Architectural design services

Tender description

The V&A is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced base build architect to join the design team for Phase 2 of the photography gallery project. The overall purpose is to create a state-of-the-art International Photography Centre at the V&A, to improve public understanding of the history of photography and its techniques. Phase 1 has been delivered and encompasses rooms 99, 100 and 101. Phase 2 is now commencing. The design for the second phase of the Photography Centre comprises of rooms 95, 96, 97 and 98, a new roof to the Tapestry Gallery (room 94) and a large amount of M&E upgrade/replacement works. These spaces will join Phase 1 to complete and reopen the suite of rooms originally designed and built in the 1860s. It is important that there is coherence across the spaces associated with Phases 1 and 2 of the photography centre. This contract is for the base build elements of Phase 2 only. A separate competition will follow for the gallery fit out design. The base build designer will be required to provide designs to: — integrate and coordinate the base-build engineering; mechanical, electrical and structural, for rooms 95-98 and the roof of room 94, — provide a heritage strategy and planning application for the Photography Centre, particularly in relation to the replacement MEP works and new roof and ceiling to room 94, — provide design and coordination for a new roof form and ceiling to the Tapestry Gallery above room 94., — coordinate surveys of existing infrastructure. Opportunities to improve the M&E systems are to be investigated as part of the gallery environment improvements. Surveys should be commissioned to investigate the extent of work required and the options available.