test types, technology options, demand scenarios) into an equipment list..
Behind these commonalities lies a common kit of components, a much smaller set of components vs bespoke, traditional construction.. A limited number of components streamlines compliance.The analysis showed that in fact 70% of the public sector estate could be delivered by one structural platform: a mid-span c.8m structural solution.
As platforms ‘lock down’ the set of component specifications that sit behind design, this reduces the set of technical variables and requirements.This immediately standardises the process and streamlines the range of technical compliance as a result.Plus, with choices in the assembly, architectural outcomes can still be recognisably different and tailored..
At Bryden Wood, starting with productivity-led value drivers, we developed a hybrid steel and concrete mid span platform (Platform II).We then proved the concept on the design and delivery of The Forge, a commercial building for Landsec, the first ‘platform’ building..
There are bound to be other mid span options: using other value drivers as a start point will no doubt give rise to other types of mid span platform e.g.
a timber based or light gauge steel..I’ve worked through three different governments - Labour, Coalition and Conservative - but through them all there has been an increasing focus on the importance of infrastructure and transforming construction.. One thing I’ve noticed through this period is that we tend to think of ourselves in the engineering community as being innovators.
We think we're quite good at working out what needs doing, but actually, the real skill, and one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned during my time in government, is that working out what to do can be quite easy.It's working out how to get it done that becomes hard.. At present, our focus is on transforming construction into a more future-facing sector.
We need to ask important questions about how to make it more inclusive and representative of the society it serves.. To begin, it’s essential to recognise that we can’t achieve our goals working in isolation.Problems like carbon emissions, poor build quality, labour shortages and the housing crisis - they can all be improved if we collectively refocus our energies and unify our processes.