There are too many blueprints that rely on on-site adjustments.
When working exclusively on construction supervision at an architectural firm, I often come across design drawings that seem to expect us to make on-site adjustments (essentially, leaving everything up to us).
Since I’m just a so-called architect, my main job is construction supervision, which involves reviewing the design documents prepared by our in-house architects—but there are quite a few of them that make me wonder, “How on earth did this happen!?”
For example, the slope of the single-pitched roof is exactly the opposite in the architectural and structural drawings, yet the building permit has been issued. It makes you think, “The building inspection agency is really sloppy…” or something like that.
But that’s still the cute kind of thing. Something like this happened, too.
A Work Situation I Experienced That Made Me Think, “What the Heck?”
There was an omission in the rebar quantities listed in the breakdown sheet prepared by the designer, and the contractor filed a complaint stating that there was a shortage of rebar.
Upon checking, we found that we were 5 metric tons short on rebar... Since we couldn't make up for the shortfall in a single-story reinforced concrete structure, the company ended up having to cover the cost—about 500,000 yen.
But ”for some reason,” the lead designer—who’s largely to blame—doesn’t show up at the site, so it’s the project manager who ends up apologizing.
What the heck is going on here?!
Yes, there's still more. Let's keep going. Next up is a story about the construction of a new high-rise building.
At the design stage, it was already apparent that the main piles of the retaining wall were interfering with an existing buried pipe (700φ). Due to the narrow site, there is no room to maneuver.
The designer said, “I hadn’t given the retaining wall construction a second thought. Since it was all within the property lines, I thought it wouldn’t be a problem at the time.” This is exactly what they mean by “I was completely speechless.”
But when I look at the temporary works drawings in the design documents, it seems like they’ve driven in a lot of temporary main piles…?
Who is it?! Who's the designer?!?!
What was that comment all about just now!?!?
So, I held back my urge to get angry and worked with the contractor to figure out the best solution. What a lousy start to this job...
Since it’s our own design, the supervisor has to cover for the designer. Of course, I understand that. But let me just say one thing.
Designers should take more responsibility.
We don't need an architect like that!
People often say, “You won’t know what’s going on until you try it yourself,” but,I’d like any issues that can be identified during the design phase to be resolved in advance.That’s what the supervisor really thinks.
A design drawn up by an architect who has no experience on the job is nothing but a pipe dream. Personally, I’d like to say, “If you’re going to design it, why don’t you supervise the construction yourself?”
Even when the site supervisor reports problems on-site via photos or phone calls, the designers seem to view the work as already completed and show no sign of reflecting on their mistakes. As a result, they repeat the same mistakes over and over. However, since the issues occur on-site, the designers don’t feel a sense of personal responsibility.
Personally, I think we don't need architects like that.
You often hear people say that in crime dramas, don't you? "Visit the scene a hundred times—the scene will teach you everything."
I may not be the best at design, but the contractors—who serve as my counterparts on the project—are also relying on this for their livelihoods. Naturally, I have no choice but to stand by them, and I believe it’s my job to work alongside them to steer the project in a better direction.
A construction site is something we all build together.
Designers who are turning a blind eye to the field!! (Not all of them, though.)
Please don't just sit at your desk and casually say things like, "We're working with millimeter precision," or "The fit on the blueprints is perfect."
It’s the people on the job site who are doing work that requires millimeter-level precision!!
Of course, there are construction tolerances on site, but it’s the site crew’s job to account for them. I do understand that detailed work is required for the design process.
But,Without skilled craftsmen, it wouldn't take shape.. Designers need to consider the perspective of those who will be carrying out the construction.
For now, just come to the site. Take a look, get a feel for it, and experience it firsthand. If you come to the site and work up a sweat together with everyone else, you’re sure to gain something from it.
