The RIBA Journal

4 days ago | ribaj.com | Eleanor Young

What are the patterns we are looking for in our building designs? And can babies help us discover them? Eleanor Young investigatesWhat do babies spend time looking at? Faces were long thought to be what would draw their attention most. But one research project has shown that babies spend more time looking at a picture of a building.

2 weeks ago | ribaj.com | Eleanor Young

Neurophysiological responses by Cleo ValentineOur research at the University of Cambridge explores the intersection of architectural design, neuroscience and human health. We are investigating how architectural facades affect neurophysiological responses, with a particular interest in understanding the relationship between visual patterns and forms in building facades and measurable changes in brain activity and stress responses.

2 weeks ago | ribaj.com | John Jervis

At the launch of the Venice Architecture Biennale, held at the Ca’ Giustinian in February, journalists questioned Carlo Ratti closely on Michelangelo Pistoletto, the politicisation of architecture, and this year’s theme, ‘Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.’ A month later, ill-prepared after time-zone confusion, I ask Ratti over Zoom if he possesses the ability to switch off, if he feels exhausted, if he’s ever considered building himself an extension.

2 weeks ago | ribaj.com | Laura Mark

In the past two decades, Sheffield city centre has been undergoing an overhaul. The latest piece in the puzzle includes a new sustainable office building, Europe’s largest food hall – and, importantly, the bringing back to life of some of the city’s most important heritage assets. Tasked with this was a team made up of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS), Lathams and Leonard Design.

3 weeks ago | ribaj.com | John Jervis

Since relocating to the Scottish capital in 2016, a community-minded ethos, outward focus and local authority expertise have helped the eight-strong practice wield outsized influenceThe word ‘strategy’ comes up surprisingly often when talking to O’DonnellBrown’s three directors. Founded in London in 2013, the practice has grown in a steady, deliberate fashion to today’s eight-strong contingent, despite a rapid rethink after a 2016 move to Glasgow.