The newest stage of the RIBA Plan of Works, Stage 0 looks to determine strategic definitions, with an architect working closely with a client to explore and understand the brief to determine project viability. This stage, which previously overlapped with Stage 1, looks to ensure all stakeholders are aligned and is key in laying the foundations for a project’s success. As with all stages of the RIBA Plan of Works, measured surveys play an important role, and we will look to explore why an architect may look to instruct measured surveys at the initial stage of a project.
Perhaps the clearest reason a measured survey is required at Stage 0 is for feasibility purposes – when looking at an area of land or an existing building that is being considered for development, there are factors to look at. These include, whether any planning regulations in place may cause restrictions for development, existing infrastructure such as road access, water supply and drainage, environmental impacts, costs and general site conditions.
For developing an area of land, a topographical survey is crucial for all stages of a development project, including the feasibility stage. A topographical survey provides an accurate graphical representation of the size and shape of the land, including all natural and manmade features. At this stage a fully detailed topographical survey is not essential, a basic survey drawing can be provided with a view to include additional information as the project progresses.
Together with a topographical survey, a utility survey provides an accurate picture of all existing buried services existing on the site including the adjacent connections to main utility services.
Previous measured surveys of the site often exist and if these are of a reasonable quality and not too out of date, we are happy to carry out a survey verification. This provides assurance that the survey is fit for purpose and any changes to the site will be updated on the survey drawing.
For the development of an existing building, a measured building surveys will provide an accurate representation of any respective building, providing floor plans, external elevations as well as sections. Again at this stage, the measured building survey can be provided in a basic format, with a more enhanced survey to be provided later in the project’ Additionally, a measured building survey will provide accurate measurements of site surroundings, such as the heights of adjacent dwellings and other buildings.
Terrain Surveys recently undertook measured surveys at an industrial site in West Sussex for Cambridgeshire-based architecture practice CMP Architects, in order to support the feasibility stage. Their client specialises in the regeneration of industrial sites and measured surveys were instructed ahead of potential redevelopment.
In summary, site verification is key to Stage 0, with both measured building surveys and topographical surveys ensuring an architect is armed with the most accurate, reliable measurements possible to present a strong business case for a project.
Should you be an architect looking to instruct a measured survey for feasibility purposes, do not hesitate to contact Terrain Surveys for a bespoke quotation returned within 48 hours.
