GPAD’s Post

Historical Restoration 🫱🏻🫲🏾 Modern Architectural Techniques Developer Soller Group has submitted plans for an incredible 18-storey ‘upside-down’ tech tower in Manchester which incorporates several buildings at street level. Dubbed the NXQ scheme, the project is set to create a truly unique and dynamic space. The aim is to retain and respect the 19th-century buildings and the nearby Grade II listed Daily Express Building whilst incorporating forward-thinking features like intelligent façades and mixed-mode ventilation. The cantilevered structure supported by an efficient raking column will marry the old with the new harmoniously. It will be interesting to see how the final structure integrates with Manchester’s cityscape and how tech companies will utilise this innovative space. Projects like this reflect a growing emphasis on creating buildings that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sensitive. #manchester #realestate #development #propertydevelopment

🌟 Transforming Spaces, Building Communities 🌟 The MacMillan Hub in Edinburgh's Pennywell development is more than a building—it’s a vibrant space bringing people together through learning, creativity, and connection. A project by Richard Murphy Architects LTD and Robertson Group, the Hub integrates diverse spaces: a library, early years centre, arts building, and even social housing. But designing for such varied needs came with its challenges. How did we contribute? At DorSuite, we worked closely with the team to deliver bespoke doorsets tailored to each area: ✔️ Durable laminate-faced doors for high-traffic areas. ✔️ Natural light-enhancing glazed doors with oak bolection beading. ✔️ Concealed oak lippings for a sleek, modern finish. The result? A space that’s as functional as it is beautiful, supporting the Hub’s mission to foster community spirit. 👏 A huge shoutout to our amazing DorSuite team for bringing this vision to life: Katy Oliver John Wright & Kevin Robb. 📸 Stunning photography by Paul Zanre captures the design’s impact. Read more about this incredible project here: https://lnkd.in/ejTwfhgd Looking for doors that bring your vision to life? Let’s chat! #Construction #CommunityDesign #Doorsets #Edinburgh #PerformanceDoors #MacMillanHub

Touching the sky has never been just about height. The Wilshire Grand Center in Los Angeles stands as a testament to this, not merely scraping the sky, but weaving into the fabric of urban development and technological innovation. Beyond its impressive stature as one of the tallest buildings in the U.S., it's the story of ambition, resilience, and pioneering spirit. This architectural marvel showcases cutting-edge construction techniques, with a top that defies the traditional spire, marking a new era of skyscraper design. But it’s not just what meets the eye. Its foundation, deeply anchored into the earth, represents the unseen strength and foresight that goes into such grand creations. The Wilshire Grand is more than a building; it's a beacon of sustainability, boasting energy-efficient systems that challenge the norms of high-rise constructions. It’s a hub of commerce, hospitality, and leisure, all while being an integral part of Los Angeles' skyline and identity. As professionals, we can draw inspiration from the Wilshire Grand Center. It reminds us that reaching new heights in our careers isn't just about the accolades or titles. It's about the foundation we build, the innovations we bring to our fields, and the legacy we leave behind. What architectural feat inspires you in your professional journey? Share your thoughts below.

123 Golden Lane: A century of change, a future of possibility... 🏗 Since its early days in 1910, 123 Golden Lane has stood as a key player in the story of this vibrant London neighbourhood. Once home to Goodrich, an American pioneer in rubber products, this building has seen industry, intellect, and community service flourish within its walls. By the 1960s, Concordia Publishing took the reins, followed by Mencap in the 1970s, each chapter shaping the legacy of this remarkable space. Today, we’re reimagining 123 Golden Lane. Honouring its Edwardian industrial roots while pioneering sustainable design, we're partnering with Waugh Thistleton Architects to remove the outdated 1970s top floor and replace it with two new floors of mass timber construction, creating contemporary workspaces. This isn’t just preservation; it’s progress. #BywaterProperties #123GoldenLane #SustainableFuture #HeritageReimagined

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

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

From St. Paul’s to the Skyscrapers: An Architect’s Journey Through London’s Vertical Evolution London has long been a city of architectural innovation, where tradition and modernity coexist in striking harmony. Reflecting on my journey as a young architect, I’ve often returned to the idea of elevation—both physical and conceptual. St. Paul’s Cathedral, built in 1710, set the tone for height in London, its dome symbolizing a spiritual aspiration to reach toward the heavens. Fast forward to today, the city’s skyline is a story of yearning verticality reaching higher and higher, each layer reflecting a shift in society’s ambitions and technologies. This drawing explores the unfolding route through London, linking landmarks such as the Millbank Tower, BT Tower, Tower 42, 1 Canada Square, and The Shard. Each structure represents a moment in time—an architectural chapter that pushed the boundaries of design and human endeavour. The future concept of stacking volumes could offer a lens to understand architecture not merely as construction but as a narrative of aspirations. How do we, as architects, continue to elevate our craft, not just in height but in meaning and impact? #ArchitectureJourney #LondonSkyline #ArchitecturalInnovation #StPaulsToTheShard #DesignEvolution #UrbanExploration #YoungArchitect #CityscapeNarrative #ElevatingArchitecture

