There’s so much to be designed!

The starting point, and where we must begin in order to truly maximise the benefits that P-DfMA and MMC make possible, is to rework our core processes (design, procure, construct, operate) around a central, driving principle: process-led design.In other words, we must begin with the manufacture and assembly process in mind.

Innovation doesn’t respect discipline or sector boundaries.It needs to sit across the entire operation.We are interested in increasing quality, productivity, timeliness and cost effectiveness.

So we have to ask certain key questions from the outset, like: what’s the least amount of material that could possibly be used to build an asset?What’s the smallest number of times that asset could be touched or processed by people?

How productive can those people be?.

Our goal with P-DfMA is lean construction.This is a rational, logical approach.. Our hospital for Circle Health in Birmingham was designed to a grid of four and eight metre spaces.

While the reason for this rationalisation was to allow for flexibility and future expansion, a change in business planning meant we had to bring this requirement forward, and expand the hospital while construction was underway, but also while keeping the lower floors operational.. Rationalisation of the internal grid does not limit the options for the external appearance or the aesthetic design of the building.A Platforms approach places no constraint on the architect’s freedom to create a uniquely beautiful building that responds to its environment..

Resilience, future-proofing and sustainability.It is not enough for a hospital to be excellent when it first opens its doors..