AIA UK Attends Iris Ceramica “Summer in Bloom” Event

Chapter members Michael Lischer, on left, and Gregory Fonseca prepare their bouquets for dipping.

AIA UK members accepted the kind invitation from Chapter sponsor, Iris Ceramica Group, to attend their premier summer event, Summer in Bloom.  This took place on the 31st of July at the ICG Gallery: the Iris Ceramica Group’s London showroom.  The purpose of Summer in Bloom was to “celebrate the season of light-heartedness and lightness, an invitation to enjoy the present moment, in harmony with oneself and with others”.

The most entertaining feature of the evening was to opportunity to participate in the Wax Atelier workshop.  This was led by London-based contemporary artist Lola Lely who took visitors through an experiential workshop in which flowers become the means for experimenting with the concept of “suspension in time”.  This was an opportunity to escape the rhythms of everyday life and reconnect with ourselves and others.  This involved dipping fresh cut flowers in several coloured vats of hot wax.  The results were amazing bouquets of flowers “frozen in time”.  No two bouquets were the same and the flowers crystallised in wax, become a gift of the evening enhanced with new meaning!

Summer in Bloom was a great success, and our thanks go to Iris Ceramica Group for hosting such and interesting and entertaining event at their ICG Gallery in Clerkenwell!

Written by Michael Lischer, FAIA

Summer in Bloom

The finished product

AIA UK SUSTAINABILITY SERIES – Innovative construction through Bio-Based Materials

The construction industry is responsible for 40% of global emissions with materials like concrete and steel requiring huge amounts of resources to produce.  New technologies are being developed to reduce construction’s impact on the environment.  As part of the AIA UK’s Sustainability Series, this webinar took a more detailed look at specific construction materials.  The webinar explored the development of new bio-based construction materials and how their use can have a significant impact on reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment.  Organized by new Chapter sponsor Axalta Powder Coating Systems, this webinar took place on the 26th of June 2024 with presentations by three leaders in the Bio-based materials field. 

BIOCORE Powder Coatings

Dami Babalola, who is the UK Specifications Leader for Axalta, discussed Axalta Powder Coating’s brand-new range of powder coating solutions derived from non-food organic waste.  Called BIOCORE, this new technology enables a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions, yet offers the same performance, finish, and warranty compared to existing products based on fossil fuel based polyester resins.

Axalta is a global leader in the coatings industry, providing customers with innovative, colourful, beautiful and sustainable coating solutions.  With more than 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, the global team at Axalta continues to find ways to serve more than 100,000 customers in 130 countries with the finest coatings, applications systems and technology.

Sugarcrete ®

Armor Gutierres Rivas, a senior lecturer in Architecture at the University of East London, detailed his work on biocretes using Sugarcrete® as a case study.  Sugarcrete® provides a low-carbon alternative to bricks and concrete blockwork developed by the University of East London (UEL).  The material combines sugarcane fibres left over after sugar production, with sand-mineral binders to produce bricks that have a carbon footprint six times smaller than traditionally made clay bricks.  The aim of the project is to develop ultra-low carbon building components using sugarcane bio-waste, allowing the storage of biogenic carbon from fast-growing plants in construction materials as an effective strategy to delay carbon emissions.

The first commercial manufacturing plant has been established in India.  This is producing 400 blocks per day and provides work for the local labour force.  Alternative uses are being developed such as street furniture and thin shell structural enclosures.  

Bio-Based Materials

Architect Angelika Chantzopoulou presented Copenhagen based architectural practice, Henning Larsen’s, work and their strategies regarding the use of materials.  Their work explores different bio-based materials including wood, straw, eelgrass, mycelium, reused bricks, low-carbon concrete, and clay. Henning Larsen focuses on research and new methodologies.  They have an R&D department that is integrated into their design studios.  Henning Larson also makes extensive use of their model shop to study and choose materials through all phases of design.

Angelika profiled the Feldballe School in Ronde, Denmark.  This completed project utilized a prefabricated wall panel system constructed of compressed straw.  This offered enhanced acoustics, thermal insulation and rapid construction. 

