About Elias Haddad
For buildings to be more resilient in an ever changing world, I believe that buildings should be designed to satisfy three main criteria.
(1) Embrace the trending "Sharing Economy" and design buildings to be co-living and/ or co-working spaces. Given that these spaces are cheaper to rent and operate, they will encourage younger professionals to move back into city centers to either live or establish startups at cheaper costs. This will encourage people to reduce car dependency and as a result lead healthier lifestyles and reduce CO2 emissions. Socially, these shared spaces would support more social interactions that would foster better knit communities that are often lacking in our urban areas.
(2) Experiment with new 3D technologies to try and develop projects using lightweight and movable partitions. This added flexibility will make it easier for buildings to be allocated different functions based on future market needs.
(3) Involve communities living around development sites in the design process from an early stage making it an inclusive communal effort. This will not only reduce the tensions that are usually present between established communities and developers but also help transform these new projects into places that the community feels attached to.
Needless to say, architects should also be less concerned with designing signature buildings and more concerned with creating contextual buildings that incorporate passive design strategies to make the buildings more environmentally friendly and more respectful to the surrounding fabric.
Featured articles and news
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.