Cooperation
The Enhancement of Public Spaces
As architects, our primary concern is the enhancement of public space. We therefore offer municipalities and towns, first and foremost, expert assistance with the preparation of investment projects: site analysis, conceptual design and a high-quality brief, on which the outcome of all subsequent steps depends. In this role, we act as independent specialists on behalf of the municipality. If the municipality so wishes, we can also handle the entire scope of the project: from the feasibility study and design, through consultation and the preparation of grant applications, to supervision of the works and quality control of the finished project. We always define our role – that is, whether we act as an independent consultant to the municipality or as a designer – in advance during the initial meetings. We do not combine these two roles in the same project: where we advise the municipality and assess its plans, we do not carry out the design work for it.
Initial consultation in the municipality
A visit to the site and a discussion with the leadership of the municipality municipality about what the municipality is planning and what decisions it needs to take.
Output: A brief report setting out recommendations for the next steps and an estimate of the scope of work.
Site Analysis: Map of Issues and Values
Survey of the site and buildings in the field, analysis of supporting documentation and the land-use plan, interviews with site users. Where appropriate, public engagement with documented outcomes.
Output: The Map of Issues and Values as a basis for decisions by the council and the local authority.
Concept and brief
What to address, in what order, and using which tools. Links to the land-use plan, the budget and potential grants. Where appropriate, test the approach on a small scale through a temporary adjustment.
Output: Recommended procedure, including a budget framework and a brief for the investment project.
Expert support and assessments
For municipalities that have their own designer or town architect: an independent assessment of the proposal or project, preparation of the brief and selection of the designer, and participation in the evaluation committee or jury. In this role, we do not carry out design work for the municipality on the same project.
Output: An assessment or recommendation, with reasons given.
Building assessment
The technical condition of the structures and installations, including an estimate of repair costs; the building’s current use and potential; and its relationship with the surrounding area.
Output: A basis for deciding whether to repair, redevelop or find a new use for the property, setting out priorities and a phased approach to the repairs.
Conceptual sketches and studies
We will explore the site’s potential through conceptual sketches and design options. We will then develop the selected option into an architectural or urban planning study.
Output: A study to serve as a basis for the municipality’s decision, for consultation and for the subsequent stages of the project.
Project documentation
A project for planning permission and for the construction of the building. For the technical aspects, we work in collaboration with qualified specialists: structural engineers, building services engineers, transport engineers and landscape architects.
Output: Documentation for planning permission and the selection of a contractor.
Discussion of the proposal
We organise the entire process: consultations with the relevant authorities, network operators and property owners, presentations to the local council and meetings with residents.
Output: The proposal discussed and the minutes of the meeting.
Supporting documents for grants
Technical documentation for the grant application: a description of the project, technical drawings and a budget, to the extent required by the call for applications.
Output: Documents prepared for the application.
Supervision of implementation and quality control
Documentation for the selection of a contractor, the designer’s supervision and the client's site supervision during construction. We carry out ongoing checks to ensure that the work carried out complies with the design and the agreed quality standards.
Output: Progress reports for the municipality and quality control of the work carried out.
Forms of cooperation
Preparing for an investment
Site analysis, concept and brief. In this role, we act as independent specialists on behalf of the municipality. We agree on the scope and price in advance.
The entire contract
From the study and project design, through consultation and the preparation of grant applications, to the supervision of implementation and quality control of the completed work. The municipality has a single point of contact throughout the entire process.
A clear role
At the outset, we determine whether we are advising the municipality as independent experts or whether we will carry out the project as architects. We do not combine these two roles in the same project.
How to get started
Please call or write to us to let us know what issues you’re dealing with in your municipality. We usually start with an initial consultation on site.