AUCKLAND CASTLE PLANNING APPROVAL
MARCH 2015
We have received planning approval and Listed Building Consent for the restoration and extension to Auckland Castle in Co. Durham. The project involves repairs and alterations to the existing listed buildings, a new museum extension and a visitor reception building facing the town square. Given the high sensitivity of this unique site, the planning process took almost one year, involving a very constructive dialogue with English Heritage and Durham County Council. The designs had overwhelming support from local people.
TAPESTRY BUILDING PROGRESS
MARCH 2015
Looking south from the roof garden, the view is framed by the ‘beak’ of the building looking south over Regents Canal and out towards the BT tower.
The concrete frame of the Tapestry (T1) building is approaching completion, with just two more floors to be constructed. This space on the 8th floor will become an outdoor roof garden enclosed either side by two level ‘townhouses’ and a tower to the north. The area will be open to residents and landscaped with trees and gardens.
RIBA EDUCATION REVIEW PRESENTATION
MARCH 2015
Niall gave a presentation to the RIBA Education Review at a specially convened Forum and Council, which debated significant changes to the structure of architectural education. Niall spoke about the relationship between education and practice, arguing for a lifelong cycle of practice and education.
“Education should not end with RIBA Part III, or even limp along through minimum prescribed CPD events. It should no longer be possible for an architect to finish their education. I propose a more comprehensive model of life-long learning. If practitioners come back to the schools throughout their lives, they will be constantly invigorated and, by extension, they will constantly invigorate the schools to which they return. This would constitute a discourse – in the sense of a ferrying back and forth – in which practice and education are both part of a seamless continuity. The purpose of education is not so much the acquisition of set skills but – to borrow a phrase from John Hattie – learning how to learn. Once you have done this, you have built an engine for a lifetime of renewal.”