Architecture & Design

Architecture & Design | 21 WELLBEINg FIRST INITIATIVE TRANSFORMATION - COMPLEX BUT ACHIEVABLE The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is aspiring to drive the much-desired transformation of the sector in a staggered approach. Key to the successful transformation is the industry itself, with stakeholders expected to understand the current and future threats and ultimately embrace the opportunities, adapt and lead in time. As with all economic sectors, both the external and internal environment are continuously evolving, thus emphasising the need to adopt good practices and upscale standards. Analysing and studying consumer patterns and behaviour within the context of an economic sector is critical and therefore, any changes, especially those of a highly technical nature, need to be analysed from a socio- economic point of view and explained adequately. This, together with constructive dialogue and consultations, becomes key towards the implementation of successful policies and regulations. CLIMATE CHANGE - THE DOMINANT BASELINE Specific to the building and construction sector, the scope to transform the industry is substantial, and this aminates from a combination of several reactive and proactive triggers. Without divulging in any way into the crucial urban planning aspects of the nation, it is true that climate change is a predominant factor to all of this, and this applies to all economic sectors. The change in consumer patterns and behaviour, as well as the introduction of new laws, regulations and standards, shall continue to shape the very basic principles of any market by impacting the supply and demand within our economic sectors. This also impacts the building and construction industry. Quality of life and wellbeing should be intrinsically ingrained within our societies. Improving the wellbeing of an individual means improving the chances for that individual to improve not only personally, but also improve the person's social 'bubble' and society at large. This means that the individual's surroundings, including one's lifestyle, are also subject to improve concurrently as the person's own capabilities improve. Buildings are no strangers to all of this, as people live, work, and socialise within the context of a building. Therefore, there is a need to ensure that our building stock improves in terms of quality and performance. WELLBEING FIRST - THE INITIAL STEP The goal here is to address the origin of multiple issues through a scenario whereby the industry is understanding and concurrently adapting new processes and practices and hence start detaching from what is traditionally accepted as the 'norm'. Concurrently, industry would realise the benefits of change and should be able to not only to align itself but improve and progress within a continuous development context. Resistance to change is inevitable, especially given the industry's attachment to traditional practices. The wellbeing first initiative is proof of this, as effectively what is considered an enhancement to an existing law within the context of the protection of a third party generates some resistance. RISK ASSESSMENT – THE BASIS OF EVERYTHING We are continuously risk assessing as the environment around us changes day by day. The Wellbeing First Initiative is promoting this notion and the importance to carry out risk assessment to drive adequate planning and the implementation of construction activities that in turn integrate mitigation measures to the risks identified. There are common benefits to all the stakeholders given that this essentially means the enhancement of the stakeholders' chances to reach their objectives. On one hand, the third party has the right to continue to live and enjoy the property safely amongst other aspects. On the other hand, the owner of the property that is due to be developed has the right to ensure that the investment is realised. The obligation of the developer is to draw up professional condition reports relative to the third-party properties that are anticipated to be affected by the development, as well as providing visibility to the interested third-party to the technical method statement. These 'documents' are essential as together these set the baseline prior to the commencement of works. Whilst the condition report provides a snapshot of the property's state of repair at that point in time, the method statement provides technical details that reflect how the development is intended to be executed taking into consideration the characteristics of both the property or site to be developed and the properties that fall within the affected zone. Providing visibility to the third parties relative to the affected zone broadens the chances for the developer to be able to capture any unknown characteristics that might have not been captured by the design team, and therefore this process technically enhances the chances to reduce assumptions and pre-plan any mitigation measures prior to the commencement of works. This may take the form of a combination of revised solutions; a mix of design and construction methodologies. In this way, the developer is securing certainty to his investment, both in terms of cost and the smooth execution of the development's construction cycle. At the same time, the third party who may not be technically versed, has the option to appoint a professional of his or her choice to assist in such reviews. The process allows for the reimbursement of such costs (capped at a maximum of €500 per complex), which will be recovered by the third-party from the developer. As a result, the industry at large should benefit as the whole notion is to upscale standards that would mean a sector that has improved its reliability and credibility in the long term, as well as lowering costs through the benefits of improved processes and practices. This potential could possibly include minimising the 'indirect costs' paid today for a design that considers a high safety factor, costs related to redesign owing to several assumptions taken due to lack of data and analysis, and the connotation to insurance premiums and claims. Apart from this, one should also consider the cost related to delays and inconveniences as a result of any issues which may arise during construction works. The BCA believes that although the Wellbeing First Initiative is a snippet of the planned regulatory reform, this initiative is a small step towards the right direction and through which risk assessment is being guaranteed. For more information visit: www.bca.org.mt THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS TRANSFORMATION T h e B C A a n n o u n c e s t h a t t h e C o m m u n i t y W e l l b e i n g F i r s t I n i t i a t i v e h a s c o m e i n t o e f f e c t . T h i s i n i t i a t i v e i s p a r t o f a n o n g o i n g e x t e n s i v e r e f o r m o f t h e b u i l d i n g a n d c o n s t r u c t i o n s e c t o r t o p r o v i d e p e a c e o f m i n d t o r e s i d e n t s w h i l e c o n t i n u i n g t o s t r e n g t h e n t h e i n d u s t r y

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