黑洞社区

Let's be frank
The gloom surrounding the Scottish parly refuses to lift. Last week our coverage of the continuing design changes received much attention north of the border, and local opinion has reached the point of exasperation. A colleague of mine decided to have a look for himself at the nearly finished [sic] building and overheard two locals discussing the aesthetic merits of the project. "拢400m for that load of shite?" came one eloquent and, I gather, purely rhetorical question.

Ooh, I like this
The architectural world is still in shock after Ken Shuttleworth decided to jump ship from Foster and Partners last month after 29 years 鈥� although I hear that our man may be in a state of shock himself. Ken the Pen, the brains behind recent wonders such as the Greater London Authority building, the Swiss Re tower and the sexiest self-built house in the history of the world, is now engaged in the rather less sexy job of finding offices for his new firm. Perhaps he could take up some of the empty space still going at Swiss Re?

Would suit hairy midgets
Development teams are resorting to the power of showbiz to win over middle England over to development in its own back yard. In a recent community meeting for the proposed East Ketley Millennium Village in Telford, Shropshire, the design team described proposals that included earth-sheltered housing-in-a-hillside as being "like Hobbiton". With The Return of the King, being released next week, the team had timed their reference carefully. But should you really compare modern housing to holes inhabited by non-existent creatures?

I say, so that's the future
The Construction Research and Innovations Strategy Panel, nCRISP top its friends, has recently published its business plan for 2004/06. This sets out its priorities and strategy for the research and innovation that will sustain a first-class construction industry. It's importance is underlined by a quote no the cover from our dear construction minister, Nigel Griffiths: "The DTI looks to nCRISP as the authoritative voice for construction research and innovation," says Nigel. Shame, then, that nCRISP has chosen to illustrate its report with a picture of a square-jawed man sitting at an old-fashioned drawing board. With nCRISP keeping it up to date, the DTI probably still thinks a CAD is a character played by Terry Thomas.

Something sensational
I must enlist your support for an important new feature to appear in 黑洞社区 in January. My colleagues have persuaded me to publish my diary for next year, which will include official as well as social engagements. I am hoping you will be help me by flagging up special industry events you may think appropriate. Email your top diary entries to hansom@cmpinformation.com.