Sandbox from Buro Happold

Ep.09: Heart of the Capital: Re-thinking City Living

How can we re-think our cities to create best possible conditions for the people who live and work there? Find out more in our latest ‘Sandbox’ special... 

In a post-covid landscape, the way we live, work and operate in our cities has changed. London, as the UK’s capital, is a prime example of this transformation.  

Due to a number of contributing factors, there is now less reliance on the city centre, with other emerging hubs providing living, working and leisure facilities for communities. This shift has prompted a re-evaluation of urban planning and development strategies. 

In this special episode of ‘Sandbox’, our panel discuss London’s position as a global city, and examine:  

• What strategies can be employed to enhance the existing landscape of London for better urban experiences? 

• How can urban growth and connectivity be achieved while adhering to more sustainable principles? 

• What are the key factors driving the shift away from reliance on city centres? 

• What is the 15-minute community model, and how can this be implemented in London? 

• What could the future of travel in capital cities look like? 

Listen to the special episode to discover more about the potential future of our cities, and how we can create environments that are not only functional but also enriching for all who inhabit them. 

Joining our regular host Andy Duncan, in this episode, are Buro Happold experts Lawrie Robertson, Head of Strategic Planning, and Rainier Valcarcel, Discipline Director, Cities Infrastructure. 

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.   

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).  

From libraries to theatres, what are the challenges behind some venues, and how can these be overcome? Sandbox FOMO5 3, from Ep.08

What are the challenges behind designing venues and how can these be overcome? For instance, how can you balance the ideal temperature for storing archival materials with visitor comfort? Find out more in this week’s ‘Sandbox’ FOMO5 episode... 

In our latest ‘Sandbox’ episode, Christine Lowry, Partner, Buro Happold, noted that there are, ‘two significant’ challenges when it comes to venue design.  

The first challenge is ensuring that visitors are comfortable at the ‘equivalent to modern standards’, whilst preserving the heritage elements of existing buildings – a common feature of many theatres, galleries and museums.  

Christine noted that the ‘other great challenge’ is implementing sustainable design practices. Discussing Buro Happold’s work with the British Library, Christine said: “The challenge of achieving certain conditions whilst being sustainable is really challenging because of exhibit materials. I'm actually working with the British library at the moment, and they store a lot of paper in all of their books and paper doesn't like to be too dry because it crumbles, and it doesn't like to be too wet because it goes mouldy.” 

To store these books in a sustainable way, Christine discussed the passive design approach Buro Happold has taken, saying: “There is a band of temperature that we'd like to keep the space at. Now this is actually quite a cool temperature which isn't actually comfortable for people. 

“We are putting in automated retrieval systems... to hold the temperature much cooler, which means the big ventilation systems and heating, cooling, humidification and dehumidification systems that we would have once needed in this building, we now don't need.  

“So, all the energy which would have driven those systems in the past because we were trying to make the space suitable and comfortable for humans as well as the books, isn't needed.” 

Joining our regular host Andy Duncan, in this episode, are Buro Happold experts Christine Lowry, Partner, and Dr. Becky Hayward, Associate Director. Our special guest in this episode is Alistair Barrie, comedian and actor. Alistair performs at major events including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (where he has been nominated twice for best show), and Glastonbury. You can also find him regularly on the BBC, Times Radio and a wide range of podcasts.  

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.    

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast). 

How can visitor experiences be improved? Sandbox FOMO5 2, from Ep.08

From the way spaces guide your movement to the thoughtful details that make visitors return time and again, venue design is a powerful tool for creating unforgettable experiences. 

In this week’s Sandbox FOMO 5, we discuss the psychology behind creating memorable spaces and the subtle design choices that enhance visitor satisfaction. 

The ‘science’ and psychology behind venue design is key in enhancing visitor experiences. This topic, and more, was discussed by our panel in our most recent ‘Sandbox’ episode, ‘Echoes and flow: The science behind memorable venues.’ 

Stand-up comedian, Alistair Barrie, discussed how seating arrangement can create a ‘holistic experience between the audience’ when it comes to comedy shows, saying, “...if your shoulder is touching the shoulder of someone next to you and a laugh starts...the laughter goes around the room because it’s infectious.” 

Dr Becky Hayward also discussed the importance of navigation and wayfinding in creating an ‘exploratory experience.’ 

Becky said: “What we try to do is look at how people move through a new space. Psychology is influencing how you move through the space at all levels.  

“So, whether or not you decide to go to the museum or the theatre in the first place might be influenced by your own motivations or what you've read online and so on or what the content is there. And then when you arrive there, there's many different factors that influence your experience and your decision making as you go around.” 

Joining our regular host Andy Duncan, in this episode, are Buro Happold experts Christine Lowry, Partner, and Dr. Becky Hayward, Associate Director. Our special guest in this episode is Alistair Barrie, comedian and actor. Alistair performs at major events including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (where he has been nominated twice for best show), and Glastonbury. You can also find him regularly on the BBC, Times Radio and a wide range of podcasts.  

