and we have continued to expand on and optimise Platforms and other MMC methodologies in our work with both public and private sector clients.
Flexibility through standardisation.In the case of new build projects, our Platforms approach to design and construction will usually inform the concept design.
The principle of Platforms is to design to the commonalities between spaces both within and across sectors, with the result that construction can make use of a standard ‘kit of parts’.This brings a wide variety of benefits, not least flexibility.. By recognising that the space required for a treatment room can be the same as for an office, say, designing on that principle means that, should the need arise, it is easy to convert an office into a treatment room, or vice versa.This is a rational, logical approach.. Our hospital for Circle Health in Birmingham was designed to a grid of four and eight metre spaces.
While the reason for this rationalisation was to allow for flexibility and future expansion, a change in business planning meant we had to bring this requirement forward, and expand the hospital while construction was underway, but also while keeping the lower floors operational.. Rationalisation of the internal grid does not limit the options for the external appearance or the aesthetic design of the building.A Platforms approach places no constraint on the architect’s freedom to create a uniquely beautiful building that responds to its environment..
Resilience, future-proofing and sustainability.
It is not enough for a hospital to be excellent when it first opens its doors..The latter are more voluntary organisations, aiming to demystify some of the complexity around net-zero.
They’re trying to push things from a legislation perspective.Legislation is important, because it leads to clear guidance which industry professionals can use in their day-to-day work.
LETI have taken it upon themselves to look at embodied carbon in order to put into a single benchmark what the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), RIBA, CIBSE and others are doing.It’s positive that individual institutions are there to provide very detailed guidance for specific consultants and professionals, but we also need to have an overarching look at where the industry is heading as a whole.. LETI and Design for net zero carbon.
(Editor: Ultimate Smart Thermometers)