No_3_October_1962 — Page 77

THE

ARCHITECT & SITE ORGANISATION

HE organization of

T'

building works is the responsibility of the general contractor and, theore tically at least, the way in which this is done should not worry the architect provided the building is completed in time in accordance with the plans, specification. and the conditions of

contract.

However, it is a duty of an archi. tect to satisfy himself that the methods and techniques proposed by the contractor will in fact permit the proper performance of the contract, and it is his duty to advise the con- tractor if in his opinion the arrange- ments for carrying out the work will not satisfy the terms of the contract.

Normal forms of contract put the architect in

a strong position in ensuring that the actual construction work is properly carried out, even to the extent of being able to determine the contract.

But with regard to the completion in time, although the terms of the contract are equally strong, they are more difficult to apply.

The effect of building methods does not become immediately ap parent, and whether or not the con- tractor is proceeding "with reason- able diligence" (the words used in the R.I.B.A. form of contract) is a matter of opinion; particularly in the early stages of a contract, when most time is lost, it is not easy to judge, and a very strong case would need to exist to make it a cause for the determination of the contract. The invocation of the penalty clause can. not normally be made until after Completion, when legitimate reasons for delay are also taken into account; even these are difficult to assess.

A contractor who admonishes an architect with the words "Don't you worry, sir, I will be finished on time, I promise you.

I can always put more men on the job," is difficult to Contradict. But the wise architect will see that his doubts and premoni

tions are made known to the contrac- tor in the form of written warnings.

Despite what clients may think, this is about as far as an architect can go, that is to advise and give warnings when the finishing date is in question. The architect is not em. ployed to run the job; his terms of engagement do not include this service, nor is it covered by the scale of fees; the rendering of such a service is incompatible with his pro- fessional position. Should an archi- tect take over the direction of the building works, in the sense that he organises the work, he automatically takes over the contractor's responsi bility and could be held to blame for any defects in construction and delays in completion.

By.

Professor

W. C. GREGORY,

B. Arch., A.R.1.B.A.

At the building stage of a project, the architect's duty is to supervise the works. a duty not easy to define. In the first place, it would seem that this entails inspection of the work and noting where it does not conform to the details of the contract and taking action according to the con- ditions of the contract; deficiencies being reported to the contractor him- self or his authorised agent and in- structions given on how these are to be remedied.

Secondly, supervision, may be taken tn include in its meaning the duty of the architect to advise and warn the contractor of methods and procedures which appear to the archi- tect to be causing or to be likely to cause the non-fulfilment of the con- tract both materially and in time.

A good method to ensure the pro- per performance of the contract is to

THE HONG KÔNg & far east BUILDER—VOLUME 17. NUMBER 3

agree with the contractor beforehand, a plan of operation which would in- clude the preparation of an agreed agreed progress chart and would detail the time at which certain actions are taken by both parties; this may include, on the part of the client and architect, obtaining certain approvals and agreements from third parties and also the provision of equipment or special finishes labelled "fix only" in the bill of quantities.

A good contractor will quite right- ly resent any attempt by the architect to take over control of building works, but there are others who will welcome this interference and will lead the unwary or inexperienced architect into giving instructions on matters outside his jurisdiction.

Whilst it is hoped that in Hong Kong the latter is not consciously exercised, the temptation for the architect to take over is very great. The reasons for this are many but principally it is because building sites give the impression of great disorder.

In some cases it is a question of an ordered disorder brought about by the special local processes employ- ed, such as occurs when timber form. work is struck and re-used, and because of the adoption of improvis. ed methods which on the face of it are more economical than standard practice. But there are many in- stances of badly organised work, which are not only uneconomical but which also result in bad workman- ship.

It is worthwhile discussing some apparently obvious aspects of build- ing, where there are possibilities of improvement in efficiency. and on which the architect has the preroga- tive to advise.

Debris and rubbish is allowed to accumulate on sites; this makes the workmen less efficient by imped- ing their movement and causing them to take special care to avoid injury: (Continued on Page 128.

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