The toilets in parks can appear to be an insignificant part of a massive public undertaking. Landscape engineers, architects and contractors could participate in the building of one building.
Every transition has a straightforward but crucial question.
Who is responsible to ensure that the stages are connected correctly?
For park managers and project teams who want to compare the top design of the park’s restrooms, this is more informative than browsing through the gallery of completed buildings.
Image credit: romtec.com
Watch the Handoffs
Imagine a bathroom that is already conceptually designed. The measurements are correct, the exterior is selected and everyone is happy with it.
Then engineering begins. An adjustment is required to the layout. The alteration can affect the specification of a component and, consequently, the procurement. The contractor later finds out that the assumption that was made in the design does not match what was provided.
These situations do not always mean that someone has made a serious mistake. They highlight how difficult coordination can be when the responsibilities are split between various groups.
A best park building designer candidate should therefore be evaluated on more than creativity. Understanding codes, accessibility requirements, components, engineering, documentation, and the construction reality can help connect design decisions with the construction process.
Examine the proposal to determine what it is that it does not include.
Two building plans that look similar may actually have very differing scopes.
One of the packages could include a complete structure. The other could cover preliminary design aid, specifications, drawings, renderings, engineered plans submissions, supplies, and potentially installation.
Comparing only the bottom-line price without understanding the differences could create a misleading comparison.
Romtec provides preliminary estimates and designs for no up-front cost. We also provide designs, specifications renderings, and specifications for bid packages. After acceptance, the process is extended to include submissions that are complete and engineered plans.
That provides designers and owners with teams a clearer path for taking an idea from a sketch to a construction-ready building.
Custom requirements require prompt attention.
Rarely do public-private projects operate with the same requirements.
One community might be interested in green fixtures and materials. Some may also have a particular architectural style. Landscape architects may require unusual colors or siding to visually connect the restroom to other structures in the park.
These decisions impact more than the appearance. The decisions they make can impact elements, documents, procurement, engineering and construction.
Addressing special requirements early gives the project team an opportunity to incorporate them intentionally rather than attempting to make them retrofitable once major decisions have been made.
Construction knowledge can alter the design dialogue
The best park restroom builder for a specific project must be aware that a sketch eventually must be converted into physical structure.
Romtec produces, sells construction and design of buildings for public application. It can provide building packages which can be integrated into larger construction projects. It can also offer turnkey installation.
That design-to-construction experience creates a practical perspective: decisions made at a desk eventually have consequences on a jobsite.
Take a look at the Journey, Not Just the Destination
The bathroom you have finished won’t reveal all the planning that went on before opening day.
Park owners can see the building. Visitors are able to see the structure. Project teams go through everything that went before the design decision, estimates as well as documentation, engineering approvals, supply, and construction.
It’s for this reason that picking a partner with whom to build a park shouldn’t start and end by asking “Do we like the structures?”
A more useful question is:
Are you able to help us take the building that was in our minds to a structure that is accessible to the public?
