The Low2No project, like most design projects, is set up with a phased approach. Unlike most projects, we were able to include a “Scoping Phase” or Phase Zero at the beginning of the project. This phase was primarily intended to test the original competition proposal given a better, more complete understanding of the client team, local partners and conditions on the ground. It also allowed us to revisit the principals set out in the competition such as why carbon is a useful metric and driver for the project, and how we resolve the offsite ambitions of the project with our onsite limitations and obligations.
Workshops with the global design team were held in London at Arup’s new Fitzroy offices. Despite ambitious agendas and many cooks in a fairly small kitchen, the workshops were amazingly productive.
The Low2No Team
What has emerged from the now completed Scoping Phase is a tested, and thus more calibrated approach to the Low2No challenge. Headline proposal from the competition such as honest accounting and carbon assessment protocols have been explored and defined for our project. The sustainability framework, which will guide our decision making and auditing process is beginning to take shape both in terms of content and usability. The Low2No block’s programming went from ideal (competition) to crisis (purely economic) to realistic and balanced (the result of some soul searching on the part of the client team).
Early Sustainability Framework study.
In other areas, building integrated renewables seems like a strong approach to reducing operational carbon emissions. Timber construction and low carbon building materials are being pursued vigorously. And we are making some headway in the difficult area of behavior, consumption and choices by providing attractive options and services to those that will live and work in the Low2No block.
Programming & Community Services study
As we work through the summer holidays, we will move into the Concept Phase where our investigations and findings from the scoping phase will begin to have direct impact on the Low2No block.