Bennetts Associates’ Post

The historic core of Cambridge, with its iconic university and college buildings, stands as a timeless symbol of tradition and heritage. Yet, beneath its tranquil façade lies a desire for renewal and inclusivity, prompting Clare College to embark on a journey of revitalisation. In the midst of this endeavour stands the River Wing, a testament to architectural ingenuity and collaborative spirit. Designed by Witherford Watson Mann, this innovative addition weaves seamlessly into the fabric of Clare College's Old Court, offering modern amenities while honouring centuries-old traditions. Ben Flatman's insightful piece delves into the complexities of this transformative project, highlighting the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way. From navigating historic constraints to overcoming logistical hurdles exacerbated by the pandemic, every step of the River Wing's construction was a testament to dedication and perseverance. What sets the River Wing apart is not just its striking design or functional elegance, but the meticulous attention to detail infused into every aspect of its creation. The intricate interplay between architecture and structure, masterfully executed by Witherford Watson Mann and their collaborators, elevates the building from mere construction to a work of art. As the River Wing opens its doors to the Clare College community, it embodies a vision of progress rooted in respect for the past. It is a beacon of modernity within a landscape steeped in history, inviting all to embrace the future while honouring the legacy of the past. #Architecture #HistoricPreservation #Collaboration #Innovation #Cambridge WITHERFORD WATSON MANN ARCHITECTS LIMITED Clare College Constructional Timber (Manufacturers) Ltd https://lnkd.in/drYv5NvK

Gordon Wilson Flats is a residential building in central Pōneke / Wellington, completed in 1959. The building was owned by Housing New Zealand and housed 131 people. It is currently owned by Victoria University of Wellington and is unoccupied pending a decision on its future. The flats were renamed in honour of government architect Gordon Wilson who died in its final year of construction. The flats exist as a simulacrum, a story about modernist architecture, about social housing, about the inability to build something new, about heritage, about questions of re-use and embodied carbon and about the impossibility of agreeing. In this age of social media, where we have to take a side, you’re either for them being knocked down or for them being saved. You’re either progressive or reactionary. But isn’t real life a bit more nuanced? All these arguments have to be carefully balanced before any decisions end up being made. The NZIA is having a Pōneke festival of architecture later this year where we’d like to discuss remembering, preserving, heritage, saving, re-using, re-building and all the other ways that old architecture can move forward.

I am back in Preston and that means a visit to one of my favourite buildings Preston Bus Station: A Monument to Modernist Vision and Civic Resilience In the heart of Preston, Lancashire, stands a structure that embodies the intersection of ambition, design, and public service: Preston Bus Station. To many, it's more than just a transport hub—it's a symbol of civic pride, architectural brilliance, and resilience in the face of change. Opened in 1969, this iconic building was once Europe’s largest bus station, a bold testament to the optimism of the post-war era. Its sweeping, curved concrete lines and vast scale reflect the modernist vision of architects Keith Ingham and Charles Wilson, creating a sense of flow and dynamism that mirrored the progressive aspirations of the time. Yet, the story of Preston Bus Station isn’t just about its striking design. It’s a story of survival. In the early 2000s, the station faced the very real threat of demolition. For some, it was a relic of a bygone era, out of place in a rapidly evolving city. But for others, it was a landmark worth fighting for. A passionate campaign led by local communities, architects, and heritage groups culminated in 2013 when the building was awarded Grade II listed status, securing its place in the city’s future. Since then, Preston Bus Station has undergone a transformation, balancing its historic significance with modern functionality. The redevelopment, completed in 2018, saw a sensitive restoration that respected the original design while improving facilities for today’s commuters. It’s now a bustling hub once again, serving as a gateway to Preston and a reminder of the city’s rich architectural heritage. Preston Bus Station is more than just a place where buses come and go—it’s a symbol of how communities can come together to preserve their heritage, how thoughtful design can endure the test of time, and how modernism, even in concrete, can remain a living part of our urban landscape. Next time you’re in Preston, take a moment to appreciate this remarkable structure. It's not just a bus station; it’s a piece of history that continues to serve the community, connecting people and places while standing tall as a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring relevance of great design. #Architecture #Heritage #Modernism #PrestonBusStation #CivicPride #UrbanDesign

New York City's skyline is punctuated not only by its towering skyscrapers but also by its iconic bridges. They are more than mere structures; they are vital in connecting the city's boroughs and supporting its bustling economy. This article explores three of New York City’s most famous bridges, delving into their engineering marvels, historical significance, and lasting legacies. #nyc #architecture

Educational design has a profound impact on learning environments as it influences student mood, learning outcomes, and overall well-being. Elements like adaptable learning spaces, biophilic design, vibrant colour and carefully planned lighting are crucial in establishing ideal educational settings that support both academic achievement and student wellness