Henning Larsen Architects is an international architectural firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Founded in 1959 by Henning Larsen, it has over 600 employees in studios based in eight countries around the world.

This fascinating webinar concluded by responding to questions from the attendees.

Webinar presented 26 June 2024.

Written by Michael Lischer, FAIA

Beale & Co Hosts Architects’ Roundtable Discussion

Photo by Michael Lischer

Chapter sponsor, Beale & Co Solicitors, held their annual architects’ roundtable on the 10 of July.  The AIA UK was invited to attend and was represented by Michael Lischer.  Over 20 representatives from many of the larger practices in London and the RIBA participated.  Beale lawyers led a lively discussion on three very topical subjects that impact the design profession.  These were:

• The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Architects

• Building Safety Act (BSA) – market approach, appointments and RIBA guidance

• UK construction market post-election – what might the future hold?

The use of AI – This topic stimulated a good discussion.  The key points included:

• 40% of UK architects are already using AI.  This will grow to 60% in two years.

• The UK government is advocating the use of AI for public sector work.

• In 10 years, the use of AI by architects will be the “new norm”.

• However, AI will be used to optimize what we are already doing, like creating room and door schedules.  It will not be a paradigm shift.

• There will be intellectual property issues.  Who owns the output of the world wide web?

• Big firms will have an advantage as they have many projects in their files to gain information from.

• Use of AI will speed up many design processes.  Will clients insist on paying smaller fees?

The Building Safety Act – The secondary legislation came into effect last November.  There is not much guidance available from the government for design professionals.  To provide this, the RIBA has just released new documents that provide guidance and tools to help minimize the risks.  Points discussed include:

• Generally, the profession appears to be “getting up to speed” with the new regulations.

• The RIBA guidance is trying to prevent a “race to the bottom” in terms of services to be provided by architects.

• The BSA does not lend itself to design-build procurement contracts.

• There is a massive regulatory backlog and planning departments are struggling to cope with the additional demands.

• Design contracts must insist on the client’s competence in fulfilling their requirements.

• Architects are taking on more scope.  This should be reflected in higher fees.

The UK construction market post-election – The main topic of discussion was the government’s promise to build more homes.  The labour manifesto states 1.5 million new homes will be built in 5 years.  Is it possible to build 300,000 dwellings per year?  The roundtable thought it doubtful!  Points discussed included:

• The amount of construction labour currently available is not adequate.

• It is doubtful planning departments will be able to cope with the added workload.

• This should be a boon to modular construction contractors.  Unfortunately, several large ones have already gone bust, and others are struggling.

• This needs a “new town” vision similar to the last century when new towns were built on the fringe of large cities.

• The government will have to fund much of the construction as the private sector will be unable to raise the money.  Think, council housing!

• The main issues distil down to; who’s the client, where is the funding, and where is the labour.

The roundtable concluded with a drinks reception and further discussion!

Written by Michael Lischer, FAIA

Photo by Michael Lischer

New Chapter Sponsor! Axalta Powder Coatings

The AIA UK board of directors is excited to announce Axalta Powder Coating Systems UK Ltd is joining the chapter as a Partner Sponsor!!

Axalta is an American company and is one of the world’s leading suppliers of powder coating technologies to industry.  Their high-quality thermosetting options are formulated and manufactured to meet the diverse needs of the decorative and functional coatings industries.  Axalta’s Alesta® line of powder coatings have many applications within the design and construction industry due to their durability, versatility, and environmental advantages.  Some specific application areas include:

• Architectural Extrusion

• Facades, Cladding & Curtain walls

• Roofing

• Structural Steel

• Decorative Metalwork

• Fencing and gates

Axalta has their London Colour Experience Showroom at the Building Centre on Store Street.  Here you can find information on their materials and view their full range of RAL colours.  Axalta’s Specification Leader, Dami Babalola, is happy to meet you there, or in your office, to discuss their materials that are available for architects and other design professionals.  You can contact Dami at dami.babalola@axalta.com  And for further information, please visit www.axalta.co.uk/powder

We are looking forward to working with Axalta this year and to introducing you to Dami and her colleagues at Axalta Powder Coating Systems UK!