Archinect - News 2024-12-25T07:33:36-05:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/150457965/grenfell-victims-families-file-arb-complaint-against-refurbishment-architect Grenfell victims' families file ARB complaint against refurbishment architect Josh Niland 2024-12-17T17:43:00-05:00 >2024-12-18T17:15:20-05:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/22/22135b56bdfbad9524433641e37c6b76.jpeg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>The <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdx9574ew07o" target="_blank">BBC is reporting on an effort</a>&nbsp;led by family members of victims of the fatal 2017&nbsp;<a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/959731/grenfell-tower-fire" target="_blank">Grenfell Fire tragedy</a> to hold Studio E, the architectural firm responsible for its design, accountable in front of the UK&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1158457/architects-registration-board" target="_blank">Architects Registration Board </a>(ARB).&nbsp;</p> <p>The action outlines Studio E as a negligent party. The BBC reports Studio E is already undergoing the liquidation process. Petitioners are, however, hoping to "set a precedent enabling other residents of buildings with dangerous cladding to file a complaint against their architects with the ARB."</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150456750/popular-gingerbread-city-contest-returns-with-ideas-for-the-recycled-city Popular Gingerbread City contest returns with ideas for the 'Recycled City' Josh Niland 2024-12-05T16:08:00-05:00 >2024-12-07T12:07:06-05:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/60/603adecb50db928611e02fa624c707b8.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>&lsquo;Tis the season for the UK's annual <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1062036/gingerbread-city" target="_blank">Gingerbread City</a> design contest, which draws in some of the country&rsquo;s top names and is hosted by London&rsquo;s <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/704147/museum-of-architecture" target="_blank">Museum of Architecture</a>.&nbsp;</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/2b/2bc675aee014487ca603793ac4d829d9.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/2b/2bc675aee014487ca603793ac4d829d9.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Llewelyn Davies' design for The Gingerbread City. Image: &copy; Luke O'Donovan </figcaption></figure><figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/93/93e3b6e41e8e99f1991557634a68dfc9.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/93/93e3b6e41e8e99f1991557634a68dfc9.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>WilkinsonEyre's design for The Gingerbread City. Image: &copy; Luke O'Donovan</figcaption></figure><p>This year&rsquo;s theme calling for a 'Recycled City' drew over 45 participants to The Gaumont in Chelsea. There, 25 savory structures were assembled with some nods to the country&rsquo;s heritage architecture and other references to the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/365026/london-underground" target="_blank">London Underground</a> and remade <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/257187/battersea-power-station" target="_blank">Battersea Power Station</a> spread throughout the building&rsquo;s ground-level retail spaces on KIng&rsquo;s Road.&nbsp;</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/a2/a271511f0df8bb2815c9019530ddddd8.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/a2/a271511f0df8bb2815c9019530ddddd8.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Atelier Ten's design for The Gingerbread City. Image: &copy; Luke O'Donovan </figcaption></figure><figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/e5/e5ba32cca4fa16085b78e890b2caefbb.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/e5/e5ba32cca4fa16085b78e890b2caefbb.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Studio Bark's design for The Gingerbread City. Image: &copy; Luke O'Donovan </figcaption></figure><p>Melissa Woolford, the Founder and Director of Museum of Architecture stated: "For centuries, cities like London have been transforming and converting old places and buildings into new a...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150455061/riba-s-house-of-architecture-plans-become-clearer-with-updated-benedetti-proposal RIBA's House of Architecture plans become clearer with updated Benedetti proposal Josh Niland 2024-11-20T18:05:00-05:00 >2024-11-21T13:38:20-05:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/73/73aaecb8937634e82afa39c12c552c7b.png?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>Plans for the upcoming restoration of the <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/150175724/royal-institute-of-british-architects" target="_blank">Royal Institute of British Architects</a> (RIBA)&nbsp;<a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1936997/66-portland-place" target="_blank">66 Portland Place</a> headquarters in London have become clearer with the release of an updated proposal detailing the scope of work on the new House of Architecture project.</p> <p><a href="https://archinect.com/benedettiarchitects" target="_blank">Benedetti Architects</a> will be leading the project, which was won in 2022 after a <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150311272/riba-taps-benedetti-architects-to-lead-its-66-portland-place-hq-overhaul" target="_blank">short competition</a>. The estimated&nbsp;&pound;58.8&nbsp;million&nbsp;(about $74.3 million USD) effort will enable full accessibility throughout all 28 levels of the 90-year-old Art Deco building while removing extant fossil fuel-dependent systems to support a push toward net zero. The original George Grey Wornum design has been protected under a historic Grade II* listing since 1970.</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/ed/edb3dea81d36b81b0231b0a83cdfa77c.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/ed/edb3dea81d36b81b0231b0a83cdfa77c.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image courtesy Benedetti Architects/RIBA</figcaption></figure><p>RIBA says: "[The] House of Architecture brings together three critical areas of our work that need investment, and will deliver on improvements that are fundamental to RIBA&rsquo;s ongoing mission."<br></p> <p>The project adds a new caf&eacute; while reinstating the building&rsquo;s ...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150452363/asif-khan-homages-victorian-london-timber-laborers-with-canada-water-boardwalk Asif Khan homages Victorian London timber laborers with Canada Water boardwalk Josh Niland 2024-10-30T18:07:00-04:00 >2024-10-31T13:46:49-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/f5/f51a616072e8f07183bdd9cd25e354f9.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p><a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/150049152/asif-khan" target="_blank">Asif Khan</a>&rsquo;s contribution to London's <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/676656/canada-water" target="_blank">Canada Water</a> master plan, a 230-foot-long boardwalk designed to homage the historic Surrey Docks' laborers and their role in Britain&rsquo;s bygone timber industry heyday, has debuted in collaboration with the award-winning firm Townshend Landscape Architect.</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/96/9693eecd89da018fe29b2fa04f131b94.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/96/9693eecd89da018fe29b2fa04f131b94.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image: &copy; Brendan Bell</figcaption></figure><p>Located on the rehabilitated shoreline of the River Thames in southeast London, the firms worked together with the London Wildlife Trust to deliver the project that doubles as a social hub, stepping down to the water's edge to include seating areas and an educational pond.&nbsp;<br></p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/8b/8b6eb1d4fbb44aabaa9fa8f3b7776145.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/8b/8b6eb1d4fbb44aabaa9fa8f3b7776145.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image: &copy; Brendan Bell</figcaption></figure><p>Surrounding it are a series of manmade islands and channels that attract and support avian species, conceived of as a 'mosaic' of different biodiversity enhancing natural habitats.&nbsp;<br></p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/fe/fef7287ad1d6e431fd5892e6d420255e.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/fe/fef7287ad1d6e431fd5892e6d420255e.