Design process of building renovation / reconstruction

Design process of building renovation / reconstruction

Attila Déry (Budapest University of Technology and Economics)

The design process of building renovation / reconstruction is based on successive steps. It is important that we always need to look at the whole building: only then can we get the right answer!

For the client

1. Clarify the purpose: this is always important because it defines the design process and is the basis for negotiating with the authorities. Possible variations:

• rebuilding or reconstruction to previous state;
• restoration or reconstruction;
• transformation, addition of new parts;
• refurbishment or renovation of existing condition or a combination of these;
• revitalisation (in combination).

2. Data collection: this is the starting point for the design. Some of the data is historical: who built what, when, for whom, and what. The other half of the data is the "how": plans, structures, materials, etc. Possible sources of data:

• archival data: public collections, secular and church archives;
• plans: official (county, city, etc.) plan libraries;
• other data: private collections.

3. Survey: examination and representation of the building in its present state. Following steps are involved:

• walk-through: allow time to walk around the building and understand its systems;
• create a simplified mass model for yourself based on the walk-through: main walls, slabs, roof, etc. the model will help you to detect construction and survey errors;
• draw a manual draft of the building: this is a sketch of the building based on the walk-through, which is a collection of floor plans and sections and (if necessary) details drawn by hand. The drawing of the draft is a psycho-physical act: since we have to draw the house, we need to understand its system and clarify its critical points. The making of a manuscript is also a somewhat artistic activity, and its final result can be the basis for an independent communication.;
• building and environment survey: geodesy, laser scanning, point cloud, etc;
• correction: the survey is always inaccurate because nothing is horizontal, vertical or right-angled, etc. Correction means drawing the building that the builder intended to build;
• clarifying the cause of construction errors: in about 90-95% of cases this is a primitive error (the builder was drunk or not skilled), but in the remaining cases it can provide crucial information;
• looking for wall weakening: lack of foundation, blocked heating duct, etc.

4. Inspections: clarification of the state of the building for further use and necessary interventions. Steps of inspection are:

• materials: structures, ancillary structures, decorations, cladding;
• structures: solutions, foundations, structural weakening, structural model, design and construction defects;
• engineering: water, sewage system, electricity, elevator;
• timber: condition, possible infection;
• water problems;
• environment,

5. Design: based on the information gathered.

• Evaluation of data;
• Preparation of plans: floor plans, sections, details, structural calculations;
• design and creation of rare and artistic details: sculpture, relief, wrought iron, stucco, terrazzo, etc.

6. Consultations with the authorities: building authority, fire safety, health and safety at work, etc.

• juries;
• exemptions

Supporting documentation for the authorities

This documentation may be prepared for a nationally protected, locally protected or unprotected building. Required documentation:

In the case of a nationally protected building, an inventory of monument values shall be prepared. It should include:

• official data: location, category, summary assessment, proposal;
• site history, land history;
• building history, builders, relationships;
• description: floor plan, structural system, exterior, interior;
• additional description: windows and doors, cladding, equipment, technical systems;
• sources and literature;
• appendices: maps, plan photographs, archive and current photographs;

In the case of a locally listed building, an evaluation is required. Contents:

• official data: location, category, summary assessment;
• site history;
• building history;
• description: floor plan, structural system, exterior, interior;
• proposals.

A building without protection is subject to the general legislation in force.