Opinion – Page 2
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CommentMMC is not broken. It’s late-stage MMC that is
Modern methods of construction continue to attract scrutiny across the industry, with debate often centred on whether the model has been over-promised or inconsistently delivered. Angela Mansell argues that MMC does not fail because it is ‘modern’. It fails when manufacturing is forced to operate within procurement models and behaviours ...
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CommentPlanning commttee decisions are increasingly becoming politicised – the new national scheme of delegation should help combat this
The planning process should be quasi-judicial and about professional judgement rathter than political choices, writes Paul Smith
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CommentNew AI guidance: Five things every QS needs to do now
The RICS global professional standard on the responsible use of AI came into force last month. It provides welcome guidance on an area where many still feel at sea, as well as new obligations that both individual RICS members and regulated firms are now required to comply with. Warwick Stockdale, ...
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CommentWhat Wren’s exit tells us about the professional indemnity insurance market
The mutual insurer’s decision to wind down reflects a system stretched by cladding claims, extended liabilities and shifting regulation. Denise Chevin argues we need to find a way to share risk more fairly
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CommentConflict, costs and a changing world order place construction at a crossroads
Construction must find a way to drive digital transformation, while navigating the short-term yet seismic impacts of conflict, writes Patricia Moore, at Turner & Townsend
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CommentLessons from Greenland: What three weeks in this remote country taught me about getting projects right
Even in one of the world’s most remote places, the fundamentals of delivering major projects hold true. From understanding cost and risk drivers to building the right team, Greenland has reminded Beth West how often we overlook the basics
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CommentThis month’s construction industry gossip: Planers, trains and… E-bikes
The latest chatter around the industry
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CommentA crucial role for building safety – if the government gets it right
Applications have closed for the government’s first chief construction and scientific adviser, but can anyone realistically fulfil what the job spec asks?
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CommentThe diversification myth: Why following the money may be your biggest risk
For some construction firms, the current crisis in the Middle East is exposing the dangers of chasing growth without a clearly defined strategy, Victoria Firth writes
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CommentViews on the chief construction and scientific adviser role – and why it might be too much for one person
Ahead of Monday’s deadline for applications, three experts - Paul Morrell, Simon Tolson and Andrew Mellor - consider who could fit the job’s criteria
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CommentBuilding hospitals differently: why the New Hospital Programme could reshape how we deliver major infrastructure
A new alliance of contractors, clinicians and digital partners is driving faster, smarter and more consistent hospital delivery, writes Anastasia Chrysafi at Willmott Dixon
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CommentWhy coastal regeneration needs (and deserves) a new narrative
Coastal towns are central to our national identity, but too often revival strategies fail to reflect their distinct challenges. David Atkinson, director of development and investment at Willmott Dixon’s development business, argues that the sector needs to creatively rethink its approach
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CommentBuilding resilience: Turning climate change policies into reality
We all have a part to play in designing and constructing buildings fit for the future. Dr Liz Marlow of Cundall considers how we might become better prepared to do so
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CommentPreparing for the upturn: how an industrialised mindset can stabilise construction’s supply chain
UK construction is highly exposed to the crisis in the Middle East but, assuming the much-anticipated growth will eventually come, the question is whether our industry is ready to make the most of it, Paul Ruddick writes
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CommentWe must seize this renewed opportunity for regeneration in the north of England
Tracy Harrison welcomes the increasing shift in focus onto regeneration and sets out what the Northern Housing Consortium is doing to move the dial
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CommentCan the Future Homes and Buildings Standard deliver on its promise?
The homes element of just launched new energy regulations promises big savings on bills. It’s a pity that the benefits will come too late to help with the impact of the current energy crisis, writes Thomas Lane
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CommentDesigning hospitals for the future using lessons from Peru
The fundamental challenges of hospital delivery are remarkably similar across the world. Knowledge gained on two projects in South America can help to shape the next generation of NHS hospital design, writes Aecom’s Jason Pearson
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CommentNew towns can work – but only if we learn how to deliver them properly
Delivery structures, governance and long-term stewardship are just as important as the housing numbers attached to this next generation of new towns, Tom Mitchell at Metropolitan Workshop writes
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CommentMental health issues are a key contributor to construction’s skills crisis
Nicola Hodkinson argues that mental health, self-employment and procurement structures must be part of any serious conversation about the future workforce.
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CommentThe next generation’s gaming skills can help shape modern construction
Open Doors Week (23-28 March) provides an ideal opportunity to engage with the young people who already have the interests and digital awareness our industry needs, writes Louisa Finlay, chief operating officer and chief people officer at Kier