Evolution or Extinction? - The Future of Architects
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
Oxford English Dictionary Vol. I, II & III (A-B/C/D-E), 1933(1)
Aesthetic (este'tik). [mod. ad. Gr.] of or pertaining to, things perceptible by the senses, things material (as opposed to things thinkable or immaterial). Applied in Germ. By Baumgarten (1750-58 aesthetica) to 'criticism of taste' considered as a since or philosophy. Recent extravagances in the adoption of a sentimental archaism as the ideal of beauty have still further removed aesthetic and its derivatives from their etymological and purely philosophical meaning.
Architect (a'rkitekt). [?a. F. architecte or It. architetto, ad. L. architectus] builder, craftsman. A master-builder. Spec A skilled professor of the art of building , whose business it is to prepare the plans of edifices, and exercise a general superintendence over the course of their erection.
Architecture (a'rkitektiur). [a. F architecture (? Or It. architettura), ad. L. architectura, f. architect-us] the art or science of building or constructing edifices of and kind for human use. Regarded in this wide application, architecture is divided into Civil, Ecclesiastical, Naval, Military, which deal respectively with houses and other buildings (such as bridges) of ordinary utility, churches, ships, fortification. But architecture is sometimes regarded as a fine art.
Construction (konstru'ksen) [ad. L. construction-em, n. of action f. construere to construe, construct. the F. construction is cited by Littre from 12th century, and may have been the immediate source] The action of constructing. The action of framing, devising, or forming, by putting together of parts; erection, building.
Evolution (evoliu'sen) [ad. L. evolutio-em (recorded in the sence 'unrolling of a book') n. of action] the appearance in orderly succession of a long train of events. The development or growth, of anything that may be compared to a living organism.
Extinction (eksti'nksen) [ad. L. ex(s)tinction-em] quenching, putting out. The action of blotting (a living being, a soul) out of existence; destruction, annihilation. Of a race, family, species, etc the fact or process of becoming extinct; a coming to an end or dying out; the condition of being extinct.
Evolution or Extinction? - The Future of Architects
Introduction
The 'traditional route' of architecture saw a building fully designed and all contracts administered by an architect.
In 1998 less then 40% of buildings produced, were made in the 'traditional' way, compared to 70% of the early eighties(2). This change first came about for three alledged reasons, increase of the construction manager's role, the decrease of on-site skills and the use of subcontractors. The architectural profession has distanced itself from the construction process, including the building of project and design issues, Such as structural mechanics and environmental design.
Architectural associations such as the Royal Institute of British Architects still see a place in modern day design for architects, despite the contrary evidence provided by the construction industry. Prefabrication and standardisation of building has seen the architects role cut to a minimum and in some cases cut out all together. A recent government task force has sought to unify the construction process and industry, not just to improve the currant conditions, but to completely 'Rethink Construction'.3 The Egan report released in 1998 and prefabricated are seen to be bringing about the demise of architects. Will these issues effect the architectural profession? So the question is asked. Will there be a return to the master craftsmen of antiquity or can the modern architect adapt? Evolution or Extinction? - The future of architects.
The 'RIBA Plan of Work' is a guide to architects, showing the various stages of a project, from inception through to user feedback. Involvement from various parties and the role of the architect is decided at project inception via the Standard Form of Agreement (SFA).
The plan of work shows the architects involvement at every stage, except J. Project Planning. This is predictable because the 'plan of work' document was prepared by the RIBA, for the use of architects alone. This would explain why the Briefing, Sketch Plans and Working Drawings stages are given three times more definition then the construction phase, which, in the course of a normal construction project, take up to 90% of the projects actual time. Integration between all concerned with construction is necessary to create good projects. The culmination of a government 'task force' has sent shock waves through the industry.
In 1998 a government 'Task Force' was formed. Headed by Sir John Egan, the person who the report is now named after. There primary objective was to define a set of parameters that a new system of construction could be based on. The members of the task force were,
· Sir john Egan (chairman), Chief executive, BAA plc
· Mike Raycroft, Property services director, Tesco Superstores Ltd.
· Ian Gibson, Managing director, Nissan UK Ltd.
· Sir Brian Moffatt, Chief executive, British Steel plc
· Alan Parker, Managing director, Whitbread Hotels
· Anthony Mayer, Chief executive, Housing Corporation
· Sir Nigel Mobbs, Chairman, Slough estates & Chief executive, Bovis Homes
· Professor Daniel Jones, Director of the Lean Enterprise centre, Cardiff University
· David Gye, Director, Morgan Stanley & Co. Ltd.
· David Warbton, GBM union
In a letter to the originator of the task force Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, Sir John Egan wrote about "commitment to modernisation" and more importantly "working together… to face the new millenium".(3p.1)
Executive Summary of the Egan Report,
· Paragraphs 1-3, UK construction at its best can rival any other in the world for diversity and innovation. Members of the task force stated.
· Paragraphs 4-6, The currant UK construction industry is under achieving, profit is low and money invested in innovation, training and research is unacceptable. Too many completed projects are leaving clients dissatisfied.
· Paragraphs 15-18, The purpose of the task force. By learning from other improved industries, these improvements can be implemented. (Italics not in original)
· Paragraphs 17, Five key points of the agenda - Committed leadership, focus on customer, integrated processes and teams, quality driven agenda and commitment to people.
· Paragraphs 19-22, A series of proposed targets for annual improvement.
· Paragraphs 23-26, Targets include annual reductions of 10% in construction cost and construction time. Defect reduction of 20%.
· Paragraphs 53-61, Changes in structure and culture, need to be implemented. Safe working conditions and improved managerial supervision. Projects to be designed for ease of construction and with maximum use of standard components and processes. not in
· Paragraphs 67-71, Competitive tendering must be replaced with relationships based on measurement of performance.
