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.

MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong, has revealed its masterplan and architectural design for the Shenzhen Bay Culture Park. The ambitious cultural complex covers an approximate area of 51,000m2, with a total building area of ​​182,000m2, and includes the creative design hall, the Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum, with an expansive public green space along the waterfront in Shenzhen, China. It is expected to be completed in 2023.

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.

HAURATON’s new web-based application ‘DesignSoftware’ provides construction industry professionals with quick, simple hydraulic analysis, channel sizing, project design and product specification for the company’s range of surface drainage systems (for landscape, commercial and civils projects) whilst working on their own desk-top computers, laptops and tablets.

There have been huge technical developments in cladding solutions in recent years and with architects demanding a more aesthetic approach to the building envelope, Heath Hindmarch Chairman of PSP Architectural, considers the balance that has to be struck in meeting design, energy efficiency and environmental expectations.

Building services BIM design and validation is simplified with a new facility from Gilberts Blackpool.