SUTTON COLDFIELD

This is another technical exercise done to get me fit with the UK standards. It's just a small building extension but it is still a good exercise. This is a part of standard planning requirement. I try to make some sort of list to summarise the work done so that it could be a guide for the next project which may soon be complied as some kind of "dummies for planning drawing".

Then it could be replaced by a software that could do the job with just a click of a button. As the software develops its own intelligence, we then hardly need the architect to make the decisions. It is good to have a software which is programmed to do the lower end of architectural firm job. This would save more time for the architects to concentrate on their best abilities and specialties.

However before we proceed any further with this dream, I still believe that there would still be a need for architect's personal artistic touch rather than computer logic. Each building design would be different from one to another even if it follows the same guide or procedure. So the best way to offer a better service to community (client) is to be better than the dummies!



1. Clean the OS drawing
- remove the topographic grid
- remove building marks

2. Adjust the line thickness of the OS drawing

3. Mark RED line for the site boundary

4. Write description of proposed building
- Type of building category
- Nett floor area both in sqm and sqft

5. Colour the site
- Monotonous colour for small development
- More colours for bigger development

6. Adjust the line thickness of the survey drawing

7. Make an indication that the drawing is referred from the surveyor

8. Make necessary notes for explanation

9. Remember to put the NORTH POINT

10. Wall thickness

-Internal blockwork - 140 mm thick

-External facing brick -103 mm thick

-Cavity for insulation - 100 mm thick

11. Building Grid

12. Relevent notes for work to be done

13. Floor Finishes

14. Architectural facing blockwork - 225mm height

15. Facing Brickwork - 150mm height

16. Building Shadow to show depth

17 . Glazing shading to indicate glass

18. Diagram with north point to show elevation and section area

19. Schedule of materials and colours

20. Mark the Finish Floor Level - F.F.L

21. Thick ground line

22. Add people, trees and cars

This is just a part of my routine notes. By setting out which is routine and which is not, I could: (1) save time from making the same mistake, and (2) have more valueable time for more creative process. The process that could not be outsourced or done by ordinary people...only the professionals.