One of the governing factors for architecture has been materials. Materials have in a way defined the mood of designed architecture, new material has enabled one to design something new – has given one some level of flexibility to plan a building, be it the façade, interiors, elevation feature, or the entire structure.

When it comes to prioritising project procurement, the same rule is sworn by. As an architect, one needs to ensure that a material being designed with and eventually specified needs to be available at the location of execution, be easily procurable to say the least. Otherwise, while the design may end-up looking smart, it would be impracticable with the execution requiring something to be brought in from a remote location and the procurement costs would shoot up or. Or even worse, the material could although be brought but not be used on the back of its rigidity towards the structure it is designed for.

Thus, in my opinion, architecture though intangibly, does get affected by the project procurement priorities.

Any project promoter would want that the project be not just an architectural landmark, but the functionality of the said development also be to it optimum. He needs value for every penny spent on the project
and what better could it be, if the value for money is enhanced multi-fold, for its development.

“Value over cost of any material or product is the crux of what a long-term economy shall mean to the owner. It is a factor considered by the architect while designing a project and specifying a material or an item,” according to Ar. Prem Nath of Prem Nath & Associates.

Today, as the market has evolved through recessions, only the best valued product and material is being used, while one plans for each and every Sft. to be utilisable. Similar is the case when one plans to use the most optimum material, without wasting any money over any item, which is only a fad and adds no value over its cost.

Value over cost of any material or product is the crux of what a long-term economy shall mean to the owner.
Ar. Prem Nath, Prem Nath & Associates