Features

Whilst undertaking his college studies, Chris Wilkinson’s tutors tried to discourage a career in architecture. After a further year at art college, instinct kicked in, and Chris overlooked his teachers’ deterrent, treading the architectural career path. Today, he sits at the helm of Jo Cowen Architects (JCA). In this Q&A, we talk to Chris and follow his route to landing several positions at some of the country’s most notable architecture firms.

Launched in October, the Museum of Diversity aims to celebrate the diversity of cultural heritage originating from Africa through immersive virtual reality exhibitions and talks. The new online experience is the first stage in the Museum of Diversity’s wider plan to realise a bricks and mortar location by 2025, also designed by SPPARC.

Infinitus Plaza is the new global headquarters of Infinitus China. Incorporating work environments designed to nurture connectivity, creativity and entrepreneurship, the new headquarters also includes the group’s herbal medicine research facilities and safety assessment labs as well as a learning centre for conferences and exhibitions.

The Government confirming that it will legislate to require all new-build homes and offices with parking spaces to have electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints would be a game-changer in the shift to net-zero transportation. However, it could pose huge potential challenges, say Shakespeare Martineau’s Neil Gosling, Partner and Head of Residential Development, and Isaac Murdy, Trainee Solicitor in the energy team.

New research from Geberit has revealed a lasting legacy of the past 18 months, with many of us more aware of the importance of wellbeing than ever before. A YouGov poll has found that more than half of us have made improvements to our self-care routine since the pandemic began, alongside a growth in the number of homeowners setting time aside to relax each day. Here, Sophie Weston, Channel Marketing Manager at Geberit, looks at the significance of the bathroom as homeowners embrace wellness and explains how biophilic design can create the ultimate sanctuary across residential projects.

Daniel Collins established PolkeyCollins Associates with Clive Polkey in 2012, after working together at a national commercial practice. During this time, he worked as a respected Architect to lead various projects across several sectors. Here, FC&A talks to Daniel to learn more about his industry experience and path to forming the Lincoln-based architecture practice.

Calcium sulphate screeds have become an increasingly common choice of subfloor to install in new builds, especially where underfloor heating is incorporated within the subfloor. This is because of the speed with which they can be applied over large areas and other advantages over concrete bases, including less shrinkage and fewer joints required within the subfloor. Neil Sanders, Technical Director at F. Ball and Co., gives his advice on achieving a long-lasting, professional flooring finish when working over this type of surface.

Designed by RVAD Studio, the design of Tagh Behesht in the city of Mashhad, Iran, began with an investigation into the architectural history of bazaars in the Western Asia country. The unbreakable bond between the city bazaars and the foundations of the economy has led to these Greater Middle-Eastern markets taking on an important and consistent role in people’s daily lives.

Designed by Oppenheim Architecture, Desert Rock will integrate architecture with nature as a hotel, and its accompanying facilities will be built into the stunning Saudi mountain landscape.

In this article, Robbie Ferguson, National Sales Manager at Zip Water UK, looks at the touch-free technologies that we’re set to see in the office designs of 2022.