Call for BCO Research, Spring 2024

I am pleased to be able to announce the BCO’s Spring 2024 Call for Research. We are inviting BCO members to submit proposals to undertake research projects of relevance to the overall objectives of the BCO. The general scope of the BCO’s current research interests can be found in our Pillar Research paper.  The following summary diagram illustrates our four thematic areas of interest, the implications that we are seeking to draw out and, finally how the recommendations can be socially relevant. Guidance on how to prepare a submission can be found here. We are looking to commission high quality, evidence-based work which produces informative conclusions and practical recommendations. We welcome proposals from single forms or consortia of blended skills. Proposals will be considered by the BCO Research Committee and judged on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to discuss an idea before preparing a formal proposal, then please do not hesitate to contact myself. Rob Harris robharris@ramidus.co.uk M: 07836 563 416

2024 National Awards: BCO Member priority booking period open until 21 June

 

BCO NATIONAL AWARDS DINNER Grosvenor House Hotel, London on Tuesday 8 October 2024  Tables for the grand final of this year's BCO Awards competition are now on sale with a priority booking period for members until 21 June.   BOOK NOW       CELEBRATE AND NETWORK  One of the most prestigious events in the corporate real estate calendar, this event continues to attract over 1,200 of the industry's key players. It is a prime opportunity to network with your peers and to celebrate the national finalists of this top quality awards competition. Tables usually sell out fast, so secure your place in a top position before bookings open to the public.   SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES There are still some category sponsorship packages available, so don't miss out on the opportunity to get your brand noticed at one of the most high profile events in the commercial property calendar. To find out more, please contact Victoria Armstrong on 07968 448365 or email victoria@sasevents.co.uk.   READY TO BOOK? To book a table or place, download the booking form  and return to:  Clare Hollick, BCO Awards, Createvents, 450 Brook Drive, Reading, Berkshire RG2 6UU E: clare@createvents.co.uk; T: 01183 340085     With thanks to our National Awards Sponsors

Results for the 2024 BCO Conference Photography Competition

Today, BCO announces the results of our photography competition held during last month’s 2024 BCO Conference.

Warmest congratulations to Stacey Henshaw from Shaw Studios who won 1st Place with her photo in the City of Contrasts category: Birmingham Townhall.

The judges were unanimous in their praise for the composition of this standout photo capturing old and new in the fast-changing city of Birmingham. As the highest-scoring photo for visual impact and adherence to the theme, ‘city of contrasts,’ the judges thought that it was the most deserving winner and met the brief brilliantly by capturing three contrasting facades intersecting in one, striking shot.

Congratulations also to the runner up, Sandeep Shambi from Howells who scored highly with his photo of Digbeth. The intricate texture of the bricks adds depth and character, creating a compelling visual narrative of vibrancy, creativity and industrial heritage landscape of Digbeth in Birmingham.

Congratulations to Stacey Henshaw, grand prize winner of £1000.

Joe Wilson’s shot of The Ringway Centre (Architect: James Roberts, 1962) was highly commended.

Judging:

Special thanks to Mark Limbrick (Aros Architects) for hosting the session at the Aros Studios; Mark Simpson (BDP); Roxane McMeeken (ING Media); Mary Economidou (BCO) with input from Conference Chair, Peter Crowther (HERE); Dublin Top 10 contender and BCO NextGen Midlands committee member, Keely Warr (AtkinsRéalis).

Stacey Henshaw, Shaw Studios, City of Contrasts category. Birmingham Town Hall with the new development behind – Three Chamberlain Square designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.

Sandeep Shambi, Howells, City of Contrasts, Digbeth - Creative.

Joe Wilson, BDP. (Instagram entry) Interestingly, the building featured (The Ringway Centre, Architect: James Roberts, 1962) is one which is threatened for demolition – but is highly regarded by brutalist fans, and, bodies such as the 20th Century Society are campaigning to save it.

Thank you to our judges and to everyone who took took part. Recap the creativity and vibrancy of the shortlist here.

2024 BCO Conference Photography competition shortlist

Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit an entry. This year saw some outstanding efforts aligned with the brief and the 'Creating Vibrancy' theme of the conference. Not only did they capture the spirit of vibrancy (a tall order in the weather we had!) but some of the entrants went above and beyond to frame 'Community' and the 'City of Contrasts' from their unique perspectives.