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image: &copy; Luke Hayes</figcaption></figure><p>Inspired to design a pensive respite from the pace of the city, Khan says: "Crossing water can give us powerful sensations. This boardwalk immerses us in a few moments of colour, of nature...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150452226/farshid-moussavi-one-of-ten-appointed-to-mayor-of-london-s-new-town-architects-committee Farshid Moussavi one of ten appointed to Mayor of London’s new Town Architects committee Josh Niland 2024-10-29T15:53:00-04:00 >2024-10-29T15:54:04-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/43/435c72c809a8ed7b7e6d7cbdef888839.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>London Mayor <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/746233/sadiq-khan" target="_blank">Sadiq Khan</a> has announced the appointment of <a href="https://archinect.com/harvard" target="_blank">Harvard GSD</a> professor and architect <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/12149/farshid-moussavi" target="_blank">Farshid Moussavi</a> to a new two-year pilot program to improve public space and high streets in the city.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Town Architects&nbsp;program includes ten total names and is meant to "support the creation of safe, inclusive and sustainable neighbourhoods and economic growth by ensuring that boroughs" by augmenting the planning process in unison with Chief Placeshaping Officers and Design Champions. Each architect was chosen from the existing Design Advocates pool. Joining Moussavi are&nbsp;Jas Bhalla, Adam Khan,&nbsp;Ken Okonkwo, Holly Lewis,&nbsp;Hilary Satchwell,&nbsp;Paul Monaghan,&nbsp;Tom Holbrook, Alice Fung, Julian Lewis.</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150452182/aa-school-of-architecture-students-construct-timber-tree-and-truss-structure-using-robotic-fabrication AA School of Architecture students construct timber 'Tree and Truss' structure using robotic fabrication Josh Niland 2024-10-29T12:19:00-04:00 >2024-10-29T13:53:38-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/ee/ee28b78045790634f91a8a381c8bd5c8.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>A new student-led project from the <a href="https://archinect.com/schools/cover/298/architectural-association-school-of-architecture-aa" target="_blank">Architectural Association School of Architecture</a> (AA) that combines robotic fabrication processes with new software applications has been shared with Archinect as part of the school's Design + Make 2022-24 cohort.&nbsp;</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/52/52c3f87e0bbd654e00e4aa2589c04db6.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/52/52c3f87e0bbd654e00e4aa2589c04db6.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image: courtesy Design + Make course Architectural Association/Photographer Rafael Ferres Echavarren</figcaption></figure><p>The 'Tree and Truss' project is a mass timber structure made from locally sourced materials and designed to support the columns and trusses of a new lecture hall standing in Hooke Park on the school's Woodland Campus.<br></p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/7a/7a5ab27c5286765d640da25a52a1f066.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/7a/7a5ab27c5286765d640da25a52a1f066.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image: courtesy Design + Make course Architectural Association/Photographer Rafael Ferres Echavarren</figcaption></figure><p>Together, the students say: "The project explores a hybrid structure that seamlessly transitions from natural geometry to engineered timber and regards the tree as column and the truss as beam as the fundamental points of departure. We design through making and aim to work with the material behavior of timber."<br></p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/c1/c13d2b5f66f8393eae91df34e3f74f35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/c1/c13d2b5f66f8393eae91df34e3f74f35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image: courtesy ...</figcaption></figure> https://archinect.com/news/article/150451327/rowan-moore-reviews-new-difficult-sites-exhibition-on-challenging-architectural-parameters Rowan Moore reviews new 'Difficult Sites' exhibition on challenging architectural parameters Josh Niland 2024-10-22T12:02:00-04:00 >2024-10-22T14:32:03-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/c7/c7c315118db159c827fc5c44c3346e7b.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>This small but rewarding show is a celebration of architectural skill and ingenuity, spurred on by whatever complexities might arise. Its exhibits include models and drawings supplied by contemporary practices, and taken (albeit, regrettably, only as reproductions) from RIBA&rsquo;s collections. Some projects seek to soar above the mucky stuff. Others embrace the difficulties, making them into an occasion to create something that would never otherwise have come into being.</p></em><br /><br /><p>Speaking to the more than 20 building projects selected for the show, Moore added: "The qualities of thought on display are as relevant as ever, as the physical demands of climate emergency, and the challenges of providing new housing on a restricted supply of land, bring a whole new level of difficulty to bear. In these circumstances, design is not a luxury but a necessity. It&rsquo;s beyond the scope of the RIBA exhibition to propose how these vaster challenges can be met, but it demonstrates creative intelligence that can be applied to more than the occasional delightful home."</p> <p>If you're feeling up to the challenge, '<a href="https://archinect.com/news/bustler/10022/riba-s-difficult-sites-architecture-against-the-odds-documents-solutions-to-unique-site-challenges-across-the-uk" target="_blank">Difficult Sites: Architecture Against the Odds</a>', which opened on October 11th, will remain on view until March 25th, 2025 at the&nbsp;RIBA Architecture Gallery in London.</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150450653/london-s-new-elizabeth-line-project-wins-the-2024-riba-stirling-prize London's new Elizabeth Line project wins the 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize Josh Niland 2024-10-16T17:00:00-04:00 >2024-10-16T17:13:36-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/11/11500e7baeaa1d7c4b23f21d9d993079.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>The <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/19665/stirling-prize" target="_blank">2024 RIBA Stirling Prize</a> &mdash; the annual honor of the UK's best new architecture &mdash; has been conferred to the London Underground system's new Elizabeth Line designs from <a href="https://archinect.com/grimshaw" target="_blank">Grimshaw</a>, Maynard, Equation, and AtkinsR&eacute;alis.&nbsp;</p> <p>The official jury citation mentions ten separate Underground stations and their "platform architecture, passenger tunnels, escalators, station concourses, signage, furniture, fittings, finishes and supporting technology" as the fundaments of the "intuitive, frictionless experience" offered by it to the capital's transit users.</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/da/dae2a08088908f6d7bc0f77ea91b99d2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/da/dae2a08088908f6d7bc0f77ea91b99d2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>The Elizabeth Line, London Underground, by Grimshaw, Maynard, Equation, and AtkinsR&eacute;alis. Image: Hufton + Crow</figcaption></figure><p>The new Crossrail, which was renamed to honor the late Queen Elizabeth II, was inaugurated in May of 2022 after a massive $25 billion infrastructure investment and covers a large swath of Central London while connecting to the Great Western Main Line and Great Eastern Main Line of the National Rail.<br></p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/ec/ec9256317830faf10c6c451caed51f82.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/ec/ec9256317830faf10c6c451caed51f82.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>The Elizabeth Line, London Underground,...</figcaption></figure> https://archinect.com/news/article/150448314/studio-egret-west-hawkins-brown-haworth-tompkins-and-others-behind-13-4-billion-earl-s-court-master-plan-in-london Studio Egret West, Hawkins\Brown, Haworth Tompkins, and others behind $13.4 billion Earl's Court master plan in London Josh Niland 2024-09-27T17:13:00-04:00 >2024-09-30T14:45:48-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/bf/bfbd3fca37426a3ae9f7340b570defc4.