News
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
05.2019
Varnishing Day at the RA Summer Exhibition this afternoon. We are showing two models in the Architecture Room: Exeter College in Oxford, and The Smile. The collection was curated by Spencer de Grey this year, with a focus on design and sustainability.
“Alison Brooks uses structural cross-laminated and sustainably-forested Tulipwood in her Smile pavilion, resulting in a building with a negative carbon footprint.”
Architects Declare – A Climate and Biodiversity Emergency
05.2019
Along with 16 other UK winners of the RIBA Stirling Prize, we have signed an open letter declaring a climate and biodiversity emergency, making a commitment to positive action in response.
The twin crises of climate breakdown and biodiversity loss are the most serious issue of our time. Buildings and construction play a major part, accounting for nearly 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions whilst also having a significant impact on our natural habitats.
For everyone working in the construction industry, meeting the needs of our society without breaching the earth’s ecological boundaries will demand a paradigm shift in our behaviour. Together with our clients, we will need to commission and design buildings, cities and infrastructures as indivisible components of a larger, constantly regenerating and self-sustaining system.
The research and technology exist for us to begin that transformation now, but what has been lacking is collective will. Recognising this, we are committing to strengthen our working practices to create architecture and urbanism that has a more positive impact on the world around us.
Public Housing: A London Renaissance
05.2019
The opening of a new exhibition at the NLA this week at London’s Building Centre. A review of current trends in London Estate housing.
“This exhibition shows how London boroughs are working to deliver high-quality, pleasant and affordable homes on estates, smaller sites and large-scale areas of regeneration across London, to create places that can also support the sustainable growth of the capital.”
Alison Brooks Architects have contributed a number of our projects in Kilburn including Ely Court.
The exhibition will open from 16 May to 18 July 2019, at The Building Centre.
Forest of Fabrication Symposium on ‘Re-Imagining Timber’
04.2019
Alison presented our work in relation to the innovative use and the future potential of wood in architectural construction, alongside Alex de Rijke of drMM Architects and Amin Taha.
Other speakers included: David Venables of the American Hardwood Council, our client for The Smile project; and Johannes Rebhahn of specialist timber contractor Wiehag. Thanks to the host of the event, Vanessa Norwood of The Building Centre for facilitating such an interesting discussion that touched on wide ranging themes from technical design, the future of wood as a material in construction, well-being and the management of the world’s forests to provide a sustainable source of construction materials.
Maggie’s Taunton Awarded Planning Permission
03.2019
We are delighted to announce that our design for a Maggie’s Centre in Taunton has been granted planning permission.
Maggie’s have stated “We’re really excited to be bringing a Maggie’s to Taunton which will help thousands of people with cancer in the area and beyond. We’re incredibly grateful that we’ve been awarded planning permission, and we look forward to creating a very special place that people with cancer, their family and friends can benefit from.
We’re looking forward to working in partnership with the Beacon Cancer Centre at Musgrove Park Hospital and Alison Brooks Architects, and are committed to working with the council to create a brand new playground as part of the project for local residents and their families to enjoy.
We welcome more discussions with local residents and are keen to work with them so they feel part of the project and are happy with the outcome so that everyone can enjoy the space.”
University of Manitoba
03.2019
Alison Brooks is providing a lecture titled ‘Ideals, then Ideas: Authenticity, Generosity, Civicness and Beauty’ at the University of Manitoba on 21 March 2019.
In her talk she will discuss her practice philosophy, architectural approach and the ideals of ‘authenticity, generosity, civicness and beauty’ relating her current and recently completed projects. These include the new Cohen Quadrangle for Exeter College, Oxford University and new models for urban housing such as Ely Court, shortlisted for the 2017 Mies Award for Contemporary European Architecture.