Welcome to the very first edition of 2022. During this time, I’m habitually inclined to hark back to the happenings from the past 12 months. Despite the obvious lingering COVID-related challenges, it’s clear to see what a surprisingly optimistic year 2021 has been. There were numerous positives that came to light – specifically in the world of architecture, construction and design. We embraced several industry breakthroughs, welcomed sector-wide technological adoptions – not just up and down the country, but throughout the world – and conclusively opened our eyes to the environmental destruction that we’ve instigated. A leading example of the industry’s technological advancements is the world’s first 3D-printed school in Malawi, which was built with minimal material use and carbon footprint at a record speed, having been printed in just 18 hours. More generally, however, was the rife utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) in helping to support infection control in our public buildings. And, of course, let’s not forget the pledges and heightened awareness of building for a greener, cleaner planet that arose from autumn’s COP26, too. Overall, the architectural and construction field has been a hive of alterations, tech adoptions and eco mindfulness.

Moving onto this issue and following our theme of reflection, we talk to Chris Wilkinson, Managing Director at Jo Cowen Architects (JCA), who reveals his occupational pathway to becoming an Architect. Here, he explains how an educational visit to the Pompidou Centre in Paris broadened his horizons during his teenage years and confirmed his career plans for a future in the industry. Turn to pages 08-09 to read Chris’ full story and discover the journey he took to arrive at the helm of JCA.

Elsewhere, to coincide with the great British weather, we’ve talked to Chris Hornby, Senior Technical Manager at Wienerberger UK, for expert advice on getting buildings weathertight quicker. Turn to pages 16-17 for his advice. What’s more, two contributors forecast the imminent future of infection control and how door hardware plays a role in improving hygiene in a duo of articles that inform specifiers of the expected trends and technologies that are set to facilitate the next generation of infection control. Flick to pages 20-21 for Sontay’s outlook on what specifiers need to consider when regarding infection control in the year ahead. And turn to pages 22-23 to learn from Consort Architectural Hardware about where door hardware fits into improving a building’s hygiene.

ON THE COVER:
The Paradise Walk Wuhan Jiangchen shopping centre takes on multi-level transport-oriented development (TOD) characteristics.

Rebecca Kemp
Editor

rebecca@redhutmedia.com