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Future Place 2019: open call for architects

Open call for architects sought to help develop local authority placemaking plans.

06 June 2019

The Future Place programme - run by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), Local Government Association (LGA), Homes England and Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)- is a joint, two-phase initiative which will unlock placemaking potential at local level through quality in design, future thinking, and knowledge sharing. The programme has been designed to promote best practice and the potential of innovative delivery, design and funding models, cross-sector collaborational capacity building, and knowledge sharing at a local level.

All five Future Places selected for the programme are determined to deliver meaningful change which will enhance people’s lives, improve community wellbeing, and create sustainable environments. While each place is very different, they all work in collaboration with public, private or voluntary sector partners to develop and advance innovative placemaking strategies. They will now take part in a programme to develop visions for their areas, with training and expert advice from each of the Future Places' project partners.

As a result, the RIBA are holding an open call for RIBA members and Chartered Practices to work together with the local authorities on these visions.

The client

The Chartered Architects will work closely with the local authority and their representatives. The RIBA Chartered Members, RIBA Chartered Practices, and/or RIBA Client Advisers will be paid by RIBA (66 Portland Place, London W1B, 1NT).

The five sites

Competitors can submit an entry for more than one of the following projects. A separate application will be required for each area. Competitors will not be awarded more than one project.

Expressions of interest

Expressions of interest are invited from RIBA Chartered Architects, RIBA Chartered Practices, and RIBA Accredited Client Advisers.

Using the criteria for selection to assess the expressions of interest, five RIBA Chartered Architects, RIBA Chartered Practices, and RIBA Accredited Client Advisers will be selected for the commission.

Eligibility

Expressions of interest are invited from RIBA Chartered Architects, RIBA Chartered Practices, and RIBA Accredited Client Advisers.

Fee

A fee of £10,000 + VAT for each of the projects will be paid in two equal instalments in line with the programme below.

Programme

  • Competition launched - 6 June 2019
  • Deadline for receipt of expressions of interest (EOI) - 4 July 2019
  • Selection of five Chartered Members week commencing 15 July 2019
  • Winners announced week commencing 22 July 2019
  • Project commencement and completion for number of days to be confirmed (depending on daily rate) - from August to November 2019
  • Mid term presentations - October 2019 (date TBC)
  • Final presentations - December 2019 (date TBC)

The final decision of the winning Chartered Architect/Practice/Client Adviser will rest with the judging panel. The RIBA and local authorities may follow up applications with a call if any clarification is required before awarding the contract. Awarded Chartered members will present their work to all partners mid-brief and with the final presentation. This will include representatives from all local authorities, Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), Local Government Association (LGA), Homes England and Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). It may include some other government agencies.

As part of your project, you will have the chance to publish content promoting and documenting the progress of the project on the RIBA’s digital channels (chiefly social media and our website).

Submission requirements for each project

Digital copy (PDF format) to be submitted to futureplace@riba.org. The digital copy should be contained in a single PDF document of less than 5MB file size.

The submission should be collated and consist of a maximum of six single pages of A4. The submission may be printed double sided if the specified single page limit is not exceeded.

The Expression of Interest document, to a maximum size of six pages, should include:

Company/individual information

  • Name of architectural practice and RIBA membership/Chartered Practice number
  • Contact details
  • The successful team will be required to hold full and comprehensive insurance cover in accordance with the RIBA’s Consultancy Agreement (available on request). Please provide details of the current level of Professional Indemnity insurance you hold, and the name of your insurer or broker

Team composition (one A4 page)

An introduction to the Chartered Architect/Practice/Client Adviser should be provided, together with brief CVs for the individual(s) who would be specifically responsible for leading the project.

Relevant projects delivered by the Chartered Architect/Practice or Client Adviser (three A4 pages maximum)

Illustrative case studies (images with explanatory supporting text) should be provided for up to three projects completed during the previous five years to demonstrate the character and expertise of the Chartered Architect/Practice/Client Adviser. Examples should demonstrate:

  • Experience directly relevant to the Future Place project brief
  • Experience of, and your approach to, working with multiple stakeholders
  • Your ability to articulate and communicate ideas

The following information should be provided for each case study:

  • Client name - including full contact details. Client references might be taken prior commissioning.
  • Project completion date if appropriate
  • Anticipated and final duration of the project
  • Relevance of the project or design approach to the Future Place project brief

Your approach to the particular project for which you are applying (two A4 pages maximum)

Each client is looking for a collaborative working relationship with the chosen Chartered Architect/Practice/Client Adviser. Please demonstrate and explain your approach and why it is relevant to the particular project objectives and requirements.

Please also note where you have experience of working in and/or knowledge of the local project area, which will be a key consideration.

Submission method

These submissions should be received no later than midnight on 4 July 2019. The digital copy should be emailed to: futureplace@riba.org, stating in the subject which Future Place you are submitting.

Please note:

  • Only teams responding in accordance with the submission requirements and deadline for receipt of applications will be considered
  • Late submissions will not be accepted

Judging Panel

The Judging Panel, which is subject to change, is expected to include:

  • Ben Derbyshire, President RIBA
  • Local authority representative
  • Lucy Carmichael, RIBA Director of Practice
  • TBC

Carmen Mateu-Moreno (RIBA Future Place Project Manager) will attend the assessments and facilitate the sessions.

Assessment - criteria for selection

Selection will be based on the extent to which the Expressions of Interest meet the following criteria:

Project - 60%

  • Response to brief: understanding of the client, project objectives and place
  • Design approach: strategic thinking, and an innovative, creative and deliverable response to the challenges and opportunities
  • Communication and engagement: approach to developing an effective and collaborative working relationship with the client and other stakeholders

Team - 40%

  • Client engagement: evidence of an ability to work effectively and collaboratively with clients and stakeholders, on similar projects
  • Relevant experience/case studies: evidence of meeting similar requirements on previous projects and any local knowledge and/or experience
  • Communication and liaison: Demonstrate the relationship and collaborative approach between client and other stakeholders

Copyright: The ownership of copyright will be in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 - i.e. Copyright rests with the author of the submitted design.

Please email any questions to futureplace@riba.org. More information about the open call and each Future Place is available to download as a PDF.

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