services Engineer: Etch Associates Civil & Structural Engineer: Baynham Meikle Quantity Surveyor: Tetra Tech Landscape Architect: RPS Planning Consultant: Carter Jonas Sustainability Consultant: Eight Versa Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading Community architects Architecture Unknown has submitted plans to reimagine the former Middleton Conservative Club as a banqueting hall and community space. The elaborate plans, submitted on behalf of local business Kohinoor Banqueting Ltd, show the site transformed into a wedding venue and multi-use function space for the community. The planning proposal includes internal refurbishments and renovation of the existing heritage façade, as well as a double storey contemporary brick extension. The proposed transformation will see the disused area at the back of the building adapted into a car park, containing new plants, green swales and a green-wall with the promise to retain existing trees and where possible improve the biodiversity of the site. In 2022, The Middleton Town Masterplan aimed to bring buildings in the town back to life through creative reuse, enhancing facades and shop fronts. The project was aimed at driving footfall to the area. The modern and contemporary extension, on 77 Long Street, would takes cues from the existing Middleton Conservative Club and the architecture in the surrounding area. Director, Daniel Kelso from Architecture Unknown, said: “The plans for 77 Long Street are contemporary and fresh, nodding respectfully to the buildings heritage while making it fit for purpose – an exciting building that will service the community for events and celebrations, for many years to come. “From conception to plans, it has been a collaborative process with the client to ensure we can put forward a beautiful space Middleton town can be proud of. There has been a real focus in maintaining the green space the local community loves, whilst improving access and making the building a go-to destination for events.” Architecture Unknown is a Manchester-based practice founded by Charlie Butterwick and Daniel Kelso. 77 Long Street falls under the Middleton Town Centre Conservation Area Appraisal, a list of buildings of local importance. The development sits within Middleton Town and falls under the influence of the Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the Government’s plans to deliver new homes and national infrastructure. The Chancellor of the Exchequer made the announcement in a speech today in Oxfordshire. Muyiwa Oki, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, said: “The Government’s focus on delivering new homes and national infrastructure is great news – these are essential drivers for economic growth and moves to unlock land near transport hubs can be transformative. We need vibrant, well-connected neighbourhoods with everything from accessible transport to green space and bustling local centres. But quality matters when creating new developments. Architecture plays a crucial role in ensuring that new places are sustainable, liveable and fit for the future. We remain ready to work with government to meet this challenge head on. We look forward to seeing more detail in the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
THE recent expansion of the University of Southampton’s Jubilee Sports Centre, designed by AJ100 practice GT3 Architects, is bringing an elevated sport, leisure, and wellbeing experience to students and residents alike. The £24.7m expansion of the existing sports facility includes a fitness suite with more than 200 stations – making it one of Southampton’s largest gyms – alongside four fitness studios, an indoor cycling studio, and dedicated climbing and bouldering wall for all abilities. Together with three new squash courts, the new dry side offering seamlessly integrates with the existing wet leisure space, which includes a six-lane pool. Designed in the aftermath of the UK’s Covid-19 pandemic, the new Jubilee Centre represents an important shift in the way leisure facilities can support the wider ambitions of higher educational facilities. The expansion recognised the opportunity to integrate the requirements of the wider local community into a campus facility. The design team worked closely with stakeholders to ensure the final building met not only the diverse needs of the student population – including numerous sports and athletics teams, gym, and social users – but of the wider community too. This robust understanding of user-requirements not only influenced the final building design, but it also supported operator and client aims as they reviewed opening hours, multifunctioning spaces, and identified potential additional revenue streams. Kieran McFarlane, associate architectural technologist at GT3, said: “We designed this centre with people in mind and, while it’s a key part of the university campus, it’s there for the whole community. Every decision has been made with the goal of making sure that anyone – regardless of age, ability or background – can benefit from what the centre has to offer. “Everything reflects a strive to include and welcome a much wider range of users, seeking to support diversity within the average UK student population. Unisex changing areas, adaptive sports equipment, and the option of quiet and private space or louder public spaces have been integrated throughout the facility mix, ensuring visitors of all abilities and preferences can access, train, compete and enjoy everything the centre has to offer. “It was also a priority to ensure the building feels open, inviting and connected to the spaces around it, including Valley Gardens and University Road. The considered design all comes together to create a really vibrant and accessible space designed to enhance the health and wellbeing of all. The state-of-the-art fitness experience embodies this ethos and positions the Jubilee Sports Centre as the central hub for physical activity and community in the area.” A final priority for the university was for the facility to support wellbeing as much as physical fitness, providing safe, welcoming, social-orientated spaces for the student population. Clear sight lines into external green spaces are integrated along primary circulation routes, with visual and physical access to all