Creating environments that support and facilitate the minimisation of waste and unproductive effort in the supply chain has become an increasingly significant logistics trend in Australia today. One result of this has been the integration of considered architectural design throughout the planning and construction of distribution facilities.
This growing inclination is being reflected in the commercial property market where greater planning time is being assigned to projects at the initial developmental stages in order to create long lasting benefits to the building owners and tenants. In particular there is increased consideration given to logistical processes. Organisations at the forefront of this approach no longer view buildings housing such operations simply as ‘sheds’ devoid of any complexity or intelligence. Instead, the building is viewed as a contributing factor to the productive operation of their core business. Collaboration, for them, involves the engagement of architects and planners at the initial stages of project delivery.
In the past architects were not engaged until after sites had been chosen, briefs written and budgets allocated, if at all. However, an architect’s full service not only allows for earlier engagement, but offers it as an integral element in obtaining the best service. The most successful projects are those that ultimately reduce costs, time and waste from the supply chain process. Buildings are an integral part of any supply chain. The architectural challenge is to develop a strategy that is inclusive, understands the client’s business operation, and provides added value through quality and flexible facilities. The logistics trend now being seen begins with advice on site selection followed by a master plan. This then leads to considered design and construction of the built facilities. Well planned facilities not only support successful logistics operations but also provide flexibility for future expansion. Moreover, they add to the stock of quality industrial/ commercial buildings and raise the standard of the workplace environment.
The industrial sector is an intelligent, mature and dynamic market with increasingly sophisticated user requirements. Additionally, the rising cost of construction has meant that industrial properties are being considered as both quality real estate and an essential investment in the future of any business. In order to maximise the long term potential of industrial buildings, flexibility and adaptability must be built into the preliminary design to meet changing operational demands. This
makes industrial building design and construction a complex process, even for modest projects. As such, it is essential to maximise the benefit from the investment. The initial brief development, site selection and master planning phases are the key determinants in the success of any project.
Appropriate site selection is the first step and can predetermine future planning success. Aspects to be considered include access to transportation networks, road types, orientation and allowance for possible future expansion.
Additionally, locating an industrial building within reach of associated businesses and customers will also have long-term advantages. This is one reason for the increasing popularity of business parks. Another is the positive effect that they have on the lifestyle of business workers. Social and common facilities such as cafes, banks and even child-care centres improve the lifestyle of the workplace, the proximity of essential services making life easier for the workforce. The early analysis and well considered master planning of a site helps to reduce costs, wastage and time loss in the future, not only in terms of the design of industrial buildings, but also in relation to strategic property requirements.Architects are also able to design a building that responds aesthetically to the business’corporate brand. This is especially important on significant sites where clients want to express their corporate brand visually. However, in relation to materials handling, it is the logistics solution that comes first and from which a building’s form emerges.
Once the site is selected, it is the considered master planning at the earliest stages that will have a long-term effect on the efficacy of the supply chain. Siting the building according to the movement of the sun can impact the building users in both positive and negative ways. It is important to minimise the glare of low angle sun off hard surfaces for truck and forklift drivers, through material choice and shading, while allowing entry of natural light into the building, especially in office areas.
The architecture should also respond to the natural movement of air, whether high force winds or internal ventilation. The positioning of office buildings can minimise northerly winds entering the storage areas while the bulk of the building will block the stronger south-westerly winds. For this reason, the dock should face towards the eastern, leeward side of the building. The positioning of the building’s main structure adds value to the project by reducing the impact of strong winds and air-borne dust, and using natural light to reduce energy costs.