· Paragraphs 78-79, Proposal for a forum for improving performance in house building.
· Paragraphs 82-83, Major clients of the construction industry must set an example by following the reports recommendations. Setting up of demonstration projects worth £500 million.
· Paragraphs 84-85, The Construction Best Practice Programme (CBPP) should make itself available to the whole industry and potential clients.
· Paragraphs 86-87, The public sector should be steered towards the CBPP.
· Paragraphs 89-91, Branded products must be introduced, thusly giving a comparable study between marketed brands.
· Paragraph 92, Summary of report. Stating that they "…are not inviting the UK construction to look at what it does already and do it better…" but that they are "…asking the industry and government to join with major clients to do it entirely differently".
The Egan Report has been criticised by architects for excluding them and design principles entirely. As the report was tendered as 'the future of the construction industry' does Sir John Egan and his 'task force' see no future for architects in the industry? Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott dismissed this idea stating, "It saddens me to hear the defensiveness in the design community who see the Rethinking Construction initiative as a threat. Why be so scared, so timid, so negative? Why not grasp the opportunity, join in with the team approach, contribute and share your expertise, demonstrate what good design can deliver".(5p.80)
The apprehension towards the Egan report on behalf of architects, is subject to a number of reasons. As stated in Paragraphs 89-92 of the Egan Report, a branded and packaged style of building is the long-term goal. The counter argument by architects is that this trend would lead to the same result as the automobile industry that it is trying to emulate. In that only a few large, financially backed firms will be able to survive, and "there's a danger that the creative issue of producing buildings could end up being sterilised".(6p.24)
The architectural profession felt excluded from the report in two ways, the first being the exclusion of any predominant architects from the 'task force'. This led to the almost complete exclusion of design issues being raised in the report. There is no direct mention of architects in the report, only designers. The same can be said of structural engineers and structural design. Both professions feel a chance has been missed. Others however see the report as a watershed for architects to actually realise their position in the industry. Instead of being viewed as the team leader, they should become integrated with the industry, and remove the feeling of self importance from the architectural profession "…focus all the while must be on benefit for society and not, except perhaps in consequence, the profession".(5p.82)
The chief product of 1998's Egan Report was the redirecting and focusing of the Construction Best Practice Programme (CBPP). The CBPP now being the acceptable face of the changing construction industry. Along with the Construction Industry Board (CIB).(7) And the Movement for Innovation (M4I).(8)
Combined these groups have taken aspects of the Egan report and implemented them in various ways, none more so then the CBPP. In CBPP's 'Inside UK Enterprise 2000/2001: Construction' booklet9 they begin by asking and answering two questions. The first being, "How can the programme help me?" their solution being, "Through a range of services and products including,
· Sector specific case studies
· Key Performance Indicators (KPI's)
· Company visits
· Best practice workshops
The second question being "Who can get help?" their answer "anyone who is involved in the industry from the client or owner of a building to the design team…the only pre-requisite is that you should be committed to improving your performance".
The CBPP's approach is not as radical as the Egan Report may have requested, and in-fact seems to completely ignore the final summary of "…we are not inviting UK construction to look at what it does and do it better; we are asking the industry…to do it completely differently".(3para.92) Although the CBPP has set up a user friendly web site(10) and telephonic help lines, it isn't treading any radical ground. In-fact a lot of the CBPP proposed services have been around in the industry, including the architectural profession for a long time.
Two years after the Egan Report and its implementation, the projected £500million worth of demonstration projects has been met. There are currently another 84 projects underway that will eventually be added to the CBPP and M4I batch of best practice projects. Criticism has again been levelled at the best practice approach and that the best practice examples are "being exemplified by a series of sheds, sewage works and travel inns". Robin Nicholson a director at Edward Cullinans believes "the majority of demonstration projects are not interesting design wise, and that is the architects fault".(5p.82)
Architects have widely accepted, and maybe used, the CBPP's recommendations and services, although again some factions of architect's feel excluded. Smaller practices are feeling the burden. Especially in the CBPP's Key Performance Indicator (KPI) scheme, "Broadly I think the CBPP is good. I don't want to knock it. Benchmarking and key performance indicators are good for any professional to know about, the main issue is how appropriate are these KPI's for architects?"(5p.80)
The Key Performance Indicators are a main part of the CBPP's implementation of the Egan report. The ten key areas are,
· Client satisfaction - Product
· Client satisfaction - Service
· Defects
· Predictability - Cost
· Predictability - Time
· Profitability
· Productivity
· Safety
· Construction Cost
· Construction Time
Although it is said to be aimed towards, "clients, designers, consultants, contractors and sub-contractors".9p.1 With reference to the designers, how relevant are the key categories? With exception of client satisfaction - product & service, profitability and productivity, the designer has little association with the rest, "in general, for a small practice this is a bit broad brush. Some of the categories, for example 'defects' are more appropriate for contractors".(5p.81) Despite the efforts of the CBPP, architects are still resisting total integration to the rest of the construction industry, and are still determined to be the largest cog in the system.
Paragraph 53-6 of the Egan report, was concerned with ease of construction and standard components, leading into a system of prefabrication. Prefabrication started on a large commercial scale after World War II, England was in ruins thanks to the Nazi airforce, hundreds of thousands of were homeless. A system of mass housing was needed, 300,000 homes were planned in 1946 with a further 200,000 built every year until 1952.(11) Prefabrication and an industrialised system of building, was born out of necessity to a social situation.
Prefabrication and the standardisation of materials and architectural forms is not a 20th Century idea. Pattern book architecture has been around since the time of Renaissance architects. Pattern books were largely responsible for the spread of renaissance architecture around Europe. In France and England they were mercilessly plundered, often out of context and with disastrous results.
