Download clients` expectations from contemporary architects

CLIENTS’ EXPECTATIONS FROM
CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTS
A LECTUTURE DELIVERED AT THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE,
CONVENANT UNIVERSITY, OTA, OGUN STATE ON TUESDAY 20th OCTOBER, 2015
Arc. Paul O.I. Egwakhide, M.Sc (Arch), mnia
Principal Partner JMJ Architects and Design Consult
Lagos, NIgeria
PREABLE
We may want to ask; who is a Contemporary Architect or what is
Contemporary Architecture? Unlike Modern Architects or Modern
Architecture, the terminology ‘modern’ is open to interpretation of
various shades of meaning depending on the type of architectural
development. However, we can narrow down these development in
architecture to who can be called a Contemporary Architect.
Contemporary Architecture is applied to a range of styles of recently
built structures and space which are optimized for current use.
According to Norman Foster, a Contemporary Architect suggest a position that is
anti-vernacular, comfortable with new materials and non local materials & forms,
using architectural language that is contemporary, ie not generally steeped in
traditions.
Thus in a quiet way, the phrase ‘Contemporary Architects’ has a theoretical
position comparable – but not similar – to ‘Modern Architects’. It is a fact that
‘conservationist’, ‘traditionalist’, ‘classicist’ or ‘vernacular’ architects would feel
their views and style are still valid in the 21st century but generally would not wish
to be called ‘contemporary architects’ for some logical reasons or some
expectations of the client.
According to Norman Foster, contemporary architecture is not simply antivernacular but also architecture that can have a number of influences but still
tries to be aspirational, visionary, risky and uses new materials in an innovative
way.
Forster also posited that Contemporary Architects attempt to push at the
boundaries of materials and technology; and in recent decades, geometry.
Forster further stressed that Modern Architecture refers only to the architecture
of the Modern Movement where ‘form follows function’ influenced from mid-20th
century to 21st century
Modern Architecture refers to the building style of the early to mid-20th
century while the Contemporary Architect uses a combination of both style
and function to achieve aesthetically dynamic buildings.
Therefore, Contemporary architecture is definable broadly as the building style
of the present day.
Examples in today’s ‘contemporary architecture’ do not necessarily have
similar or easily recognizable features, however, because the ‘style’ varied and
has a number of different influences it becomes unique in aesthetics and style.
Even though a precise definition of the term is difficult to articulate,
contemporary homes typically include an irregular or unusually shaped frame,
an open floor plan, oversized windows, and the use of "green" and repurposed
components.
Prominent Contemporary Architects include Frank Gehry, who designed the
Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao; John Andrews, who designed the CN Tower in
Toronto; and Jean Nouvel, who designed the Quai Branly Museum in Paris.
Contemporary Buildings around the world
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain by Frank Gehry
Berlin Reichstag cupola by Norman Foster
Auditorio de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain by Santiago Calatrava (2003)
Zaha Hadid Architects
Galaxy Soho
National Museum of China competition
entry
Contemporary Buildings in Nigeria
THE CLIENTS’ EXPECTATIONS FROM CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECT
It is an established fact that a desire for particular aesthetic
elements typically drove previous styles in architecture but human
and environmental needs are the primary driving elements behind
today’s contemporary architecture especially in Nigeria.
Usually, increase in population, along with a reduction of funds
and some resources, have forced communities to explore
different means of building and organizing spaces.
One way of defining the style, therefore, is by identifying the
structures or designs that meet some of these pressing needs in
the immediate surrounding communities.
It is therefore important for contemporary architects especially in
the Nigeria environment to readily embrace available building
materials, consideration for available land space and incorporate
factors peculiar to the different environment into the design of
buildings to meet client requirement.
The Client is the building owner who employs the Architect to design a building
project and sometimes depends on him to employ other allied professionals to
undertake the processes of actualizing his dream house.
Basic Traditional roles of the Architect
• Preparation of construction drawings
• Preside over tendering on behalf their client
• Selection and award to a general contractor
• Supervision and review progress of the Works during construction
• Review contractor shop drawings and other submittals,
• Provide construction contract administration and issue site instructions
• Certify good works executed by the contractor and recommend certificate of
payment to the client
With very large, complex projects, an independent Construction Manager is
sometimes hired to assist in design and to manage construction.
Therefore, it can be said that a successful and efficient project considers the
client's needs, their budget and time frame for completion.
Three major stakeholders in a building project.
The Client, The Architect, and the Contractor have very specific and necessary
roles.
• The Client – have specific goals, expectations and a budget that is in
alignment with these goals and expectations.
• The Architect – must guide the client, propose reasonable, sustainable design
solutions, and provide accurate detailed drawings. These must meet the
client's requirements as well as the applicable building codes and zoning
criteria within the locality. The finalized construction documents will become
the client’s contract with the contractor.
• The Contractor – must be a responsible craftsman with expertise and the
experience necessary to manage the trades and to construct the building
project as designed and documented.
As outlined above, all of the three parties must work together in concert.
They must maintain open dialogue and be able to troubleshoot as a team in order
to respond to unforeseen issues or client-initiated changes.
Ultimately, the Client has two contracts, one is between the Owner and the
Architect and the other is between the Owner and the Contractor.
The Architect works for the Owner during the construction phase to ensure that
the Construction Documents are being interpreted correctly. The Architect also
advocates for the Owner to see that the investment in the Contract Documents
also known as Drawings and Specifications, is realized.
This process or model creates "checks and balances" and effective for realizing a
building project. Although this model has been the successful precedence for many
projects but some contractors do not want the architect involved in project during
the construction stage because contractors wants to evade strict compliance to
specifications enforced by the architect.
However, there are varied requirement and expectations of client from the architect in
contemporary times. Although these expectations may not be written but are
embedded in the services the client expect from the architect.
Therefore, the contemporary architect must be equipped with vast knowledge in
contract administration, building construction, project management as well as good
marketing skills to convince a client on the viability of a project. This is one of the ways
an investor or prospective client can be convinced to invest money on a building
project especially for economic reasons.
It is common in Nigeria today, that some Clients need Architect who is widely traveled,
knowledgeable in business and project management to handle their building project.
This knowledge in different fields in the industry, helps the client to minimize or reduce
cost in the area of consultancy services.
In conclusion, we can say, the Contemporary Architect of our world today, strives
through his design programs to achieve a building with great beneficial attributes both
in occupancy and aesthetics to meet the expectations of the client.
Thank you