Section 2 Design Brief
e. A zone 3m wide should be allowed along the adjoining property boundary to the north west. This could be used for public footpath in the future separately fenced from the main site.
f. Care should be given to achieve good sight lines from any vehicle entrance or existing public roads. g. A 9 metre building line back from each boundary should be observed. Gatehouses may be constructed within this zone.
8. All designs should conform with the Local Building Bye-Laws, see Annex H para 6.
Offices: Design Considerations
9. The new British High Commission Offices should represent the best in British Architecture and Design; sit comfortably within their surroundings; be welcoming but provide security; and have dignity without pomposity.
10. Particular consideration should be given to the use of British Products; all products must have been assessed and approved by appropriate bodies selected
for quality, long life, and low maintenance. Achievement of low running cost is also important, designers may submit their own proposals if it can be shown that additional capital cost is cost effective through consequent reductions in running costs.
11. There are nine departments to the High Commission-viz Chancery, Registry, Defence, Commercial, Aid, Consular, Information, Survey and Administration which with the British Development Division in East Africa (BDDEA) and the regional office of the Overseas Development Administration - make up the main functions of the offices. Some of these departments attract a large number of visitors; others require a great deal of privacy. Careful attention to planning and access arrangements is required to reconcile the conflicting requirements. The departments can be accommodated in one building or in a number of buildings on the site.
In addition to the offices the development should include two staff houses, a club/restaurant facility and a small motor maintenance depot.
12. A schematic diagram is attached under Annex E illustrating the main considerations to be observed in planning and positioning buildings on the site.
13. The increase in terrorist attacks on diplomatic staff and missions means that some importance has to be placed on physical security. Handled insensitively this could lead to a fortress like appearance which is contrary to the image the building should project.
14. Where departments have a high public interface it is a distinct advantage to have separate direct public pedestrian access, in order of preference:
a.
b.
C.
Consular Department
Commercial Department/Aid BDDEA
15. Public car parking should be outside the security perimeter. Staff cars can be in a combined car park or in separate car parks near each department. All cars should be kept at a distance from the Chancery Office (Group A) except for setting down.
16. A tabulated Schedule of Requirements (SOR) is appended under Annex F with a bubble diagram explaining the relationships of spaces under Annex G. Individual areas in the SOR can be varied by 10% as a design tolerance but this should not be used cumulatively.