Villa Sahel
2015/Casablanca
We would like to share with you the design process we follow, as it will help you to understand the complexity of the specialised work we offer and will help to give it the right value.
STAGE 0
This will be the key to the process, where we understand the needs and aspirations of the developer. Initial site information is gathered, and constraints and intentions for the project are identified.
The developer sets out their needs, requirements, concerns and desires, outlining an approximate budget for the commission. Our job at this stage will be to interpret this information, establish strategic decisions and how to fit them into the project, considering the pros and cons, possible risks, studies, analyses and evaluations that can ratify whether this is the best option for the client’s interests.
STAGE 1
Consolidation of the professional service through the signing of the contract.
When an architectural project is the best option (if this is not the case, we will inform you in all honesty), the client’s confidence in our work and our professional commitment to carry out the commissioned mission will be assured by a contract and the payment of a provision of funds that will cover the next phase.
STAGE 2
This is the exciting stage, where the commission starts to take shape. We explore concepts through sketches and 3d models (the cost of infographics is not included in the fee, it is outsourced to external professionals with rates according to difficulty).
In this phase we develop studies, sketches and diagrams in order to consolidate decisions related to the programme. Thanks to our knowledge, skills and experience, we will identify appropriate development paths, considering among others, desirable parameters of sustainability, comfort and quality.
A pre-project should be approved in line with the previous guidelines. Proposals are prepared and designs should be presented and discussed, primarily with the client and sometimes with other actors important to the project. In addition, the costs of the project will be checked to ensure that they are affordable within the set budget limit.
The process of approval of the preliminary project by the client can take many different directions, but we will be at the client’s side to advise him in the decision making process. The level of definition and detail will be in accordance with the level of certainty that the preliminary project acquires.
The preliminary project must meet the previously defined expectations, respond to the client’s vision and the various requirements of the project.
STAGE 3
The design evolves and the different spaces begin to take on their definitive formal and dimensional characteristics. We produce plans, sections, elevations, and when necessary, and when contracted, interior design studies, 3D computer graphics, etc..
Stage 3 consists fundamentally of testing, verifying and validating the preliminary project. We will make sure that all the information of the project is coherent as a whole (architecture, structure, installations, construction…). It will be in the next stage where we will have to dimension and accurately define all the elements of the project, but before that it is necessary to carry out this work of analysis and synthesis to ensure that the assumptions made are valid.
In other words, it is a question of making the necessary adjustments to allow the coordination of all the elements that make up the project, always trying to safeguard the basic interests, essence and qualities, without losing the global vision and objectives.
We will incorporate a greater level of detail, introducing all the necessary normative and regulatory requirements.
The participation of the client (decision making) or of other agents may be required to resolve uncertainties regarding the execution that may influence certain decisions of the project.
STAGE 4
This is the stage where the execution project is developed, where meticulous technical details and the entire project memory are produced, so that it can be tendered and finally built with precision. We work in close collaboration with the other agents to ensure that every detail of your project is properly executed.
In this phase we will define all the documentation required to construct the building, manufacture, install or procure the prescribed elements. Before starting the phase we will identify the information needs (to contact the necessary agents).
Ideally as many elements as possible will be prescribed, as this will imply a greater control of the project (design, finishing, costs…), anything that reduces uncertainties and errors will benefit the client. We will define the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved.
STAGE 5
The exciting part! Moving from paper to reality, seeing your project start to come to life and evolve in front of you can be dizzying, but we will be by your side, safeguarding your interests and those of the project.
It includes the construction, manufacture and acquisition of all the elements that make up the project. It must be clear from the beginning who are the interlocutors and those responsible on site for each item, so that all the consultations that arise and the coordination tasks are carried out efficiently.
In the construction management process it is important to carry out regular inspections to ensure that the rules of good construction are followed and that the details of the project are respected, to anticipate possible defects and to apply the appropriate corrective measures.
The building engineer contracted by the client, who will form part of the project management team, will certify the progress of the work and ensure its correct execution, as well as health and safety on site. His inspection work is crucial to ensure a quality construction that allows the project to be completed according to the pre-established standards and the construction requirements agreed in the project.
It is common that, at this stage, for different reasons (cost reduction, lack of stock…), alternative solutions must be sought (performance, installations, materials, products…). Try to ensure that these alternatives share the specifications on which the project is based (aesthetics, quality, properties, dimensions, etc.) and analyse their impact, as it would not be the first time that an alternative to reduce costs ends up being more expensive due to additional work or unforeseen incompatibilities.
STAGE 6
Once your project is completed, we will be with you for one year to deal with any small problems that arise and which may require rectification by the contractor.
Once the building is completed, the builder should rectify any residual defects as soon as possible. In our checklists we will be precise and methodical, inspecting each area, item and element individually, checking that there are no visible defects and/or misuse.
As a rule, the final building completion certificate is issued several months after completion of the work and after residual defects have been rectified.
STAGE 7
If possible, we would like to understand how the developer uses the building and what their experience of living there is, so that we can learn lessons from the successes and challenges of their project.
In most projects, the architectural office will not have any tasks to take on in phase 7.
However, it would be good to receive feedback to help us understand how we could improve for other assignments. If the client allows it, look at the possibility of carrying out assessments with the building in service to understand its performance (comfort parameters, indoor air quality, energy consumption…) and help us to fine-tune future projects.
In many cases, the installed equipment/machinery itself allows us to collect statistical data throughout the life of the building and in many cases, the data is accessible online.
At osar arquitectura we have a great critical capacity, and we analyse all the possibilities to maximise the opportunities offered by each commission with the sole objective of carrying out the best possible project according to the factors and determining factors that exist in each case.
Villa du Nord
2015/Cabo Negro (Marruecos)
Immohold Bacarat
2015/Casablanca
Lot7 resort
2014/Marrakech
At osar arquitectura we have the capacity to adapt our discourse to different scales, with the design, knowledge and control of the materials and technical solutions, as well as their execution, acquiring fundamental importance.