Tara Flanagan, Author at Constructive Voices

Constructive Voices Biomaterials and Construction

Biomaterials and Their Place in the Construction Industry

The term biomaterials is used to describe building materials derived from living organisms including plants, animals and fungi. Increasing knowledge about microbiology and synthetic biology techniques is now allowing innovative biomaterials to enter the market. With the construction industry responsible for 40% of global CO2 emissions, responsibility falls on the industry to make dramatic changes to improve its sustainability. New biomaterials are being created using waste products and microbes to […]

March 23, 2022

Architecture

Biodiversity in the Built Environment

Globally the construction industry accounts for 40% (or 3 billion cubic tons) of raw materials into the economy every year. It is arguably one of the most resource-intensive and environmentally damaging industries in the world. While the focus in the industry has primarily been around decarbonisation and reaching net-zero carbon built environments, we cannot ignore the impact construction is having on biodiversity. Construction projects have the potential, and too often […]

March 15, 2022

Craig APPLEGATH Constructive Voices Article

Architecture

Craig Applegath and the Zero-Carbon Mass Timber Project

In 2022 Q2, we will be speaking to Craig Applegath, architect, urban designer, and zero-carbon building pioneer, on the Constructive Voices Podcast. Craig has an impressive career that has seen him internationally recognised for his design and advocacy of zero-carbon regenerative buildings and cities, as well as mass timber design. Training first as a biologist at the University of Toronto, before completing a Master's of Architecture in Urban Design at […]

March 8, 2022

Architecture

Resilient Cities: How Can Cities Adapt for Climate Change Effects?

Globally we are seeing the catastrophic effects of climate change. With more frequent, more severe and previously unforeseen events, such as wildfires, hurricanes, flooding and drought, the need for resilient cities, and in particular infrastructure to be redesigned and/or rebuilt for climate resilience, could not be more apparent. What is a Resilient City? According to the OECD, Resilient cities are cities that have the ability to absorb, recover and prepare […]

March 4, 2022

Constructive Voices Episode 26 Trimble Spot The Robot & Balfour Beatty Case Study

Podcasts

Episode 26: Spot The Robot With Trimble’s Top Expert & Balfour Beatty Case Study

In Episode 26 of the Constructive Voices podcast, Henry Mc Donald speaks to David Burczyk, Construction Robotics Lead at Trimble Connected Construction, and Mark Crawford, Business Manager at Balfour Beatty, to speak about their exciting collaboration, Spot the Robot, who could be our future new co-worker on construction sites. Robotics platforms such as Spot have huge potential in making construction sites safer, more efficient and more streamlined places of work. […]

March 1, 2022

Podcasts

Episode 25 International Women’s Day Special With Award-Winning Author Farah Naz

In Episode 25 of the Constructive Voices podcast, Henry McDonald speaks to Farah Naz, award-winning climate change strategist, in our International Women's Day special. Farah provides her professional and personal experience, with global insights, into where we stand in relation to the gender gap in the construction, engineering and architecture industries. Farah and Henry discuss her experience as a woman in the AEC sector, what we all need to do […]

March 1, 2022

Podcasts

Episode 24: The Silent Challenge of the Industry and How To Deal With It

Henry Mc Donald interviews Charlie Winton, founder of OK+ Positive, to discuss the silent challenge that is alarmingly prominent throughout the Construction Industry - Mental Health. With the industry facing challenges like skilled labour shortages and rising material costs, mental health is often overlooked in construction. Henry and Charlie explore the stigma around mental health within the industry, the lack of support available for those suffering, and how your organisation […]

February 18, 2022

International-Womens-Day-2022-BreakTheBias-in-AEC

Construction News

Will you #BreakTheBias in AEC for International Women’s Day?

International Women's Day, 8th March, is an opportunity to reinforce the fact that everyone has a role to play in forging a more gender-balanced world. Since the first IWD gathering in 1911, IWD has celebrated the achievements of women, called for gender parity, raised awareness against bias and take action for equality. The theme for 2022 is about being pro-active in calling out gender bias if you see it. 'Actively […]

February 10, 2022