Last month, the UK Government announced its plans to encourage the nation to “build, build, build” as part of its efforts to kick-start the UK economy post-coronavirus. While there is much to be admired in this sentiment, we must not lose sight of other important issues the construction and building product manufacturing sectors need to address, particularly around sustainability.

As many companies begin thinking about a return to the office following lockdown, it’s clear that we are entering a new era of workplace design. Being socially distant in an office environment presents many challenges, but it’s a factor we will have to live with for months, or potentially even years, writes Laura Light, Concept Design Team Leader at Interface.

2020 will not be easily forgotten. With the loss of so many loved ones, the financial impact of being furloughed or losing one’s job, as well as witnessing the struggles of officials attempting to manage the situation, it’s certain that the impact of coronavirus will stay with us for a long time. However, from the depths of this crisis and its negative impact, there are hidden pockets of positivity, says Alan Dowdall, Associate at Ramboll UK.

The impact of COVID-19 on the UK’s construction industry cannot be understated. While every sector has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, construction firms were hit particularly hard – development sites were temporarily closed, with some projects even facing the prospect of being cancelled outright. Now, it looks as though things are slowly getting back to normal. However, the challenge we now face is ensuring the long-term recovery of the economy by supporting UK businesses, says Paul Howells, CEO of Accumulate Capital.

In the midst of a newly designed building ensemble boasting bright facades and ultra-modern workspaces, the German architecture practice, 3deluxe, has created a visionary plaza that is a celebration of contemporary mobility. Cyclists and scooters cruise along organically curved levels, between them; oases of tranquillity, water features, cafes and restaurants.

This month, FC&A talks to Tean Chee Ko, Design Director of Hong Kong studio RMJM Red Studio, to find out more about his career, design ethos and upcoming projects.

Powdertech Corby has launched three new powder coating Collections, showcasing some of the most popular shades and textures in its wide repertoire. Finding the right shade for an external or internal architectural project is a rewarding part of a designer’s work but can be time consuming and frankly quite overwhelming with the number of shades now available.

James Stephens, Managing Director of Offsite Solutions, looks at how bathroom and utility pods are helping contractors in the coronavirus pandemic.

How can protective coatings strengthen, enhance and improve the lifespan of buildings?

For the housing industry today, the problems of the ‘Third World War’ (i.e. COVID-19) mirror somewhat those of the Second World War when the aim was to come up with a quick, efficient and modern answer to a problem. In 1942, it was the bombed-out housing crisis. This was when the UK took inspiration from the USA and their very advanced and modern prefabricated houses for workers and families working on huge dam construction projects. UK prefabs were temporary homes built in the factory – they were the MMC (modern methods of construction) of their day.