Kevan Shaw's Comments
Comment on: RIBA’s new Plan of Work under fire as A-L stages are scrapped
As an Architectural Lighting Designer I have found the old plan of work becoming increasingly f=difficult to reconcile with the current project management and procurement methods. We have found ourselves engaged much later than is best value and best input to the project. I think the new plan of work is much better suited to current practice and much easier for us to adopt wholesale. I agree with Rab Bennetts' suggestion that a standardised drawing example set should be developed. We do see very wide variation between different practices as to what is currently submitted at the old Stage C and Stage D. Standardisation makes it much easier for us sub consultants to integrate our services and our fee proposals with the general workflow Sadly the success of this new plan of work is probably more in the hands of project managers than architects in the current climate. We also need to ensure that it is not used to reduce fees for architects and designers. We still need to do do the same quantity of work no mater how the work stages are set out and named. Kevan Shaw
Comment on: Architects ‘liable for energy performance’
As a lighting Design practice KSLD have been proactive in seeking Post Occupancy Evaluation specifically for lighting aspects and human performance and satisfaction rather than focussing on energy use alone. We have come up against brick walls with building owners just not prepared to have their new schemes assessed. There is also a massive reluctance for building owners or occupiers to pay for Post Occupancy Evaluation. Given the current state of the market and downward pressure on fees this is a significant piece of work if it is to be meaningful and cannot be funded by design practices out of their revenue. In respect of our work we have several instances where our carefully considered designs and control schemes have been defeated by building occupants and facilities management organisations through laziness or demanding unnecessary lighting levels and times switched on. Once a building and its services are handed over it is unrealistic for the design team to bear full liability for performance, this has to be directed towards the operators. Post Occupancy Evaluation is a vital part of the design process. This is the feedback that helps us improve and learn from design. Relying as we do now on anecdotal evidence for the most part is not really adequate. On energy issues we are forced to incorporate lots of separate energy monitoring and metering but there seems to be a major lack of incentive for the data available from these to be properly collected and analysed. Kevan Shaw C.Eng, MILP
Comment on: Revealed: the six finalists in George Square contest
Really exciting to see these competition entries. Is there any way to view the images any larger? It is very difficult to make out what the teams are actually proposing. I am sure most readers would enjoy a good close look at these visuals. A description of each concept would be great too. Loving the umbrellas throughout!
Comment on: Shock as RIAS snubs Hadid's Glasgow museum
Given the range and quality of the buildings shortlisted this year it is obvious that there is no need to scrabble around to make up numbers. Is it right there should be an automatic assumption that a big name London architect with a big budget project should automatically be shortlisted in a design competition? I am rather glad to see that the jury in Scotland are sufficiently robust to resist such fashion oriented pressure! Kevan Shaw
Comment on: Familiar Faces
I cannot agree more with the sentiments of this article. The Portrait Gallery is a vital part of Ediburgh's make up and provides an incredible insight to the history of Scotland. The re-working by Page\Park has brought the building back to life and beautifully frames the collection. Kevan Shaw
Comment on: Paul Morrell: BIM is 'unstoppable'
BIM will build a wall in architecture between practices that can afford the very significant costs of implementation and those who cannot. There will also be a project scale where BIM will become mandatory. There will therefore be a point beyond which new and emerging practices cannot get work. It is inevitable that contractors and project managers will demand BIM capability in design teams for lower and lower value projects in the same way that 3D rendered presentations have now become essential for planning applications for projects where the fees can not really sustain this level of design. While BIM can provide benefits of really large scle projects that can afford it it will be a millstone for smaller projects and smaller practices. Kevan Shaw
Comment on: Work stops on KPF’s Pinnacle as contractor orders shutdown
It will be sad if central London starts to look like Dubai with abandoned tower sites and rusting cranes everywhere! Money needs to start moving again and quickly. Only way is to get banks to accept bigger risks on capital projects and release funds to developers! Kevan Shaw
Comment on: Foster reveals self-funded proposal for a four-runway airport in the Thames Estuary
Is there another plan to fund this by selling off Heathrow land for housing:)
Comment on: Government confirms £22 billion construction spend
Why do I think that they want to make 20% saving by cutting out design fees altogether rather than push the bounds of intelligent design and cut back on contractor's mark up and profit?
Comment on: Panter Hudspith scoops planning for Elephant & Castle tower
Congratulations Mark & Co on getting this one through th eplanning hoops! Kevan Shaw
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