This week, under the heading “Schools closed by concrete crisis forced to teach pupils in marquees”, The Times reminded us that more than 170 schools have been affected by the RAAC 'crumbling concrete' crisis (170 according to the DfE’s list, last updated in mid-September).
Due to a shortage of prefabricated buildings, children are being taught in 'tents' (the Education Secretary prefers to call these "semi-rigid structures”). Sources said the procurement of the temporary classrooms has faced delays.
“One company is understood to have told the DfE that it will not be able to deliver any of the prefabricated buildings until next month at the earliest.”
The article featured a photograph (above) of marquees used for teaching at St Francis Catholic Primary School in Ascot. However, we understand that temporary Portakabin accommodation may be available for the Primary School as early as next week (so... good... yes).
UCL East Reviewed
Meanwhile, architectural critic Rowan Moore writes a mixed review of UCL East Marshgate, designed by Stanton Williams (see The Guardian). Moore considers the whole Olympic Park development a combination of “genuine achievement and intelligence with some compromises and missteps.” The UCL building keeps this pattern going.
“The building as a whole makes a solitary and odd companion to its neighbour, the Orbit and to the stadium beyond.”
Moore isn’t sure about internal arrangements either. However, within its concrete interior, “a full-height atrium rises through the middle, muscly and built to last, all deep beams and sturdy columns”. What wouldn’t the Education Secretary give for a few more schools like that?
For the architects' explanation see https://stantonwilliams.com/en/works/ucl-east-marshgate.
Starting Again in Manchester
Building.co.uk reports on new plans drawn up by Sheppard Robson for a £400m campus redevelopment at Manchester University. The scheme will see the demolition of buildings, including a 1960s tower block, and the construction of 3,300 new student beds.
Sheppard Robson said the project team conducted a study looking at a retrofit of the existing buildings but found the structures could not be “feasibly adapted to provide the requirements of a modern student offer.”