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>A &pound;10 billion ($13.4 billion USD) master plan for London&rsquo;s Earl&rsquo;s Court district has been submitted to planning officials in the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea before the commencement of construction on its first phase in 2026. The plan covers 7.5 million square feet and includes 4,000 new residential units plus a 4.5-acre park and 2.9 million-square-feet office component.&nbsp;</p> <p>Joining <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/3557823/studio-egret-west" target="_blank">Studio Egret West</a> and <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/17125/hawkins-brown-architects" target="_blank">Hawkins\Brown</a> on the project are <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/3251/drmm" target="_blank">dRMM</a>, Maccreanor Lavington, <a href="https://archinect.com/sheppardrobson" target="_blank">Sheppard Robson</a>, <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/4735/haworth-tompkins" target="_blank">Haworth Tompkins</a>, <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/52402715/serie-architects" target="_blank">Serie Architects</a> and <a href="https://archinect.com/acme" target="_blank">ACME</a>, and <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/58461003/sla-landscape-architects" target="_blank">SLA</a>. Approvals are expected by the summer of 2025.</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/11/1129543f18baaa0ec570f63acf93e300.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/11/1129543f18baaa0ec570f63acf93e300.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image: courtesy The Earls Court Development Company </figcaption></figure><figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/f0/f02ffa2cf22e10d60644c4963cb6e595.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/f0/f02ffa2cf22e10d60644c4963cb6e595.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image: courtesy The Earls Court Development Company </figcaption></figure><figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/3b/3babe8acfccefd4572805d40c1d1a479.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/3b/3babe8acfccefd4572805d40c1d1a479.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image: courtesy The Earls Court Development Company </figcaption></figure><figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/e2/e2a76d7b16e018f745ca7c091287a3e9.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/e2/e2a76d7b16e018f745ca7c091287a3e9.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image: courtesy The Earls Court Development Company </figcaption></figure><figure></figure> https://archinect.com/news/article/150447772/zaha-hadid-architects-create-fornite-experience-for-london-with-epic-games Zaha Hadid Architects create Fornite experience for London with Epic Games Niall Patrick Walsh 2024-09-24T08:55:00-04:00 >2024-09-24T13:55:29-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/d6/d6e5439cb904a82d26a29b851ea2d534.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p><a href="https://archinect.com/zaha-hadid" target="_blank">Zaha Hadid Architects</a> and <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1182263/epic-games" target="_blank">Epic Games</a> have collaborated on an in-game experience for the popular <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/13155/experience-design" target="_blank">Fortnite</a> video game. Titled &lsquo;Re:Imagine London&rsquo;, the experience sees an island created within Fortnite that players can use to explore and interact with <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/722/london" target="_blank">London&rsquo;s</a> built environment.</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/09/095069e06df88ea56bca0dae90d3e53c.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/09/095069e06df88ea56bca0dae90d3e53c.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image credit: Epic Games</figcaption></figure><figure><figure><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/d1/d1b676ab3b011bee158f48ed36c3cb6b.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/d1/d1b676ab3b011bee158f48ed36c3cb6b.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a><figcaption>Image credit: Epic Games</figcaption></figure></figure><p>Using Epic Games&rsquo; Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), Re:Imagine London seeks to explore the use of the UEFN for practical applications in architecture and &ldquo;pool creator talent across industries including architecture, landscape, and interiors.&rdquo; To build the experience, the team used content provided by Zaha Hadid Architects, AccuCities, and Beyond Creative.</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/02/023cf167c7841bbd9644f8fca40ddb83.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/02/023cf167c7841bbd9644f8fca40ddb83.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image credit: Epic Games</figcaption></figure><figure><figure><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/f0/f0e4c7db334638f2d162479b7cceab64.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/f0/f0e4c7db334638f2d162479b7cceab64.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a><figcaption>Image credit: Epic Games</figcaption></figure></figure><p>&ldquo;Situated around London&rsquo;s waterfronts, the project investigates urban intensification and community participation in the creation of walkable, mixed-use, sustainable development, the team says. &ldquo;The experience facilitates rapid optioneering through an engaging and...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150446409/peter-morris-architects-adds-curved-glass-extension-to-victorian-home-in-west-hampstead Peter Morris Architects adds curved glass extension to Victorian home in West Hampstead Archinect 2024-09-13T16:19:00-04:00 >2024-09-16T14:32:53-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/e5/e5a8ebe3e91c971584312edcb55d6902.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>Located in West Hampstead, London, Minty House is a reimagined Victorian terrace designed by <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/66090450/peter-morris-architects" target="_blank">Peter Morris Architects</a>. The project involved a full refurbishment, including a kitchen extension that fills in the side return and enhances the connection to the garden, creating additional space and flow throughout the property. Glazing work was carried out by <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/project/150445943/minty-house/150445944" target="_blank">Fluid Glass</a>.</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/f9/f9a4c4edc123da90fca605982e9bcce1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/f9/f9a4c4edc123da90fca605982e9bcce1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p></figure><figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/bc/bcb79d3ec762914ac2a83511256364f2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/bc/bcb79d3ec762914ac2a83511256364f2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p></figure><p>The focal point of the extension is a curved glass bay window that brings in natural light and provides views of the garden. This feature, executed by Fluid Glass, creates a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors. To further integrate the kitchen with the garden, minimally framed sliding doors were installed, blurring the boundaries between the living spaces.</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/9d/9d0e5e42a9c90459e484d62911e012d7.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/9d/9d0e5e42a9c90459e484d62911e012d7.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p></figure><figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/bf/bf55b6d0dddc7f5fb20db2a1da06d269.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/bf/bf55b6d0dddc7f5fb20db2a1da06d269.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p></figure><p>Skylights, both square and circular, are positioned throughout the extension. These provide additional natural light and serve as design elements that contribute to the overall atmosphere of the home. The square skylights align with the linear layout, ...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150444982/final-report-into-grenfell-tower-fire-says-architect-bears-a-very-significant-degree-of-responsibility-for-the-disaster Final report into Grenfell Tower fire says architect 'bears a very significant degree of responsibility for the disaster' Niall Patrick Walsh 2024-09-04T11:46:00-04:00 >2024-09-09T17:20:23-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/21/21fec4db87b228714d949c22e8a403c0.