Sadiq Khan’s new architectural and design framework was described as an “important step” into creating a greener and more sustainable London.
Khan, Mayor of London, announced the Architecture and Urbanism (A+U) Framework yesterday, which composed of a more diverse panel of built environment specialists.
The new framework replaced the Architecture Design and Urbanism Panel 2 (ADUP2) that was in place since 2018.
Jules Pipe, deputy mayor for planning, regeneration and skills, said: “The launch of the new Architecture and Urbanism Framework is an important step towards London’s recovery from the pandemic and the creation of a better, greener, more sustainable London for all.
“It’s crucial that those involved in the transformation of London are representative of all who live here, which is why the Mayor and I are pleased to see such a diverse range of practitioners with high quality skills and experience being awarded places on the Framework.”
“We look forward to seeing how this new cohort of suppliers apply their world-class expertise to support public sector clients deliver the low-carbon, sustainable and inclusive recovery that London needs.”
The aim of the A+U Framework was to simplify commissions for varieties of built environment projects and then ensuring high-quality work with net-zero carbon impact.
It composes of 96 places taken by 65 suppliers, each categorised in ten ‘lots’, depending on their expertise in architecture or design.
Most of the places (57%, 55 of 96) offered to enterprises had minimum half of their executives identifying as female, Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, disabled and/or members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The decision was part of Khan’s Mayoral vision to ensure diverse representation driving the design framework.
Consultants of the new framework
The list of consultants includes Archio, IF_DO, Freehaus and Karakusevic Carson Architects which is a consortium of smaller practices.
Consultants had to meet certain criteria over a dual stage assessment procedure.
Besides a committment to achieving net-zero, they had to show support to London’s economic revival, response to fighting difficult caused by the pandemic and work in a socially inclusive direction.
Paul Karakusevic, director of Karakusevic Carson Architects, believed this framework would help new designers and architects improve and then evolve the city further.
He said: “I understand the challenges and complexities of establishing and maintaining a small practice, and the opportunities that come through the A+U panel will help these designers/architects gain experience which will be very valuable.
“As a practice focused almost entirely on public sector projects, the GLA/TFL A+U panel has been instrumental in the development of our studio and the projects we undertake.
“We see it as our responsibility to help the next generation of architects work on public projects and to pass on the knowledge and skills we have gained to ensure the most talented people are shaping our city.”
The preceding ADUP2 provided a total worth of £45m in terms of 163 services over its four year span.
Featured image credit: East London Mosque via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
