HOW HARD CAN HOUSING BE?
In an age of ergonomic templates and space standardisation, logical, practical and rational layouts organised within a well-conceived and site-responsive building form should be considered the norm, not the exception.
Holistically designed housing can be straightforward, but only when the unavoidable realities of cost, materials, energy, structure and servicing are considered together from the outset.
There are enough uncertainties in the development process, that it seems sensible to keep every part of a design as simple as possible, and allow complexity to emerge from their careful integration. This is the difference between design as an aesthetically driven outcome and design thinking as a discipline.
A well-considered design proves itself through its resilience, flexibility and ability to respond to the evolving demands of the entire building process from site acquisition and planning through procurement, construction, occupation and long-term use.
Many of our commissions have involved reviewing and developing schemes after planning consent, where we’ve seen first-hand how design decisions can badly affect viability, compliance, deliverability and the quality of completed housing developments. That experience has reinforced our belief that integrating stronger, more holistic design thinking earlier in the process leads to fewer delivery problems and, ultimately, marketing and end user problems.
Whilst we are able to rectify many of these shortcomings, it is when fourth_space is involved at the beginning of a project that we can seek to de-fluff design, keep all the plates spinning, and ensure that issues don’t end up being designed or built in.
Our role is to challenge assumptions and create opportunities. By asking the right questions from the beginning we can help improve viability and design out risk before it becomes a problem. We think beyond design to consider how decisions made today affect construction, cost, buildability, quality and the long-term success of a place in the future. That doesn’t just create better buildings; it gives people confidence that what is designed is easier to consent, easier to build and easier to use.