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>Over seven years after fire engulfed <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/959732/grenfell-tower" target="_blank">London&rsquo;s Grenfell Tower</a> killing 72 people, a public inquiry into the disaster has released its final report. The Grenfell Inquiry&rsquo;s report has uncovered a <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgedv58e7ygo" target="_blank">chain of failures</a> across government and the private sector, including an architecture firm, beginning a full 25 years before the 2017 fire. The report ultimately found that all 72 deaths were avoidable.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk/phase-2-report" target="_blank">1,700-page report</a>, which brings to a close the six-year public inquiry, said that cladding products were &ldquo;by far the largest contributor&rdquo; to the fire and that the product manufacturers had engaged in &ldquo;systemic dishonesty&rdquo; using &ldquo;deliberate and sustained strategies&rdquo; to make their products safe.</p> <p>U.S. manufacturer <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150142658/grenfell-tower-fire-lawsuit-launched-against-us-building-material-suppliers" target="_blank">Arconic</a>, whose cladding panels were used on the tower&rsquo;s exterior, were found to have &ldquo;deliberately concealed&rdquo; safety risks. While fire tests Arconic commissioned showed the cladding performed poorly, such information was not given to a key British certification company.</p> <p>An additional ...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150444056/message-in-a-bottle-in-sainsbury Message In a Bottle In Sainsbury Orhan Ayyüce 2024-08-29T21:36:00-04:00 >2024-09-11T17:13:22-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/14/14e65b1fdb9ddb5d21b6658e1bb4dc97.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>The false columns in the foyer were part of the intended spatial sequence, conceived as a procession from shadow to light, inspired by the entry to an ancient church. Visitors would enter this crypt-like lower level, proceed up a grand staircase, and arrive in the airy galleries above.</p></em><br /><br /><p>Call it a reactionary's revenge if you want, but "a message in a bottle" was found inside one of the Sainsbury Wing's pilasters during the demolishment activity. It is said to have been written as a time capsule by one of the major donors of the Museum, Lord John Sainsbury.<br><br>While the message's author goes as far as to say, &ldquo;I believe that the false columns are a mistake of the architect (VSBA) and that we would live to regret our accepting this detail of his design. Let it be known that one of the donors of this building is absolutely delighted that your generation has decided to dispense with the unnecessary columns.&rdquo;</p> <p>The Guardian's architecture critic&nbsp;Oliver Wainwright has the last piercing words for the client and their architect doing away with the old design; "More than 30 years later, Sainsbury&rsquo;s view is shared by the National Gallery&rsquo;s current administration. Director Gabriele Finaldi has said&nbsp;it is the &ldquo;heavy grey architecture&rdquo; and &ldquo;forest&rdquo; of thick pillars on the ground floo...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150443582/east-london-blaze-reignites-cladding-fears-as-grenfell-investigation-grinds-on East London blaze reignites cladding fears as Grenfell investigation grinds on Josh Niland 2024-08-26T18:34:00-04:00 >2024-08-27T14:26:21-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/73/73bdc2a7fef7ca00cb9c94e823e3597e.jpeg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>More than 80 people had to be evacuated after a major fire broke out in east London early Monday, fire officials said. The blaze brought back painful memories of the Grenfell Tower fire that killed 72 people in the city in 2017. The Dagenham building had &ldquo;a number of fire safety issues&rdquo; officials said. Notably, the mixed-use building had &ldquo;noncompliant cladding,&rdquo; according to a 2023 application for construction work.</p></em><br /><br /><p>Responding to the Dagenham fire, the <em>Times</em> reported Grenfell United as saying, "This highlights the painfully slow progress of remediation across the country, and a lack of urgency for building safety as a whole." In a truly painful precursor, the yearslong criminal inquiry into the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/959731/grenfell-tower-fire" target="_blank">deadly 2017 fire</a> is expected to release its final report in less than two weeks. The <em>Times</em> cited a separate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-safety-remediation-monthly-data-release-july-2024/building-safety-remediation-monthly-data-release-31-july-2024" target="_blank">government source</a>&nbsp;in claiming there are currently&nbsp;3,280 buildings over three stories in the UK thought to still have unsafe cladding. </p> <p>Criminal charges stemming from the Grenfell incident won't be brought against defendants until at least late 2026, according to the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150428936/grenfell-fire-inquiry-won-t-produce-criminal-charges-until-at-least-2026-investigators-say" target="_blank">most recent update</a>. Another Monday fire was also <a href="https://x.com/catalogueofdl/status/1828049131870306626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1828053173832974636%7Ctwgr%5E39db667cf8eaac7a61803f2a02adef713d3088f6%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flondon%2Fblackwall-fire-tower-block-east-london-balcony-flat-lfb-b1178432.html" target="_blank">widely covered</a> in the nearby New Providence Wharf Estate, though no injuries were reported.<br></p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150440630/unesco-assessing-impact-of-skyscrapers-on-tower-of-london UNESCO assessing impact of skyscrapers on Tower of London Nathaniel Bahadursingh 2024-08-07T19:29:00-04:00 >2024-08-08T15:26:08-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/9e/9e0881889f55a82f54c8c39483214c74.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>The Tower of London&rsquo;s status as a <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/619246/world-heritage-site" target="_blank">world heritage site</a> may be at risk due to the influx of new skyscrapers in central <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/722/london" target="_blank">London</a>. <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/6771/unesco" target="_blank">UNESCO</a> has requested that the UK government submit a State of Conservation Report that addresses the historic site&rsquo;s preservation and the threat of increased high-rise buildings in the area. As reported by the <em><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ck7gly8lzkdo" target="_blank">BBC</a></em>, a UNESCO spokesperson said the request was due to concerns about &ldquo;cumulative impacts&rdquo; from nearby high-rise developments and insufficient protection of the Tower&rsquo;s &ldquo;outstanding universal value&rdquo;.</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/0f/0f264980545fa10698b48216a9509a27.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/0f/0f264980545fa10698b48216a9509a27.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Previously on Archinect:&nbsp;<a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150393774/the-city-of-london-skyline-is-expected-to-add-these-eleven-towers-by-2030" target="_blank">The City of London skyline is expected to add these eleven towers by 2030</a></figcaption></figure><p>Concerns were initially raised by the English historic preservation body, <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1005036/historic-england" target="_blank">Historic England</a>, regarding City Plan 2040, the City of London Corporation&rsquo;s (CLC) draft policies for new office, residential buildings, and overall development. Historic England believes these policies are likely to &ldquo;severely harm&rdquo; the likes of the Tower of London. On the other hand, depu...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150439728/cool-roofs-found-to-be-most-effective-in-combatting-urban-heat-bartlett-study-says 'Cool roofs' found to be most effective in combatting urban heat, Bartlett study says Josh Niland 2024-07-31T20:17:00-04:00 >2024-08-01T16:08:30-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/80/8063b0c9ae62dbff5f9edcc29246da5b.