Time is up
Pens down please - time is up.
Thanks so much to everyone who entered The Chartered Institute of Building article competition.
Wow – what an amazing variety of entries we've had. Everything from using spiders to get rid of woodworm, to conical roof slating, to plastic bridges. We will spend the next few weeks reading through them all to produce a shortlist of 5 from which one overall winner will be selected (it's a bit like MasterChef). We will announce the winners and commended articles in the second week of June.
But now you have the hang of it, and realise it really isn’t difficult, why not keep on writing?
You can help improve the industry by sharing your knowledge and you can also raise your own profile. Around 10% of our articles top Google search results, so write an article for Designing Buildings Wiki and the chances are, when people Google your subject, they will find you.
Try Googling the articles written by our previous competition winners “Geothermal Pile Foundations” and “The History of the Architectural Profession” - you should find they come top.
Featured articles
The green belt:
Sensible protection for the countryside, or a barrier to growth that preserves industrial agriculture whilst exacerbating flooding? Read more
"It was clear that dealing with the building industry was just as tricky as dealing with the KGB." Read more
Architect’s fees:
This one inevitably continues to attract controversy, particularly in relation to the 2012 BD survey that suggested “…55% are paid fee levels of 4% or less...” Surely 8-12% is a more normal and sustainable level? Take a few deep breaths, have a look and comment or edit. Read more
The design timeframe for smart cities:
80 weeks or 80 years? "Develop a roadmap that focuses on short, medium and long-term strategies." Read more
Featured articles and news
About the 5 Percent Club and its members
The 5% Club; a dynamic movement of employers committed to building and developing the workforce.
New Homes in New Ways at the Building Centre
Accelerating the supply of new homes with MMC.
Quality Planning for Micro and Small to Medium Sized Enterprises
A CIOB Academy Technical Information sheet.
A briefing on fall protection systems for designers
A legal requirement and an ethical must.
CIOB Ireland launches manifesto for 2024 General Election
A vision for a sustainable, high-quality built environment that benefits all members of society.
Local leaders gain new powers to support local high streets
High Street Rental Auctions to be introduced from December.
Infrastructure sector posts second gain for October
With a boost for housebuilder and commercial developer contract awards.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
COP29; impacts of construction and updates
Amid criticism, open letters and calls for reform.
The properties of conservation rooflights
Things to consider when choosing the right product.
Adapting to meet changing needs.
London Build: A festival of construction
Co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
Tasked with locating groups of 10,000 homes with opportunity.
Delivering radical reform in the UK energy market
What are the benefits, barriers and underlying principles.
Information Management Initiative IMI
Building sector-transforming capabilities in emerging technologies.
Recent study of UK households reveals chilling home truths
Poor insulation, EPC knowledge and lack of understanding as to what retrofit might offer.