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.    

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).  

How do you make a venue really great, for visitors and performers alike? Sandbox FOMO5 1, from Ep.08

‘People don’t realise how much difference the space makes to what you are doing’, Alistair Barrie, stand-up comedian, performer and actor. So how can venues be built or retrofitted to become truly exceptional for the performer, as well as the audience? Find out in this week’s ‘Sandbox’ FOMO5... 

Creating a fantastic venue involves many factors, from efficient temperature control, external noise reductions to seamless visitor movement throughout. But how do we ensure venues offer the best experience for everyone? 

In our latest ‘Sandbox’ podcast episode, ‘Echoes and flow: The science behind memorable venues’, our panel discussed this idea. 

From an engineering perspective, discussing visitor experiences, Christine Lowry, Partner, Buro Happold, said: “I don't want them to notice what we've been up to. I don't want them to feel the ventilation systems, the heating, the cooling. 

“If we get that bit right in the design and the construction or refurbishment of a venue, you really find that that user experience is second to none.” 

Echoing Christine’s point, Becky Hayward, Associate Director, Buro Happold, said: “When we have worked at a venue, you shouldn’t really be able to tell that we have been there and intervened in some way. So, it should feel like a seamless experience.” 

Adding an insight from the performer’s perspective, our special guest Alistair Barrie said: “As a performer, part of it is the joy of how well it goes, which is all to do with the people, but a lot of it is to do with what Christine said - people don't realise how much difference the space makes to what you are doing.” 

Joining our regular host Andy Duncan, in this episode, are Buro Happold experts Christine Lowry, Partner, and Dr. Becky Hayward, Associate Director. Our special guest in this episode is Alistair Barrie, comedian and actor. Alistair performs at major events including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (where he has been nominated twice for best show), and Glastonbury. You can also find him regularly on the BBC, Times Radio and a wide range of podcasts.  

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.    

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).  

Ep.08: Echoes and Flow - The Science of Memorable Venues

Do you have a favourite venue? If so, what makes it so special? Join us for our very festive and most recent episode of ‘Sandbox’, where our panel goes behind the scenes... 

In our latest podcast episode, ‘Echoes and Flow: The Science of Memorable Venues,’ we dive into this question from multiple angles. Join our experts as they discuss how engineering helps to elevate experiences for both the performers and visitors alike. And for a special insight from both sides, our special guest, actor and stand-up comedian Alistair Barrie, shares his perspective from both the performer and visitor viewpoints. 

From perfect temperature control to optimal audience seating and smooth crowd management, many factors contribute to a venue's success. But what makes a venue stand out and offer a unique, enjoyable experience? Tune in to the full episode for all the fascinating insights. 

Joining our regular host Andy Duncan, in this episode, are Buro Happold experts Christine Lowry, Partner, and Dr. Becky Hayward, Associate Director. Our special guest in this episode is Alistair Barrie, comedian and actor. Alistair performs at major events including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (where he has been nominated twice for best show), and Glastonbury. You can also find him regularly on the BBC, Times Radio and a wide range of podcasts.  

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.  

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).  

From the circular economy to true multi-level user engagement, what are the benefits of Digital Twins? Sandbox FOMO5 1, from Ep.07

Digital twins are changing the ‘game’ for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. From looking at how assets can be re-utilised at the end of a project lifecycle, to creating a ‘virtual library of materials’, Digital Twins are crucial in providing foresight into the circular economy of a project. 

Digital Twins are also significant in creating places which are determined by the communities that live there. One of our Buro Happold experts on this episode’s panel, Miraj Patel, discussed a Digital Twin project in Barkham, saying: “We needed to find a suitable pathway for communities to switch to electricity in a renewable way that also helped them.  

“The idea behind it was to take a snapshot of the village as it was, build a Digital Twin off that, and then run various energy scenarios, allowing for a targeted approach that benefitted the community. 

“And through that, we were able to get the community's input. We are looking to push this many years into the future. It would allow you to simulate what a place would be like in 10, 15, 20 years, and that is quite powerful.” 

Along with our regular host, Andy Duncan, this latest Sandbox episode features: 

• Robert Moyser, Partner and Head of UK Advisory, Buro Happold 

• Miraj Patel, Associate, Buro Happold 

• Special guest Simon Blakeney, XR Expert and Account Manager at Epic Games 

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.   

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).  

 

Ep.07: Digital by Design: From gaming to virtual buildings

How video games led to an incredible leap in engineering design: What are Digital Twins, and why are they crucial to the future of the built environment? Find out more in our latest ‘Sandbox’ episode, ‘Digital by Design: From gaming to virtual buildings'...  

The Unreal Engine from Epic Games is used, not only in games such as Fortnite, which has over 650 million registered users worldwide, but also across various industries, including the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry.  

The digital world of engineering has grown exponentially over the last 20 years, from the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) to Building Information Modelling (BIM), and now to Digital Twins, which are the digital replica of a physical entity.  

