Construction Technical Issues: Opportunities and Consideration

Drain nearby the proposed site

This week, my team and I started looking up on the details of the site. I've learnt a lot throughout this week's lecture and seminar. We were lectured regarding on site analysis which helps us a lot in guiding us regarding the proposed site by listing out the construction technical issues. In the seminar, we were given an exercise on a particular map. By looking up the history of the map, I'm well aware of any past incident, the condition of the land back then and the important key factors that I need to include in my site analysis.

In regarding of the proposed site in Matilda Street, I've noticed a drain nearby the site and eventually started searching for any past incident occurred in Sheffield before and some sources of articles came upon regarding a flood occurred in Sheffield 7 years ago and immediately, this became one of my key factors that I need to look into and consider about. Concerning whether it will affect the area of the proposed development today, I asked my self the 5W's:


- What happened back then?

Sheffield flood in 2007, picture source from Google image

- Who was involved?
- When did it take place?
- Where did it take place?
- Why did it happen?

In considering on the planning of the development in the proposed site, I looked into the construction technical issues and considerations of the site which are vital and will aid me in site analysis. For instance, demolish and rebuild. What are the risks and technical issues for doing so? Demolition cannot be commence without a permission. Will neighbours be affected? Possibility of road closure? How to resolve the mobilization of huge machineries?

Click on the link below for more information about the flood at Sheffield during 2007.
http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article1371.html

The Visit @Maltilda Street

On a bright sunny Wednesday, my team mates and I made a visit to the proposed site. The front and side entrance was fenced therefore we only have access from behind. During the survey, We have regretted not looking up about the information of the site. We should have refer to the drawings of each floor which is available on blackboard in order to save time in jotting down the measurements of the building. Thereafter, we checked out the conditions of the building and rate and comment on it with a list given to us. While doing so, we had trouble filling up the condition survey form because of not familiarizing with the building materials. We researched on it later on and learned out about the use of asbestos in UK. 

The open space takes about 2/3 of the whole site while the current building takes about 1/3. Indeed, the place is a total run down. Thoughts and ideas rapidly rings in my head. What can I do with this existing building? Indeed most of the facilities inside the building is malfunction, damaged and spoilt. In my mind, I'm thinking of either refurbishing or demolish and rebuild. I think my team mates and I should brainstorm more on ideas alongside with various considerations to be look into.

The pictures below are the current conditions of the building:

Toilet @ 2nd floor

Collapsed plasterboard ceiling with electrical wiring exposed

Debris caused by collapsed plasterboard ceiling

The survey went smoothly. Thanks to sources from Sheffiled Hallam Univerity and our module leader Mr. Dave Weatherall alongside with other lecturers for providing information, notes, several survey forms and assessments that we can refer to. After departing from the site, my team and I roam around the surrounding areas while studying the traffic and take note of the existing developments that we could brainstorm on what kind of ideas, possibilities, considerations that will make an impact on the selection of the proposed development.

Click on this link to access to my padlet wall.  <http://padlet.com/alan_lunchai/gll0of3lhhe6>

Click following link for more information about the nanotechnology center: http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/meri/category/centre/thin-films-research-centre/nanotechnology-centre-pvd-research

The Beginning

Indeed, every thing was new and it is a fresh start for me in pursuing my further studies at Sheffied Hallam University. For this module, I was given an assignment consists of a few tasks which is required and writing a blog is one of it. I understand that after going through the assignment briefing, instead of calling it difficulties, I took it as challenges which I am ready to fully commit into understanding and going beyond my limits in order to complete the tasks. I know that I'm slow and lack in team building characteristics but rather fine in communication skills Therefore, I think I will improve myself on teamwork where as a team, brainstorming ideas is very vital in a sense in order to provide as many information, thoughts and ideas regarding on further complications that will help in problem solving which leads to resource finding skills. In overcoming these challenges, I understand that critically analysing the key considerations will aid and help with the potential development on the proposed site that I will be looking into. There are plenty of reliable sources on the internet to look into structure and layout of the site but the it would be better if we understand the nature of the site with hands on experiences. Speaking of which, we are assigned and scheduled to study the site at Maltilda Street and I am thankful for such opportunity. In relation to my data collection and critical analysis, publishing my thoughts and reflecting myself by blogging is a new method for me and I believe writing a blog will be an advantage to me in sharing useful information and to keep me in track.

Picture source from Google image