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>Researchers at the <a href="https://archinect.com/schools/cover/299/university-college-london-ucl" target="_blank">University College London</a>&nbsp;have put forth a new argument in favor of a simple solution to combating the issue of extreme <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/690959/heat" target="_blank">heat</a> in cities without air conditioning. The so-called <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL109634" target="_blank">&ldquo;cool roof&rdquo; method</a> they found had the best mitigation performance metrics over others surveyed (green roofs, A/C, solar panels, and street-level plant integrations), reducing heat by between 1.3 and 2 degrees Celsius when applied in the right conditions.&nbsp;</p> <p>Lead author Dr. Oscar Brousse of the UCL Bartlett School Environment, Energy &amp; Resources said: &ldquo;We comprehensively tested multiple methods that cities like London could use to adapt to and mitigate warming temperatures, and found that cool roofs were the best way to keep temperatures down during extremely hot summer days. Other methods had various important side benefits, but none were able to reduce outdoor <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/651936/heat-island" target="_blank">urban heat</a> to nearly the same level.&rdquo;</p> <p>The findings will of course have bearings on public health and urban design efforts outside of Lo...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150437703/first-renderings-of-kpf-s-major-8-canada-square-overhaul First renderings of KPF's major 8 Canada Square overhaul Josh Niland 2024-07-18T16:53:00-04:00 >2024-07-19T14:38:22-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/8b/8be70696f3453b0df0c175e9ebf17e63.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>The plan from <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/776/kohn-pedersen-fox-associates" target="_blank">Kohn Pedersen Fox</a> for a major redevelopment of the 42-story <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/4305/norman-foster" target="_blank">Norman Foster</a>-designed 8 Canada Square tower in <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/722/london" target="_blank">London</a> (opened in 2003 and currently leased by HSBC) has gone public for the first time.&nbsp;</p> <p>The project, which commences in 2027, is expected to be realized at 1.1 million square feet and showcase the most up-to-date workspaces along with a suite of amenities for workers, including leisure, entertainment, education, and cultural attractions.&nbsp;</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/5d/5d1ecadff6ccfce6f58de607b51dab81.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/5d/5d1ecadff6ccfce6f58de607b51dab81.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Image copyright Kiasm, courtesy of KPF</figcaption></figure><p>KPF Design Principal Elie Gamburg said her team views this as an opportunity to &ldquo;reimagine the single-use office building as a blueprint for the highly sustainable, mixed-use building of the future.&rdquo; Plans are to have it serve as a connection between the nearby Elizabeth Line station and Canada Square Park. Some of the changes proposed (as noted below) are a complete retrofitting of the building envelope, plus the addition of two large setbacks and outdoor terraces leading to a rooftop vie...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150432170/here-s-what-the-critics-are-writing-about-the-2024-serpentine-pavilion Here’s what the critics are writing about the 2024 Serpentine Pavilion Josh Niland 2024-06-12T16:31:00-04:00 >2024-06-29T15:20:22-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/4c/4ccf1262c024a90393aeac0f6821f5ac.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>The 23rd <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/14325/serpentine-pavilion" target="_blank">Serpentine Pavilion</a> exhibition opened last week in London&rsquo;s Kensington Gardens, drawing the usual mixture of praise and derision from UK-based critics who responded to the <em>Archipelagic Void</em> from <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/2419232/minsuk-cho" target="_blank">Minsuk Cho</a> and <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/22821/mass-studies" target="_blank">Mass Studies</a>.</p> <p>Kicking things off was the perfunctory <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/462915/rowan-moore" target="_blank"><strong>Rowan Moore</strong></a> review. The <em>Guardian</em>&rsquo;s longest-tenured critic seemed to enjoy the programmatic diversity of elements such as the Library of Unread Books and Play Tower, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/article/2024/jun/09/serpentine-pavilion-2024-review-minsuk-cho-archipelagic-void" target="_blank">quipping</a> that it is &ldquo;an architectural equivalent of Korean multi-dish meals.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/06/0603c39f0f570c985dfcf972c38b8029.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/06/0603c39f0f570c985dfcf972c38b8029.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Serpentine Pavilion 2024, Archipelagic Void, designed by Minsuk Cho, Mass Studies &copy; Mass Studies Photo: Iwan Baan Courtesy: Serpentine</figcaption></figure><p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s an enjoyable, playful, centrifugal-centripetal place, loose but distinctive, not afraid to be a bit ugly, full of contrasts and surprises, that gets a lot into its fairly small square footage,&rdquo; he concludes. &ldquo;The design is characterful but not dominating. It feels like what it is &ndash; a temporary building &ndash; rather than one that wishes it were...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150431927/vibrant-pavilions-by-foster-partners-and-neon-utilize-recycled-everyday-materials Vibrant pavilions by Foster + Partners and NEON utilize recycled everyday materials Nathaniel Bahadursingh 2024-06-12T06:02:00-04:00 >2024-06-12T13:39:56-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/e1/e116db6634a93ef315b26cd96896fc2a.JPG?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>Real estate developer and operator <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1017245/brookfield-properties" target="_blank">Brookfield Properties</a> has today announced the launch of two <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/9031/pavilion" target="_blank">pavilions</a>, one designed by <a href="https://archinect.com/fosterandpartners" target="_blank">Foster + Partners</a> and the other by <a href="https://archinect.com/neon" target="_blank">NEON</a>, as part of the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/613652/london-festival-of-architecture" target="_blank">London Festival of Architecture (LFA)</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>&ldquo;Radial&rdquo; by Foster &amp; Partners and &ldquo;Squiggle&rdquo; by NEON are located outside of two of Brookfield Properties&rsquo; key <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/722/london" target="_blank">London</a> office buildings. They were designed as landmarks, inspired by themes of circularity, community, and <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/4450/sustainability" target="_blank">sustainability</a>. The structures respond to the LFA&rsquo;s theme of &ldquo;Reimagine,&rdquo; in which they utilize everyday materials in innovative ways to encourage reflection on material <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/89377/recycling" target="_blank">recycling</a>, <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/412485/reuse" target="_blank">reuse</a>, and <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/167905/climate-change" target="_blank">climate change</a>.</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/57/57fc73be566227351393cb0d0f4c65ae.JPG?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/57/57fc73be566227351393cb0d0f4c65ae.JPG?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>"Radial" by Foster + Partners. Photo: Aaron Hargreaves </figcaption></figure><p>&ldquo;Radial&rdquo; aims to function as a space for pause and reflection. It features a radial pattern of flags made from 100% reused and recycled construction materials, including plastic bottles and scaffolding.&nbsp;</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/44/443a72508397ce783c19093afec04619.JPG?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/44/443a72508397ce783c19093afec04619.JPG?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Photo: Aaron Hargreaves</figcaption></figure><p>The flags hang above curved wooden benches and are colored in tones of ...