The design of a facility has to balance a wide range of themes, including technical considerations. It is likely that a range of stakeholders will have been and will continue to be involved in the design of a given facility and their views and opinions need to be taken on board. It is important that the outcome is not design by committee but equally important that key aspects are carefully considered by the design team.
Arguably the most important of these considerations relate to the technical or operational constraints. Will a particular waste management or treatment technology fit within the building proposed and can operational requirements be accommodated? Clearly this also needs to relate to the approach to procurement. Is the design for the facility tailored to a specific technology solution or can a variety of solutions be accommodated?
Environmental criteria may be equally important. For example, are predicted noise levels acceptable and can air dispersion requirements be met?
These considerations are very site specific and the design needs to take account of any local constraints. It is important that sufficient flexibility and opportunity for design iteration is allowed for in the development programme.
'Will the place look good? Will it delight and inspire people? Some places should be inconspicuous, while others should create new high-quality landmarks. But they should all look good, using the best possible materials, detailing and craftsmanship.' Design and Access Statements; |