Yesterday, I went on a site visit! Lance let me tag along. Because it was on the actual construction site, we wore close-toed shoes, the neon safety vests, and hard hats, too!
The site was the Palm Valley Water Reclamation Facility. The facility was basically expanding their campus to add showers/locker rooms, as well as meeting rooms. More specifically, they were adding another building structure that encompassed these rooms. So, LEA designed this new building, which is actually located on top of a (also newly built) underground water treating plant.
http://www.overaa.com/sites/default/files/projects/Palm%20Valley%20Water%20Reclamation%20Facility/images/aerial.jpg
The picture above is an old photograph, so there is no construction yet. But basically, the empty lot to the right of the campus in the picture is where the facility expansion is being built currently.
Construction is about 50% complete. If you happen to be passing by Goodyear, AZ, maybe you'll be able to see it. (The outside landscape of the facility is grassy, has a nice stream, and is like a mini park). And maybe, you'll be able to spot a roadrunner! (I did! For the first time!)
Here is the construction site. (I didn't take any photos in the inside)
The purpose of the site visit was for Lance to check up on the construction and see that things were being constructed the way they were supposed to be. At the end of the visitation, there would be a field report he would have to fill out. Basically just noting the observations around the site, if there are any concerns, and what discussions had occurred.
In our visit, there was an aesthetic issue that had popped up: the sheets of perforated metal that line up to form the overhead ceiling did not align with another metal component on the ceiling. When I first saw the problem, I recognized it, but I did not think that it would be of too much importance. However, the more I thought about it as Lance and the construction manager were discussing this issue, the more I saw the clarity in the situation.
My opinion: Yes, it is probable that no one will ever look up and analyze the ceiling and point out its flaws.. But at the same time, if they do, the building would automatically detract in their mind. It is a minor aesthetic detail, but it is the details that make up a holistically beautiful building.
In the end, they did discuss potential solutions, and for now, we will just have to wait for the construction people to complete it before finding our next step.
In our current scenario, because it was just a minor aesthetic detail, it isn't as important, so to say. Like, the construction people wouldn't be forced to tear down and restart the ceiling structure. However, if it were a concern that endangered or threatened the functionality or safety of the building, the construction people would have to restart their progress.
Yes, the structure wasn't built according to the plan, but to the best of our judgement, there will always be a give and take. (after finding other possible solutions too!)
Get ready for Part 2!~
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