Approach
We believe that outstanding design and economic feasibility need to go hand in hand. We understand that any building has to be effective and produce the most resource conscious solution. We have created a legacy to work innovatively within the limitations of budgets. We do so by finding solutions that can be used flexibly and effectively. Together with our engineers we adapt and further develop proven building technology to build what is needed and to eliminate any extraneous construction.
Integrated Design Process
During the programming and design process we will work intensely with the client. We will first seek to confirm the overall objectives, review of the terms of reference and review of materials provided. Further we discuss and develop evaluation criteria and a project specific methodology to finalize the work plan and schedule.
We propose an integrated process in which design options are carefully explored for program, site constraints and bylaws and further evaluated through feedback from scenario driven architectural design explorations. The evaluation will be based on the agreed criteria.
We will then recommend modifications/optimizations to the scenarios, typologies and specific needs. This design management procedures evolves transparently through several cycles, looking at the project from multiple vantage points, and allowing client to make insightful decisions. Information is tytpically delivered through fully interactive 3D digital models, physical design models, diagrams, analytic calcualtions, imaginative renderings and photo montages and others.
This process will help all stakeholders and team members to better understand the implications of the various potential design options with their particular advantages and limitations. The intent is to objectify the design process beyond initial pre-conceptions. We have had great success with this process as it is the team as a collective that is making discoveries about the right solution. In summary, our design process is not linear and hierarchical, but evolves in multiple parallel strands that are then systematically integrated into a consistent design proposition. Our presentations are to the point, clear and highly organized.
The process naturally involves our consultants for structure, electrical, mechanical, landscape and others as needed. We have a longstanding working relationship with many of them, and prefer to see them retained by you as early as possible. We are, of course, more than happy to work with consultants of your preference. We are great team leaders and team players.
We deploy sophisticated BIM (Building Information Modelling) parametric and animation design software, that allow us to carry a highly integrated computer aided design information from start to finish.
Budget and Quality Control
At LWPAC we monitor budgets tightly. Design decisions are carefully evaluated with our clients and our quantity surveyors. The use of BIM software also allows us to get both detailed feedback for material quantities during all phases of our work, and to carefully control the integration of design and construction details. Design errors and change orders are reduced to a minimum through the use of the intelligent 3D CAD models that are shared among all consultants. Further, we try to use off site prefabrication when feasible and ensure on-time, on-budget project delivery with tight quality control. Long term feasibility and life span cost evaluations are optional aspects of our design management task.
Sustainability
We believe that any future project will have to be as sustainable as possible. At LWPAC we have pioneered a more holistic design approach to meet that goal. Our designs are resource conscious, culturally aware and technically both simple and sophisticated. They are carefully situated in the context and designed to take maximum advantage of passive strategies such as natural light, solar gain and ventilation. We use materials that have a long lifespan and come from renewable resources whenever possible.
We design platforms for life that enable and catalyze. All of our designs have received significant acclaim for their adaptability and flexibility to engage with both the certainties and the uncertainties of the future. Multiprogramming and culturally sustainable usages add to the longevity and adaptability of a new building.
Low energy and minimal impact design is an essential part to our approach. Our ROAR_one project is an EcoDensity and Passive Design reference project for the City of Vancouver. The building is highly acclaimed for its sustainable urban densification strategies. We have developed a prototype for a net zero school project and we have successfully delivered an educational building that pioneered the use of passive design strategies. We are currently in the process to deliver a project that aims for ‘Passive Haus’ and ‘Living Building Challenge’ standards, one of the first housing projects in BC and in Canada. This project has just been sponsored by BC Hydro’s Power Smart Conservation Innovation program under the auspices of Investigations into Net Zero Energy Capable Housing.
We use environmentally desirable and sustainable materials whenever possible. We have spent more than 15 years working in methods of digitally assisted prefabrication and controlled systems assembly, in order to minimize waist and to produce significantly accelerated construction schedules. Currently, we are in the process to deliver a fully pre-assembled multifamily development that is scheduled to be built in 8 month instead of 16-20 month. The project will use local timber where possible.
Sustainability is part of all aspects of our practice. One of our projects won the 2006 Lieutenant Governour’s Innovation award for its sustainability and densification strategies. We measure current projects by the Living Building Challenge standard and we work with our associates firms through technical aspects of LEED certification processes and environmental government grants.