Architectural Practice

The project proposes a residential retrofit scheme to existing structures and incorporates a raised-concrete-frame construction as well as soil and soil-less farming systems. This would require a multiple levels of specialist approach throughout all RIBA work stages and thus I would propose the project to be undertaken by a multidisciplinary practice. I would imagine the practice to be composed of in-house departments for structural, environmental and service engineering, separate architectural design teams for accommodation and farming design as well as a landscape design department responsible for the ground level park and planting design.

I would propose all teams to work on one BIM model in which every designer is able to manipulate the model within their area of expertise adding layers particular to their role. The model would then be overseen at the management level to ensure that all components fit together appropriately.

I believe that working as a multidisciplinary team allows to bring different branches of expertise to one table resulting in the project running smoother as all consultants are working within one space.

The following phasing has been proposed based on the RIBA Plan of Work. I would propose that the architectural practice oversees and manages the project throughout all work stages to provide maximum clarity via rigorous supervision of the main contractor and any subcontractors.

INITIAL 0 - 2

The appointed practice together with the council and Draper Together specify the brief and set out initial programme for the project. At the same time, the brief and initial concepts are subject to a community referendum on site in order to receive feedback of the existing residents. Pre-application discussions follow to learn the opinions and potential concerns of the Planning Department that would be addressed at a later stage. The initial design is presented to the council as well as Draper Together. The current residents are proposed to be briefed regularly on the progress of the project.

DEVELOPED 3 - 4

The architectural practice develops the design in consultation with the council. The engineering and farming teams provide their designs in parallel to the architecture team. The farming team is tasked with investigating most efficient soil-less systems to be utilised within the design. The farming team would be working closely with the service engineers to ensure appropriate plumbing is provided for the aquaponic systems. At the end of this stage a complete package of detailed drawings ought to be provided by the practice.

CONSTRUCTION 5

A specialist contractor is appointed via a tender process held by the practice on behalf of the council. The contractor is required to carry out all strengthening works to existing structures according to engineers' details. After the existing structures have been secured, the contractor can move on to constructing the outer shell [circulation cores, pre-cast concrete frame, external walls, double-skin facade, etc]. After the primary construction works are completed, the contractor can fit out the farming areas with appropriate aquaponic farming equipment.

HAND OVER & USE 6 -7

After all required checks are conducted on the development the residents are allowed to move in into their new homes.

I would also propose a smaller scale contractor to be appointed to provide services to residents wishing to adjust the size of their flat [extend/decrease].