What Specifiers Want 2017 articles

This programme has been made to tie in with a new book ‘Guide to NEC3’ by Frances Forward, which explains NEC3 from the architect’s perspective.

At present, there are 47 schools of architecture - across the UK - running courses that have been validated by the RIBA. This programme will take a look at the Validation procedures for Part 1 and Part 2. From September 2011 a new set of validation criteria applies to Schools of Architecture courses. As before, these will be held in common with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). And so this programme will get to grips with the key changes, to keep universities (and prospective employers) aware of the changes.

The Plan of Work sets out the work of the Construction Division for 2011/12 and outlines the direction until 2014. This programme will examine the five generic issues that will be considered at all site visits: including Work at height; Provision of welfare facilities; Good order; and Respiratory risks.

This programme explores the key drivers for and changes in the new document compared to the 2008 version.

This programme looks at how the wave-like roof that spans Zaha Hadid’s Aquatics Centre in the 2012 Olympic Park was designed and built.

We explore substitution, the use of 'or equal' and its ilk, and 'deemed-to-comply' specifications, and make a few suggestions.

We explore the hazards of moisture penetration in external walls and ways to avoid problems.

NHS guidance on controlling Legionella is discussed, covering inspections, maintenance and temperature regulation.

This programme explores Peter Eisenman’s architectural and theoretical works, as well exploring his opinions on the state of architecture today. Eisenman’s new book, Ten Canonical Buildings: 1950-2000, is explained in the context of his built structures, while his theory of coding and its application in his ongoing project for the City of Culture of Galicia is outlined.

The London Development Agency (LDA) and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) have launched a new, mapped database of London's brownfield land called The London Brownfield Sites Database (LBSD).

Whether the ground floor of a house is suspended or filled, it will include either a solid slab or an oversite layer of concrete laid on compacted hardcore directly on the ground. Both hardcore and soil are potential sources of sulfates and other chemicals harmful to concrete. This programme investigates the hardcore components and soil conditions likely to contain sulfates, explains how concrete is affected by sulfate attack and looks at methods used to prevent such damage.

In this programme we discuss the tell-tale signs of a wood-boring insect infestation and describe how to tell the difference between the four main types of wood-boring beetle common to the UK.