Features

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.

Elena Galli Giallini (EGGL), a Hong Kong-based firm specialising in architectural design, renovations, and interior and industrial design, has unveiled the rejuvenated north building of the Grand Gateway 66 retail complex (GG66), located in Shanghai’s bustling commercial, cultural and historical zone of Xijiahui. Comprising two distinct buildings of contrasting configurations, EGGL was commissioned to provide the prominent complex with a brand-new image, both architecturally and functionally. The result is truly spectacular with an unusual M. C. Escher ‘Relativity’ feel.

Home to the new ME Dubai hotel, the Opus is located in the Burj Khalifa district adjacent to Downtown Dubai and Business Bay on the Dubai Water Canal. Exploring the balance between solid and void, opaque and transparent, interior and exterior, the design was presented by Zaha Hadid in 2007 and is the only hotel in which she created both its architecture and interiors.

This month, FC&A talks to Andy Parsons, Managing Director at Yelo Architects, about his career journey as an architect and discovers what drove him to open his very own practice 10 years ago.

RINNAI remote monitoring system gives sites total control of hot water delivery - and cuts operational costs.

UK manufacturer Glassolutions has launched a free-standing COVID-19 desk-top glass sneeze guard, ideal for social distancing in offices.

As businesses set about returning to the workplace, ensuring staff and customer safety and complying with Government guidelines will be a priority. How can screens help businesses quickly adapt their offices and their shop floors to offer protection and peace of mind for all without lengthy and costly reconfiguration issues? Simon Boocock, Managing Director of CRL Europe, takes a look.

Aluminium decking specialists AliDeck continued their recent run of innovation and product development with the announcement of the expansion of their standard colour range for aluminium deck boards and joists.

Joint Managing Director and Co-Founder of design and workplace consultancy, Office Principles, Cyril Parsons considers how the office is destined to reinvent itself as the way we work changes dramatically moving forward.