The Architects’ Journal Architecture News & Buildings
Here’s the clarity architects need on future-proofing historic buildings
Every older building can become more efficient and climate resilient if well-informed action is taken – and this is how you do it, says Historic England chief Duncan Wilson
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Sordo Madaleno on using local materials and skills and setting up in London
One of Mexico’s largest practices, Sordo Madaleno, has just set up shop in London. Fran Williams spoke with its London director, Fernando Sordo Madaleno
Studio Egret West completes 429 build-to-rent homes in Maidenhead
The mixed-use development in the Thames Valley town includes 3,350m2 of ground-floor shops and restaurants around a landscaped square
Commons people: IF_DO creates community hub for Hastings
The transformation of Hastings’ Observer Building into a vibrant community hub is a welcome counter to the wave of gentrification seen in the seaside town, says Ellen Peirson. Photography by Kilian O’Sullivan
The Secret Architect: Shit sandwich
The employer of one of the Secret Architect’s Part 3 tutees has introduced performance improvement plans. Time to deploy a favourite feedback tool
Stolon Studio creates ‘sociable’ housing from farm buildings
The Parks in Herefordshire transforms a group of neglected agricultural buildings into eight sustainable rural homes
Fossil fuel’s days are numbered and it’s architects’ time to shine
With coal power soon to be history, the Climate Change Committee is shifting its sights to oil and gas, which means it is time for us in the built environment to properly make an impact, says Smith Mordak
To save the RIBA, it needs to be decentralised
Weakened by apathy and with many questioning whether RIBA membership is worth it, radical action is needed to revive the institute, argues Toko Andrews
Alta Tower rises up over Le Havre’s postwar Modernism
The 64-apartment building by Hamonic+Masson & Associés stands out against the horizon in Le Havre – a city that was rebuilt, postwar, to Auguste Perret’s Modernist vision, writes Fran Williams. Photography by Takuji Shimmura, Clément Bonnérat and Hamonic+Masson & Associés
Sketchbook: Rupert Wheeler
The AJ’s Sketchbook series is a showcase of sketches and concept drawings by architects and designers. Today’s sketches are by Rupert Wheeler, co-founder of Mackenzie Wheeler Architects and Designers