All of this is particularly important on a constrained site in central London.. At the Forge, we have over 40 riser modules, over 800 fan coil and pipe modules, and over 1300 comflor panels to contain the cabling and sprinkler pipework.
Although the green agenda has been around for a couple of decades, the response has been piecemeal, discreet; some would say derisory.The focus on meeting standards or gaining accolades has at best stifled major impact and at worst has lulled the industry and society into the idea that we were making great strides and further action was not necessary..
The facts are becoming increasingly clear: putting grass on roofs or achieving a gold plaque changes almost nothing; we need ambitious and holistic solutions at every level..In the past, shifting a project to prioritise the environment was often and easily rejected or written off as something that could be and needed to be sacrificed on the altar of cost.Design to Value naturally seeks wider and synergistic value, leading, supporting and embracing these needs as an opportunity to innovate: the environment is not an encumbrance, but a space for crucial change through design..
Thinking beyond standards, Design to Value can look at absolutes and even further can look for redemption.The most significant and perhaps difficult question needed to be addressed in every project is: how can we not build things we don’t really need even if they have a financial return?
A factory in Japan was due for closure and demolition as it no longer met the requirements for withstanding an earthquake after rules were changed following the earthquake and tsunami of 2011.
Studies to look at remediating the buildings had suggested the need to cease operations for 18 months, meaning the solution was unviable.We did a full review, which showed that because conditions had changed since it was designed, it was massively oversized, and not fit for purpose anymore.
As a result, we've done a feasibility study for abandoning the existing system and putting in several smaller plants.This would have multiple benefits, not least in saving on expensive pipe work to carry water long distances, because it's such a large site.
But also, the bigger the pipe loop, the more problems you have with water quality.We should be installing this new system soon..