Before World War II Le Corbusier saw prefabrication as a solution to what he saw as the socially unacceptable architectural situation in the 1930's. In his seminal work 'Vers Une Architecture',(12) (Towards a New Architecture) he set out guidelines for the 'House Machine',
"We must create the mass-production spirit,
The spirit of constructing mass-produced houses,
The spirit of living in mass-produced houses,
The spirit of conceiving mass-produced houses".(12p.227)
Although Le Corbusier never realised the dream of the total 'House Machine', in 1947 to 1953 his 'Unite d'Habitation', Marseilles, saw an alternative solution to mass housing. The 'Unite' may be the most significant evolution of architecture of the 20th Century. Le Corbusier had wanted many more built along side of the original, but it never materialised. However his dream was realised all around the world in the form the 1960's high-rise flats. Le Cobusiers' original intentions for the purpose of the 'Unite' was wholly lost, and the tower blocks have been branded as one of the worst architectural mistakes ever. This was mainly due to the lack of appreciation for what Le Corbusier was trying to do, and a mis-adaption of his principles. All though as far as the world is concerned the idea had failed. Had he followed his own ideals of 'The house is a machine for living in' the currant situation may well be different, it is hard to predict what modern housing would have been like if it wasn't for Le Corbusier and 'Unite'.
Another architect who had an impact on the 'Industrialised building' was Walter Gropius. In 1984's 'The Dream of a Factory-Made House',(13) Gilbert Herbert set out the plans of Gropius and Konrad Wachsmann for a "Packaged House". Both men were already vastly experienced in prefabrication. In their only major project together, the 'factory-made house' should have been a huge success, everything was in place, backing from the government and major corporations. A factory was in place and all was being readied. But by 1950 the market, if there ever was one, had collapsed. Only a handful of the General Panel System houses were built and sold.
Walter Gropius' dream of the 'factory-made house' may not have died in the 1950's.
In Cambridgeshire, England, a company called Potton Ltd.(14) specialises in a complete home package. They offer to tailor anyone of their pre-designed packages to suit your needs. Choosing either from their Heritage, Rectory or Shire ranges and house types like the Rochester and Winchester. You can let Potton follow through the whole project, including the obtaining of planning permission, building regulation compliance, all the way through to construction, or if you choose to, they will deliver the 'kit' to your site and it can be 'easily' erected by yourself or your own contractors. This method of architect-less architecture is widely used in Scandinavia and Japan, but anything prefabricated is still frowned upon in the UK because of the associations with the post war houses.
But questions have to be asked. Does our currant social climate call for a 'machine for living in' or a 'factory-made house'? Is there a need to churn out hundreds of thousands of homes a year? Although there is an argument for a certain amount of standardisation, for example, mass repetitive industrial works such as supermarkets or factories. But does this need to be applied to the whole of architecture? Would a street full of identical 'house machines' be as beautiful as a street lined with Frank Lloyd Wright's 'Falling Water', Mies Van Der Rohe's 'Farnsworth House' and Future Systems' 'Hauer-King House'?
One project that has tried to redress the balance of prefabricated architecture in the UK is Cartwright-Pickards 'Murray Grove House' in Hackney. Financed by the Peabody Trust this housing is specifically targeted at, "key workers with a stable income, such as teachers or nurses".(15p.27)
The housing is located on the corner of Murray Grove and Sheperdess Walk in two rows of accommodation. The housing modules, which are stacked like bricks on top of one another, arrived to the site 'complete' with furniture and fittings, craned into place, there was virtually no on-site scaffolding, the services were simply 'plugged-in', reminiscent of Archigram projects back in the 60's. Each unit was developed by Yorkon, in association with Cartwright-Pikard. Showing integration between manufacturers and architects in an Eganist dream. On-site construction was only 27 weeks (excluding production of the units). Integration with the Egan report veers slightly when it comes to cost. The final cost was 15% higher then first tendered. This is mainly attributed to the fact that it was a 'pioneering' project, although any future projects should be delivered to the target cost. This is an example of what can be achieved with prefabricated architecture. It is still a young system with need for development.
"Your General Panel Home offers solid comfort, modern beauty, convenient liveability. Here is a home far advanced in design…The structural elements of your General Panel Home are made in a huge factory with modern machines and special jigs and fixtures for precision structure…Your General Panel Home can be built wherever you choose, and the time required at the building site to complete it is seldom more than two or three weeks…"
General Panel Corporation, manufacturer of the packaged house.
advertisement pamphlet, 1946.(13p.1)
"There is a special pleasure in living in a home which you have designed yourself and this pleasure starts from the moment you begin planning with us. Our aim is to provide you with all the information and inspiration that you will need to create the home of your dreams…Let us open your minds to a world which combines modern building methods and technology with interesting interior ideas…a home that can be exactly what you want"
Potton Ltd,
Advertisement booklet, 1999.(14p.13)
Evolution or Extinction?
Evolution.
The Egan report and various connotations such as the CBPP and M4I, have certainly gone some way to integrating some areas of the construction industry. But does it go far enough? The evidence points to no. Integration will only come about when all are aware of the issues concerning each party. Not just considering the needs of the client or contractor, but also the needs of the architect or structural designer and all others involved in the industry. It is naive to think that one solution is suitable to all concerned by trying to shoe horn various professions into one category. Only through each profession coming together and stating there needs will anything happen.
The people involved in the Egan report have a vested interest in smoothing the path between various parties, none more so then Mike Raycroft, property services director at Tesco, a smooth relationship between client and contractor, would be seen as a advantage when it came to cutting costs. Design is not important to them, but profit and production is. It is akin to a group of local shop owners deciding the fate of competing supermarkets.
Evolution.
