EVERY client who approaches Bond Bryan to re-design an existing building or estate has to work collaboratively with the architects to define exactly what they want the project to achieve.
Failure to take this opportunity will mean that a redevelopment could simply recreate a new version of the old problem.
Many clients are fearful of change but a redevelopment can be as exciting as a new project and amazing results can be achieved
if the designer and client work hand-in-hand throughout.
Bond Bryan would stress that direct and open communication will enable an architect to translate a client's vision into a high quality new project, rather than just an adjustment of the old.
It is our role to take the client's vision and turn it into a practical reality that fits the budget and meets the client's needs.
Why does this need spelling out from the start? Because change is often a difficult process to manage and can be seen as a problem to those involved. An experienced designer should always assist the client to re-examine or even re-define the driving force for redevelopment.
Spending time understanding the key relationships, processes and activities to be housed in the new development is most instructive, not only for the design team but most importantly for the client. The secret lies more in the questions asked and the consequent thought process that they inspire rather than any specific answers given.
This takes the brief far beyond simply designing the built form. It means there has to be a thorough understanding of the client's aims and objectives, so the project can meet them directly, because an off the-peg solution developed in isolation from the client is rarely the right one.
It may be that, on paper, one project appears similar to another, but if the client's vision and aims are taken into account then the developments will always be very different.
The aim must be to develop an end product that is a positive translation of the client's beliefs and way of working, rather than just an upgraded building that falls short of the objective.
What do you think? Add your comments below.
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