Opinion – Page 633
-
Comment
Who prepares wins
Mediation might promise much but, without careful preparation, there will be too much to cover and the process dissolves into a futile slanging match
-
Comment
An illegal dilemma
It was apposite that construction minister Brian Wilson should make immigration the main subject of his first Building column (page 31). The issue is one of the most vexatious facing his government – the latest furore erupted last week when David Blunkett suggested educating the children of asylum seekers in ...
-
Comment
Do your groundwork
Contractors must be sure at tender stage of the terrain they are expected to work on – or they could find themselves in a legal minefield later on
-
Comment
Amnesty international?
In the first of a regular series, the construction minister discusses the pros and cons of legitimising the many illegal immigrants on UK building sites
-
Comment
Don't do it Tony's way
The government knows what is wrong with the planning system and is trying to put it right. But are its solutions the right ones? Probably not, says Gareth Capner
-
Comment
Back-to-back basics
No apologies for bringing up a fundamental problem with construction contracts: they don't work very well. In fact, the answer may be to radically change them …
-
Comment
Word domination
Global claims have as much chance as getting 'archaeology' on three triple word squares. But is this true? A recent case suggests it might not be so cut and dried
-
Comment
Ethics are not optional
A housebuilder, now sadly deceased, once recounted the tale of how he won permission for luxury flats in Europe by agreeing to sponsor the local football team and paying for the mayor and his family to stay at The Ritz for a month. That was 20 years ago, but international ...
-
Comment
Engineers anonymous
Given that construction has contributed so much to the environment and the economy, why are we all so embarrassed to admit that we're part of it?
-
Comment
Whom can we trust?
Clients want buildings that will benefit their business interests, not just enhance the reputation of the design team – and we can tell the difference, you know
-
Comment
A choice of damage
Liquidated damages may make contractors wince, but really they should be seen as a good and faithful friend – particularly when you consider the alternative
-
Comment
Time, gentlemen, please
The new rules on limitation periods still have a loophole that means contractors could be liable – almost indefinitely – for their employees' mistakes
-
Comment
50 British architectural terms for the 21st century
Are you a cladiator living in Islingtundra or a cyclopath prone to sustainagility? Find out with our guide to the terms currently redefining architecture.
-
Comment
Good practice vs Dracula
The construction industry regards fitness for purpose with horror – but, as a recent Court of Appeal case demonstrates, there's really nothing to be afraid of
-
Comment
Ours not to reason why
If you're an 'expert determiner' and choose to go your own sweet way rather than obey instructions, then don't. Your decision is likely to be set aside
-
Comment
Falconer-free planning
Bye-bye Byers, and farewell Falconer, too – which is a splendid opportunity for people of goodwill to create a planning system that actually works. So, let's take it
-
Comment
Another ruddy shake-up
Tony Blair's unexpectedly sweeping reshuffle raises as many questions for construction as it answers (pages 22-23). Few will bemoan Stephen Byers' departure, and Alistair Darling has said that he's not going to "tear up" the 10-year transport plan. But then he was drawn into an ugly spat with Downing Street ...