Architects warn buildings need to be stronger to cope with climate change

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Archiseek / UK / Scotland / News / 2004 / August 15

Violent climate change will force Scottish architects to re-think building design, experts warned last night. They said that widespread flooding and rising temperatures, as witnessed in many parts of the country last week, are likely to become a regular feature of the Scottish climate. And architects believe some buildings will not be able to withstand the dramatic change in climate. A government study is about to be published, urging designers to consider the impact of freak weather when drawing up plans for new buildings. Worldwide, average temperatures are predicted to rise by about 6°C this century. In Scotland, flooding is likely to increase fivefold over the next 50 years as a result, according to the UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP). Yesterday, experts said new buildings had to be designed with changing weather in mind. Sebastian Tombs, chief executive of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), said designers were being forced to calculate its impact.

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