Adaptive reuse in the UAE; Navigating a biodiversity net gain; The epitome of urban uniqueness; Rebuilding Birmingham and Replacing RAAC
BDP (Building Design Partnership Ltd)
We are an international, multidisciplinary practice of architects, engineers, designers and urbanists.
Our global design collective addresses the current challenges in our cities and shares ideas to stimulate future thinking and drive progressive design.
REIMAGINING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: ADAPTIVE REUSE IN THE UAE
Since its rise from a small fishing settlement on the edge of the desert in the 1960s, to its transformation into one of the world's fastest-growing cities and commercial hubs, to its evolution into a breathtaking global tourist destination - Dubai is adept at reimagining its future.
In November 2023 the city hosted COP28, the 28th annual United Nations (UN) climate meeting where governments convened to discuss strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) faces significant climate vulnerabilities due to its hot and humid climate, and with a staggering population increase of 5,000% since its rapid urban development, it must prioritise the creation of sustainable urban spaces to accommodate its residents, visitors, and international investors.
Read more here: https://www.bdp.com/en/ideas/reimagining-a-sustainable-future-adaptive-reuse-in-the-uae/
NATURE FINALLY HAS A SEAT AT THE TABLE
Nature finally has a seat at the table. But it comes following a damning statistic about how we have protected our natural environment in the past. The UK has lost almost half its wildlife species since the industrial revolution; 13% of which has been lost since the 1970s. That’s why from 12th February 2024, the UK has become the first country in the world to ensure all new developments require at least a 10% uplift of biodiversity.
The goal of this requirement is to ensure that every new development contributes positively to the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity, meaning if all goes to plan, we will leave places in a better state than when we found them.
We’re all now feeling the impact of climate change, and a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policy presents the most significant opportunity to do something that makes a positive change. By halting and reversing nature’s decline BNG can undo the damaging effects of climate change. But it can’t do the job alone. So what does all this mean for planners and designers? Can we help get developers on board? Who is regulating and keeping check on the policy to ensure we are hitting the targets? Here’s everything you need to know about this new regulation…https://www.bdp.com/en/ideas/nature-finally-has-a-seat-at-the-table/
THE WELL IS THE EPITOME OF URBAN UNIQUENESS
Our cities are growing rapidly, racing to deliver more housing, sustainable workplaces, retail, entertainment hubs together with transport connectivity. In high rise, multicultural cities like Toronto, adding density is an important alternative to expanding urban sprawl. But how can new developments still deliver architectural individualism and placemaking whilst reflecting the uniqueness of their context?
In most cases, calling new developments ‘unique’ is nothing more than a marketing tactic as much of the design elements we see are consistent with approaches seen across the globe rather than a need to reflect a city’s character.
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In the case of The Well, a genuinely unique and innovative design has given the development and a new part of the city its own distinctive character whilst rooting it in its central location in the King St West area characterised by former brick and beam industrial buildings. Even though it is a mega development that is wholly appropriate for Toronto, it provides original and sustainable design elements and an urban composition of buildings and spaces that has never quite been seen before in North America.
REBUILDING BIRMINGHAM
The City of Birmingham, despite occasional setbacks, has displayed great bravery in upgrading its vision for 2040 in ‘Our Future City’. The recent application consent and the release of this version 2.0 of the 'Big City Plan' suggest a bold step forward. The city council's willingness to increase density in exchange for enhanced public realm demonstrates a commitment to positive urban development. Such initiatives are crucial for a city centre historically lacking green spaces beyond the graveyards of St Philips and St Pauls.
However, we must recognise the significant constraints imposed by the built fabric and the challenges faced by the built environment community in the UK’s second city. Challenges brought to bear by the decision to demolish the locally listed Ringway Centre. The much-maligned but much-loved modernist building is being fiercely defended by the 20th Century Society, which is campaigning for its retention, just as it did successfully for the BDP-designed Preston Bus Station in 2018.
The principle of retaining, refurbishing and adapting existing structures is well established where suitable adaptive reuse is proposed, but should fundamentally support the wider sustainability ambitions of local councils and architects alike. Like Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with seams of gold, our job is to embrace the flaws and imperfections to create stronger, more beautiful pieces of art, of architecture, of city fabric.?
Read more here...https://www.bdp.com/en/ideas/rebuilding-birmingham/
REPLACING RAAC: A NATIONWIDE CRISIS OR OPPORTUNITY?
Earlier this year, I appeared on BBC News in Scotland, where I was asked to explain technical issues surrounding Reinforced Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (RAAC) following the news of school closures in the UK for essential remediation works.
Since then, I've had numerous discussions with various organisations, developers, and companies seeking guidance on the use of this legacy construction material within their buildings.
Within the BDP group, I have been given the nickname "Mr Concrete" and I've become something of sounding board on the challenges associated with RAAC and as my research and analysis continues, building on my recent project experience, I have been giving clients and colleagues my advice on a way forward. ?
The fact is that although RAAC was once hailed as an innovative construction material for rebuilding Britain after the Second World War, it is now potentially at the epicentre of a nationwide crisis. With winter holidays on the horizon, concerns about the safety and stability of structures constructed with RAAC continue to escalate. I believe that addressing this challenge requires a holistic approach, balancing short-term remediation efforts with long-term solutions aimed at improving overall building environments and spatial quality.