As to the role the architect plays in the industry and the apparent 'pompousness' of the architect, this could be for a number of reasons. To try to say that the architect should become just another link in the chain, just another member of the design team, is somewhat ignorant. No other professional trains for the amount of time that the architect is legally required to do. So to want equal input from all sides in design matters is naive. Equality comes when all are equal. It may seem obvious, but with reference to the Egan report this seems to be forgotten. Maybe a reduction in architectural training, or a broader base of training would be suitable? Maybe a modern form of 'master builder' should be created to bridge the gaps? These are questions only time will answer.
Evolution.
Standardisation and prefabrication could be seen as a direct force against evolution. If there was one standardised housing type, made all around the world, for each and every climate, dweller and landscape, would this not be seen as destroying the all-important sense of place? Although it will be a long time before this is a reality, we should concentrate now on our housing needs, and not at the time of social desperation. But it should take the form of a 'factory-made' house is for future debate.
There is little need for a mass scheme of prefabrication or a 'factory-made house' today. Although there is a need for governments and councils to plan sensibly there housing needs. Whose to say a 'house-machine' today would be suitable in 20 to 30 years time?
Evolution happened for a reason, it is the culmination of a place, a people, and a climate. Differences in identity and traditions are no coincidence. we are, as people, a product of our place. With the advent of Television, the Internet and the 'global community' are we in danger of losing our identities? Our architecture is a major part of that 'identity' would people visit a Windsor with no castle? Or Chatres if there was no cathedral?
Evolution.
Architecture is one of the most diverse trades in the world. It is this individuality that makes it so different to automobile manufacture. Henry Fords over used quote on
"Mass production…Accuracy, economy, system, continuity and speed…Standard materials, workmanship and design at minimum cost",(16p.6) in reference to car production is often bought out in reference to pre-fabrication. But can a mass solution to transport but applicable to housing and architecture. More importantly is the automobile such a successful idea? We now live in a world choked on exhaust fumes, road network systems and diminishing natural resources, should architecture be trying to emulate this? Should we hold Henry Ford and his descendants in such high esteem? Or are they as guilty as the makers of the Atom bomb, for giving us this world destroyer?
Evolution is the development form earlier forms. Extinction is the ceasing to exist of a species. Remember…you can have any colour house…as long as it's black.
Encarta World English Dictionary, 1999(17)
Aesthetics /eess thettiks, iss-/ n. Study of beauty. The branch of philosophy dealing with the study of aesthetic values such as the beautiful and the sublime. A perticular idea of what is beautiful or artistic.
Architect /aarki tekt/ n. Archit. Building designer sb whose job is to design buildings and advise on their construction.
Architecture /aarki tekcher/ n. building design. The art and science of designing and constructing buildings.
Construction /ken struksh'n/ n. Building. Act or process of constructing the of sth, especially a large structure such as a house, road, or bridge.
Evolution /eeve loosh'n, evve-/ n. Theory of development from earlier forms. the theoretical process by which all species develop from earlier forms of life, so that over the generations all members of the population come to possess the favourite traits.
Extinction /ik stingksh'n/ n. the fact of becoming extinct. the death or ceasing to exist of all members of a species or family of organisms. the state of being no longer valid or practised.
Prefab /pree fab/ adj. Manufactured in sections. Relating to or constructed from prefabricated parts.
Prefabricate /pree fabbri kayt/ (-cates, -cating, -cated) vt. Produce in sections. To manufacture sections of sth, especially a building that can be transported to a site and easily assembled there. Produce in standardised form. To produce sth in an unoriginal or standardised way.
Biliography
1. OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY, THE. Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1933.
2. RIBA. Architects and the changing construction industry. Supplement to RIBA Journal, 2000 July.
3. EGAN, J. The Egan report: rethinking construction.
4. RIBA. Outline Plan of Work.
5. RICHARDSON, V. Get with the programme. RIBA Journal, 1999 Sept. Vol.106.
6. FINCH, P. Are we eager for Egan? Architects Journal, 1999 11Feb. Vol. 209.
7. www.ciboard.org.uk [on-line]
8. www.m4i.org.uk [on-line]
9. Construction best practice programme. Inside UK enterprise 2000/2001.
10. www.cbpp.org.uk [on-line]
11. FINNIMORE, B. Houses from the factory: system building and the welfare state. London, Rivers Oram Press, 1989. ISBN 1 85 489 0026
12. LE CORBUSIER. Vers une architecture (towards a new architecture), 13th edition. Oxford, Architectural Press, 1998. ISBN 0 442 0627 4
13. HERBERT, G. The dream of a factory-made house. Massachusetts, MIT Press, 1984. ISBN 0 262 081407
14. POTTON LTD. Potton house types 1999/2000.
15. PARTINGTON, R. Urban pioneer. Architects Journal, 1999 25Nov.
16. ENCARTA WORLD ENGLISH DICTIONARY. London, Bloomsbury Publishing, 1999.
Selected Reading
Books
CURTIS, W.J.R. Modern architecture since 1900, third edition. London, Phaidon Press Ltd, 1997. ISBN 07148 36168
FLEMMING, J. The penguin dictionary of architecture, fourth edition. St Ives, Clays Ltd, 1991. ISBN 0 14 051241 1
MCGRORY, D. A century of Coventry. Bath, The Bath Press, 1999.
ISBN 0 7509 2421 7
ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY, THE. How to cite references. 2000
Journals
FINCH, P. Ambitious programme for stronger construction industry. Architects Journal, 1998 3Dec. Vol.208, P.19
Web-sites
www.architecture.com [on-line] RIBA.
www.connectbestpractice.com [on-line] Connect For Construction.
www.fitforthefuture.org.uk [on-line] Fit For The Future.
www.emap.com/construct [on-line] Architects Journal.
www.potton.co.uk [on-line] Potton Ltd.
