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Damond Lock, Grabowski and Partners Acclaimed for their Vision
February 2001

Damond Lock, Grabowski and Partners have been selected to be included in B.T.?s prestigious Vision 100, a unique list of the most visionary public and private sector organisations in the UK and described by management today as

"a list of Britain?s top 100 visionary organisations."

The rapid developments in Information Technology have enabled DLG to conceive of a holistic approach to the complete life-cycle of buildings. In conjunction with other organisations they are developing a visionary concept under the banner "Design 4 Life".

"80% of the cost of running, maintaining and repairing a building is fixed in the first 20% of the design process"

source: Ministry of Defence

Design gives birth to a built solution for a business need. The solution?s long-term effectiveness is dependant upon an ever-increasing range of information and specialist skills. These disparate elements can now be bound together at an earlier stage by the latest interactive technology. Bentley Systems? web-enabled document management system is at the heart of DLG?s approach, providing transparent interchange of live information and thus facilitating true partnering. New levels of simulation and analysis of the construction, operation and maintenance of the finished building can be enhanced by a single 4-dimensional model where individual components can be modelled with their installation time and expected lifespan. This information system provides a flexible backbone for the ongoing operation, maintenance and adaptation of the building as it facilitates the dynamic life activities within.

This approach can benefit the full life-cycle of the building by;

• Enabling a real-time interactive design process, while focusing a diverse and specialist team on the long-term business objectives.
• Reducing cost by improving the coordination of the construction process.
• Building-in adaptability for the ongoing operation of the building.
• Reducing maintenance costs by the use of appropriate components.

"With this vision, together we can achieve more."

DLG particularly impressed the judges by their commitment to this vision and the progress they have made to date. The practice first implemented the information system on a large project in Birmingham two years ago. Since then DLG have being working with other visionary companies including; Turner & Townsend (Project Managers), Whitby Bird & Partners (Consultant Engineers), and Building Performance Group (Technical life-cycle auditors) to promote and develop this approach.
They are currently seeking to explore the longer and wider term benefits with building owners and occupiers.

For more information please contact design4life@dlgarchitects.com