About Markidect
I am an architect with a broad interest in environmental design

My proposal is for energy related measures to be related much more to human behaviour. I have seen many excellent technical solutions which seem to perform poorly in operation because not enough thought has been put into the 'human factor'.
As an example of this I designed a naturally ventilated Primary Care Centre in the north-east of England. The rooflights/windows were designed with rain sensors to close during rain and this worked well when the caretaker was in the building as he went around after the shower to open them all again. However, he stopped working at 1pm and so staff were complaining about the ventilation in the afternoon. Now one ensured all the windows were open again.
I accept that some of this is about the education of building users, but some I feel is about making the technology smarter, so that it responds better to the behaviour of occupants. I think more research is required to map out some of these issues, so that designers can draw on a pool of information when making decisions about systems and design solutions.
IHBC NewsBlog
Old Sarum fire in listed (& disputed) WW1 Hangar - Wiltshire Council has sought legal advice after fire engulfed a listed First World War hangar that was embroiled in a lengthy planning dispute.
UK Antarctic Heritage Trust launches ‘Virtual Visit’ website area
The Trust calls on people to 'Immerse yourself in our heritage – Making Antarctica Accessible'
Southend Council pledge to force Kursaal owners to maintain building
The Council has pledged to use ‘every tool in the toolbox’ if urgent repairs are not carried out.
HE’s Research Magazine publishes a major study of the heritage of England’s suburbs
The article traces the long evolution of an internal programme to research 200 years of suburban growth
IHBC Context 183 Wellbeing and Heritage published
The issue explores issues at the intersection of heritage and wellbeing.
SAVE celebrates 50 years of campaigning 1975-2025
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has announced events across the country to celebrate bringing new life to remarkable buildings.
IHBC Annual School 2025 - Shrewsbury 12-14 June
Themed Heritage in Context – Value: Plan: Change, join in-person or online.
200th Anniversary Celebration of the Modern Railway Planned
The Stockton & Darlington Railway opened on September 27, 1825.
Competence Framework Launched for Sustainability in the Built Environment
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Edge have jointly published the framework.
Historic England Launches Wellbeing Strategy for Heritage
Whether through visiting, volunteering, learning or creative practice, engaging with heritage can strengthen confidence, resilience, hope and social connections.