Aesthetic (este'tik). [mod. ad. Gr.] of or pertaining to, things perceptible by the senses, things material (as opposed to things thinkable or immaterial). Applied in Germ. By Baumgarten (1750-58 aesthetica) to 'criticism of taste' considered as a since or philosophy. Recent extravagances in the adoption of a sentimental archaism as the ideal of beauty have still further removed aesthetic and its derivatives from their etymological and purely philosophical meaning.
Architect (a'rkitekt). [?a. F. architecte or It. architetto, ad. L. architectus] builder, craftsman. A master-builder. Spec A skilled professor of the art of building , whose business it is to prepare the plans of edifices, and exercise a general superintendence over the course of their erection.
Architecture (a'rkitektiur). [a. F architecture (? Or It. architettura), ad. L. architectura, f. architect-us] the art or science of building or constructing edifices of and kind for human use. Regarded in this wide application, architecture is divided into Civil, Ecclesiastical, Naval, Military, which deal respectively with houses and other buildings (such as bridges) of ordinary utility, churches, ships, fortification. But architecture is sometimes regarded as a fine art.
Construction (konstru'ksen) [ad. L. construction-em, n. of action f. construere to construe, construct. the F. construction is cited by Littre from 12th century, and may have been the immediate source] The action of constructing. The action of framing, devising, or forming, by putting together of parts; erection, building.
Evolution (evoliu'sen) [ad. L. evolutio-em (recorded in the sence 'unrolling of a book') n. of action] the appearance in orderly succession of a long train of events. The development or growth, of anything that may be compared to a living organism.
Extinction (eksti'nksen) [ad. L. ex(s)tinction-em] quenching, putting out. The action of blotting (a living being, a soul) out of existence; destruction, annihilation. Of a race, family, species, etc the fact or process of becoming extinct; a coming to an end or dying out; the condition of being extinct.
Evolution or Extinction? - The Future of Architects
Introduction
The 'traditional route' of architecture saw a building fully designed and all contracts administered by an architect.
In 1998 less then 40% of buildings produced, were made in the 'traditional' way, compared to 70% of the early eighties(2). This change first came about for three alledged reasons, increase of the construction manager's role, the decrease of on-site skills and the use of subcontractors. The architectural profession has distanced itself from the construction process, including the building of project and design issues, Such as structural mechanics and environmental design.
Architectural associations such as the Royal Institute of British Architects still see a place in modern day design for architects, despite the contrary evidence provided by the construction industry. Prefabrication and standardisation of building has seen the architects role cut to a minimum and in some cases cut out all together. A recent government task force has sought to unify the construction process and industry, not just to improve the currant conditions, but to completely 'Rethink Construction'.3 The Egan report released in 1998 and prefabricated are seen to be bringing about the demise of architects. Will these issues effect the architectural profession? So the question is asked. Will there be a return to the master craftsmen of antiquity or can the modern architect adapt? Evolution or Extinction? - The future of architects.
The 'RIBA Plan of Work' is a guide to architects, showing the various stages of a project, from inception through to user feedback. Involvement from various parties and the role of the architect is decided at project inception via the Standard Form of Agreement (SFA).
The plan of work shows the architects involvement at every stage, except J. Project Planning. This is predictable because the 'plan of work' document was prepared by the RIBA, for the use of architects alone. This would explain why the Briefing, Sketch Plans and Working Drawings stages are given three times more definition then the construction phase, which, in the course of a normal construction project, take up to 90% of the projects actual time. Integration between all concerned with construction is necessary to create good projects. The culmination of a government 'task force' has sent shock waves through the industry.
In 1998 a government 'Task Force' was formed. Headed by Sir John Egan, the person who the report is now named after. There primary objective was to define a set of parameters that a new system of construction could be based on. The members of the task force were,
· Sir john Egan (chairman), Chief executive, BAA plc
· Mike Raycroft, Property services director, Tesco Superstores Ltd.
· Ian Gibson, Managing director, Nissan UK Ltd.
· Sir Brian Moffatt, Chief executive, British Steel plc
· Alan Parker, Managing director, Whitbread Hotels
· Anthony Mayer, Chief executive, Housing Corporation
· Sir Nigel Mobbs, Chairman, Slough estates & Chief executive, Bovis Homes
· Professor Daniel Jones, Director of the Lean Enterprise centre, Cardiff University
· David Gye, Director, Morgan Stanley & Co. Ltd.
· David Warbton, GBM union
In a letter to the originator of the task force Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, Sir John Egan wrote about "commitment to modernisation" and more importantly "working together… to face the new millenium".(3p.1)
Executive Summary of the Egan Report,
· Paragraphs 1-3, UK construction at its best can rival any other in the world for diversity and innovation. Members of the task force stated.
· Paragraphs 4-6, The currant UK construction industry is under achieving, profit is low and money invested in innovation, training and research is unacceptable. Too many completed projects are leaving clients dissatisfied.
· Paragraphs 15-18, The purpose of the task force. By learning from other improved industries, these improvements can be implemented. (Italics not in original)
· Paragraphs 17, Five key points of the agenda - Committed leadership, focus on customer, integrated processes and teams, quality driven agenda and commitment to people.
· Paragraphs 19-22, A series of proposed targets for annual improvement.
· Paragraphs 23-26, Targets include annual reductions of 10% in construction cost and construction time. Defect reduction of 20%.
· Paragraphs 53-61, Changes in structure and culture, need to be implemented. Safe working conditions and improved managerial supervision. Projects to be designed for ease of construction and with maximum use of standard components and processes. not in
· Paragraphs 67-71, Competitive tendering must be replaced with relationships based on measurement of performance.
