Sketching the Records Office.

When it comes to setting up perspectives for potential buildings and projects, there are a couple of methods for achieving this. The old fashioned approach is to set it up onto a drawing board, arrange the plan and elevations with a view point and vanishing points and begin to start projecting lines to form a framework to develop and work from. The other is to model the building in 3D and use this as a basis to work from, adding character and detail to the accuracy of the precision of the computer generated perspective.

I have used both techniques on a number of occasions, however once in a while time is against the preferred flow of work and a faster technique is needed. One such project in Matlock needed a quickly produced perspective to allow it to be taken to a planning committee meting. With no time for a set up and the client asking me to ensure the dates were met, I was instructed to sketch it up as best I could. Fortunately the elevation was not too complex and armed with a photo, plans, sections and elevations I set about the task.

This Sunday on the way back from looking at a new project with Colin of Green Igloo, I was able to detour and take a look at the recently finished building. I was keen to know how accurate the sketch was, attached are the image and the sketch. I was quite relived. Many of the internal details and sketches I was also involved in were far more complex. Allowing for Passivhaus type insulation, air sealing and ventilation, together with a heavily fire protected concrete structure capable of taking large loads. All in all the simple external appearance hides the complexity within, but it was a rewarding project to be involved in.

The building is for the safe storage of historical & local documents by the staff of Derbyshire Records Office

Architect: Derbyshire Corporate Property (Richard Lomas heading up the team, Andy Elliot of DCC & Al Whittle from Element Detailing assisting)

Engineers: Derbyshire Corporate Property (John Lawrence, Robert Moss & Keith, mastering the calculations)
M&E: Derbyshire Corporate Property (Dave Cox, John Hampson & Marc Routledge)

Contractor: Wates (Bill & Lorraine keeping things on track)

Above are a couple of the technical sketches I developed for detailing the service area and waterproofing.

(Blog post by Al)