august news News brief...
PROTECTING ARCHITECTURE
FROM FLOODS A new interdisciplinary re- search project, led by the University of Bath, will moni- tor and predict the impact of floods and driving rain on historic buildings to try and protect them for future gen- erations. The PARNASSUS project brings together engi- neers and conservationists from the University of Bath, archeologists from Southampton University, and geographers and material engineers from the University of Bristol to predict how his- toric structures react when subjected to flooding and driving rain. The researchers will survey the effects of past floods and use sophisti- cated flood and climate change modelling tools to assess the risks of future flooding for heritage sites selected by the National Trust, Historic Scotland and English Heritage.
WOODS BAGOT REACTS TO BUILDING SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTURE FUNDING
CUTS PROPOSAL Following the government’s £55bn cuts proposal to the national school rebuilding scheme, James Berry, Princi- pal at Woods Bagot, said: “The Minister’s comments on education and design are worryingly misplaced. As we move into the 21st Century, young people need to learn in many different ways. The outdated 19th Century classroom arrangements that many pupils are learning in, were designed for a national manufacturing economy - they are now largely outmoded and irrele- vant. New environments, which are flexible and rich in ICT technology are fundamental to moving us towards a modern, knowl- edge-based economy and having the school leavers to work within it.”
An impression of individuality
An application for planning permission for the development, by Grosvenor with Corbin & King Hotels, of 8 Balderton Street in Mayfair into a luxury, bespoke hotel, has been approved by Westminster Planning Committee. Grosvenor is working in partnership with Corbin & King Hotels Limited (“CKHL”) to undertake the development of the grade II listed building and once completed, it is intended that CKHL will manage the hotel.
T
he Art Deco style building is currently occupied by Avis Rent-A-Car. Originally built as a garage, the building was designed by Wimperis & Simpson in 1926 and overlooks Brown Hart Gardens and King’s Weighhouse Chapel beyond. The planning application proposes 75 bedrooms & suites; public areas
including a restaurant, and lobby bar/salon; a small private dining/meeting room and a spa. The plans adapt the existing fabric of the building, including the principal elevations. A comprehensive consultation process was undertaken with local residents, Westminster City Council, English Heritage and other stakeholder groups. Sarah-Jane Curtis, Retail Investment Director at Grosvenor commented: “We are delighted to have secured planning consent for this landmark building, and we are in detailed discussions with Chris Corbin and Jeremy King as partners for the investment in this project. They have a proven track record for not only operating high quality restaurants, but also their attention to detail and sympathetic treatment of buildings taking into account their environmental context. This will, we believe,
facilitate the creation of a fabulous amenity in Mayfair for residents, workers and visitors.” Jeremy King, Director Corbin & King Hotels added: “We look forward to working with Grosvenor on this exciting project. Too many of London’s hotels have become homogenised, chain driven, luxury bed-factories lacking in character, individuality or indeed charm. This is not the plan for 8 Balderton Street. As restaurateurs and hoteliers our entire philosophy revolves around the quality of the visitor experience. Our vision for 8 Balderton Street is determined by the desire to provide excellence in service, value for money and quality of accommodation.” Once construction starts, the development will take 18-20 months with the aim being to open early in 2013. Artist Antony Gormley has been approached to develop
Steps towards a more livable future
Royal Philips Electronics recently called upon civic leaders attending the World Mayors Forum 2010 at World Cities Summit 2010 to make urban health and well-being a core strategic objective, highlighting the role mayors play in providing their residents with safe, livable city environments that are attractive to live, work and do
business in. Speaking to a group of mayors and urban planners from over 60 countries at the “Cities as Growth Engines in a Post-Crisis World” breakfast session at the WCS 2010, Olivier Piccolin, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Philips Lighting Asia, said “In today’s highly competitive global environment,
the world’s urban population is set to soar to around four billion by 2020 placing more pressure on cities that are already struggling to cope with their existing populations. In this rapidly urban environment, the onus is on city planners to ensure that economic progress is supported by infrastructure development that will ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.” Issuing a call to mayors to improve the health and wellbeing of citizens in their
6 Architects Choice
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