CDM2015: Are you ready to embrace the changes? We are

The new CDM2015 Regulations came into effect on the 6^th April and the Industry is cautiously adapting to the new state of play. The jury is still out on how the proposed changes will impact the current format of the industry both form a client and professional perspective. The replacement of the CDM-coordinator with the new Principal Designer role is perhaps the most controversial move the changes will bring. Reviewing the amendment, it seems in most cases this role will de-facto land in the lap of the Architect when they are assuming the role as lead designer. This holds true whether appointed by the client on larger projects or deemed to become Principal Designer on smaller / domestic projects.

We have read, online or in the professional press, commentaries and doubts expressed over whether the Architect has the necessary skills, training and willingness to step into the gap vacated by the CDMC. This opinion has been expressed and supported by CDMCs, as you would perhaps expect, but also surprisingly by architects themselves.

As someone responsible for overseeing our practice’s health and safety approach and implementation, the Practice and I see the changes as a positive move and we welcome the new regulations’ main objective to bring H&S back at the heart of the project. After all this was the spirit in which the 1994 CDM regulations were first made into statutes, with the onus being on the designers to eliminate risks from the design during the early stages of the project.

Architects as lead consultants are surely the most qualified to know their projects inside out. They are responsible for coordinating design, facilitating communications within the team and managing change control. Architects are often the first appointment at feasibility stage and will see the project to completion. Any architect worth their salt should be well versed in Design Risk Management, fully able to review and comment on the Contractors’ Construction Phase Plan and will want to leave the client with a robust and comprehensive H&S file, enabling them to manage and maintain the building safely in years to come.

The CDM2015 Regulations require the Principal Designer to have the ‘necessary skills, knowledge and experience’ and ‘organisational capacity’ to manage H&S.Here at Watson Batty we know we have all these, we are plugging training gaps for all our staff, updating our QA systems and already advising our clients on the changes. In a word, we are raring to go and excited about this new challenge!

Industry Guidance:

For Clients:click here 

For Principal Designers: click here

For Principal Contractors: click here

For Designers: click here

If you would like any further information about how we may be able to assist with the forthcoming changes please telephone or e-mail us at enquires:watsonbatty.com

By Catherine Blain

H&S Manager

What Makes a Great Urban Space?

Spinningfields Manchester UK

We all have our favourite spots in our local towns and cities. These spaces connect with us and influence how we feel about a place. It may be the vibrancy or the intimacy of a place which makes it feel special but the chances are you can’t quite put your finger on what it is that makes a place feel special.

It is essential when developing urban spaces that we truly understand what makes a place ‘good’. If we can adhere to trusted place-making design principles, we can help visitors have a positive experience and encourage them to return time and time again. A place should be designed to cater for both people’s wants and needs; and if successful enough it will leave a long-lasting impression.

If we look at some of the major UK cities there are certain places that you can guarantee will be a hive of activity, full of people enjoying the space. In Manchester, the ever growing area of ‘Spinningfields’ is constantly awash with people socialising, relaxing and using the space creatively. They have ownership of the space and are entertained by pop-up bars and novelty, seasonal activities such as ice-skating. Vibrant Covent Garden in London is also a place of constant, lively activity with locals and visitors alike squeezed into the packed bars and cafes that surround the space. It is also rare to take that spectacular walk through the award-winning Peace Gardens in Sheffield without encountering people enjoying this distinctive space and stopping to relax and eat lunch.

But what makes all these spaces successful? Why are they so good to visit? What can we learn from them?

Bryan Park, New York, USA

Here at Watson Batty Architects we have learned that the most successful urban spaces have a number of effective features, some of which are outlined below;

Firstly, the space needs to be accessible. Good transport links are critical whether by foot, bus, train or car. If these places are hard to reach, will people go? Do these places exist along well trodden routes? Arrival at, and movement through a space should be easy and fluid.

Secondly, the edges of the space are vitally important. Walking along a row of shopfronts is more interesting and feels much safer than being faced with a blank wall. If these spaces are filled with the correct uses natural surveillance is created while providing interest and activity. These are two vital components in encouraging public spaces to be used.

Thirdly, activity and ‘life’ within the space will encourage people to stay. Cafes and Bars for example encourage people to stop and take rest. What will engage the passing visitor? What image does the place portray and will this encourage a certain crowd?

Finally, something which may be taken for granted, how is the place designed? How social is the place? Is it a comfortable space with somewhere robust to sit and relax, meet friends and communicate face-to-face? Does it catch the sun or is it in constant shadow? Are there any great views?

Great social spaces can do lots more than just attracting people. They can help create cohesive local communities, aid people movement and play host to memorable events creating emotional connections with the people who use them.  Next time you are visiting somewhere, why not consider what makes that place feel great?

If you have any great places we would love to hear about them. What place is special to you, both big and small?

Post by Scott Lunn, BA (Hons), Dip Arch, RIBA

Architect at Watson Batty Architects