Latest:
Back bites
00:00 21 Jun 2000
|
Architectural weak
We all know architects have difficulty with numbers. For example, Architecture Week ran from 9-18 June - a time overrun of nearly 43%. Still, we are told design is their forte, or is it?
One contractor refers one of the country's leading practices as "Braille architects". Adding: "They are no good at visualising how something will turn out. They need to see it, feel it, smell it before they give the go-ahead. And that is not a good idea when you are on a fast-track job and the client is kicking you up the ass."
He contrasted this with architects at another leading practice. "At least, after they have designed it, they ask is it possible to build and will it stay up?"
Dumping down
D&B (design and build) has been around for some time, so it is perhaps time for a change of name. So welcome D&D - the rather unflattering acronym for design and dump.
So what's the difference between D&B and D&D? One property developer was overheard telling a contractor his definition: "Whereas the contractor might have some influence in D&B, now we can dump the design on him and he has no chance of altering anything and he has to take all the risks."
In other words - like it or dump it.
Protest groups
What have architectural practices Alsop & Stormer, Auckett Associates, and Foster & Partners got in common? Well, they can all expect to be involved in some fun and games with the Battersea & Wandsworth branch of the Trades Union Congress.
Last week, the local TUC organiser wrote to the three firms seeking face-to-face meetings with the management to discuss voluntary union recognition.
The TUC says one firm has continuously refused to meet union organisers, and will now be subjected to demonstrations outside its headquarters. The TUC also threatens to launch a website "detailing the profits made by the directors and the wages and conditions of the workers".
The three practices could face the same fate - that is unless they can convince the TUC that it would be extremely odd for an architect to join a union. Still, it would be intriguing to know how much Lord Foster actually earns.
We all know architects have difficulty with numbers. For example, Architecture Week ran from 9-18 June - a time overrun of nearly 43%. Still, we are told design is their forte, or is it?
One contractor refers one of the country's leading practices as "Braille architects". Adding: "They are no good at visualising how something will turn out. They need to see it, feel it, smell it before they give the go-ahead. And that is not a good idea when you are on a fast-track job and the client is kicking you up the ass."
He contrasted this with architects at another leading practice. "At least, after they have designed it, they ask is it possible to build and will it stay up?"
ADVERTISEMENT
Dumping down
D&B (design and build) has been around for some time, so it is perhaps time for a change of name. So welcome D&D - the rather unflattering acronym for design and dump.
So what's the difference between D&B and D&D? One property developer was overheard telling a contractor his definition: "Whereas the contractor might have some influence in D&B, now we can dump the design on him and he has no chance of altering anything and he has to take all the risks."
In other words - like it or dump it.
Protest groups
What have architectural practices Alsop & Stormer, Auckett Associates, and Foster & Partners got in common? Well, they can all expect to be involved in some fun and games with the Battersea & Wandsworth branch of the Trades Union Congress.
Last week, the local TUC organiser wrote to the three firms seeking face-to-face meetings with the management to discuss voluntary union recognition.
The TUC says one firm has continuously refused to meet union organisers, and will now be subjected to demonstrations outside its headquarters. The TUC also threatens to launch a website "detailing the profits made by the directors and the wages and conditions of the workers".
The three practices could face the same fate - that is unless they can convince the TUC that it would be extremely odd for an architect to join a union. Still, it would be intriguing to know how much Lord Foster actually earns.
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Viewed Articles
ADVERTISEMENT