ACCRINGTON SHOPPING CENTRE

This was initially the primary option that was anticipated to be more prefered for a shopping development due to the desired design charateristics like practicality and cost effectiveness which outweigh other criteria in selecting design proposal. It was the FIRST OPTION of elevation in full colour version for the development of this project. The second option which I will later post is more extreme in terms of its design which was then unexpectedly chosen by both the client and the planners.


Perspective

Early design

Visit : http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

Part L of the Building Regulations and Air Tightness Testing

This is another CPD seminar that I attended to enrich my technical knowledge. In the seminar, all changes on PART L of the Building Regulations and greater detail on Air Tightness Testing were explained.

The transition period of the 2006 regulations is now over. Any new dwellings in which building work commences will be required to undergo an air tightness test. On 1st April 2007, Part L of the Building Regulations changed.

At LK Accreditation we have responded to these changes with the addition of air tightness testing to our list of capabilities. Our air tightness consultants are registered with the British Institute of Non Destructive Testing (BINDT) to perform tests on new dwellings. Our procedures are carried out in accordance with the guidelines found in ATTMA Technical Standard 1.

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CHADDERTON

This is another entry on my ordinary journey in architecture. I used very basic 3d software which the result might not be up to the standards of the cutting edge 3d softwares. Again, I'm not directly involved in the design process but I put in my best effort ability to do the presentation materials. Therefore I don't have much things to describe about the design process. However knowing that the less I write about architecture, the more deteriorating my narrow architectural vocabulary would be. Hence leading to less ability to converse well and in the end I'd turn myself into a working zombie again (like the way I used to be). It doesn't matter if nobody ever bothers about my writings, but what matters most is how much it will help improve myself.

This is a design for a warehouse's office. The client demanded for luxurious design for their warehouse office. The typical design of a warehouse office has the characteristics of practical, cost-effective and stright forward solution. With nearly total freedom given by the client in designing their this building, the process is a surreal experience for most architects.

Despite of just having to prepare the presentation material, I was lucky to get the opportunity of giving more thoughts on the facade and appearance of the building.

Visit : http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

LIVERPOOL - Mix development

This is another proposal for mix development project. It is located in Liverpool. This design led by Dave is an example of urban regeneration exercise in UK.



According to Webster's New World Dictionary, to regenertae means:-
"to cause to be completely renewed, or restored or reformed."
Therefore, urban regeneration means the process of completely renewing or restoring or reforming urban areas. Basically, it is to bring much needed "life" and vitality back to urban areas. A derivative or urban regeneration is "neighbourhood renewal". Urban regeneration is a major community development initiative. by Dr. Prince Efere - for Trans-Atlantic College, London

Visit : http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

A WISE DESIGNER

Picture by Todd Huffman

There was once a project that had been put on hold by the client. They like the design intention and would agree to proceed anytime. However due to their mistakes while calculating the return and profit of the project it will soon suffocate the whole process.

In any commercial development, the early projected profit return is really essential as it will ensure the viability of the project. This could also be applied for any other kind of project. However most of us neglect this kind of procedures. This process is usually beyond the procedure of estimating the project's cost and budget. Profit projection is an indication of whether the job is worth to carry out or not.

Though the project has been paused, the client has assured that payment for job that has been done by the architect on the preliminary stage will be made as promised. This is why we as architects must follow the schedule of work, not only to avoid delays but to keep our work on the right track and not to move the job too far from the agreed stage.

"Good plans shape good decisions. That's why good planning helps to make elusive dreams come true."Lester R. Bittel, The Nine Master Keys of Management

The situation is applicable not only for small job but also mega projects. I had been given the opportunity during my previous employment to work together on overseas mega project. Given the 'mega' nature of the project, the viability study of a mega project is even more complicated. The ability to predict the situation is important in making decision for the next design stage on whether or not to proceed or the cost is still within the budget.

I had emailed an architect about this:

I'm curious to know why these payments have been pending for so long. I'm trying to understand how the process works rather than just receive the payment. Iwant to learn the procedure that makes it so difficultto release a small amout of payment on such a megaproject.

the architect replied:

FAZLAN, Thanks for your email reply,just to answer your question of why payments are slow on Mega projects : To answer the said question the answer is simple "MEGA" projects are on glamour vocabulary where clients are only fishing for the work , they don't really pay us though they promised to pay, that's the problem we are facing.

For your information none of the projects you did for us went ahead , even the XXX project. We have not been paid for all the cost incured by us but we have to pay our friends! Even the YYY project we have yet to receive complete payment .

This is reality Fazlan : so we have to dig from our other resources to pay you and the others.But be assured you will be paid by us where I have involved you......so I must apologise for the inconvenience to a friend who helped us when we needed heip ! This is my guiding principle !

I've replied to his explanation with more curiosity:

Thank you for your explanation and information. I do understand your situation. It is sad to know none of the project went ahead. How do the client get away by not paying the cost incurred? Not only the cost of my work, but the bigger cost to your staff and company as total. I do understand some "fishing" job didn’t do well, but the client should pay the expenses occurred during the preliminary process, or any stage for the project.

If this reality is explained to me since day one, I would have proposed a better method of claim. If I were informed of the actual budget allocated for the visuals, it would give me a better picture of scope of work needed to carry out, I would also organize a team within the budget and provide advice or alert you better.

In my current working office, we all have the access to know how much the company will earn for any particular job. It also shows how much each person involve in the project had spent for the job. So our task is to minimise cost and work within the budget allocated. The more the office gains profit, the more perhaps we will get bonus.....

So, at the end of the day, the decision to put the project on hold is a wise decision in deed as the director made a decision with the good interest of the company in mind. They put aside their own personal interest on the design for the benefit of the company. I've more to learn from this real life scenario...

and the architect ended the conversation with this:

Noted the many observations you have made from our recent communication .Well I can't say much but I always enjoyed all my undertakings.You too have been a good friend always and thanks for your kind thoughts. That what makes you different from others !!!

And the more different I will be!!

"Men are wise in proportion, not to their experience, but to their capacity for experience." James Boswell, Life of Samuel Johnson, 1791Scottish author & biographer (1740 - 1795)