Concept Design Stage
DATA GENERATION
In the early stages of the design, the conceptual design phase along with the development of the concept based on our previous stages of design and data collection. We ensure that the generated concept responds to all the constraints and regulations through our whole net of Data.
We believe that each project has a different story in which we aim to generate a project that always makes a space in which the designed elements have their dialogue with their environment. The project must integrate fully with all the aspects of its context to fit in smoothly.
THE CONCEPT
CONCEPT DESIGN
The Consultants will start work, in coordination with the Client and other related parties on the Concept Design. The Consultants will prepare the Concept Design taking into consideration the following elements:
- Site analysis and zoning studies.
- Examination of the space allocation program against the areas available.
- Tabulation of space requirements.
- Consideration of the requirements of applicable codes and regulations.
- Identification as applicable of possible alternatives for on-site and off-site infrastructure.
- Proposed Concept Design. This will be inclusive of plans, elevations, colored perspectives, and if required, block models.
- Budgetary cost estimate of the proposed scheme.
DEVELOPMENT
Concept Design Report
At the end of this stage, the Consultants will submit the to the Client for review and approval the Concept Design Report. The report will present an outline description of the proposed Concept Design with a budgetary cost estimate of the same as well as the outcome of the elements mentioned above.
Upon approval of the Concept Design by the Client the Consultants will proceed with the development of the same by the design stages mentioned hereafter.
Contextual
A contextual approach to our concept will look at the context of the site and surroundings, the historical features of the area, and the people that occupy the area. After all, pretty much all architecture is for people. With this type of concept, we draw heavily once again from our site analysis, exploring the data we have collected about the site, both physical and nonphysical.
Every project should have an element of a contextual approach, as every design should consider its context, site, and surroundings. Some designs may focus more on this than others, and some may take this as the most important factor in design.
Collaborative
Most projects can be considered to be collaborative. Whether there is a large design team working on the different aspects of the building, there is also the client, stakeholders, engineers, surveyors, contractors, and many more people involved in the design. However, the end-user of the building is one of the important parts of the puzzle that often is not directly involved in the design process.
Some architects are starting to take the approach that the end-user is the expert in the requirements of the building, and engaging in a collaborative exercise that sees the end-user contributing to the design process. This is particularly popular with projects that have a large community or social focus, where the skills and knowledge of the building users can be included in the development of the project.
PHILOSOPHY
The values could be the life values of the designer, or could be a reflection of the design brief or context of the site, or indeed a combination of all three.
artistic vs. scientific
rational vs. irrational
personal vs. universal
visual vs. non-visual
needs vs. wants
individual vs. society
How do these values work with the design problems you face on this particular project?
ordered vs. random
structured vs. unstructured
objective vs. subjective
one answer vs. multiple solutions
creative vs. conservative
specific vs. general
man vs. nature
complexity vs. simplicity
design for now vs. design for the future
patterned process vs. random process
THE SITE
Topographic Survey
The survey work, which will be carried out by the specialist contractor, will mainly include the following:
Establishment of a control network of reference markers precisely surveyed and leveled and tied to the national grid and datum.
The capture of survey data in 3-D digital format including all surface details, existing physical features, structures, buildings, walls, fences, gates, utilities, ancillary construction, vegetation, existing roads adjoining the site, and existing public utilities along them as well as existing depressions and waterways.
Preparation of site plan, at the required scale, showing surveyed features, topographic contours, and spot levels.
Geotechnical Investigations
The Consultants will prepare the necessary documents, for specialist contractors to carry out the required investigations. Such documents will include:
Drawings
Specification
Bill of Quantities and Method of Measurement
Tender and Contract Conditions will include the following:
Information for tenderers
Tender Conditions
Forms of Tender e.g. Tender Form and submittals
Forms to be used for securities i.e. Tender Bond, Advance payment Bond, Performance Bond, etc.
General Conditions of Contract
Particular Conditions of Contract
General specifications will also be included incorporating both the Client’s and Consultants’ requirements for the Contractor’s management procedures and performance.
The Consultants will administer and inspect all works to be executed on-site by the specialist contractor. The Consultants Quality Assurance/Quality Control System will be implemented during the execution of the works to ensure compliance with the contract requirements.
The geotechnical investigation may include boreholes, excavation of test pits, in-situ tests, and laboratory tests as well as other investigations that may be considered necessary to be carried out by the specialist contractor in light of the project’s requirements.
Geotechnical Investigations Summary Report
Once the specialist contractor completes his work and provides the relevant test results of the investigations, the Consultants will embark on the interpretation of the same to assess the implications on design parameters for the related trades. The Consultants’ recommendations based on the test results provided by the specialist contractor will be compiled and issued in the Geotechnical Investigation Summary Report.
The aforementioned report will include and as applicable the following:
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Collation and presentation of all geotechnical data.
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Extraction of relevant design parameters from the geotechnical data.
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Interpretation of the geotechnical data to identify the mechanical and deformation parameters under both the short and long-term conditions for both static and seismic loading.
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Assessment of the chemical properties of the water and soil/rock to evaluate its impact on the type and extent of foundation protection to be used.
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Recommendations for the design of foundation components for various loading conditions
