PRACTICE

Design 5 – Architects actively promotes a philosophy of combining the highest standards of contemporary design, true to its period, in harmony with the highest standards of conservation, all within the constraints of sound conservation planning principles. In architectural terms, this produces an honest and functional building where the integrity and detail of the existing significant fabric is conserved and the new elements speak truthfully of their time, respecting and enlivening the earlier work.

In cultural heritage management terms, this means that places should be able to change and evolve as long as their significant values are respected and retained into the future. The use of the place must be both compatible with its significance as well as being viable for its long term sustainability.

Design 5 – Architects has considerable knowledge and experience in detailed research and the analysis of building fabric and aims to maintain the highest level of integrity and accuracy in its analysis, thus providing a sound basis for an understanding of significance, policy decisions, technological solutions, and interpretation, as well as for appropriate and viable adaptation and new uses. It also provides a sound basis for the firm’s work in conservation and adaptive re-use as well as new work.

With all projects, Design 5 – Architects always begins from a thorough understanding of the place and its context. Thus all solutions, whether conservation or new work, are sensitive and considered responses to the values and meanings of the place itself and its context.