Case Study

The brief from the developer was to conduct a DfM Review of the designs for a shopping centre about to undergo a substantial refurbishment. This case study highlights one specific design element, issues identified, the design modifications recommended, and the outcome.

The design included the installation of a number of attractive glass artworks, suspended from the ceiling at various points throughout the mall. The design specified each unit with a series of multicoloured glass “petals” suspended on wires from a support frame, which was in turn suspended from the soffit. The overall effect was intended to be of glass “flowers” which enhanced the high-level space by means of colour and subtle movement.

The DfM Review identified a number of issues, including:

The artworks were to be created and supplied by a small European creative workshop.

• Lengthy lead times for replacement elements, leading to long periods of impact on the aesthetics of the pieces.
• Negative perceptions by both occupiers and guests on the management and maintenance of the centre.
• The need to make areas beneath the pieces safe for considerable periods of time

In some cases, the works were to be suspended beneath rooflights.

• Access to the rooflights for cleaning and maintenance would be a challenge, as personnel would have to contend with the suspended element and support frameworks.
• Advanced access requirements would be necessary, probably resulting in infrequent rooflight cleaning and the resulting effect on public perception of dirty glass.

The “petals” were very densely packed.

• Exacerbating access challenges
• The weight would require significant attention to soffit fixings and could potentially create additional health and safety risks.

The works were to be suspended above various floor-level features, including, kiosks, pop-up stores, public seating areas and other amenities.

• The only way to access the works would be by means of access equipment – either by mobile access platforms or by the construction of scaffold towers.
• Either option would result in additional expense to the service charge caused by the requirement to hire access equipment.
• The amenities beneath the works would need to be removed for the duration of maintenance and repair of both the rooflights and the artworks themselves – resulting in significant cost and disruption.
• The weight-loading of the flooring would require enhancement in order to bear the weight of the access equipment, resulting in additional build costs.
• Increased potential of damage to the floor tiling and the resulting cost impact

Consider approaching UK-based artists for a similar design. 

If impractical or undesirable, procure at least one each of the different coloured and shaped “petals” to keep on site as spares, thereby facilitating immediate replacement.

• It was decided to continue with the European supplier and to procure the recommended spares.

In order to enhance accessibility of both the artworks and the rooflights, modify the suspension details to allow each unit to be lowered to ground level for maintenance and to facilitate easier access to the rooflights.

The rooflights would naturally still require the use of access equipment, however the requirement would be less complex and the time spent on cleaning and maintenance would be significantly reduced.

• The design team accepted this recommendation and the artworks, now installed, are capable of being lowered.

In order to mitigate weight and health & safety risks, consider reducing the density of the glass elements.

• The design team accepted this and the final designs were amended to reflect layout and weight.

Consider better coordination between floor level amenities and artwork locations. In particular, ensure that amenities beneath the artworks are easily demountable and moveable. For example, place seating areas with easily mobile furniture and planters beneath the artworks, as opposed to kiosks and pop-up shops.

• This was accepted and the recommended amendments made.