· Paragraphs 78-79, Proposal for a forum for improving performance in house building.
· Paragraphs 82-83, Major clients of the construction industry must set an example by following the reports recommendations. Setting up of demonstration projects worth £500 million.
· Paragraphs 84-85, The Construction Best Practice Programme (CBPP) should make itself available to the whole industry and potential clients.
· Paragraphs 86-87, The public sector should be steered towards the CBPP.
· Paragraphs 89-91, Branded products must be introduced, thusly giving a comparable study between marketed brands.
· Paragraph 92, Summary of report. Stating that they "…are not inviting the UK construction to look at what it does already and do it better…" but that they are "…asking the industry and government to join with major clients to do it entirely differently".
The Egan Report has been criticised by architects for excluding them and design principles entirely. As the report was tendered as 'the future of the construction industry' does Sir John Egan and his 'task force' see no future for architects in the industry? Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott dismissed this idea stating, "It saddens me to hear the defensiveness in the design community who see the Rethinking Construction initiative as a threat. Why be so scared, so timid, so negative? Why not grasp the opportunity, join in with the team approach, contribute and share your expertise, demonstrate what good design can deliver".(5p.80)
The apprehension towards the Egan report on behalf of architects, is subject to a number of reasons. As stated in Paragraphs 89-92 of the Egan Report, a branded and packaged style of building is the long-term goal. The counter argument by architects is that this trend would lead to the same result as the automobile industry that it is trying to emulate. In that only a few large, financially backed firms will be able to survive, and "there's a danger that the creative issue of producing buildings could end up being sterilised".(6p.24)
The architectural profession felt excluded from the report in two ways, the first being the exclusion of any predominant architects from the 'task force'. This led to the almost complete exclusion of design issues being raised in the report. There is no direct mention of architects in the report, only designers. The same can be said of structural engineers and structural design. Both professions feel a chance has been missed. Others however see the report as a watershed for architects to actually realise their position in the industry. Instead of being viewed as the team leader, they should become integrated with the industry, and remove the feeling of self importance from the architectural profession "…focus all the while must be on benefit for society and not, except perhaps in consequence, the profession".(5p.82)
The chief product of 1998's Egan Report was the redirecting and focusing of the Construction Best Practice Programme (CBPP). The CBPP now being the acceptable face of the changing construction industry. Along with the Construction Industry Board (CIB).(7) And the Movement for Innovation (M4I).(8)
Combined these groups have taken aspects of the Egan report and implemented them in various ways, none more so then the CBPP. In CBPP's 'Inside UK Enterprise 2000/2001: Construction' booklet9 they begin by asking and answering two questions. The first being, "How can the programme help me?" their solution being, "Through a range of services and products including,
· Sector specific case studies
· Key Performance Indicators (KPI's)
· Company visits
· Best practice workshops
The second question being "Who can get help?" their answer "anyone who is involved in the industry from the client or owner of a building to the design team…the only pre-requisite is that you should be committed to improving your performance".
The CBPP's approach is not as radical as the Egan Report may have requested, and in-fact seems to completely ignore the final summary of "…we are not inviting UK construction to look at what it does and do it better; we are asking the industry…to do it completely differently".(3para.92) Although the CBPP has set up a user friendly web site(10) and telephonic help lines, it isn't treading any radical ground. In-fact a lot of the CBPP proposed services have been around in the industry, including the architectural profession for a long time.
Two years after the Egan Report and its implementation, the projected £500million worth of demonstration projects has been met. There are currently another 84 projects underway that will eventually be added to the CBPP and M4I batch of best practice projects. Criticism has again been levelled at the best practice approach and that the best practice examples are "being exemplified by a series of sheds, sewage works and travel inns". Robin Nicholson a director at Edward Cullinans believes "the majority of demonstration projects are not interesting design wise, and that is the architects fault".(5p.82)
Architects have widely accepted, and maybe used, the CBPP's recommendations and services, although again some factions of architect's feel excluded. Smaller practices are feeling the burden. Especially in the CBPP's Key Performance Indicator (KPI) scheme, "Broadly I think the CBPP is good. I don't want to knock it. Benchmarking and key performance indicators are good for any professional to know about, the main issue is how appropriate are these KPI's for architects?"(5p.80)
The Key Performance Indicators are a main part of the CBPP's implementation of the Egan report. The ten key areas are,
· Client satisfaction - Product
· Client satisfaction - Service
· Defects
· Predictability - Cost
· Predictability - Time
· Profitability
· Productivity
· Safety
· Construction Cost
· Construction Time
Although it is said to be aimed towards, "clients, designers, consultants, contractors and sub-contractors".9p.1 With reference to the designers, how relevant are the key categories? With exception of client satisfaction - product & service, profitability and productivity, the designer has little association with the rest, "in general, for a small practice this is a bit broad brush. Some of the categories, for example 'defects' are more appropriate for contractors".(5p.81) Despite the efforts of the CBPP, architects are still resisting total integration to the rest of the construction industry, and are still determined to be the largest cog in the system.
Paragraph 53-6 of the Egan report, was concerned with ease of construction and standard components, leading into a system of prefabrication. Prefabrication started on a large commercial scale after World War II, England was in ruins thanks to the Nazi airforce, hundreds of thousands of were homeless. A system of mass housing was needed, 300,000 homes were planned in 1946 with a further 200,000 built every year until 1952.(11) Prefabrication and an industrialised system of building, was born out of necessity to a social situation.
Prefabrication and the standardisation of materials and architectural forms is not a 20th Century idea. Pattern book architecture has been around since the time of Renaissance architects. Pattern books were largely responsible for the spread of renaissance architecture around Europe. In France and England they were mercilessly plundered, often out of context and with disastrous results.
