Month in numbers

1967

The year this huge tented pavilion for the Montreal Expo was first unveiled. It was designed by Frei Otto, the German pioneer of lightweight and membrane structures who recently scooped the prestigious Royal Gold Medal for Architecture Award.

This ‘architectural Oscar’ marks a lifetime of achievement and celebrates the fact that Otto’s 1960s accomplishments still have an impact today. His portfolio includes the exhibition hall at Mannheim and roofs over several structures at the 1972 Olympic Park in Munich.

RIBA president George Ferguson admitted Otto was one of his heroes. “He has a genuine claim to be one of the real greats of the 20th century.”

I hope he will recognise this as the crowning of a truly outstanding and pioneering career.”

Otto was presented with his gold medal in London with the Gold Medal at RIBA on 16 February.

84

The length in metres of turbines that will create Devon’s first wind farm. The turbines at Stowford Cross, near Bradworthy, began delivering power at the end of February and form part of a £3.6m sustainable energy scheme.

The project ran into some fierce opposition from local residents who said their views were spoilt and that noise would be a problem.

Both developer Energie Kontor and contractor TJ Brent did their best to reassure the community, claiming the turbines will be silent and do not pose any health risks.

Jamie Mathlin, electrical contracts manager for TJ Brent added: “Once they get used to the fact they are here, I think people will become proud of them and the fact that they are producing green power.”

The turbines will provide power for over 2000 homes.

50

The percentage of accidents that could have been avoided with a change in design.

Trevor Hursthouse, chairman of the Specialist Engineering Contractors Group referred to figure at the Health and Safety Summit in February.

The number crunching was produced by Loughborough University and UMIST following an investigation into the causal factors of construction accidents. It said that despite targets set by CDM Regulations, many designers are still failing to address safety aspects of their designs and specifications.

Other factors that contributed to accidents included poor housekeeping and problems with site layout. However, little evidence was found to associate poor weather – often cited as a reason for accidents – with poor safety.

22

The number of CIOB branches that responded to The Blue Book Review, a major consultation examining the inner workings of the Institute. The review will shake up the existing structure and also recommend areas for improvement.

All 22 CIOB branches responded to an initial questionnaire, as did other industry stakeholders such as the CITB. All respondents have now been presented with draft proposals.

Recommendations will be presented to Council in March, and so far include a clearer two-tier structure where CIOB branches handle policy matters and centres deliver CPD activity at a local level. The creation of a branch knowledge-sharing network has also been mooted.

Any members still wishing to air their views should contact their local branch. Email bluebook@ciob.org.uk for more information on the review.

4

The number of months builder Eric Dawson will spend behind bars for attacking an HSE inspector.

Dawson was found guilty of assault and criminal damage at Hartlepool Magistrates Court, last month. The court heard that the attack took place in Hartlepool in September 2003, after HSE inspector Martin Smith called Dawson down from a dangerous working position. Dawson was working five metres above the pavement on staging with no preventative measures in place, meaning that the builder, his tools or materials could have fallen on passers-by.

HSE director general Timothy Walker said: “Smith intervened at this worksite to protect Dawson, as he was at serious risk of falling, and to prevent members of the public walking beneath him. He acted properly and did nothing to provoke such a response.”