Respecting the Project Site
Back in the day before massive earthmoving and site-making technology existed, the builders of the past had to rely upon manual means of organising a construction site. Mindful stewardship of the best soils was also advantageous and this ensured that buildings were compact and located on land that otherwise would be unable to support a viable agricultural planting. In short, there was a respect for the site and they tended not to build on the best land for growing food and this created an early form of sustainability.
The arrival of the modern world and its technology, combined with aggressive agricultural practice, changed this. Until now that is. Today we are seeing a return to a more conscientious sustainability within architecture. The manner in which a programme is set up to transform a site and manage building operations is now noticeably the primary gauge of an architect’s resource awareness.
A huge Development of project like Hammersmith offices needed for architects to consider the following questions and look to answers. This should be part of the pre-design process; the follow need to be addressed as a starting point:
Has an agency been identified to be accountable for environmental costs, and is an Environmental Impact Assessment needed?
Will any natural spaces or wilderness be developed and what steps have been taken to protect natural spaces, habitats or species?
Have energy and water conservation technologies, waste management measures and energy-efficient principles and building technology guided the design process in a meaningful way?
What steps have been taken to improve and best utilise public transport options?
These are in no way exhaustive but they are important steps that need to be addressed when one wishes to fulfil ones aim to respect a site and its sustainability.