Before World War II Le Corbusier saw prefabrication as a solution to what he saw as the socially unacceptable architectural situation in the 1930's. In his seminal work 'Vers Une Architecture',(12) (Towards a New Architecture) he set out guidelines for the 'House Machine',
"We must create the mass-production spirit,
The spirit of constructing mass-produced houses,
The spirit of living in mass-produced houses,
The spirit of conceiving mass-produced houses".(12p.227)
Although Le Corbusier never realised the dream of the total 'House Machine', in 1947 to 1953 his 'Unite d'Habitation', Marseilles, saw an alternative solution to mass housing. The 'Unite' may be the most significant evolution of architecture of the 20th Century. Le Corbusier had wanted many more built along side of the original, but it never materialised. However his dream was realised all around the world in the form the 1960's high-rise flats. Le Cobusiers' original intentions for the purpose of the 'Unite' was wholly lost, and the tower blocks have been branded as one of the worst architectural mistakes ever. This was mainly due to the lack of appreciation for what Le Corbusier was trying to do, and a mis-adaption of his principles. All though as far as the world is concerned the idea had failed. Had he followed his own ideals of 'The house is a machine for living in' the currant situation may well be different, it is hard to predict what modern housing would have been like if it wasn't for Le Corbusier and 'Unite'.
Another architect who had an impact on the 'Industrialised building' was Walter Gropius. In 1984's 'The Dream of a Factory-Made House',(13) Gilbert Herbert set out the plans of Gropius and Konrad Wachsmann for a "Packaged House". Both men were already vastly experienced in prefabrication. In their only major project together, the 'factory-made house' should have been a huge success, everything was in place, backing from the government and major corporations. A factory was in place and all was being readied. But by 1950 the market, if there ever was one, had collapsed. Only a handful of the General Panel System houses were built and sold.
Walter Gropius' dream of the 'factory-made house' may not have died in the 1950's.
In Cambridgeshire, England, a company called Potton Ltd.(14) specialises in a complete home package. They offer to tailor anyone of their pre-designed packages to suit your needs. Choosing either from their Heritage, Rectory or Shire ranges and house types like the Rochester and Winchester. You can let Potton follow through the whole project, including the obtaining of planning permission, building regulation compliance, all the way through to construction, or if you choose to, they will deliver the 'kit' to your site and it can be 'easily' erected by yourself or your own contractors. This method of architect-less architecture is widely used in Scandinavia and Japan, but anything prefabricated is still frowned upon in the UK because of the associations with the post war houses.
But questions have to be asked. Does our currant social climate call for a 'machine for living in' or a 'factory-made house'? Is there a need to churn out hundreds of thousands of homes a year? Although there is an argument for a certain amount of standardisation, for example, mass repetitive industrial works such as supermarkets or factories. But does this need to be applied to the whole of architecture? Would a street full of identical 'house machines' be as beautiful as a street lined with Frank Lloyd Wright's 'Falling Water', Mies Van Der Rohe's 'Farnsworth House' and Future Systems' 'Hauer-King House'?
One project that has tried to redress the balance of prefabricated architecture in the UK is Cartwright-Pickards 'Murray Grove House' in Hackney. Financed by the Peabody Trust this housing is specifically targeted at, "key workers with a stable income, such as teachers or nurses".(15p.27)
The housing is located on the corner of Murray Grove and Sheperdess Walk in two rows of accommodation. The housing modules, which are stacked like bricks on top of one another, arrived to the site 'complete' with furniture and fittings, craned into place, there was virtually no on-site scaffolding, the services were simply 'plugged-in', reminiscent of Archigram projects back in the 60's. Each unit was developed by Yorkon, in association with Cartwright-Pikard. Showing integration between manufacturers and architects in an Eganist dream. On-site construction was only 27 weeks (excluding production of the units). Integration with the Egan report veers slightly when it comes to cost. The final cost was 15% higher then first tendered. This is mainly attributed to the fact that it was a 'pioneering' project, although any future projects should be delivered to the target cost. This is an example of what can be achieved with prefabricated architecture. It is still a young system with need for development.
"Your General Panel Home offers solid comfort, modern beauty, convenient liveability. Here is a home far advanced in design…The structural elements of your General Panel Home are made in a huge factory with modern machines and special jigs and fixtures for precision structure…Your General Panel Home can be built wherever you choose, and the time required at the building site to complete it is seldom more than two or three weeks…"
General Panel Corporation, manufacturer of the packaged house.
advertisement pamphlet, 1946.(13p.1)
"There is a special pleasure in living in a home which you have designed yourself and this pleasure starts from the moment you begin planning with us. Our aim is to provide you with all the information and inspiration that you will need to create the home of your dreams…Let us open your minds to a world which combines modern building methods and technology with interesting interior ideas…a home that can be exactly what you want"
Potton Ltd,
Advertisement booklet, 1999.(14p.13)
Evolution or Extinction?
Evolution.
The Egan report and various connotations such as the CBPP and M4I, have certainly gone some way to integrating some areas of the construction industry. But does it go far enough? The evidence points to no. Integration will only come about when all are aware of the issues concerning each party. Not just considering the needs of the client or contractor, but also the needs of the architect or structural designer and all others involved in the industry. It is naive to think that one solution is suitable to all concerned by trying to shoe horn various professions into one category. Only through each profession coming together and stating there needs will anything happen.
The people involved in the Egan report have a vested interest in smoothing the path between various parties, none more so then Mike Raycroft, property services director at Tesco, a smooth relationship between client and contractor, would be seen as a advantage when it came to cutting costs. Design is not important to them, but profit and production is. It is akin to a group of local shop owners deciding the fate of competing supermarkets.
Evolution.
