This blog was inspired by an article I recently read regarding a mall in Mexico City that collapsed before the entirety of the structure was constructed. The Artz Pedregal Shopping Center was partially opened on 9th March and houses predominantly luxury retailers such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Dior. This was a mixed-use development was 4 storeys high and supported by a number of cantilevers. It has been suggested that the structure collapsed due to the roof garden, not adhering to building standards or due to poor subsoil. Luckily no-one was injured, despite the proximity to the highway and local footpaths. Developers in Mexico City are known to cut costs in order to maximise profits, hence this story shouldn’t be a shock. However there are also similar stories coming out of more developed and regulated countries and unfortunately, the outcome is often far more deadly..jpg)
As soon as we started building structures we created the risk of Structural Failure, however, this has been mitigated over time due to more stringent building regulations and a better understanding of construction and engineering principles. Dom Kaminetzky claimed that clear communication of design helps to aid careful construction. 40 years later, the introduction of Building Information Modelling has helped connect the whole supply chain. Lee and Sternberg have also suggested implementing destructive or demolition testing. There are facilities in place to test experimental structures from natural occurrences such as earthquakes, however new designs aren’t always tested to the same extent and it means that we rely upon engineering principles rather than engineering ‘in practice’. They also state that this could help to mitigate the threat of terrorism as we would know how strong bridges would need to be to withstand a small-scale blast. It is unlikely that Structural Failure will be completely prevented, however, we need to be aware of the potential threat and understand how to effectively reduce the likelihood and impact it causes.
London Wildlife Trust.
We are proud partners of The London Wildlife Trust, a charity dedicated to protecting the wildlife and wild spaces of London by driving environmental projects throughout the city. Our team often get involved at ground level in Wild Workdays by helping to maintain and restore treasured spaces and land… we love to get our hands dirty! We also run multiple interactive workshops, providing their conservation trainees with invaluable career advice and insights into the environmental sector to prepare them for employment. Most recently, we worked with young people taking part in their Keeping it Wild programme, which engages young people from backgrounds currently under-represented in nature conservation.
Royal Town Planning Institute.
The RTPI represents planning professionals in the UK and Ireland and aims to encourage the development of vibrant and prosperous places and communities. Our Senior Consultant Freddie enthusiastically attends the annual Planning Convention, and we host several events throughout the year to show our support, including drinks networking and a literal pub quiz. We also keep in close contact with our friends down under, at the Planning Institute Australia and New Zealand Planning Institute. In addition, we sponsor the London Planning Summit, an event designed to address the biggest challenges facing the industry. This is our opportunity to stay on top of the latest changes in town planning by meeting with other key professionals in the sector, while celebrating our achievements.
Land Securities Group Plc.
One of our clients, LandSec, are the clever people behind Girls Can Do It Too, an initiative designed to encourage girls to consider a career in construction. Currently, only 11% of the construction workforce are female, and LandSec are attempting to increase this number by providing education and engagement projects and workshops for girls aged 11-13. Featuring workshops on demolition and tower building, as well as challenging the girls to design a planning project of their own (with a focus on budgeting and environmental considerations), LandSec have proven their dedication to addressing the need for diversity in this very male dominated industry. Ruth assists the project by sharing her fascinating insights into the industry and is even on the project judging panel!
Urban Land Institute.
In partnership with Urban Land Institute we are able to play an imperative role in creating a larger and more diverse pool of candidates within the planning & property professions. Working in schools we take part in the Urban Plan Educational workshops programme, which has now reached more than 2,500 pupils in 100 schools since its launch. Alongside more than 200 industry volunteers engaged across the country, we provide invaluable industry & careers advice to students while guiding them through their workshops and helping judge their presentations.
Carbon Footprint.
Carbon FootprintTM works to help organisations offset their CO2 through tree planting and community projects worldwide. By partnering with Carbon FootprintTM, we have planted native trees and shrubs such as Whitebeam, Hazel, Field Maple, Silver Birch, Rowan, Beech, Blackthorn, Holly and Dog Rose to create a Mattinson Forest that spreads across South East England. Carbon FootprintTM work in conjunction with the Florestal Santa Maria Project (FSM-Redd Project), designed to reduce deforestation in the Amazonian Rainforest. So, for every tree we plant in the UK we guarantee a tonne of CO₂ offset in Brazil too. Carbon FootprintTM have allowed us to not only do our bit for the environment but also commemorate moments of growth for our clients and candidates.