facilities facilitated through large windows and glazed entry points into the building. The social café opens onto a wide veranda overlooking the adjacent yoga garden, and access to the nearby public park and fitness trails. Consistent communication with the client team through a multitude of channels ensured that every aspect of the scheme was carefully considered to align with project and team ambitions, culminating in a product of enhanced architectural, inclusive, and BREEAM credentials. This collaborative effort across the delivery team assisted in foreplaning for potential complexities in the enhancement works within a live student area, maintaining a fully operational pool facility throughout the construction phase. The tight site required a compact and well-thought-out solution to avoid splitting leisure services across the campus, reinforcing the ethos of accessibility, and providing cohesiveness across the leisure offering. Kieran added: “Getting the connection between the old and new building to be seamless was critical for the user experience, but we also needed to consider how the expanded Jubilee Sports Centre sits within the wider campus landscape. The way we approached the massing of the building works to reflect that of the campus itself, with a stepped down approach to lower-rise residential buildings at one end of the campus – avoiding the sports centre becoming overbearing in its setting.” Designed to meet BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard, the building features passive design elements such as natural ventilation and light, with an improved airtightness of 3.5m³/h/m², lowering operational carbon outputs, and constructed with lower embodied carbon in mind, it also aligns the finished scheme with the RIBA 2030 Climate challenge. Mark Craig, Managing Director for Construction South at Wates, said: “We are incredibly proud of all our teams’ work delivering this exceptional facility. Collaborating with such innovators as GT3 has ensured the design was sustainable and considerate at all stages, helping us all support the University’s net zero ambitions. “Our purpose at Wates is to create thriving places for communities, providing opportunities for all to feel included and invested in. We believe this new sports centre is testament to this, helping to improve wellbeing in the local community while delivering a positive social impact throughout the course of its build through extensive Social Value initiatives.” Trudi Vout, director of residences, sport & community at the University of Southampton, said: “The new Jubilee Sport and Recreation Centre stands as an example of our commitment to enhancing the student experience and promoting a culture of inclusivity and wellness through sports and active participation. “The building design embodies the shared vision of sustainability, seamlessly integrating green spaces into the building through expansive windows that invite natural light and lawns that foster connection to nature. “The harmonious integration with our existing structure is a testament to the thoughtful planning and collaboration with our architects, GT3 Architects, whose vision, creativity and dedication have been instrumental in bringing this design to life.” The project team for the expansion of the Jubilee Sports Centre also included Wates Group, Ramboll A/S, Method Consulting, and Studio Loci. For further information, please visit www.gt3architects.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With each architecture studio delivering a separate collection, Pala Zion has now launched sales of four of 22 residences Today marks the official unveiling of Pala Zion, an innovative residential development and “architectural gallery” that unifies some of the world’s most innovative firms – Morq, GOMA and Taller Hector Barroso and Studio Andrew Trotter – to create a community of 22 individually designed, standalone private homes situated on a rugged 35-acre plot adjacent Utah’s Kolob Canyon at the footsteps of Zion National Park. Pala Zion marks the first time that these four acclaimed and distinct firms have worked together, each contributing a collection of residences along architectural guidelines. The homes, ranging from 3,000 – 5,000 square feet, are currently under construction and are expected to be delivered in Q3 2026. Pala Zion’s listed properties can be seen here. From a holistic perspective, Pala Zion provides the ideal lifestyle for disconnection, reflection, and self-renewal, while fostering a sense of community among like-minded residents. All homes will have access to the facilities and amenities of the forthcoming Paréa landscape hotel – designed exclusively by Studio Andrew Trotter – which will include restaurants, a wellness center, a spa with treatment rooms, reading and lounge spaces, as well as a program of daily activities and workshops. Pala Zion sits on a parcel of land just a short drive from Paréa landscape hotel via Kolob Terrace Road, which was created by the same development team as Pala Zion. All homes are designed for short-term rentals, whether private guests or guests of the hotel, and can be placed into a fully managed rental pool in association with Paréa landscape hotel. Entrepreneurs Reed Lerner and Robert Babbage commissioned Studio Andrew Trotter to create the architectural guidelines for Pala Zion and to select three different firms to each deliver a series of residences that pay homage to the time and place of the primordial terrain in one of the most majestic desert landscapes in the world. The development features homes ranging from three to five bedrooms, each designed with seamless indoor and outdoor living spaces, private courtyards, kitchens and swimming pools that blend harmoniously with the surrounding bluffs and boulders of the primeval terrain. Each residence will also feature a small spa with a sauna and bath while connecting denizens with nature by offering unobstructed views of the surroundings. Several residences will feature open-air sunroofs, crafted from the negative space of the structures, utilizing natural light, airflow, and local stone, including custom plaster finishes that incorporate raw limestone and sandstone from the excavation process.Studio Andrew Trotter for Pala ZionStudio Andrew Trotter is a