[arkitectum]

Grimshaw is set to masterplan one of the most controversial projects in the UK, the 13 billion expansion of Heathrow Airport including a third runway.

The practice, which prides itself on its green credentials including designing the Eden Project and being a founder member of the UK Green Building Council, beat firms including YRM, HOK and RMJM in a competition launched by BAA in the summer.

The Runway 3 project, which also includes a sixth terminal, has become a lightning rod for protest by the green movement, and architects thought to be involved are increasingly becoming the target of climate-change activists.

Last week, members of the Plane Stupid campaign group hijacked BD's Architect of the Year Awards, handing a spoof award to Pascall & Watson, the firm it believed was in line for the job.

Environmental consultant Dave Hampton, who has advised firms including Hopkins and Edward Cullinan on how to cut their carbon footprint, warned that the job could shatter Grimshaw's image, but said he understood the business case behind its involvement.
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arkitectum.com