April 2017

BUILD / April 2017 39 , Debbie Flevotomou Architects recently enjoyed the status of achieving the Luxurious Developments in the UK award, under the 2016 BUILD Awards. Elaborate, sophisticated and Aesthetically Pleasing It is not a secret any longer that we broke the record for winning awards on International Designs for 2016, which has raised the profile of our projects increasing their value (and profits) for the clients we serve. Parametric design is still a new trend in the built environment with recent examples showing property prices increasing from 20-60%. This is because parametric design is elaborate, sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing; it is the difference between a building and a landmark. The design is marginally more expensive but it has a proven record of delivering larger returns on investment as well as favourable publicity. Our clients aim to build a beautiful and commercially viable building that benefits the area and wider community. A landmark is the best way to kick-start regeneration in an area and draws in more investment. This effect is known as the ‘Bilbao Effect’ (referring to how a new Guggenheim museum brought the world’s attention to Bilbao) and it is a win-win situation in every case. What Is parametric design Parametric design describes a design process based on algorithmic thinking that enables the expression of parameters and rules that define, encode and clarify the relationship between design intent and design response. Parametric design is free from the constraints of straight lines and square angles resulting in curves. The concept is not entirely new and goes back to Andrea Palladio and Frank Lloyd Wright however, advancements in technology have made it possible to do while being cost effective. Examples of good design The redesign of Tower 42 in London, a concept that has not been realised yet, has won four international awards and was featured in several magazines. The reasoning behind it, is not only from its iconic nature, but also from design efficiency. The concrete core, as it stands, occupies a large proportion of the floor plates which leaves a relatively small amount of viable space. The new design would expand the floor plates through the introduction of a clever facade without changing the existing structure. The new facade is designed to carry the load to the ground allowing for the larger floor plates to be increased by 30% making the tower more commercially viable. Additionally, this visually stimulating design is different from every viewing angle. A communal garden is implemented every 10 storeys assisting with the natural ventilation of the building and the occupants’ amenity and well- being. The past Debbie Flevotomou received her training from the prestigious company Foster+Partners and follows the same guidelines on outstanding service. The design process revolves around making use of all the space while breaking free from the conventional boundaries of ‘square’ architecture. Services involve frequent meetings and workshops with clients so that major decisions can be made to the client’s preferences and satisfaction, of which my firm considers to be the first and foremost priority. The future We now have a new partner in North America with the aim of further expanding. Having past projects in Africa and Middle East, the large market in North America can benefit from such unique designs. From a client’s perspective: unconventional yet beautiful architecture, if executed correctly, can lead to great success! K Company: Debbie Flevotomou Architects Name: Debbie Flevotomou Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.debbieflevotomou.com Address: Main Office:1 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8DJ Satellite Office: 21-24 Millbank Tower, Pimlico, SW1P 4QP Telephone: +44 (0)20 3592 0537 1702BU35