multi-disciplinary office working on international projects from architecture and interior design, to product design and design consultancy. With simplicity at the heart of its ideas and a true belief that any design should belong to the place where it is built, works such as Masseria Moroseta and Villa Cardo quickly became icons within the Pugliese landscape. The studio is currently working on projects ranging from private homes to holiday homes, shops and boutique hotels in Puglia, Milan, Todos Santos, Sicily, Jamaica, Athens and the Amalfi Coast, as well as Utah (Paréa). Studio Andrew Trotter visited the site for Pala Zion both in the spring and late fall. To adjust to the seasonal climate changes, the studio created overhangs and orientated the buildings to prevent the summer sun from entering the buildings, keeping them cool in the summer, yet cozy and warm in the winter. Studio Andrew Trotter intends for Pala Zion to be the perfect place to disconnect, to rejuvenate oneself, and while at the same time, become a meeting place for like minded people. The studio’s work for the project and creation of architectural guidelines for Pala Zion to be a place to join rituals, community and private living. “The landscape of Kolob Canyons is truly incredible, especially at sunset, when the colors become vivid and surreal,” says Andrew Trotter. “Pala Zion is a place where architecture harmonizes with this splendor—a realization of a dream.” Five houses in total have been designed by the firm, including a corner house that has incredible views to the north and to the west from the whole building. Two larger houses of the same design mainly look to the north, whilst the living, dining and kitchen have views to the west. The last two houses are more simple, with direct views to the north, one slightly smaller than the other. Each house has many courtyards, which give privacy to the house from the street, allowing for an open flow from the inside out. Each building is separate and a standalone structure. While each house is created separately by each studio, there is a constant dialogue between all four architectural studios so the houses will exist in unison. “It has been amazing to work together, we are all learning from each other, and it’s a great pit of ideas,” says Andrew Trotter. Studio Andrew Trotter has envisioned a community where architecture seamlessly integrates with the wild beauty of Kolob Canyons. Each home will be constructed with hand-applied lime plaster on both exteriors and interiors, embedded within the terrain’s undulating bluffs and majestic mesas. The project embodies a new definition of “quiet luxury,” focusing on a connection to nature through a lens of architecture and aesthetic, supported by environmental impact and promoting natural light and cross-ventilation through sunroofs and expansive glass walls. GOMA Taller de Arquitectur for Pala ZionTaller de Arquitectura is a Mexico-based firm with more than 10 years of experience and continuous innovation in the design and execution of architectural and construction projects. The studio develops ideas and concepts aligned with the vision of their clients and conducts them powered by the inspiration of their leaders with the creativity and passion of each one of their collaborators. For Pala Zion, the studio has created six panoramic houses and one corner solution, designed to provide a rooted connection with the landscape. The house is formed by a
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced that it will receive the support of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program to enable the storage, preservation, and accessibility of digital items within its world-class architectural collections. The RIBA collections – one of the largest and most wide-ranging architectural collections in the world – represent a unique body of knowledge spanning thousands of architects, hundreds of years and dozens of nations. It includes everything from 15th century books, manuscripts and drawings to models and photographs documenting architecture around the world today. However new items received into the collections are increasingly in born-digital formats, in particular Computer-aided design (CAD) drawings and digital photographs—reflecting the pervasiveness of digital technology and design within today’s architecture profession. With Bloomberg Philanthropies’ support, RIBA will develop and implement a state-of-the-art Digital Archive Management System, allowing RIBA to significantly advance its capacity to securely store, manage and protect its growing collection of born-digital items. The project will also support the transfer of existing born-digital materials currently held in unsuitable storage conditions, safeguarding their integrity and ensuring they remain accessible for future generations. This initiative will aid RIBA’s ambitious long-term plans, as part of its House of Architecture transformation programme, to digitise and catalogue its physical collections to make them more widely accessible online. Digitisation will also contribute to preserving the content of vulnerable physical items that are at risk of deterioration. As well as enhancing its own organisational expertise and knowledge of best practices in digital preservation, RIBA has pledged to share the insights and learnings it gathers with the broader UK cultural sector and the architectural profession in order to drive digital innovation and collaboration. Oliver-Urquhart Irvine, Executive Director of Architecture Programmes & Collections at RIBA, said: “This transformative support from Bloomberg Philanthropies will future proof our architectural collections, ensuring they remain accessible and relevant in an increasingly digital age. By investing in cutting-edge technology and expertise, we are safeguarding our invaluable records of architectural heritage for generations to come while contributing to the broader digital preservation community. “The RIBA Collections house some of the world’s most significant records of architectural design and history, spanning centuries of global innovation. This project represents a critical step in modernising how RIBA manages its collections and enhances their accessibility for diverse audiences.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