As to the role the architect plays in the industry and the apparent 'pompousness' of the architect, this could be for a number of reasons. To try to say that the architect should become just another link in the chain, just another member of the design team, is somewhat ignorant. No other professional trains for the amount of time that the architect is legally required to do. So to want equal input from all sides in design matters is naive. Equality comes when all are equal. It may seem obvious, but with reference to the Egan report this seems to be forgotten. Maybe a reduction in architectural training, or a broader base of training would be suitable? Maybe a modern form of 'master builder' should be created to bridge the gaps? These are questions only time will answer.
Evolution.
Standardisation and prefabrication could be seen as a direct force against evolution. If there was one standardised housing type, made all around the world, for each and every climate, dweller and landscape, would this not be seen as destroying the all-important sense of place? Although it will be a long time before this is a reality, we should concentrate now on our housing needs, and not at the time of social desperation. But it should take the form of a 'factory-made' house is for future debate.
There is little need for a mass scheme of prefabrication or a 'factory-made house' today. Although there is a need for governments and councils to plan sensibly there housing needs. Whose to say a 'house-machine' today would be suitable in 20 to 30 years time?
Evolution happened for a reason, it is the culmination of a place, a people, and a climate. Differences in identity and traditions are no coincidence. we are, as people, a product of our place. With the advent of Television, the Internet and the 'global community' are we in danger of losing our identities? Our architecture is a major part of that 'identity' would people visit a Windsor with no castle? Or Chatres if there was no cathedral?
Evolution.
Architecture is one of the most diverse trades in the world. It is this individuality that makes it so different to automobile manufacture. Henry Fords over used quote on
"Mass production…Accuracy, economy, system, continuity and speed…Standard materials, workmanship and design at minimum cost",(16p.6) in reference to car production is often bought out in reference to pre-fabrication. But can a mass solution to transport but applicable to housing and architecture. More importantly is the automobile such a successful idea? We now live in a world choked on exhaust fumes, road network systems and diminishing natural resources, should architecture be trying to emulate this? Should we hold Henry Ford and his descendants in such high esteem? Or are they as guilty as the makers of the Atom bomb, for giving us this world destroyer?
Evolution is the development form earlier forms. Extinction is the ceasing to exist of a species. Remember…you can have any colour house…as long as it's black.
Encarta World English Dictionary, 1999(17)
Aesthetics /eess thettiks, iss-/ n. Study of beauty. The branch of philosophy dealing with the study of aesthetic values such as the beautiful and the sublime. A perticular idea of what is beautiful or artistic.
Architect /aarki tekt/ n. Archit. Building designer sb whose job is to design buildings and advise on their construction.
Architecture /aarki tekcher/ n. building design. The art and science of designing and constructing buildings.
Construction /ken struksh'n/ n. Building. Act or process of constructing the of sth, especially a large structure such as a house, road, or bridge.
Evolution /eeve loosh'n, evve-/ n. Theory of development from earlier forms. the theoretical process by which all species develop from earlier forms of life, so that over the generations all members of the population come to possess the favourite traits.
Extinction /ik stingksh'n/ n. the fact of becoming extinct. the death or ceasing to exist of all members of a species or family of organisms. the state of being no longer valid or practised.
Prefab /pree fab/ adj. Manufactured in sections. Relating to or constructed from prefabricated parts.
Prefabricate /pree fabbri kayt/ (-cates, -cating, -cated) vt. Produce in sections. To manufacture sections of sth, especially a building that can be transported to a site and easily assembled there. Produce in standardised form. To produce sth in an unoriginal or standardised way.
Biliography
1. OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY, THE. Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1933.
2. RIBA. Architects and the changing construction industry. Supplement to RIBA Journal, 2000 July.
3. EGAN, J. The Egan report: rethinking construction.
4. RIBA. Outline Plan of Work.
5. RICHARDSON, V. Get with the programme. RIBA Journal, 1999 Sept. Vol.106.
6. FINCH, P. Are we eager for Egan? Architects Journal, 1999 11Feb. Vol. 209.
7. www.ciboard.org.uk [on-line]
8. www.m4i.org.uk [on-line]
9. Construction best practice programme. Inside UK enterprise 2000/2001.
10. www.cbpp.org.uk [on-line]
11. FINNIMORE, B. Houses from the factory: system building and the welfare state. London, Rivers Oram Press, 1989. ISBN 1 85 489 0026
12. LE CORBUSIER. Vers une architecture (towards a new architecture), 13th edition. Oxford, Architectural Press, 1998. ISBN 0 442 0627 4
13. HERBERT, G. The dream of a factory-made house. Massachusetts, MIT Press, 1984. ISBN 0 262 081407
14. POTTON LTD. Potton house types 1999/2000.
15. PARTINGTON, R. Urban pioneer. Architects Journal, 1999 25Nov.
16. ENCARTA WORLD ENGLISH DICTIONARY. London, Bloomsbury Publishing, 1999.
Selected Reading
Books
CURTIS, W.J.R. Modern architecture since 1900, third edition. London, Phaidon Press Ltd, 1997. ISBN 07148 36168
FLEMMING, J. The penguin dictionary of architecture, fourth edition. St Ives, Clays Ltd, 1991. ISBN 0 14 051241 1
MCGRORY, D. A century of Coventry. Bath, The Bath Press, 1999.
ISBN 0 7509 2421 7
ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY, THE. How to cite references. 2000
Journals
FINCH, P. Ambitious programme for stronger construction industry. Architects Journal, 1998 3Dec. Vol.208, P.19
Web-sites
www.architecture.com [on-line] RIBA.
www.connectbestpractice.com [on-line] Connect For Construction.
www.fitforthefuture.org.uk [on-line] Fit For The Future.
www.emap.com/construct [on-line] Architects Journal.
www.potton.co.uk [on-line] Potton Ltd.
