The list of potential issues with different architecture projects can be incredibly long. There can be major things like site problems, local or national planning rules, climate concerns, and more. Sadly in a number of cases they can mean a project fails to move forward. In others they can result in work that doesn’t maximise the benefits. However, sometimes being more ambitious can be the easy solution. We want to look at that here, then if you want help from an architect in London, you can speak to us.

Housing

One of the major issues is lack of housing. Councils all over the UK are struggling to house people. At the same time, people are finding it harder and harder to get on the property ladder. It puts more pressure on developers to create more affordable and accessible housing. However, a lack of ambition on projects can cause big problems.

A project for Harrow Road for Westminster Council is a good example. The original proposal was for a redevelopment where only 17 social rent homes would be built and 50% of properties would be for private sale. However, a more ambitious redesign managed to achieve 100% social rent homes, with 77 in total. That is vastly better for the council and local people.

The interesting thing here is the redesign was able to make compromises while also improving the project. Some aspects have had big changes, including stripping back or removing second bathrooms. However, the homes remain a good size and have great views. More importantly, they will now use 100% renewable power with an air source heat pump. The changes are ones we can appreciate, especially as an architect in London.

Circular construction

A major factor with most plans today is the need to protect the environment and address climate change. Everything should focus on this, especially building. More ambitious ideas could help to achieve circular construction. What happens is you close building materials loops, ensuring resources don’t go to waste. Instead, the focus is on reusing and recycling them.

More and more projects should focus on reuse in particular, especially when it can save structures from demolition. That should be the very last course of action because it has a massive impact on the environment. Plans instead should look at retrofitting, conversion, and reusing as many materials as possible. Ambition and creativity here can make almost anything possible.

Do you need an architect in London?

Coffey Architects appreciates the importance of ambition with all kinds of projects. It can help to address various issues and make the work better for all stakeholders. Plus, it also tends to produce architecture that makes a really good impression.

So, if you need an ambitious architect in London to get the best results for you, contact us.