The architectural process
THE ARCHITECTURAL PROCESS A1. A2. A3. A4. A5. 1 / 13 Initial discussion Sustainable Design Site Analysis Pre-design Studies Preliminary Design B1. Detailed Design C1. C2. Contract Documentation Tendering & Negotiation D1. D2. Site Supervision Final Certificate E1. Additional Services F1. F2. Fees Fee Stages A1. INITIAL DISCUSSION For a new project, we normally meet with clients for an initial no-obligation discussion. This allows both parties to get a measure of each other while discussing the project. The meeting can be either at our office or in the Clientʼs current home/work environment or at the potential site. We will take the Client through our general design philosophies and illustrate how these have been applied to previous projects. We also like to see any images of architectural work that you admire from any source. The information below is intended to give an indicative outline of the process involved in procuring a building (for example a house for a private client). We tailor our services to suit clientsʼ needs, so at an initial meeting we would discuss the specific services required by the Clientʼs programme and an estimate of the fees that we would charge for each stage of the process. The Architectural Process is complex and part of our job is to advise the client when they should use other specialist consultants. Taking advice from specialists early in a project can often save money and time in the longer term. For the majority of new build and refurbishment projects, the Client will be legally obliged to contract a Technical Architect (Arquitecte Técnic/Aparejador) and Site Safety Coordinator (Coordinador de Seguritat i Salut/Coordinador de Seguridad y Salud), as well as an architect. Larger, more complex projects may require the services of other consultants, such as Project Managers. Depending on the complexity of the project, we can provide some initial feasibility information about building costs, programme and site suitability in this first meeting. This is explained in more detail in the Pre-Design Studies (A4). We will explain precisely the responsibilities of the Architect at each stage, according to the services required by the Client. THE ARCHITECTURAL PROCESS A1. A2. A3. A4. A5. 2 / 13 Initial discussion Sustainable Design Site Analysis Pre-design Studies Preliminary Design B1. Detailed Design C1. C2. Contract Documentation Tendering & Negotiation D1. D2. Site Supervision Final Certificate E1. Additional Services F1. F2. Fees Fee Stages A2. SUSTAINABLE DESIGN Construction is an industrial process that consumes vast quantities of energy and other non-renewable resources. It also generates approximately 50% by volume of the waste products generated in Europe, and keeping buildings warm, cool and lit currently consumes about 50% of our energy requirements. Following the Initial Discussion, we will indicate the most appropriate technologies available for the project, depending on local site conditions and intended use of the building. Local climate and energy options must be taken into account at this early stage, and we will opt for Low Impact Design (LID) within the constraints of the programme, site conditions and budget. Our design will take into account the following criteria: Location within the site Integration with immediate surroundings Specific response to the clientʼs requirements Orientation and distribution of internal spaces Use of recycled and renewable materials Optimization of natural resources Use of technology to reduce consumption Use of technology to reduce emissions Treatment of residues Use, maintenance and effective life of the building Solar energy should be used to generate heat and electricity. Geothermal energy can be used for heating and cooling. Rainwater should be used for keeping vegetation green. Grey water can be used twice. Natural ventilation, which has maintained Mediterranean buildings cool for centuries, should be used instead of air-conditioning. Combined with highly insulated and high inertia building construction, solar energy can provide domestic hot water throughout the year, and provide up to 80% of heating requirements. Wherever possible, we specify renewable, low impact or recycled materials (bamboo, cork, stainless steel, polyethylene) as substitutes for non-renewable or environmentally unfriendly products (tropical hardwoods, polystyrene, aluminium, PVC), without compromising performance or increasing costs. An intelligently designed, environmentally friendly building will also generate mid-term cost savings for its users and owners, as well as long-term benefits for the economy and ecosystem. It is also increasingly a high priority for end-users. There are also grants and low interest loans available for the use of renewable energy sources, which we can apply for on the Clientʼs behalf. Sustainable building is no longer an option, but a moral and economic obligation.
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