BPTW has been appointed to design Phases 4 & 5 of the award-winning Rochester Riverside regeneration, with the reserved matters planning application recently submitted for approval. This appointment underscores our continued involvement in transforming this significant waterfront site, in collaboration with Vistry Group and The Hyde Group. This project is a lasting legacy to Chris Bath, who sadly passed away last month. He worked on this major regeneration project from its inception. His passion and enthusiasm for creating great places to live is evident and will continue with his talented team led by Caroline Dommett and Peter Sofoluke. Medway Council's flagship masterplan will provide over 1,400 new homes alongside commercial and community spaces in a landscaped public space network that connects the biodiverse riverside to the historic centre. Central to this vision is the commitment to placemaking which strengthens the local identity and creates a vibrant, cohesive community. The latest phases will introduce 353 new homes, comprising 115 houses and 238 apartments, built by Vistry under its Countryside Homes brand. 79 of the apartments will be provided as affordable homes. In addition, there will be ample car and cycle parking, and innovative public spaces, including an extension to the new river walk and green spaces that enhance connectivity with the historic Rochester High Street. Building upon the scheme’s established design principles, Phases 4 & 5 will further develop distinct designs that respond to the area’s industrial heritage. Phases 4 & 5 will utilise Vistry’s off-site manufactured timber frame structure for the houses, developed by BPTW, featuring standardised components that improve production efficiency and reduce carbon emissions during construction. A striking new entrance gateway at Eventide Park will feature strong frontage with a number of commercial spaces providing valuable amenities for residents. Public realm improvements are central to the scheme enhancing the river walk as a safe and inviting space for community interaction, while also supporting biodiversity. A temporary dock at Limehouse Wharf has been proposed by Medway Council offering the opportunity for river boat access including the Waverley Steamer, the world's last sea going paddle steamer. The project is set to progress through public consultation in the autumn, with a determination by Medway Council expected by winter. If approved, construction on Phases 4 and 5 is anticipated to commence in spring of 2025. Looking ahead, the masterplan will continue to evolve with the subsequent Phase 6, which will complete the regeneration of Rochester Riverside. CGI by Dean Wells #planningsubmission #architecture #regeneration #medway

Heritage vs. Progress: A London Skyscraper Showdown Renowned architect Eric Parry's ambitious 1 Undershaft tower is set to be approved this week, but it is facing opposition from Historic England, who argue that the proposed design could still harm the character of St Helen's Square. The main arguments for Historic England are the installation of a 7-metre digital screen and the tower's footprint, which will encroach into the square. While the design team has made adjustments, heritage experts remain concerned about the impact on the historic landscape. This raises an important question for construction professionals: Where do we draw the line between innovative urban development and preserving our architectural heritage? #Construction #CivilEngineering #Heritage

On a social level, the architecture of collective housing plays a major role in the cohesion or fragmentation of urban communities. The design of these homes can profoundly influence the way individuals interact with each other, and by extension, the feeling of belonging to a community.   Buildings designed to encourage meetings and social interactions, with well-designed common spaces such as shared gardens, welcoming lobbies or roof terraces, can strengthen social connections. They promote a more collective and supportive way of life, particularly in densely populated neighborhoods. On the other hand, unsuitable architecture, where private spaces are completely isolated from public spaces, can lead to a feeling of isolation and alienation. However, contemporary architecture seeks to overcome these problems by promoting more inclusive and sustainable approaches. The emergence of concepts such as participatory housing or social diversity in development projects aim to create residential complexes where the diversity of residents is encouraged, thus allowing better social integration. In the project below, I have managed to bring those ideas into a vibrant architectural approach.  

Take a read and let us know what you think in the comments!

Q: Where did my interest in historic buildings, and the way we use them today, first start? A: It all started with a quote from Winston Churchill.  I can pinpoint the exact moment: I was a second-year undergraduate, sitting in a seminar on the history of Christian liturgy, and the lecturer was getting us to think about how the layout of a building both affects, and is affected by, the activity taking place within it. He quoted Churchill’s words: “We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.” In 1943, Churchill was advocating for the retention of the adversarial rectangular layout in the re-building of the Commons Chamber of the Houses of Parliament in London, following bomb damage in the Blitz during WWII. He attributed the two-party system, which he saw as the essence of British parliamentary democracy, to this layout. In that moment, I realised that Churchill’s principle applied not only to ecclesiastical architecture and the layout of parliamentary debating chambers, but to the buildings we live and work in. At that time, home was a tiny eighteenth-century stone cottage in a small town in North Wales, which showed signs of having been altered a number of times to accommodate changes of use. During its lifetime it had reputedly been a mead house, and more recently a café, as well as a living and working space for artisan households (as evidenced in more recent centuries by census records). Meanwhile, at the core of my university campus was the original nineteenth-century building, itself a pastiche of a medieval Oxbridge college – a style reflecting the ambitions of the founders for their fledgling educational institution. I went on to study medieval monasteries, focusing on the relationship between their infrastructure and the patterns of daily living this facilitated; and vernacular architectural styles, in particular becoming fascinated by palimpsests as evidence of how the people who lived and worked in these buildings continued to shape the evolution of the buildings that had shaped them. Now I’m learning about appropriate and effective energy efficiency measures to ensure that these buildings and their occupants continue to survive and thrive in the 21st century and beyond. And my organisation's new offices are in a converted mid-19th century warehouse in Gloucester Quays (formerly the docks on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal).  For me, it’s part of an ongoing dialogue between place and people: “We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.” #historicbuildings #energyefficiency #builtenvironment #heritage #history #traditionalbuildings #buildingshistory