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The question always asked by KBA is "What makes 'good design'?" What makes a building special, a delight to use, loved by its occupants, admired by others? In answering this question KBA strive to make buildings that are both functional and a delight to occupy. Their buildings celebrate light and space, materials and colour, function and flexibility. This is achieved in a number of ways and each project is different but the overriding intention is always to make space which feels 'special' by using light and colour, good materials and careful detailing. Clever devices are employed too, for example, allow natural light into the heart of a building or to make space appear seamless and continuous where function may dictate otherwise.
KBA are completely committed to making rigorous, inventive, functional, well-composed beautiful modern buildings in considered settings. They do this using a combination of carefully chosen modern sustainable materials coupled with traditional construction techniques and a good deal of invention. They have considerable hands-on experience of working as builders. It is this experience they bring to bear in the making of buildings, initially when drawing details and later when explaining those drawings and details to the builders once work is on site. The quality of their design and detailing is evident in their built work.
Innovation is high on the practice agenda. Working to specify and detail building techniques and materials, which respect the world's resources and consider the future is something KBA work hard at. They are currently exploring the possibilities of using aluminium extrusion and castings in innovative building solutions. This work was rewarded by the building industry with the winning of the Aluminium Imagination Award 2003.
The practical issue of buildability and therefore cost and feasibility is never too far away and KBA like to consider this at a very early stage. To achieve this Knox Bhavan cannot work in isolation and their best work is always a result of successful, team collaboration between fellow consultants, clients and builders.
A close relationship is nurtured with the client from the outset. This is a fundamental, key relationship. Most important is the necessity to understand and sympathise with the client's functional needs and aspirations for a building. KBA are also happy to assist their clients with the critical selection of the design and construction team.
KBA's award wining work has been widely published.