Birmingham City Council has unveiled plans for a £1.5 million public square in the city’s Jewellery Quarter. Capita Lovejoy's designed were picked from a shortlist of 6.
Read the coverage:
Property Week
on PlanningResource.co.uk
The Birmingham Post
Friday 29 May 2009
Thursday 28 May 2009
Capita Architecture - 5th in UK
Capita Architecture has been named the UK's 5th biggest practice by The Architect's Journal.
Find out more below
Go to Capita Architecture's website
Find out more below
Go to Capita Architecture's website
Monday 18 May 2009
Wimbledon rain raises a cheer
The Wimbledon roof had it's first official outing this weekend, at a special event put on to 'open' (and close) the court's latest addition.
Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, Tim Henman and Kim Clijsters played whilst, as if on cue, the skys opened, and the roof closed!
All four players expressed delight at the new roof, and the crowd certainly agreed.
Read more about the event, and see pictures on the Sky News website
Capita Symonds provided structural engineering consultancy on the project.
Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, Tim Henman and Kim Clijsters played whilst, as if on cue, the skys opened, and the roof closed!
All four players expressed delight at the new roof, and the crowd certainly agreed.
Read more about the event, and see pictures on the Sky News website
Capita Symonds provided structural engineering consultancy on the project.
Wednesday 13 May 2009
Prince Charles gives speech to RIBA
Further to all the discussions over the last few days, you can now see for yourself what Prince Charles had to say at the RIBA yesterday. (And make up your own mind).
Go to the Building Design website to read coverage, opinions and the full transcript.
Read some reactions on The Architects' Journal website
You can also watch the coverage from Channel 4 News:
Go to the Building Design website to read coverage, opinions and the full transcript.
Read some reactions on The Architects' Journal website
You can also watch the coverage from Channel 4 News:
Tuesday 12 May 2009
A right Charlie?
Prince Charles is once again causing a stir in the world of Architecture.
HRH the Prince of Wales, an advocate of ‘traditional’ architecture, is to address the Royal Institute of British Architects tonight, to urge them that they must build to last and put the needs of people first.
The topic itself could provoke opinion, but the speech comes at a time when he has already been accused of meddling with plans for the Chelsea Barracks development in London, not to mention the last time he was at the RIBA 25 years ago, he famously described plans for the National Gallery as a ‘monstrous carbuncle’.
A number of Architects are now threatening to boycott the event.
Royal meddling or a valuable opinion? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Find out what people are saying:
- See what people are saying on Twitter
- Adam condemns RIBA boycott of Prince Charles lecture - Country Life
- Since when was the Prince of Wales a pillar of democracy? - Blueprint Magazine
- Architects to hear Prince appeal - BBC
- Charles Tells Architects: Put People First - Sky News
- Top architects urge boycott of Prince Charles speech – Building magazine
- Prince Charles RIBA Speech Revealed - Building Magazine
- Architects call for boycott of Prince of Wales RIBA lecture – The Architects Journal
- Should Prince Charles criticise modern architecture? - BBC - 'Have your say'
Monday 11 May 2009
Renewal - Capita Symonds' magazine
Did you know we produced our own update magazine?
Well we do.....and it's called Renewal.
Twice a year we'll keep you up to date with our latest news and projects, as well as giving you an insight into some of the key issues affecting our industry today.
The next issue is due later this month, but if you just can't wait, you can see previous copies via the links below:
Issue 8: Corporate UK goes green, Noise at work regulations, Designing our crime, Reducing child road casualties, leading the regeneration debate
Well we do.....and it's called Renewal.
Twice a year we'll keep you up to date with our latest news and projects, as well as giving you an insight into some of the key issues affecting our industry today.
The next issue is due later this month, but if you just can't wait, you can see previous copies via the links below:
Issue 8: Corporate UK goes green, Noise at work regulations, Designing our crime, Reducing child road casualties, leading the regeneration debate
Issue 7: News, Sustainability, acquisitions, school design, new rail service, eco-towns, waste
Issue 6: News, zero-carbon, flood prevention, Wembley Stadium, hospital design, ecology, Philippines, landfill allowance
Issue 5: News, sustainability, climate change and security, Paddington Bridge, microsimulation, superbugs, quarry dewatering
Other issues can be found on our website
If you like to talk to us about any of the news stories or issues covered in Renewal please contact Karl Blockwell, Communications Manager.
These and other Capita Symonds publications can also be found on Yudo: Link to our library:
Engineer completes Rideway 40 challenge
Jeff Ware, a Principal Mechanical Engineer at Capita Symonds’ Southampton office, completed the ‘Ridgeway 40’ walk for charity over the weekend.
