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.
Featured articles and news
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.