Rights of Light

Rights of light are a major consideration in development proposals. Those which cause an actionable rights of light injury to neighbouring properties may result in that proposal not being built out, even once planning permission has been granted. This seminar, presented by a partner, summarises the Law relating to rights of light and how it is practically implemented, advising on when an actionable injury might occur and strategic methods to minimise or avoid this development risk. The content is based around actual case studies of major landmark schemes within London and the UK on which GIA has worked, such as The Pinnacle, Shard of Glass, Swiss Re and One Hyde Park.

Daylight & Sunlight

Daylight and sunlight are important planning considerations in dense urban locations. This seminar details the approach, methodology and guidelines used by local planning authorities and inspectors for assessing daylight and sunlight for proposed developments. Highly practical, the partner presenting will draw on case studies including contentious planning proposals which provide guidance on the flexible implementation of daylight and sunlight planning guidelines. They will also cover, overshadowing, both permanent and transient, light pollution and solar glare.

Daylight Design

An increasingly sensitive environmental and political agenda has impacted heavily on development. During this highly visual session attendees will learn about how natural light affects the human being and can be used most effectively and imaginatively within a building to enhance the productivity and well-being of those using it, optimise the amenity and value of the space and its overall quality.

Lighting Design

Light is a ‘core' component of our well-being and ability to function as human beings. Presented by Mark Hensman, this seminar examines the way in which artificial light can be made to work most effectively in this respect, demonstrating light from a cognitive/psychological perspective as well as reviewing its use to enhance and invigorate. He moves on to consider the development of lighting technology and its role in the creation of more responsive environments with greater energy efficiency. ‘Green' lighting solutions and the regulatory/code requirements of documents such as PartL2, BREEAM and CIBSE LG7 are also covered.

We also offer a session which combines the disciplines of Daylight Design and artificial Lighting Design. After first examining light's effect on all that we do as humans, the team goes on to illustrate the way in which the natural and artificial components of a scheme can be designed in harmony to create a space which is not only beautiful, efficient and valuable but one which also brings a sense of well-being to all those who live and work in it.

Party Wall

Legislation dictates that Party Wall matters be considered as part of any development but early consultation will ensure that fundamental issues which can slow or even halt developments later, are highlighted early. During this session, we will guide you simply through the key features of the Party Wall Act, its practical application using recent high profile case studies and the negotiation process.