The walk covers a massive 40 miles from Overton Hill near Avebury in Wiltshire to Streatley in Berkshire along Britain’s oldest road - the ancient Ridgeway track.
Jeff is raising funds for the Anthony Nolan Trust to provide a bone marrow transplant register to help people suffering from leukaemia.
You can still sponsor Jeff: https://www.anthonynolanevents.org.uk/JeffWare
More information:
Go to the Ridgeway 40 Website or
Find out more about the route on the National Trail's website
The walk covers a massive 40 miles from Overton Hill near Avebury in Wiltshire to Streatley in Berkshire along Britain’s oldest road - the ancient Ridgeway track.
Jeff is raising funds for the Anthony Nolan Trust to provide a bone marrow transplant register to help people suffering from leukaemia.
You can still sponsor Jeff: https://www.anthonynolanevents.org.uk/JeffWare
More information:
Go to the Ridgeway 40 Website or
Find out more about the route on the National Trail's website
Friday 8 May 2009
Capita Symonds Technician creates showcase 3D construction animation
Mark Cronin’s, an Architectural Technician in Capita Symonds’ Carlisle office, has impressed top international software company Autodesk with a 3D animation of an eco-friendly house so much that they are now showcasing his work to students throughout Europe and the United States.
Mark's been using Autodesk’s 3D modelling software to illustrate the construction process of an eco-friendly urban dwelling as part of his part-time BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology programme at Northumbria University.
Mark says: “Architectural animations are a fantastic way of conveying information, as the movement in animation helps put what is being seen into perspective. They transform the architectural drawing and portray the designer’s concept in a way that is much clearer and more understandable for the client. Some of the techniques used in cutting edge architectural animations are borrowed from the film industry and the same software packages are now standard in both industries which means clients are continuously expecting more exciting and realistic animations.”
Mark used Autodesk 3ds Studio Max for his animation and enjoyed working with a film industry standard tool to communicate fast track construction. His building is based on his own conceptual design of an eco friendly urban dwelling. The simple design uses fast track construction materials such as a steel frame and precast concrete floor beams, as well as secondary cold rolled steel framing with timber and render cladding systems.
He adds: “The concrete roof and floor are designed to help the building retain thermal mass, assisting in the heating and cooling of the building. Its under floor heating would ideally connect to a district heating system powered by a bio-mass boiler and it would feature the latest generation black silicon photovoltaic panels to harness renewable energy. There would also be rain water harvesting and a green roofing system – all of which can be clearly visualised and understood by a client through the 3d animation of the construction process.”
Margaret Horne is a Principal Lecturer and Director of the Built Environment Visualisation Centre at Northumbria University’s School of the Built Environment. She said: “Clients are increasingly seeking energy efficient, durable, low maintenance and cost effective buildings that incorporate new materials and innovative construction techniques. The role of the Architectural Technologist is to resolve detailed design issues within an increasingly multidisciplinary context and computer visualisation skills are essential to support this.”
“Mark has produced an outstanding animation which has captured the attention of one of the world’s leading companies in this increasingly important, and specialised, field and we are especially pleased that his exemplary piece of work is being showcased to other students in a drive to raise the understanding, knowledge and ability of a new generation of construction specialists,” she adds.
Have a look at Mark's impressive animation below:
Mark's been using Autodesk’s 3D modelling software to illustrate the construction process of an eco-friendly urban dwelling as part of his part-time BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology programme at Northumbria University.
Mark says: “Architectural animations are a fantastic way of conveying information, as the movement in animation helps put what is being seen into perspective. They transform the architectural drawing and portray the designer’s concept in a way that is much clearer and more understandable for the client. Some of the techniques used in cutting edge architectural animations are borrowed from the film industry and the same software packages are now standard in both industries which means clients are continuously expecting more exciting and realistic animations.”
Mark used Autodesk 3ds Studio Max for his animation and enjoyed working with a film industry standard tool to communicate fast track construction. His building is based on his own conceptual design of an eco friendly urban dwelling. The simple design uses fast track construction materials such as a steel frame and precast concrete floor beams, as well as secondary cold rolled steel framing with timber and render cladding systems.
He adds: “The concrete roof and floor are designed to help the building retain thermal mass, assisting in the heating and cooling of the building. Its under floor heating would ideally connect to a district heating system powered by a bio-mass boiler and it would feature the latest generation black silicon photovoltaic panels to harness renewable energy. There would also be rain water harvesting and a green roofing system – all of which can be clearly visualised and understood by a client through the 3d animation of the construction process.”
