BDP (Building Design Partnership Ltd)

As 2024 comes to an end, we look at the transformation of the Egyptian Room at Oldham Town Hall and our update of the Yas Marina Circuit at the end of the Formula One season. We also follow the progress on the Gap House in Bristol and we unveil the completed SPECTRA building at the University of Hertfordshire.

We have moved into our new Glasgow studio in The Grosvenor Building at 72 Gordon Street, a landmark space originally designed by one of the city’s most celebrated architects, Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson. The move reflects our values and vision for creativity, sustainability, and collaboration in a property that blends characterful, inspiring architecture with modern amenities and sustainability credentials, The 1859 A-listed building, initially conceived as a warehouse with retail space, features additions by architect J H Craigie that transformed it into a prominent office space. Surrounded by iconic Glasgow architecture, including Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s designs and the Grand Central Hotel, the building offers an ideal environment for our creative Glasgow team. The new studio features an exposed structural soffit ceiling to highlight the building’s robust character while maximising natural light from the central lightwell. BDP has undertaken a biophilic-inspired fit-out using natural materials such as timber, linoleum, and living plants to create a workplace that is both contemporary and conducive to collaboration. https://loom.ly/_pGaNjQ

Last week, the Government published the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), marking a bold step forward for tackling the housing crisis and delivering economic, social, and environmental growth. Will Thompson, Town Planning Director at BDP, commented: “Following multiple failed efforts by successive Governments to overhaul the planning system, solve the ever-increasing housing crisis and deliver economic growth alongside social and environmental measures, at last, a brave step-change in the framework has materialised. “Alongside other measures, it’s a statement of intent from the Government to get tough on councils and NIMBYs that effectively block housing delivery in their locality, and a way forward for building the new homes that the nation so desperately needs. “It’s going to be very interesting to see how this pans out politically, especially where Labour ministers are expected to back the national direction locally in the constituencies where they were elected, potentially in the face of mass local opposition. One thing for sure is that the stagnation in housing delivery has been going on for too long, to the detriment of the nation and society. Now has to be the time to engage in the right way, get local plans, housing allocations and numbers up to date, and make a difference.” Our town planners specialise in front-end town planning consultancy, guiding clients through every stage of the planning process. From early feasibility studies and planning applications to complex development frameworks and masterplans, we offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the needs of both public and private sector clients. https://loom.ly/dCOjUTs #BDPPlanning #NPPF #housingcrisis #housing #economicgrowth

Last week Sencia Bogotá announced the selection of ERG International UK as their EPC partner for the design and construction of El Campin Stadium in Bogota, Colombia. This is a project that will transform Bogota into a world class entertainment and sports destination. Together with Lindsay Johnston, BDP Pattern's director, and our partners, I had the pleasure to attend the announcement at the Mayor's Palace, the press conference at the stadium and a lunch organised by the British Embassy in Colombia at the Ambassador's residence. We are very happy to be a part of such ambitious and transformative project! - La semana pasada Sencia anunció la selección de ERG International UK como su socio EPC para el diseño y construcción del Estadio El Campín en Bogotá, Colombia. Se trata de un proyecto que transformará Bogotá en un destino deportivo y de entretenimiento de primera clase. Junto con Lindsay Johnston, directora de BDP Pattern, y nuestros socios, tuve el placer de asistir al anuncio en el Palacio Mayor, a la rueda de prensa en el estadio y a un almuerzo organizado por la Embajada Británica en Colombia en la residencia del Embajador. ¡Estamos muy contentos de formar parte de un proyecto tan ambicioso y transformador! #BDP #BDPPattern #SportsArchitecture #ElCampin #Bogota

🎉 Exciting news! Last week, the Lichfield District Council Design Code SPD was formally adopted as part of the Development Plan! This milestone represents a huge achievement: it’s the first district-wide Design Code that BDP (Building Design Partnership Ltd) has seen through to adoption - and one of the very first to progress outside of the Government's national pilot programme! In collaboration with David Rudlin, we’ve worked hard to develop a robust, practical document that balances the needs of Planning Officers with established urban design principles. The Design Code is designed to aid decision-making and bring greater certainty to development outcomes across the Lichfield District. This is timely as Labour recently issued their revised version of the NPPF. The updated Framework aims to accelerate planning decisions and increase housing supply, with Design Codes remaining a key focus. While Labour has shifted emphasis towards more localised Design Codes, the Lichfield Design Code showcases how coding can still be successfully applied at a larger, district-wide scale. I’m looking forward to seeing how the Lichfield Design Code shapes the District in the coming years and serves as an example for larger-scale design coding elsewhere. If you’d like to take a look at the Design Code, it’s now available on Lichfield’s website: https://lnkd.in/et5vdj9p. #BDPPlanning #BDP #Lichfield #UrbanDesign #DesignCodes #NPPF #Housing #PlanningReform

