REPORT 2: MANAGEMENT AND LAW
2.1. PLANNING ISSUES
2.1. PLANNING ISSUES
Given the project is located in Buttershaw, it must adhere to the Bradford’s Local Planning Policies at a local level as well as the National Planning Policy Framework at a regional level.
The Bradford Local Plan governs future expansion in the Bradford District and assists in determining where and when development can occur. It serves as a strategic framework for all new developments in the Bradford District and serves as the foundation for planning applications.
The Bradford District Local Plan comprises of the adopted Core Strategy and the Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD). The Core Strategy DPD is an integral component of Bradford's Local Plan; it outlines the district's overarching aims and objectives for sustainable growth over the following 15-20 years, until 2030. It also establishes broad rules for guiding and restricting development, as well as location for employment, and infrastructure investment. It addresses a wide range of significant policy issues, including employment, transportation, retail, leisure, and environmental policy. The Core Strategy DPD guides future development in the district by taking into consideration national and regional planning policies, as well as the Council's Community Strategy.
The Allocations DPD allots land to meet the district's demands for new sites for business and industries, infrastructure sites, and new community facilities until the plan period to 2037. It also determines which green and open spaces will be preserved and enhanced.
Furthermore, The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) outlines the Government of England's planning policies and how they should be implemented at a regional level. It establishes a framework within which locally prepared plans for all new development can be produced.
2.2. DEVELOPMENT APPRAISAL SCENARIO
2.2. DEVELOPMENT APPRAISAL SCENARIO
2.3. PROCUREMENT & RISK
2.3. PROCUREMENT & RISK
PROCUREMENT ROUTE
Due to the nature of the project, a standard JCT Design-Bid-Build Contract (The Joint Contracts Tribunal Limited, 2017) would be opted as the procurement route. This is a favourable option since it divides the design and construction phases of a project into separate contracts. The project is typically separated into two stages under this contract: design stage and construction stage. The initial design scheme, which is normally provided by the architect and design team, is developed throughout the design stage. The client then tenders the design and chooses a contractor. The construction stage begins once the contractor is chosen, and the contractor is responsible for building the project according to the design parameters provided by the design team. The contractor is only responsible for the construction phase under the JCT Design-Bid-Build Contract. The architect or design team is responsible for the design, and they are hired independently by the client and work under a separate contract. It is suitable for both experienced and inexperienced clients because the design is completed prior to the assignment of contractors, giving the client assurance about the design quality and cost.
The JCT Design-Bid-Build Contract clearly outlines the responsibilities of each stakeholder involved in the project, reducing conflicts and disagreements. It ensures that everyone understands their commitments and deliverables. It requires both the client and the contractor to submit extensive project documentation, which aids in ensuring that the project is built in accordance with the agreed-upon design and quality standards. It often requires contractors to compete for bids, which can assist to drive down costs and guarantee that the client gets the most value for their money. The client keeps control of the design process and has the ability to make changes as needed. This is critical for a community project with changing demands and requirements. This contract specifies payment conditions and timelines, ensuring that the architect and contractor are paid fairly and on time, which is critical for such community projects with limited funds. Overall, this procurement route provides greater certainty regarding cost control and construction, which is appropriate for the evolving requirements and specifications of the proposal.
POTENTIAL RISKS AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES
There are key risks associated with this community-based building project that must be planned for, assessed, and mitigated in advance. Due to the complexity and scale of the project, I have divided the construction into 3 phases to minimise the disruption caused to the local shops within the surrounding:
2.4. ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE
2.4. ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE
ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
Initially, the project will be designed collaboratively by the Project Office and Cityzen Agency, who will then appoint a local Architectural practise to collaborate and oversee the comprehensive design development, with the Committee Board (the client) remaining involved throughout the design development stages. Royds approached Project Office as project architects, while Cityzen Agency students served as consultants to Project Office, offering numerous design development ideas and proposals. When the initial design process is completed, Cityzen Agency will propose the ideas to Royds, who will then choose a viable proposal to develop on the site. Royds will then offer this plan to the Bradford Council.
Bradford Council will serve as the primary client at this stage, with Royds and other community stakeholders serving as the Client Committee Board. Due to the project's size, a local architectural firm would be involved from RIBA Work stage 04, working alongside Project Office and Cityzen Agency students. The Project Office is now the design consultant and advisor to the Committee board, while the local practice is the project's principal architect. The lead architect and design consultant will maintain constant communication with the client, local planning authorities, and local consultants throughout these stages. It is essential that participatory design development occurs with continual community engagement in order to understand their demands and generate the best potential solutions.
2.5. PROFESSIONAL REFLECTION
2.5. PROFESSIONAL REFLECTION
FUTURE PROSPECTS
After spending almost 9 years in the field of architecture, the question of future seems a little overwhelming. Coming from India to pursue my Masters in the UK was a big shift for me. But the last 2 years taught me the most, academically as well as in life. This trajectory was a great steppingstone in my career path. I would like to keep gaining more such experiences in life, where I am challenged to push my boundaries and make the most of my potential. After the completion of MArch course, I would like to gain practical experience in the UK, as it would be a completely new working environment as compared to India. I would like to know the nuances of the field by working and collaborating with professionals from different backgrounds and offer my skillset. I also intend to advance in the professional spectrum by finishing my Part 3 in order to qualify as an Architect, after gaining hands on experience in a professional environment and acquiring new skills.
“There is nothing as constant as change”. -Heraclitus
My ethos has always been to try and experiment with new things in life. Following my involvement in community led projects during MArch, I am encouraged to explore the possibilities of how architecture can create an impact on the society. Inspired by this ideology, I recently applied for the MEDS (Meetings of Design Students) Workshop, commencing in August 2023. MEDS is an international workshop that takes part each summer in a different country, focusing on various issues to help a designer expand their expertise. It is sited in Gyumri this year, Armenia’s cultural capital. The focus is on how a neighbourhood can involve with social initiatives and try to keep the community and its social ties alive. I’m looking forward to this opportunity as it will be a great learning curve, a chance to explore diverse design approaches, building techniques, different tradition, and culture. It would provide me with both educational and practical knowledge, while compelling me to create something from the ground up.
We may be architects, but we’re part anthropologists too. We’re visual creatures, and I believe, the future holds a range of experiences, which will not only broaden my horizons but would also open my mind, allowing me to appreciate different forms of cultural and modern architecture. In the long term, I would like my career path to reflect the training I have received and the experiences that I have had. I would like to create a lasting impact by educating and inspiring through my design. For me, designing has been about social interaction, usage, and viability. I believe for creating that, aestheticism and sustainability should be attached in order to create an impactful design. I believe a piece of architecture should have a ripple effect on people.