1. Adopt ‘silly ideas’ to connect with public, sector urged
Building sites should be adopting a range of “silly” ideas to help them engage with the public and remove feelings of annoyance towards noisy and obstructive building activities, according to combined arts expert Roger Hartley, who runs the Bureau of Silly Ideas. Read more…
2. EU votes ‘yes’ to BIM-friendly procurement shake-up
The European Parliament voted to support reforms to the EU Public Procurement Directive, which includes clauses to encourage all European countries to recommend the use of electronic tools, including BIM, on public works contracts. Read more…
3. Swansea ready to submit planning for tidal energy lagoon project
A planning application for Swansea’s innovative tidal lagoon project – including a new oyster-shaped visitor centre and maintenance building – will be submitted “within the next few weeks”, according to the company backing the project. Read more…
4. HS2 urged to learn from France’s high speed rail ‘clause sociale’
The HS2 organisation is being urged to look towards France for an example of how to build a high speed railway that creates lasting economic impact and social value. Read more…
5. HSE urged to reconsider Fees for Intervention in DWP-backed review
Martin Temple, who carried out the HSE’s first ever triennial review, called Fees for Intervention “a dangerous model” which potentially undermined the integrity of the HSE and called for further consultation on its use. Read more…
6. BIM meets Call of Duty in new app technology
Dr David Heesom from the University of Wolverhampton is incorporating features found in computer games like Call of Duty into user-friendly BIM apps. Read more…
7. BAM Construct takes on Hadid’s tunnel vision
When BAM Construct took on Zaha Hadid Architects’ Softbridge at Oxford University there was heated talk of ‘destroying the vision’ and architects on site with tape measures. Read more…
8. Contractors take inspiration from Bureau of Silly Ideas
Following CM’s story on the Bureau of Silly Ideas (see top) several major contractors have contacted the London-based arts organisation to improve engagement with the public. Read more…
9. CM’s round-up of forecasts and predictions for 2014
CM took a look at business activity, project starts, European growth, flagship building completions, productivity, emigration, the mobile office and augmented reality. Read more…
10. How SMEs can get started on BIM: Part 2
Smaller construction firms are often put off using BIM, dismissing it as “not something for a company of our size”. Autodesk’s Matt Wheelis analyses what’s in it for SMEs. Read more…
Top agenda story
Finding a way to an integrated industry…
A proposed new BEng Built Environment construction degree could bring together our separate built environment professions and ensure that students are better equipped for work in the real, BIM-based world. CM and Ryder Architecture brought together an industry panel to discuss an educational revolution. Read more…
Top management story
The foundations for improved performance
Elaine Wilson, a managing consultant at organisational development consultancy ASK Europe, weighs up the benefits of a KPI-based approach versus the simple art of conversation. Read more…
Top comment
‘Silly’ can complement a sensible industry
Even if we don’t always like to think about it, the construction industry does cause the general public considerable low-level stress. Elaine Knutt on why the Bureau of Silly Ideas should be taken seriously. Read more…
Top international story
No country further behind than Brazil, says angry Blatter
Fifa president Sepp Blatter has criticised Brazil’s preparations for this year’s World Cup, saying that the country didn’t start preparations for the competition early enough. Read more…