Last week thrilling finale to Formula One season took place at the incredible Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, with McLaren crowned constructors’ champions! We’re proud to have played a role in upgrading the circuit’s world-class facilities. This year, we completed Phase Two, which included enhancements to the pit and paddock building and redefined Paddock Club Hospitality with a striking new west entrance. Inspired by Arabic mashrabiya patterns and tensioned fabric elements, this iconic entryway now provides a dramatic backdrop for global broadcasts. The upgrades also introduced new rooftop suite spaces and an expanded terrace, offering breathtaking views of the track and podium. Learn more about our work at Yas Marina Circuit here: https://loom.ly/smRlq7w #YasMarinaCircuit #F1 #DesignExcellence #PaddockClub #BDP

Huge congratulations to ged couser, Principal at BDP, on being elected as the new Chair of RIBA North West Regional Council! With a career overseeing the design of some incredible projects like the award-winning Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool and the Christie Paterson building in Manchester, Ged brings unparalleled experience and passion to this role. Reflecting on his appointment, Ged said: "I am absolutely delighted to have been elected as the RIBA North-West Regional Chair and I would like to thank everyone who supported and voted for me. I am committed to championing the development of an inclusive, sustainable, and forward-thinking architectural profession that serves both people and planet." We’re so proud to see Ged leading the way, design a world thats built for good and championing community-focused, impactful and sustainable projects. 👏 #RIBA #ArchitecturalLeadership #BDP

Fascinating day attending the Good Global City Initiative for Jakarta's (Re)development Workshop in Jakarta, alongside colleagues and friends from 日本工営株式会社 (Nippon Koei), PT Indokoei International (Part of Nippon Koei Group) and BDP (Building Design Partnership Ltd). Insightful to hear about the groundwork being laid through the emerging Bappenas's Jakarta Masterplan and Bappeda Provinsi DKI Jakarta's vision for Jakarta to become a truly leading Global City - a solid foundation and a clear ambition for change. It was a pleasure to share my thoughts on how the BDP Good City Framework could be applied to create a network of catalyst projects across Jakarta and contribute towards achieving the Global City vision. Very much look forward to continuing the conversation over the coming weeks and months. #GoodCity #GoodCityFramework #Jakarta #GlobalCity #BDPPlanning Jeremy Farrington Justin Morey

Exciting news! Our Gap House concept, designed to tackle urban housing challenges and breathe new life into neighbourhoods, has come to life on a former garage plot in Bristol. This project, now in its final stages of construction, introduces nine innovative one-bedroom homes built using modern methods of construction. With structural insulated panels (SIPs), air source heat pumps, and solar PV, these homes are designed to minimise environmental impact and reduce daily running costs. By optimising offsite construction techniques, we’ve transformed a constrained site into a sustainable housing solution. 🌱 To find out more about this, visit the link below: https://loom.ly/Sf89z6o #GapHouse #SustainableDesign #AffordableHousing #UrbanRenewal #BDP

Today BDP North Studios met in Manchester to share our expertise and achievements across a number of common issues within #workplace #design. Firstly we visited a fine example of reinvigorating retail with office led retrofit, Foundation in Altrincham. Our thoughtful design for Bruntwood doesn’t just reimagine a vacant department store, it creates a new gateway into the town centre. Testament to its success it’s filling up fast. We then headed back into the city centre and visited some recently completed projects that consider placemaking, making the office a destination. Our Interiors team have created bold and adaptable fit-out designs and it was great to hear user feedback on what a success they are. Thanks to Gary Wilde for organising the day, Philip Ellis, Rachel Bishop, Frances Phillips for their project insights and great to catch up with Martin Jarvie Scott Geoghegan Stephen Marshall Manbir Kaur Paul Mulligan - some great discussion points were had! …plus a bonus shot of our Ordsall Chord Bridge