National Skills Academies Written by John Train The beginning of November 2006 saw the launch of the first three National Skills Academies (NSA) following an announcement by the Department of Education & Skills. Provided to drive up the standard of industry training to tackle skills shortages across England, these academies are the product of two years of hard work and preparation to provide the Country with a brighter future. more... Affordable Housing Researched and Written by Claire Witherington  The current concern with rising house prices has sparked an interest in housing that is affordable whilst still also being aspirational. The average house price has now increased by more than 11 per cent to £182,920, meaning that those on lower incomes are struggling to establish themselves within the housing market. With recent research showing that 20 per cent of the average income is now reserved for mortgage repayments, the highest percentage in ten years, a record number of people are choosing to live in temporary accommodation rather than invest in property. more... The Ancoats Urban Village and the Royal Mills project Researched and Written by Alun McKeever  While the industrial revolution gave birth to the world we know today, Manchester was its leading city.  The area of Ancoats, in east Manchester, was arguably the world’s first industrial estate, providing both industry and a community for its workers. more... Building Skills for the Future Researched and Written by Claire Smith  Back in October 2004, the Government announced a proposed shake-up of the country’s education system which will encourage more young people to take up vocational training. The recommendation, by a government-commissioned review of the curriculum for 14-19 year olds, will see A-levels, GCSE’s and existing vocational qualifications replaced by a single diploma as part of the most fundamental overhaul of secondary education in 60 years. Led by former Ofsted chief, Mike Tomlinson, the proposal attempts to reverse the trend of pupils dropping out at sixteen and features a massive cull of public examinations with a greater emphasis on vocational learning. more... Building the future Researched and Written by Nicola Fisher  Over the next five years the government is spending £76Bn on capital investments in schools, homes, roads and hospitals.  There is also continuing growth in private development. Add to this a £10Bn Cross Link rail project and a £400M Olympic Bid and CITB-ConstructionSkills estimates that in this next five year period 430,00 new recruits will be needed in the construction industry. In order to meet this demand the industry needs to recruit from a more diverse range of people in terms of age, gender, and ethnic origin. more... To be or not to be? The question is answered Researched and Written by Elizabeth O'Keefe  After three years of speculation the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has finally reached a decision regarding the fate of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (RST) in Stratford-upon-Avon. It was announced this month that the 1932 art deco building would not be subjected to the original demolition plans, instead the iconic building’s interior will be extensively remodelled, leaving the exterior of the theatre totally untouched. more... Building a better plan Researched and Written by Claire Smith  Claire Smith examines how the construction industry can contribute to efforts to improve the environment  This summer’s blockbuster film The Day After Tomorrow brought the state of the Earth into the forefront of many peoples’ minds. Although an extreme exaggeration, the sensational plotline highlights the harsh reality of how humanity is damaging the planet. more... The Art of Building Researched and Written by Valerie Essien “The magic of architecture cannot be appropriated by any singular operation because it is always already floating, progressing, rising, flying, breathing. Whatever the problems - political, tectonic, linguistic which architecture exposes, one thing I know is that only the intensity and passion of its call make it fun to engage in its practice.” more... Sun, sea, sand, Salford?? Researched and Written by Claire Smith  Salford - Manchester’s sister city and an internationally recognised site of urban regeneration. It has the acclaimed Lowry Museum and Art Gallery, the Imperial War Museum and the five-star Lowry Hotel... and a beach! more... Women in architecture Researched and Written by Elizabeth O'Keefe  It is widely acknowledged within the architect profession that women are a minority group. The present percentage of women actively practicing architecture in Britain is approximately 13 per cent. more... The Optimum Sports Hall. Researched and Written by Chris Jones The Optimum Sports Hall project presents a benchmark for the design of future new Sports Halls to be built in England. The project, inaugurated by Sport England, set out to achieve high standards of design, functionality and flexibility in sports hall facilities while allowing massive savings in time and costs by providing a basic design and construction principle from which a sports hall complex for any site can be developed. more...