Articles:

structural engineering.

As platforms ‘lock down’ the set of component specifications that sit behind design, this reduces the set of technical variables and requirements.This immediately standardises the process and streamlines the range of technical compliance as a result.

Plus, with choices in the assembly, architectural outcomes can still be recognisably different and tailored..At Bryden Wood, starting with productivity-led value drivers, we developed a hybrid steel and concrete mid span platform (Platform II).We then proved the concept on the design and delivery of The Forge, a commercial building for Landsec, the first ‘platform’ building..

There are bound to be other mid span options: using other value drivers as a start point will no doubt give rise to other types of mid span platform e.g.a timber based or light gauge steel..

However, it’s critical that, as an industry we converge on a small number of platform options.

If we lose control of the number of options available, we are back to square one - we lose the benefit of standardisation, and we then lose the simplicity this creates in terms of technical compliance.. To encourage industry adoption, we have open sourced all our data, experience and learning on Platform II.. A digital library embeds specifications and compliance into upfront design and tracks these through to delivery..The reality of transforming construction presents a serious challenge, one which requires a uniquely broad and long-term viewpoint.

As a result, the initiative really must be headed by a government client.This is why the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) set out their vision for a Platform construction (P-DfMA) approach, focusing on digitally driven, standardised, cross-sector components.

Government is also uniquely positioned to take on the challenge of implementing a new, industrialised construction approach, as they have the resources required for in-depth research and development.Still, with an undertaking as large as transforming construction, collaboration with industry will be crucial to success..