Joining our regular host, Andy Duncan, in this episode, are Buro Happold experts Robert Moyser, Partner and Head of UK Advisory, and Miraj Patel, Associate. Our special guest in this episode is Simon Blakeney, Twinmotion, and XR expert and Account Manager at Epic Games. Simon helps AEC firms successfully adopt cutting-edge real-time solutions through integration and scaling of the many software solutions under the Unreal Engine umbrella.

Subscribe to the whole series; Sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.   

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).  

Building re-use: Preserving building identity for cities - Sandbox FOMO5 3, from Ep.06

“When you work in the built environment, it’s not just ones and zeros and black and white, it's real stuff that affects people's lives - it's where people live.” Darren Conboy, panelist on our most recent Sandbox episode, ‘Revolution in Retrofit’. 

How could we keep vacant buildings in use and relevant for communities, without changing their character?  And how could this lead to the transformation of an entire area? Find out in this week’s ‘Sandbox’ FOMO5. 

Our panel explored the importance of retrofit for the surrounding community - Darren Conboy continued... 

‘...getting the chance to do things where you help people, a place really to get on living their lives, is really rewarding. Historic buildings are integral to the fabric of our UK cities – not only for city identity, but also for the communities which live there.’ 

Joining our regular host Andy Duncan in this episode, were Buro Happold experts Ana Araújo, Partner and UK Facades leader, and Darren Conboy, Associate. Our special guest for this episode was Gillian Darley OBE - a leading architectural historian, writer and broadcaster with a background in conservation, who has written books such as Excellent Essex, and featured on television with shows including Channel 4's Built in Britain and BBC2's The Man Who Fought the Planners.   

Listen to the full FOMO5 episode to find out more...  

Subscribe to the whole series; sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.   

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast). 

Upcycling and Retrofit? Sandbox FOMO5 2, from Ep.06

Retrofit, material reuse and the circular economy – how can we, as individuals, play our part? Find out more in this week’s ‘Sandbox’ FOMO5... 

We can all adopt the basic principles of retrofit across our existing assets to help tackle the climate crisis. Examples include making more sustainable changes in our homes, mending rather than replacing, to upcycling a piece of IKEA furniture (there’s even websites dedicated to change of use for older pieces!). 

In our most recent episode of ‘Sandbox’, our panel explores this idea, along with the importance of re-using materials within the circular economy. Darren Conboy, Associate, Buro Happold, said: “It's easy to be tempted to take things and use them and throw them away and actually there is a much more promising future for a lot of the materials we have, and it's the same for existing buildings as it is for furniture.” 

Ana Araujo, Partner, Buro Happold, added: “The next step for us as an industry is to create a real economy around materials. 

“We have this amazing built stock that is out there, which was probably built in a time when we had different needs as a society. So, it's not just about making them more efficient, but it's also about how we adapt for current needs.” 

Joining our regular host Andy Duncan in this episode, are Buro Happold experts Ana Araújo and Darren Conboy, and our special guest Gillian Darley OBE, a leading architectural historian, writer and broadcaster with a background in conservation, who has written books such as Excellent Essex, and featured on television with shows including Channel 4's Built in Britain and BBC2's The Man Who Fought the Planners.   

Listen to the full FOMO5 episode to find out more...  

Subscribe to the whole series; sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.   

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).   

Retrofit: Can you define it? Sandbox FOMO5 1, from Ep.06

‘It needs to be a very broad definition of making changes to keep a building occupied, relevant, and as efficient as possible’: How can ‘retrofit’ be defined? Find out more in our latest ‘Sandbox’ episode... 

The definition of ‘retrofit’ has evolved over time – and even to this day the interpretations vary. In our latest ‘Sandbox’ episode, ‘Revolution in Retrofit: Beyond Bricks for a Greener Future’, we asked our panel to distill their own definitions of the term.  

Ana Araujo, Partner and UK Facades Group Leader, discussed how, “...in 2024, there’s still some debate on what retrofit means.  

“For me, it needs to be a very broad definition of making changes to keep a building occupied, relevant and as efficient as possible.” 

Our special guest in this episode, Gillian Darley OBE, highlighted the success story of the Bartlett School of Architecture, which transformed a 1970s building into a thriving space, proving that structures can be revitalised. 

Darren Conboy, Associate, Buro Happold noted how each project presents unique opportunities, saying: “I think the aspect that's most meaningful to me about it is the buildings which have fallen out of use, they used to have a real kind of meaningful day to day use for people and then for whatever reason that's ended. 

“And it's tempting to think that's the end of the building's life, but a lot of times these buildings do still have a promising future via retrofit.” 

Listen to the full FOMO5 episode to find out more...  

Subscribe to the whole series; sometimes we’ll tackle a subject head on, sometimes a sideways view - but always with curiosity, expertise and maybe even a dash of humour.   

This podcast series is brought to you by Buro Happold (https://buro.im/SandboxPodcast).