1000 articles and counting
We’ve reached a huge milestone. There are now 1,000 articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
We started out with a simple vision – to put all construction industry knowledge in one place and make it available to everyone for free. This was a direct response to the persistent problems of poor dissemination, single-discipline silos, adversarial behaviour and reluctance to innovate which have blighted the industry for as long as anyone can remember. As far back as 1944, the Simon Report recommended better training of construction managers and a more collaborative approach to design and construction. More recently Construction 2025 highlighted, "lack of collaboration and limited knowledge sharing" and proposed that, "best practice must be disseminated across the industry... so that the vast amount of research is translated into real improvements."
We imagined a different sort of industry; where every individual, every organisation and every discipline had access to all industry knowledge; where clients could find out what ought to be happening on their project; where consultants could access the latest research; where we all had a better understanding of other disciplines and specialisms; where we could share best practice and prevent mistakes. It's both simple and revolutionary.
Now we have 1,000 articles, ranging from general introductions to subjects like planning permission, right through to uber-detailed articles for specialists, like the resonant column method for measuring the dynamic response of soils. We even have an article on notation which tells me I should have written 1000 not 1,000 to avoid confusion with the continental decimal marker.
250,000 people have benefitted from free access to the articles on Designing Buildings Wiki, helping them to operate more efficiently, innovate more effectively and avoid problems.
There’s still a long way to go. We're reliant on you to keep adding new articles and improving what’s already there. It’s really easy to do – just click on the big orange button. If you’re not sure where to start, have a look at the list of articles we know we are missing, or the list of articles needing more work.
Next stop 2,000.
Featured articles and news
ECA progress on Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter
Working hard to make progress on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.