Architectural design

Defining the project’s objectives, the interior functional requirements and those of the external landscaping, the circulation flows, the initial volumetric and legal constraints, the architectural direction and the overall implementation schedule.

Measurements by 3D laser scanning (for the interior) and aerial drone inspection (for the building envelope: roof and façades), together with detailed photographic documentation of the defects. From these data and the documentation produced by the land surveyor, the detailed 3D model of the existing building is developed. The interpretation of the defects, the definition of the interventions and the assessment of any need to make the building safe are carried out in collaboration with the team of specialists (geologist, structural and building services engineers, technical expert).

Analysis of the planning and regulatory requirements, with external technical consultancy (structural engineer, building services engineer, nZEB consultancy), and an aesthetic and best-practice study based on similar examples. The visual identity of the project is outlined (façades, massing, architectural language, interior and exterior atmosphere), and materials and technologies suited to contemporary requirements are selected.

Starting from the abstract functional diagram, which shows graphically the relationship between the project’s functions, several layout options are developed, in coordination with the structural engineer, the building services engineers and, where applicable, the ISU (fire safety) expert. The client chooses a single option for further development.

The definitive form of the architectural solution is fixed and becomes the working basis for the multidisciplinary team: the final dimensioning of the spaces, the massing and architectural language, the materials, the partition systems and the preliminary build-ups, the envelope solutions and façade systems, and the integration of the intervention measures proposed by the technical assessment (where applicable). The architectural concept is passed to the collaborating engineers (structure, building services, ISU consultant where applicable, nZEB consultant, energy auditor, etc.) so that the specialist designs can begin.

The documentation required under the legislation in force for obtaining the Urban Planning Certificate, based on the final concept option.

Before the permit design is completed, the approvals required by the Urban Planning Certificate are obtained: the general ones and some of the specific ones directly by our team, and the remaining specific approvals, where applicable, in collaboration with external experts.

The images help to visualise and understand the preliminary solution and the proposed elements (finishes, window and door types, colour scheme, massing, detail areas, aerial and eye-level views). The photorealistic renderings and the interactive BIMx 3D model serve to understand the spatial composition and can support the promotion of the project and sales before construction is completed.

Once the approvals are obtained, we prepare the D.T.A.C. (technical documentation for obtaining the building permit) as an extract of the architectural part of the P.Th., integrating the final solutions provided by the collaborating engineers. In addition, we carry out an in-depth study of materials and technologies (renovation solutions where applicable, façade systems, nZEB principles). The stage ends with the physical preparation of the file (printing and organisation) and its signing by our team and by a certified architecture checker.

It details the finalised architectural solution through complete written and drawn documents, integrating and spatially coordinating the solutions of all specialisms (structure, building services, ISU where applicable, technical assessment). It forms the exact technical basis for pricing materials and for construction on site. The P.Th. is started as early as the D.T.A.C. stage.

The stage of technical development that resolves the building’s critical junctions through large-scale drawings (1:1 – 1:20): the joints between materials, the continuity of insulation and the connections with the structure and building services. By specifying exactly how the work is to be executed, the D.d.E. reduces errors during construction.

The legal process of handing over the building from the contractor to the client, which certifies that the construction complies with the Building Permit and the Technical Design. The architect sits on the Acceptance Committee, inspects the works to confirm that the design solutions have been correctly executed, issues the specialist report on the quality of execution and signs the Acceptance Report on completion of the works.

Based on the architectural proposal and the brief discussed with the client, the optimal solution for the furnishing and fit-out of the space is studied.

Specialist consultancy throughout construction to ensure that the works comply with the technical design, including attendance at the key inspection stages, the preparation of specific technical details and the issuing of site instructions.

Preparation and delivery of the package of specialist technical documentation (written and drawn documents) the client needs to obtain the legal operating permits (where applicable - DSP, DSVSA, etc.).