Margaret Horne is a Principal Lecturer and Director of the Built Environment Visualisation Centre at Northumbria University’s School of the Built Environment. She said: “Clients are increasingly seeking energy efficient, durable, low maintenance and cost effective buildings that incorporate new materials and innovative construction techniques. The role of the Architectural Technologist is to resolve detailed design issues within an increasingly multidisciplinary context and computer visualisation skills are essential to support this.”
“Mark has produced an outstanding animation which has captured the attention of one of the world’s leading companies in this increasingly important, and specialised, field and we are especially pleased that his exemplary piece of work is being showcased to other students in a drive to raise the understanding, knowledge and ability of a new generation of construction specialists,” she adds.
Have a look at Mark's impressive animation below:
Free Tree Seminar
The Trees and Design Action Group - of which Capita Lovejoy is a founding member - has organised a free seminar to discuss the issues surrounding trees and planning.
The event takes place at Barcham Trees near Ely in Cambridgeshire, the largest container tree nursery in Europe:
Date: 20th May 2009
Venue: Barcham Trees Plc, Eye Hill Drove, Cambridgeshire, CB7 5XF
Bookings: Jules Baird, Barcham Trees, T: 01353-720748 E: jules@barchamtrees.co.uk
The event takes place at Barcham Trees near Ely in Cambridgeshire, the largest container tree nursery in Europe:
Date: 20th May 2009
Venue: Barcham Trees Plc, Eye Hill Drove, Cambridgeshire, CB7 5XF
Bookings: Jules Baird, Barcham Trees, T: 01353-720748 E: jules@barchamtrees.co.uk
Tuesday 5 May 2009
A word of thanks from Jam tribute band
Over 100 Capita Symonds staff turned out to see Lindsay Carroll from Capita Symonds' Blackburn office play a charity gig for Macmillan Cancer Support recently.
Lindsay’s band - "Snap! The Sound of the Jam" - pays homage to the songs (and spirit) of one of the UK’s most important and influential rock bands of the last 30 years.
Lindsay said: "Thanks very much to everyone who came along to Blakey’s Bar on the 17th April to support SNAP! and Macmillan Cancer Support. It was the first time the lads and I had played in Lancashire and it definitely won’t be the last, you guys really know how to enjoy yourself and you’re a joy to play to!”
“A special mention of thanks needs to go to the staff at King Georges Hall who couldn't have been more friendly and accommodating, Donna Neely and Andy Hawthorne for their organisational skills and Martin, Gemma, Karen, Nick and Sharon for collecting all the lovely cash on the night - we raised almost £600! All I had to do was shout and strum, it was great fun!” he adds.
Find out more about the band on their myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/snapjamtribute or http://www.snapjamtribute.co.uk/
And a special thanks must go to Lindsay and his band for all their efforts!
Lindsay’s band - "Snap! The Sound of the Jam" - pays homage to the songs (and spirit) of one of the UK’s most important and influential rock bands of the last 30 years.
Lindsay said: "Thanks very much to everyone who came along to Blakey’s Bar on the 17th April to support SNAP! and Macmillan Cancer Support. It was the first time the lads and I had played in Lancashire and it definitely won’t be the last, you guys really know how to enjoy yourself and you’re a joy to play to!”
“A special mention of thanks needs to go to the staff at King Georges Hall who couldn't have been more friendly and accommodating, Donna Neely and Andy Hawthorne for their organisational skills and Martin, Gemma, Karen, Nick and Sharon for collecting all the lovely cash on the night - we raised almost £600! All I had to do was shout and strum, it was great fun!” he adds.
Find out more about the band on their myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/snapjamtribute or http://www.snapjamtribute.co.uk/
And a special thanks must go to Lindsay and his band for all their efforts!
Friday 1 May 2009
Westminster Accademy Video on BBC
BBC have added a video on their website featuring the Westminster Accademy, which Capita Symonds project managed. Watch the video below.
Go to the full article on the BBC's website
Go to the full article on the BBC's website
Capita Symonds helps the summer festivities
This year we're working on some really exciting projects that are helping us get into the summer-vibe, including sporting venues and festivals.
Find out about just a small selection of the projects we're currently working on:
- Henley Festival and Regatta
- Relentless Boardmasters Festival
- Wimbledon Centre Court
- Epsom Down's Racecourse
- The Grand National (as part fo our partnership with Sefton Council)
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