Ahead of the curve

As an alternative to revolving doors, automatic curved sliding doors are a great way of combining efficiency with a stunning focal point at a building’s entrance. James White from Record UK explains the options for specifiers Curved sliding door systems... View Article

Ask the Architect: Festus Moffat

Festus Moffat, director at John Robertson Architects (JRA), answers ADF’s questions on his motivations, and his practice’s future plans What made you want to become an architect? Growing up, I was always interested in drawing, and in art, and I... View Article

Serving past and future needs

A design and development team embarking on its first new build aimed for an affordably high standard of residential design and build, with an aesthetic that beds the scheme into its historic context. Jack Wooler reports Somerbrook is a collection... View Article

Keeping in touch

An extra care scheme in Camden designed to offer extra connections to the community evolved to include younger residents, in efficiently-designed flats with the focus on wellness and sustainability. James Parker speaks to PRP Architects about the approach they took... View Article

Sustainability strengths

Nobody doubts the strength of steel as a construction material, but its qualities in the field of sustainability may be less immediately obvious, says Russell Ager from Crittall Windows It’s steel’s strength that makes the key contribution to steel’s credentials... View Article

The challenge of natural ventilation in urban areas

John McComb from Reynaers Aluminium examines the challenges of naturally ventilating properties in high density urban areas, and how a collaboration on a new window design could offer a viable solution The population of cities globally is continuing to grow,... View Article

Taking in the island scenery

Architect Jane Burnside took on an unusually wide range of project roles to create her tranquil, contemporary home and workplace on the Isle of Mull, inspired by origami. Nik Hunter reports Introducing a contemporary building into a traditional landscape such... View Article

Natural harmony

In a new district of Shenzhen, a project to create a performing arts centre saw Rocco Design Architects use the coastal landscape as inspiration for a striking form in harmony with its context. Roseanne Field reports The Bao’an Cultural District... View Article

View Point: Alex Thomas

As the gaps on our high streets grow, it’s time to future-proof them for the growing cohort of tech-enabled and eco-conscious customers by harnessing the potential of digital venues, says Alex Thomas from HKS Architects There is no doubt we... View Article

Ask the Architect: Melanie Jacobsen Cox

The new head of healthcare at HLM, Melanie Jacobsen Cox, answers ADF’s questions on what makes her tick What made you want to become an architect? I have construction in my blood through my grandfather and dad, but my subject... View Article

Smart steps to wellness

SOM created the ‘smartest building in Chicago’ with a terraced form designed to bridge the gap between its historic low-rise and high-rise context. Its architect gives James Parker the lowdown on reaching high levels of workplace sustainability SOM, working for... View Article

Riding high

A world-class multi-storey skate park has been constructed in Folkestone, Kent, a novel concrete form also designed to attract climbers and boxers, and which has quickly become a popular local landmark. Jack Wooler reports F51 is a multi-storey, state-of-the-art sporting... View Article

Inspiration returns

Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) is returning after a two-year break from 24-26 May, taking over London’s creative hub with promises to be the ‘biggest and boldest’ yet Since it made its debut in 2009, CDW has become one of the... View Article

Practice Profile: THISS Architects

Looking to carve out a niche as a new practice, THISS Architects focus on craftsmanship, collaboration, and landscape with a goal of ensuring that no two projects are ever the same. The firm’s founders explain their working methods to Tom... View Article

New colours on the block

MVRDV’s first completed major US project is a mixed use scheme including a boutique hotel, which makes a bold architectural diversity statement in a range of colours and scales to help it blend with the locality. Tom Boddy reports In... View Article

Respecting climate & culture

A timber research facility has been constructed in Rotorua, New Zealand which combines a net zero design showcasing timber’s potential with a high degree of local cultural sensitivity. Jack Wooler reports  The fritted pattern of the glazing between the timber... View Article

Ask the Architect: Liz Leber

Liz Leber, managing partner of New York practice Beyer Blinder Belle, drives her firm to work with clients who have a clear “mission”, but also strives to extract their core project objectives. She explains the “creativity, pragmatism, and optimism” she... View Article

Health and wellbeing at work

Architects Saunders have designed what will be one of the most sustainable business parks in the UK, with the focus on sustainable construction and healthy lifestyles for staff. Managing director Martin Williams explains why it is an exemplar workplace Cambridge... View Article

More than meets the eyes

Retail developments in Chinese cities now contain much more than just retail, and are designed to be ‘all-in-one’ destinations; the new Shanghai Jiuguang Center is no exception. Roseanne Field reports The Shanghai Jiuguang Center, located in the northern Shanghai neighbourhood... View Article

Selling biophilic benefits

Shopping malls are a key social destination in China, and with this in mind Lead8 sought to provide a landscape-rich interior to enhance the experience of a new mixed-use scheme in Chongqing, in the form of a huge botanical garden.... View Article