➡ What causes more debate – how tall buildings look 👀 and their impact on the skyline, or what happens at their feet? It seems that skyline eye candy trumps the ground floor every time, which is curious because it will be the #publicrealm that does all of the heavy lifting when it comes to making #community and giving people a sense of #belonging. It is where lives overlap, and people get to know their neighbours. Not a square metre can be wasted. Inspired by a conversation with Scott Carroll, a director at LDA Design, illustrator and architect Anna Gibb has explored how to make the most of the foot of the tower. Together, they have emerged with nine key things we should be thinking about on the ground when building tall. Featured in the latest issue of the Landscape Institute's Journal on Housing: Landscapes for Living: A landscape-led approach to housing the nation, which is choc full of great articles. Well done Paul Lincoln on your last issue at the helm 👏 Latest issue of the Journal here: https://lnkd.in/eyvCpu98 Our feature here: https://lnkd.in/eEkShD9F Scott Scott Carroll Stella Bland #tallbuildings #architecture #landscapearchitecture #landscapedesign #buildingcommunity #socialvalue #betterplaces #bettercity #publicrealm #placemaking

"London’s Next Horizon: Mapping the Future of the Skyline" The rise of London’s skyline has been a story of ambition, driven by innovation, mapping, and a relentless push skyward. A young architect, fascinated by the interplay of geometry, history, and urban growth, has made it their mission to divine the next location for a tower that will surpass The Shard in height. Their journey begins with data and mapping, tracing the lineage of London’s tallest structures, starting from the commanding dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, which reigned supreme for over 250 years. The line of development, running west to east, connects milestones in London’s architectural history. It begins with the Millbank Tower of 1963, followed by the BT Tower of 1964, Tower 42 in 1980, One Canada Square in 1991, and finally The Shard in 2012. Each successive building pushes further east, echoing the city’s expansion and its gravitational pull toward the Thames. But where does the story go next? Using a blend of historical precedent and mapping, the architect identifies three plausible sites for the next record-breaking tower: Stratford Olympic Park, Jubilee Gardens, and a site on the Isle of Dogs between Westferry and Millharbour. Each location offers a unique context for the next phase of London’s skyline evolution. The young architect's pursuit of the next great tower isn't just about height—it's about uncovering the geometry of London’s evolving skyline and how it aligns with the city’s cultural, economic, and geographic narratives. By studying the map, they uncover a new chapter in the city’s history, one that stretches beyond The Shard to define the future of London. Will it be Stratford, Jubilee Gardens, the Isle of Dogs, or somewhere else? As always, the city itself will guide the way. #LondonArchitecture #Skyscrapers #UrbanDesign #FutureSkyline #ArchitecturalInnovation #TallBuildings #CityPlanning #StratfordOlympicPark #JubileeGardens #IsleOfDogs #SustainableDesign #ModernArchitecture #SkylineEvolution

It’s the first #MasonryMonday of July! Can you believe how quickly 2024 is going by?! To start off the month, here’s another book recommendation: Reglazing Modernism, by Angel Ayón, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Uta Pottgiesser, and Nathaniel Richards. As many of the icons of the Modern Movement get older, the conservation of the buildings is becoming paramount in the minds of building users and professionals. One issue peculiar to the Modernist movement is the use of metal-framed single-glazed exterior enclosures, including windows, storefronts, and window walls. While the buildings may appear to be serviceable, the energy issues that arise with these enclosures can endanger them. Put simply, Modernist icons have not performed well when it comes to sustainability and user comfort. Ayón et al feature 20 case studies of buildings in the United States and Europe where either Restoration, Rehabilitation, or Replacement of the exterior glazed assemblies took place. The buildings—all of which have some sort of local historic landmark designation—were all retained and are thriving from a building performance standpoint. This is a well-written book featuring excellent, clear graphics (including 3-D sections and details), and a detailed account of what took place at each project. Full disclosure: I am a bit biased, as two projects were completed by current or previous employers. I was fortunate enough to be involved with one! #buildingpreservation #buildingenclosure #buildingrestoration #buildingconservation #conservation #facades #historicpreservation #historicrestoration #historicconservation #heritagerestoration #heritagepreservation #heritageconservation #heritagebuildings #docomomo #hallidiebuilding #sanfrancisco #newyorkcity #chicago #franklloydwright #modernarchitecture #modernmovement #modernistarchitecture #newhaven #preservation #restoration #rehabilitation #unesco