New offices, research & outreach facility
CLIENT ADVISER
JENNIFER DIXON
JAN 2020 – ongoing
CLIENT
FALKLANDS CONSERVATION
SERVICES PROVIDED
– Preparation of the masterplan brief
– Review of the brief and reference scheme
– Creation of a stakeholder consultation plan
– Review of accommodation needs
– Advice on the selection of designers and fabricators
– Production of design guidance document to steer vision and aesthetic
– Collaboration with Project Manager on procurement strategy report and project programme
– Identification of clients sustainability requirements;
Challenges
Why was a Client Advisor required?
Falklands Conservation is a non-governmental organisation working to protect the wildlife in the Falkland Islands for future generations. They undertake practical conservation projects, surveys and scientific studies, conduct annual monitoring of seabird populations, rehabilitate oiled penguins, publish guides and information on many aspects of the Falkland Islands environment, and involve Islanders of all ages in their activities. The organisation needs a bespoke facility, which is to be built on a 5 ha site on the outskirts of Stanley. A Project Manager has been appointed, however some additional skills were required to supplement the client team.
Given the nature of the client, it was essential that the masterplan and new buildings responded to the sensitivities of the Falklands unique natural and built heritage, with requirements embedded at the briefing stage. The limited procurement options created additional complexity.
Outcomes
What value was created
A robust and auditable governance approach was established for the project, allowing the CEO to report on approach and progress with confidence.
A route through the complexities of procurement was devised and implemented in conjunction with the Project Manager. As a small project in an inaccessible location, there was the potential for lack of interest by constructors, creating open ended programme risks. Using a combination of early market engagement with overseas ‘design and fabricate’ suppliers and communication of an attractive ‘low risk’ option for local contracting organisations, an acceptable route to timely procurement was established.
The client operation brings together a number of departments, users and stakeholders, with widely varying needs, with the result that the accommodation menu was significantly greater than global norms for a building of this type and occupancy relative to known benchmarks. Through consultation, areas of exception and reduction were identified, storage needs were consolidated, and the space budget modified to site within norms for the building type. Decision making processes were recorded for audit purposes.
A review of the built heritage of the Falkland Islands, and of the availability of indigenous materials was combined with inputs from the client leadership and brand marketing teams to create guidance for designers (who will be from overseas and are unlikely to be able to visit) on the aesthetic and material direction. This material can also be used to support fund raising activities.
Testimonial
“Falklands Conservation are a small wildlife charity based in the Falkland Islands, looking to build a new home for the organisation. This is a significant deviation from wildlife-based projects and a first in terms of building design and construction. Unfamiliarity with elements of this process, principles and components within Falklands Conservation itself gave scope for potential issues throughout the project. Jennifer Dixon provided the role of RIBA Client Adviser. Her significant input brought expertise to guide the design process but importantly additional diligence highlighting considerations that needed to be incorporated and decisions that needed to be made, reducing scope for risk. Jennifer’s involvement was a very helpful back-stop, providing both professional opinion and assurance. Falklands Conservation and the project have undoubtedly benefitted from this approach….”
