A Christmas verse for Designing Buildings
In the digital realm where builders convene,
Lies a wiki of wisdom, a virtual scene.
Designing Buildings, a collaborative space,
Guiding construction with knowledge and grace.
From project plans to procurement's art,
Each article crafted to play its part.
Legislation, standards, history's lore,
A treasure trove for the built environment to explore.
As Christmas lights twinkle on structures anew,
We honour the architects, the planners, the crew.
May your projects be sturdy, your designs ever bright,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
In the heart of the web, where knowledge is shared,
A treasure awaits for those who’ve prepared,
To dream, to build, to craft and create,
A world of design to celebrate.
Designing Buildings, a beacon so bright,
Guiding the trades with its digital light.
From architects’ visions to surveyors’ schemes,
To engineers' strength and constructors' dreams.
Its pages unfold with a wealth of lore,
On how to design, procure, and restore.
Historic treasures, techniques of today,
And glimpses of futures still paving their way.
Through articles written with wisdom and care,
Each click brings answers for all who dare
To seek understanding of what makes a place
A sanctuary for time, a symbol of grace.
Planning permissions and contracts abound,
Insights on costs where solutions are found.
The heritage whispers, preserved for all time,
While innovations emerge—sublime!
This Christmas season, let us reflect
On the buildings we craft, the lives they protect.
Each brick, each beam, each structure we raise,
Tells a story of people, their lives, and their ways.
May builders and designers, through winter’s deep chill,
Find joy in their craft and strength in their skill.
As festive lights twinkle on walls built with pride,
And snow gently falls on rooftops worldwide.
So raise a toast to this virtual hall,
Designing Buildings, a gift for us all.
A guide through the ages, a place we can trust—
Where vision meets action, and build we must!
Merry Christmas to all, from foundation to spire,
May your projects be steady, and your dreams inspire.
For those who shape the world we see,
This season, let’s honour your legacy!
Featured articles and news
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.