The high ceilings in the theatres are mentioned by Maswiken, as being a particularly excellent feature of the building, with respect to the way they aid with the use and management of equipment.
In order to substantially reduce embodied carbon, our designs will adopt the following hierarchy:.Build Nothing: identify opportunities to reuse existing structures, refurbish and reuse demolition materials onsite.
Build Less: optimise the building’s form, structure, structural grid, WWR and DfMA components; recommend the use of durable materials, design-out basements and false ceilings (exposed soffit); design spaces which are adaptable and can be easily deconstructed..Build Clever: specify low carbon materials with a focus on the recycled content of steel and concrete and the use of timber; maximise the recycled content of finishes, use reclaimed floors and explore system’s rental; where possible use low GWP refrigerants and avoid VRF systems..Build Efficiently: implement innovative construction strategies such as Modern methods of Construction (MMC) and use a DfMA approach to reduce waste onsite..
Offset: Any remaining carbon should be offset via recognised carbon offset schemes.Offsets used should be publicly disclosed.. An example of design strategies that follow the proposed embodied carbon hierarchy is shown in Figure 5..
Step-by-step hierarchy for net zero embodied carbon.
Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA).This is a new initiative set up by Westminster, which involves older students helping teach the younger ones.
I assisted in sketching workshops, tutorials, formal reviews as well as crits and certain presentations for year 1 undergraduate architecture and interior architecture students.As a result of my experience, I have on two occasions since graduating been asked to help out at crits as part of the panel.
I really enjoy the experience and am very grateful to be given the opportunity to attend.Even though I am there to help the students, I don't think it is only about them benefiting from the experience.