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150430804/first-photos-of-minsuk-cho-mass-studies-2024-serpentine-pavilion First photos of Minsuk Cho, Mass Studies' 2024 Serpentine Pavilion Alexander Walter 2024-06-05T13:15:00-04:00 >2024-06-06T17:07:18-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/95/95a482877de1bae8a828ee7cb11b33a2.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>London's annual <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/14325/serpentine-pavilion" target="_blank">Serpentine Pavilion</a> is gearing up for its grand opening on Friday with a first preview of this year's completed design by Korean architect <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/2419232/minsuk-cho" target="_blank">Minsuk Cho</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>Envisioned together with his Seoul-based firm <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/22821/mass-studies" target="_blank">Mass Studies</a>, the 23rd annual summer pavilion, titled <em>Archipelagic Void</em>, departs from the tradition of a single-structure installation and is, instead, comprised of five thematic 'islands' arranged around a central void, inspired by traditional Korean <em>madang</em> courtyards.<br></p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/bd/bd99e9139437560563e851158fdf77d8.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/bd/bd99e9139437560563e851158fdf77d8.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Serpentine Pavilion 2024, Archipelagic Void, designed by Minsuk Cho, Mass Studies &copy; Mass Studies Photo: Iwan Baan Courtesy: Serpentine</figcaption></figure><p>Acting as the main pavilion entry, the <em>Gallery</em> will feature a six-channel sound installation envisioned by musician and composer Jang Young-Gyu, presenting <em>The Willow</em> <em>&lt;&#48260;&#46308;&#51008;&gt;</em> during the summer months and <em>Moonlight</em> <em>&lt;&#50900;&#51221;&#47749;&gt;</em> in the fall.</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/42/42594fbf009c8789063dcce5a8b70207.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/42/42594fbf009c8789063dcce5a8b70207.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Serpentine Pavilion 2024, Archipelagic Void, designed by Minsuk Cho, Mass Studies &copy; Mass Studies Photo: Iwan Baan Courtesy: Serpentine</figcaption></figure><p>Located in th...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150428936/grenfell-fire-inquiry-won-t-produce-criminal-charges-until-at-least-2026-investigators-say Grenfell fire inquiry won't produce criminal charges until at least 2026, investigators say Josh Niland 2024-05-24T12:30:00-04:00 >2024-05-24T14:41:20-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/a8/a89b9b608c952f0bab107a5f371dca21.jpeg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>No criminal charges will be filed against defendants in the ongoing <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/959732/grenfell-tower" target="_blank">Grenfell Tower</a> fire investigation until at least late 2026, according to the latest from the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6pp46z93k6o" target="_blank">BBC</a> and other UK outlets. London's Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service, which is responsible for administering criminal punishments, cited the "scale and complexity" of the investigation as the reason for the delay. A number of subcontractors and contractors, including the cladding manufacturer Arconic, are the subjects of the criminal inquiry.&nbsp;</p> <p>Kingspan, the insulation makers for the tower, have <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2024/02/02/kingspan-involved-in-150m-settlement-over-grenfell-tower-tragedy/" target="_blank">settled out of court</a>&nbsp;for &pound;150 million ($191 million USD). The BBC says: "The delay announced today means it is likely no defendants will appear in court until 2027, if there are prosecutions. The public inquiry into the fire is expected to publish its final report in the summer or autumn of this year."</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150428433/uk-housing-secretary-issues-final-go-ahead-for-museum-of-london-and-bastion-house-demolition UK Housing Secretary issues final go-ahead for Museum of London and Bastion House demolition Josh Niland 2024-05-21T16:05:00-04:00 >2024-05-22T13:24:51-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/56/564ce8404c93790fba1f84cad5975f93.jpeg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>The UK's Housing and Communities Secretary <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/2149803/michael-gove" target="_blank">Michael Gove</a> has approved the planned demolition of the Museum of London building and Bastion House near the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/50494/barbican" target="_blank">Barbican</a>. The go-ahead&nbsp;makes way for the revised <a href="https://archinect.com/sheppardrobson" target="_blank">Sheppard Robson</a> and <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/106441/diller-scofidio-renfro" target="_blank">Diller Scofidio + Renfro</a>-led scheme that would deliver a new office block to the site following the culmination of demolition work in 2033.</p> <p>The decision marks the end of a tumultuous back-and-forth between preservationists and the planning authority. Many have criticized the demolition's carbon footprint, despite the design team's promise to reuse 90% of the materials on-site in the construction of the new building, prompting Gove to issue an Article 31 order <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150425746/diller-scofidio-renfro-sheppard-robson-s-london-centre-for-music-replacement-inches-closer-after-planners-grant-local-approval" target="_blank">last month</a> before casting his final approval on May 17th.</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/de/def367ee39370abb066024c31a5bf6f6.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/de/def367ee39370abb066024c31a5bf6f6.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Previously on Archinect: <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150425746/diller-scofidio-renfro-sheppard-robson-s-london-centre-for-music-replacement-inches-closer-after-planners-grant-local-approval" target="_blank">Diller Scofidio + Renfro/Sheppard Robson's London Centre for Music replacement inches closer after planners grant local approval</a></figcaption></figure><p>Barbican Quarter Action (or BQA), the main group leading its opposition, has <a href="https://londonist.com/london/news/old-museum-of-london-and-bastion-house-to-be-demolished-as-development-is-green-lighted" target="_blank">said</a> to <em>Londonist</em> that t...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150425746/diller-scofidio-renfro-sheppard-robson-s-london-centre-for-music-replacement-inches-closer-after-planners-grant-local-approval Diller Scofidio + Renfro/Sheppard Robson's London Centre for Music replacement inches closer after planners grant local approval Josh Niland 2024-04-30T13:45:00-04:00 >2024-05-01T15:04:47-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/71/717062874b631845fc564421ce1d9f8f.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>The revised <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/106441/diller-scofidio-renfro" target="_blank">Diller Scofidio + Renfro</a> and <a href="https://archinect.com/sheppardrobson" target="_blank">Sheppard Robson</a>-led scheme at the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/50494/barbican" target="_blank">Barbican</a> in Central London reportedly gained planning approvals from the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/550433/city-of-london" target="_blank">City of London</a>&rsquo;s planning body. The news came last week (April 17th) after UK Housing and Communities Secretary Michael Gove remanded an Article 31 order calling on the local committee to pause its process in light of pushbacks against the planned demolition of the existing Bastion House and the former Museum of London that is an integral part of the scheme.</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/73/73e5134de65cd84bdc123b112ad3379c.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/73/73e5134de65cd84bdc123b112ad3379c.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Previously on Archinect: <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150290416/diller-scofidio-renfro-unveil-designs-for-london-centre-for-music-replacement" target="_blank">Diller Scofidio + Renfro unveil designs for London Centre for Music replacement</a></figcaption></figure><p><a href="https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/gove-blocks-city-london-green-124019426.html" target="_blank"><em>Yahoo! Finance UK</em></a> quoted a spokesperson from the group Barbican Quarter Actiorn as saying the demolition would be &ldquo;injurious to the future of people and the planet,&rdquo; adding, &ldquo;We continue to believe that this great City can and should do better and that it should retain and adapt these fine buildings in line with its own policies on sustainable development.