Fast, furious, flippin’ expensive
The Fast and the Furious films, as far as Diary can tell, are a bit like Top Gear if the presenters were all muscular, good-looking and largely shaven-headed. But there’s no doubting the phenomenal popularity of the movie series. And, with the eighth instalment heading to cinemas, car insurance site InsureTheGap.com has scored global coverage with its report on the total damage caused by The Rock, Vin Diesel, Jason Statham et al. What’s that got to do with property, you ask? Well, it isn’t just fancy cars that get wrecked – real estate comes in for its share of punishment. A whopping 31 buildings were destroyed across the seven films so far – making a sizeable contribution to the nigh-£420m worth of carnage racked up by the adrenaline-fuelled franchise. The fastidiously detailed analysis demonstrates that property damage is on the rise across the films – save for a dip in Fast & Furious 6 (thankfully, that’s the one where the crew visited London). Extrapolating the data, number eight may well break all known records. You’ll go for the cars – but you’ll love it for the exploding buildings (and The Rock).
Inspiring carpets
We pride ourselves on the comprehensive nature of our office coverage – from the latest news on who is moving where, to building tours of the latest fit-outs, to dramatic photos of shimmering towers. We’re always looking forward, up and all around – but maybe we’re guilty of forgetting to cast our eyes down. Of neglecting one important – nay, vital – component of office life. Well, no longer – it’s time to talk carpet. Apparently, a trend for “eye-catching textures and effects” in workplace floor coverings has led to a surge in demand for Heckmondwike FB’s star product, its “Constellation” range. No mere carpet tile, Constellation is available in different coloured “planks” that offer “endless possibilities” to “create inspirational designs that capture the imagination”. The range also offers a “softer, more tonal installation”, which can only be a good thing. Diary notes that the choice of hues includes orange and black – ideal for a post-rebrand refresh of the EG offices…
The science of champers
Everyone knows that the property sector enjoys a drink. After all, there is no better way to celebrate closing a deal or raising a fund than with a glass of champagne. And we aren’t the only ones. On a tour of the world-famous biomedical research centre, the Francis Crick Institute, in King’s Cross last week, Diary’s eyes were swiftly drawn to a shelf stacked with empty bubbly bottles outside one of the research labs. On show to mark “great scientific discoveries”, they are signed and dated by the boffins behind some of the most exciting and world-changing breakthroughs in modern biomedical research. It may seem like scientists speak a whole different language, but it’s good to know that the sound of popping corks is universal.
Doodle tribute for Khan
Fantastic to see real estate celebrated in Monday’s Google doodle – and in particular the pioneering contribution made by the late Fazlur Rahman Khan, the father of the modern skyscraper. Celebrating what would have been Khan’s 88th birthday, Google paid homage to his famous John Hancock Center in Chicago – and the “tube” design that finally enabled towers to soar beyond the Empire State Building. Khan’s own Sears Tower, in Chicago, held the world’s tallest building title for 24 years between 1974 and 1998, while subsequent chart-toppers – Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers, Taipei’s Taipei 101 and current number one, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa – all scale the heights thanks to versions of the tube structure. Khan sent so many people to the top of the world, it’s a fitting tribute to see him top of the world wide web.
■ Khan’s skyscrapers aren’t the only things showing soaring ambition: EG is hosting the Middle East Real Estate Forum in the Burj Khalifa on 26 April. Click here to find out more.
