Member Article

Never Mind The Bollards

CONSTRUCTION professionals can still secure the last remaining places at an upcoming conference that will explore how the built environment is responding to increasing security risks, and how the construction industry can create places that are both extremely safe and welcoming.

The event takes place on 2nd November 2016 at York’s Army Museum. It is being hosted by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and is sponsored by Leeds based Adept Consulting Engineers.

Stefanie Stead, is the CIC’s Yorkshire & Humber Chair and an architect at Pearce Bottomley. She says: “Many of our historic cities developed because of their defensive position, but changes in threats have made some of these urban areas look more like targets than refuges. However, this conference isn’t about bomb blast bollards and barriers, but it will look at how modern day urban planning can respond to bring sanctuary back to our cities.

“Today’s urban spaces have to be all embracing and inclusive to all areas of society, while remaining safe and welcoming. Creating places that feel safe at all times of the day is crucial to their success, resulting in reduced crime and increased business. Safe, well-planned environments can attract investment, people and culture, but how we achieve this is a major question that this conference aims to address.

“We’ll also explore both the opportunities and threats that surround the concept of intelligent buildings, which are leading to significant shifts in how property is designed, operated and used. In addition, we’ll look at what we can learn from past threats as well as reflecting on the 1996 IRA attack in Manchester and how it influenced the masterplanning of the city.”

Erol Erturan, managing director at Adept Consulting Engineers, says: “This event is one of the first of its kind to be held in the UK so we’re delighted to be supporting and sponsoring it. Safety has to be a priority in all cities, towns and places, and the construction of the built environment must play a key role in this.”

The conference takes place on Wednesday 2nd November, from 9am to 4pm, at The Army Museum on Tower Street in York. Tickets are available from the Construction Industry Council’s website and are priced at priced at £55 but BDaily readers can benefit from a 20% discount using promotional code BDbollards20

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Steven Wright .