&rdquo;&nbsp;<br></p> <p>If approved by Gove&rsquo;s o...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150423822/ghanaian-artist-ibrahim-mahama-debuts-purple-hibiscus-at-the-barbican-a-reference-to-the-site-s-material-history Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama debuts 'Purple Hibiscus' at the Barbican, a reference to the site's material history Josh Niland 2024-04-12T16:33:00-04:00 >2024-04-15T13:39:59-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/4a/4ad807c846ef81842c1a715975ab1660.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p><a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/50494/barbican" target="_blank">The Barbican</a> has debuted a new large-scale public art installation from Ghanaian-born artist Ibrahim Mahama.&nbsp;</p> <p>His site-specific piece<em> Purple Hibiscus,</em>&nbsp;named in reference to the 2003 novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is installed on the facade of the Barbican&rsquo;s central Lakeside Terrace. It uses approximately 21,500 square feet of fuschia-hued cloth that contrasts dramatically with the rough concrete exterior and overcast London sky.&nbsp;</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/bc/bcdd9df80d2dbdc1b267cb2cb832ec49.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/bc/bcdd9df80d2dbdc1b267cb2cb832ec49.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Installation view, 'Ibrahim Mahama: Purple Hibiscus.' Image: &copy; Dion Barrett / Barbican Centre</figcaption></figure><p>Mahama created the piece in collaboration with artisans from his&nbsp;Red Clay Studio and Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art in the city of Tamale, <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/402141/ghana" target="_blank">Ghana</a>. It references the site's past history as the epicenter of the "rag trade" in Central London before World War II. Together, both the piece and architecture serve as a metaphor for the "power of labor."<br></p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/33/339471146df5e14a0f8b88daeb278870.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/33/339471146df5e14a0f8b88daeb278870.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Installation view, 'Ibrahim Mahama: Purple Hibiscus.' Image: &copy; Dion Barrett / Barbican Centre</figcaption></figure><p>The artist describes...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150421552/riba-announces-once-in-a-generation-house-of-architecture-investment-plan-with-new-107-million-price-tag RIBA announces 'once-in-a-generation' House of Architecture investment plan with new $107 million price tag Josh Niland 2024-03-25T19:45:00-04:00 >2024-03-26T13:34:51-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/87/877756cb174f6e73c6be063ee7486ae3.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>The <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/150175724/royal-institute-of-british-architects" target="_blank">Royal Institute of British Architects</a> (RIBA) has provided an outline to overhaul its <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1936997/66-portland-place" target="_blank">66 Portland Place</a> London headquarters into a &ldquo;once-in-a-generation&rdquo; home of the new <a href="https://www.architecture.com/about/House-of-Architecture" target="_blank">House of Architecture</a> initiative.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>For a reported cost of &pound;85 million ($107.4 million USD), the project from <a href="https://archinect.com/benedettiarchitects" target="_blank">Benedetti Architects</a> will restore the building while creating a new centralized space for its world-leading Collections archive. The initiative was originally announced with a budget of &pound;20 million (around $25 million USD). RIBA says the new figure "includes all project costs such as contingencies, inflation, and fees" for the renovations, whose plan of work required an additional &pound;58.8 million ($74.3 million USD) in outturn costs.</p> <p>"House of Architecture is about unlocking and opening RIBA to make it &mdash; and everything it offers &mdash; far more accessible. The proposed investment in our collections, upgrades to our digital platform, and improvements to our landmark building at 66 Portland Place are vital," said ...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150421134/grenfell-in-the-words-of-survivors-play-comes-to-new-york-this-spring 'Grenfell: in the words of survivors' play comes to New York this spring Josh Niland 2024-03-21T13:36:00-04:00 >2024-03-21T13:36:53-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/15/15ea7da3c3320dc01eeaccf0059e10ee.jpeg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>A new dramatization of the deadly 2017 <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/959732/grenfell-tower" target="_blank">Grenfell Tower</a> tragedy is being staged next month at the St. Ann&rsquo;s Warehouse in Brooklyn, New York, after traveling from the National Theatre in London, where it premiered last summer.</p> <p>Playwright Gillian Slovo&rsquo;s interviews with survivors are the basis for the play&rsquo;s verbatim dialog. Directors Phyllida Lloyd and Anthony Simpson-Pike will reprise their roles for the four-week run, beginning an opening night performance on April 13th.</p> <p>A July <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2023/jul/21/grenfell-in-the-words-of-survivors-review-dorfman-theatre-london" target="_blank">review</a> of the first adaptation from <em>The Guardian</em> called it &ldquo;a masterpiece of forensic fury.&rdquo; The <em>New York Times</em>&rsquo; Alex Marshall wrote about the play's <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/21/theater/grenfell-fire-national-theater.html" target="_blank">proselytizing effects</a>, framing it as a democratic and justice-driven &ldquo;call for change.&rdquo;</p> <p>The aftermath of the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150012673/london-tower-block-fire-kills-twelve-previous-warnings-about-very-poor-fire-safety-standards-may-have-gotten-ignored" target="_blank">blaze that claimed the lives of 72 people</a> has indeed led to several proactive reforms, including a <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150337554/uk-announces-massive-cladding-remediation-mandate-in-wake-of-grenfell-inquiry" target="_blank">recent mandate</a> concerning cladding remediation and the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150166731/uk-to-introduce-national-building-safety-regulator-in-wake-of-grenfell-tragedy" target="_blank">appointment</a> of a new building safety regulator. Potential criminal charges stemming from the London Me...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150420739/pascale-sablan-kofi-bio-lucy-tilley-announced-as-new-co-ceos-of-adjaye-associates Pascale Sablan, Kofi Bio, Lucy Tilley announced as new co-CEOs of Adjaye Associates Josh Niland 2024-03-18T14:59:00-04:00 >2024-03-19T13:48:43-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/42/422da52d762c333b785d0b7c59e85822.jpeg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p><a href="https://archinect.com/adjayeassociates" target="_blank">Adjaye Associates</a> has announced the promotions of three new CEOs in an organizational restructuring that will see founder <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/36032/david-adjaye" target="_blank">David Adjaye</a> step into a new role as the Executive Chair of the group and the firm's Principal.</p> <p><a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1669352/pascale-sablan" target="_blank">Pascale Sablan</a>, Kofi Bio, and Lucy Tilley will now lead the New York, Accra, and London studios as CEOs, respectively. Sablan, most recently the 2023-24 <a href="https://archinect.com/firms/cover/150230590/national-organization-of-minority-architects-noma" target="_blank">NOMA</a> President, is perhaps the best-known architect of the group. She will impart her past experience as an Associate Principal in the New York office, which she first joined as a Senior Associate in January of 2021. Her time there has coincided with a host of important national recognitions, including being named winner of the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150240777/architect-and-activist-pascale-sablan-named-2021-whitney-m-young-jr-award-recipient" target="_blank">2021 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award</a>.