A formal letter of Appointment was sent to John Cooper Architects on Saturday 31st August 2024
Dear Director, Mr. John Cooper
Re: Formal Appointment for Architectural Services for State-of-the-Art Hospital Project in Azad Kashmir, Mirpur
Further to our fruitful meeting on Friday 30th August 2024, on behalf of Developing World Healthcare, a UK-registered charity devoted to enhancing healthcare infrastructure in underserved regions, I am writing to formally appoint John Cooper Architects as the lead architectural firm for our flagship project: the development of a state-of-the-art hospital in Azad Kashmir, Mirpur.
This hospital is envisioned to be a beacon of hope for the region, offering essential healthcare services across a diverse range of specialties. These include maternal health, infectious diseases, genetics, medical education, oncology, palliative care, paediatrics, and a fully equipped accident and emergency department. The urgency of establishing such a facility cannot be overstated, and we firmly believe that your expertise will be instrumental in creating a space that is both functional and sustainable, while also instilling confidence and a sense of well-being among its users. With your renowned expertise, we are optimistic that this project can evolve into an award-winning and externally accredited healthcare facility.
Project Background and Previous Collaboration
As you are aware, we had initially begun working together on this project before the unfortunate interruption caused by the global pandemic and other unforeseen circumstances. Given the hiatus, we have effectively restarted the planning phase and are now eager to re-engage with your esteemed organisation to bring this crucial project to life.
Scope of Work
The architectural services required for this project are comprehensive and will include, but are not limited to, the following key areas:
Site Analysis and Feasibility Studies: A thorough examination of the proposed site, including topographical surveys, environmental assessments, and evaluations of accessibility, natural light, and future expansion potential.
Concept Design Development: Creation of preliminary design sketches that will form the basis for the detailed design phase.
Detailed Design: Finalisation of architectural plans that seamlessly integrate the functional, aesthetic, and sustainability goals of the project.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring all designs adhere to both local building codes and international standards for healthcare facilities.
Project Management and Coordination: Overseeing the coordination of engineering, structural, and mechanical systems in collaboration with other consultants.
Sustainability and Future-Proofing: Incorporating green building principles and planning for future technological advancements and potential expansions.
Collaborative Trajectory
In alignment with our previous discussions, the architectural services for this project will encompass a wide spectrum of design and planning stages. The scope includes, but is not limited to:
Site Plan and Analysis: Detailed analysis of the site, including topographical and geophysical surveys, site appraisal, and selection.
Concept Design and Massing Studies: Development of floor plans, site plans, massing studies, and preliminary design sketches. This phase will include 3D computer-generated images (CGIs) and massing studies to visualise the hospital’s layout.
Project Brief and Deliverables: Preparation of the project brief, clinical strategy, functional content, and design strategy. This includes a comprehensive plan for approvals procedures and the establishment of a project development team and a client clinical design committee.
Detailed Design: Creation of floor plans, room-by-room plans, and detailed elevations with a focus on optimising travel distances for staff and patients, including patient journeys and interior design mood boards.
Structural and Civil Engineering: Site evaluation to assess ground conditions, water table, seismic risk, and drainage, along with the development of structural strategies, draft structural grids, column and slab sizing, and a parking strategy.
Mechanical and Electrical (MEP) Design: Development of an MEP engineering strategy that addresses power generation, heating and cooling systems, and other critical infrastructure components such as water management, ventilation, and energy management.
Environmental and Fire Strategy: Formulation of an energy management strategy focusing on sustainable and low-carbon solutions. This will include a fire strategy statement and the specification of safety protocols, including seismic codes and emergency power systems.
Digital Strategy: Development of a digital specification, including a digital distribution strategy outlining the IT capacity, communication infrastructure, and security systems.
Project Management and Coordination: Overseeing coordination with local Kashmiri architects, engineers, and quantity surveyors to ensure compliance with local regulations and cost plans, alongside liaising with local companies for logistical and technical support.
Cost Planning and Business Case Development: Working with stakeholders to finalise the cost plan, draft specifications, and equipment schedules.
Budget and Social Corporate Responsibility
We acknowledge that the budget allocated for architectural services, which stands at £30,000, is significantly lower than the market value for a project of this scale. Nevertheless, we are deeply appreciative of your willingness to undertake this project as part of your firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Your generosity and dedication to this essential work are truly inspiring.
Next Steps
We are keen to move forward with this collaboration and would greatly appreciate your confirmation of acceptance of this appointment. Upon your acceptance, we will organise a formal contract that outlines the agreed-upon scope of work, timeline, and deliverables.
We are confident that under your expert guidance, this hospital will become a landmark facility, bringing life-saving care to thousands and setting a new standard for healthcare in the region. Your expertise and dedication are vital to the success of this project, and we are eager to see this vision realised. I look forward to your replies including any queries.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Adeel Iqbal MBBS BSc (Hons) AICSM MRCP
Chair, Developing World Healthcare
UK Charity Number 1170788
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