Judging:

Special thanks to Mark Limbrick (Aros Architects) for hosting the session at the Aros Studios; Mark Simpson (BDP); Roxane McMeeken (ING Media); Mary Economidou (BCO) with input from Conference Chair, Peter Crowther (HERE); Dublin Top 10 contender and BCO NextGen Midlands committee member, Keely Warr (AtkinsRéalis).

View the full shortlist below:


Borja Marcaida, Sheppard Robson submitted his entry with the title: The Wave of Change featuring the Bullring and St.Martins as subjects for his entry in the City of Contrasts category.

 


Bradley Lobetta, Watkins Payne, Community, Birmingham Hall of Memory, war memorial with Library of Birmingham.

Daniel Morgans, Chapman Taylor. A quiet moment, gently framing a simple contrast of the bullring and a hint of nature nearby.

George Brennan, Pick Everard, (Instagram entry) taken from inside The Bond building in Digbeth looking out at the canal and beyond.

Howard Morgan, Real Service. Community. "Reception/help desk at the X & Y Flex Space at 103 Colmore Row. Howard entered it into the Community category and said "Our business is as much about people as it is about buildings."

Iain Powell, TSA Riley, Community. During the conference plenary Session on AI's impact on construction, Neuroscientist Hannah Critchlow expanded on humans' gamma and beta brain waves. During her time living off grid in the houseboat community, she said that "Perhaps living off grid in the houseboat community enhances an ability to reflect and meditate, which paradoxically increases the speed electrical oscillations across our brain so that we can access all the different areas within our brain so that we can have joined up thinking so that we can act not just with knee jerk reactions, but we can start to access all this intelligence that lives within our brain.



Joe Wilson, BDP. (Instagram entry) Interestingly, the building featured (The Ringway Centre, Architect: James Roberts, 1962) is one which is threatened for demolition – but is highly regarded by brutalist fans, and, bodies such as the 20th Century Society are campaigning to save it.

Mark Leeson, McBains, City of Contrasts, Birmingham Library. Contrasts reflecting on contrasts.

 
Stacey Henshaw, Shaw Studios, City of Contrasts category. Birmingham Town Hall with the new development behind – Three Chamberlain Square designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.

Sandeep Shambi, Howells, City of Contrasts, Digbeth, Today - Tomorrow. Three different Digbeth photos by Sandeep were chosen by the judges, first making it on to the long list and finally not one but three of his photos impressively made the cut all the way to the shortlist.

Sandeep Shambi, Howells, City of Contrasts, Digbeth - Creative.




Sandeep Shambi, Howells, City of Contrasts, Digbeth Industrial Heritage.

Look out for the winner announcement on Thursday, 6 June! 

Final call for BCO Conference Photography Competition entries!

 

Final call for BCO Conference Photography Competition entries! We hope you enjoyed the BCO Conference in Birmingham this year!   A reminder that entries for the Photography Competition close on Thursday 30 May at 5pm. This year, entrants stand a chance of winning up to £1500 in CASH PRIZES! Did you capture photos of what Community in a city means to you? Or, perhaps you captured photos of hidden gems, architecture, urban life, vibrant arts, culture or picturesque views of this city full of contrasts? Take a chance, get creative and submit your photos and you never know – you could be following in the footsteps of the previous winner from Dublin 2023.   The competition is open to all levels. The judges will be looking out for creativity, originality, composition, and visual impact in two categories:   Category 1 - Community: Capture moments that reflect the interaction between people and their urban environment. This could include street scenes that illustrate the lively and engaged community within the city. Capture what community means to you. Category 2 - City of Contrasts: Highlight urban planning and design elements that contribute to the city's vibrancy and uniqueness. Explore the contrasts within Birmingham's urban landscape. This might include photos which juxtapose old and new architecture, traditional and contemporary elements, or any other visual contrasts that contribute to the city's unique character. For inspiration, look no further than the Amateur Photographer website or last year’s creative shortlist.   There are three different ways you can submit your photographs: Upload to the conference app (remember to include your NAME and category in the details section. Find this at the bottom of your photo when entering on the app. Entries with no name will not be counted. Any issues, please email mail@bco.org.uk). Post your photo on Instagram with the hashtags for your chosen category i.e #Community or #CityofContrasts. Remember to follow and tag @bco_uk on Instagram. Alternatively, you can simply e-mail your entry to mail@bco.org.uk with your name and chosen category in the subject line.    We hope you enjoyed the BCO Conference! For more info on the competition before it closes, click here.  Entries will close on Thursday 30 May at 5pm. Terms and conditions apply.             SUPPORT THIS YEAR'S CONFERENCE CHARITY   #BCOconference | #Birmingham2024