</p> <p>Bio and Tilley both have experience as Associate Prinicapls in the Accra and London studios, respectively.&nbsp;<br></p> <p>In a <a href="https://www.adjaye.com/news/adjaye-associates-announces-studio-ceos/" target="_blank">statement</a> published to the firm&rsquo;s website, Adjaye said: &ldquo;Today&rsquo;s announcement reflects a fundamental change in the way Adjaye Associates will now be r...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150418226/rowan-moore-declares-an-aversion-to-heatherwick-s-london-bt-tower-hospitality-makeover Rowan Moore declares an aversion to Heatherwick’s London BT Tower hospitality makeover Josh Niland 2024-02-27T20:05:00-05:00 >2024-10-25T04:07:38-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/f3/f37e2fa6461aab35926ee8d83cfd6729.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>Its sale, for &pound;275m, by BT to a hotel group, if it gives the tower a secure future, is welcome. I&rsquo;m more troubled by the reports that the designer Thomas Heatherwick is to &ldquo;repurpose&rdquo; the building. His past work shows that he&rsquo;s not one to leave well alone, but rather festoon structures with over-sized flower-pots and look-at-me swirling shapes. One can only hope that he discovers some restraint. The BT Tower is already an icon. It&rsquo;s perfect. Let it be.</p></em><br /><br /><p>Readers will remember the critic's <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150390834/thomas-heatherwick-wants-architects-to-improve-mental-health-through-interestingness" target="_blank">jabs at Heatherwick</a> last fall after the publication of his new treatise on <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1096767/architecture-and-mental-health" target="_blank">architecture and mental health</a>, wherein Moore declared &ldquo;an outbreak of shallow wannabe Gaud&iacute;s&rdquo; will follow in tow should the call-to-action be adopted.&nbsp;</p> <p>That provocation isn't the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150308696/an-abuse-of-metaphors-rowan-moore-on-thomas-heatherwick-s-tree-inspired-jubilee-design-and-other-uk-public-monument-debates" target="_blank">first</a> or even <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150131525/rowan-moore-asks-whatever-happened-to-grown-up-architecture" target="_blank">second</a> time Moore has harshed the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/811942/vessel" target="_blank">Vessel</a> designer's creative schemes for the capital. In its defense, <a href="https://archinect.com/heatherwick" target="_blank">Heatherwick Studio</a> has yet to detail any of the architectural extravagances Moore is lamenting after the project's February 22nd <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150417617/london-s-bt-tower-to-be-converted-into-a-hotel-by-heatherwick-following-mcr-purchase" target="_blank">announcement</a>.&nbsp;</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/16/164492b59a73d1da4d6499e688d1e5ce.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/16/164492b59a73d1da4d6499e688d1e5ce.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Previously on Archinect: <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150417617/london-s-bt-tower-to-be-converted-into-a-hotel-by-heatherwick-following-mcr-purchase" target="_blank">London&rsquo;s BT Tower to be converted into a hotel by Heatherwick following MCR purchase</a></figcaption></figure><p>The conservation group C20 Society has <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-68352275" target="_blank">offered its support</a> for the &pound;275 million project. If history is any guide, MCR's previous re-use of the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/851718/twa-hotel" target="_blank">TWA Hotel</a> at JFK should steer the project away from any gauche gesturing and towards the Swinging London era anachronisms Moore champions nostalgically as "hopeful futurism."</p>... https://archinect.com/news/article/150417617/london-s-bt-tower-to-be-converted-into-a-hotel-by-heatherwick-following-mcr-purchase London’s BT Tower to be converted into a hotel by Heatherwick following MCR purchase Niall Patrick Walsh 2024-02-22T11:39:00-05:00 >2024-10-25T04:07:38-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/33/333c3a3367f0509e41f91c1109fd964f.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p><a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/722/london" target="_blank">London&rsquo;s</a> iconic BT Tower is to be purchased by U.S. hotel owner-operator MCR. Partnering with <a href="https://archinect.com/heatherwick" target="_blank">Heatherwick Studio</a>, the company is to explore the tower&rsquo;s adaptive reuse as a <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/3693/hotel" target="_blank">hotel</a>.</p> <p>Standing at 620 feet in height, the BT Tower is one of London&rsquo;s tallest buildings. Opened in 1965, the tower is covered by a Grade II historical importance listing, though such a listing does not prohibit a change of use within the building.</p> <p>MCR has noted that the tower will not undergo any immediate changes, with current owners BT Group expected to take several years to vacate the premises due to the complexity involved in moving technical equipment. The design process is also expected to include time for community engagement in advance of the proposal&rsquo;s reveal.</p> <figure><figure><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/53/532364e624bb3f5a628d6f89e039f62f.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/53/532364e624bb3f5a628d6f89e039f62f.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a><figcaption>Related on Archinect:<a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150136807/photos-the-twa-hotel-at-jfk-is-officially-open" target="_blank">The TWA Hotel at JFK is officially open</a>.&nbsp;Photo courtesy of TWA Hotel/David Mitchell</figcaption></figure></figure><p>MCR was previously known for its <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150136807/photos-the-twa-hotel-at-jfk-is-officially-open" target="_blank">overhaul of the Eero Saarinen-designed TWA Flight Center</a> at JFK Airport which has since become the TWA Hotel. T...</p> https://archinect.com/news/article/150416697/the-political-reason-behind-london-s-weird-skyline The political reason behind London’s ‘weird’ skyline Niall Patrick Walsh 2024-02-15T11:30:00-05:00 >2024-10-25T04:07:38-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/67/6744d80cf87decdb073fcf68b9b0ba65.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>The dominance of starchitect-led high rises in <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/722/london" target="_blank">London</a> is the result of the UK&rsquo;s subjective planning system, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/12/opinion/london-skyscrapers-skyline-architecture.html" target="_blank">a new opinion piece in <em>The New York Times</em></a><em></em>. Taking aim at the city&rsquo;s &ldquo;weird&rdquo; skyline, business and economics columnist Peter Coy argues that &ldquo;developers hire star architects because doing so gives them a better chance of winning approval for taller, more profitable buildings.&rdquo;</p> <figure><figure><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/c8/c89cb6c3ed87bec5132369c90d561b27.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/c8/c89cb6c3ed87bec5132369c90d561b27.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;enlarge=true&amp;w=514"></a><figcaption>Related on Archinect: <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150393774/the-city-of-london-skyline-is-expected-to-add-these-eleven-towers-by-2030" target="_blank">The City of London skyline is expected to add these eleven towers by 2030</a>. Image credit: City of London Corporation</figcaption></figure></figure><p>&ldquo;London has a jarring profusion of odd skyscrapers with funny names or nicknames,&rdquo; Coy explains. &ldquo;There are the <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/73784/the-shard" target="_blank">Shard</a> and the Scalpel, which are pretty elegant. The (mostly) well-liked Gherkin, which looks like a glass pickle. The wedge-shaped Cheese Grater. And the widely loathed <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/329242/walkie-talkie-tower" target="_blank">Walkie-Talkie</a>, a bulbous cartoon of a building that &ldquo;looms thuggishly over its low-rise neighbors like a broad-shouldered banker in a cheap pinstriped suit,&rdquo; to&nbsp;quote&nbsp;The Guardian....</p>