One of the main challenges of the project has been the number of iterations of the design during the design process.
During the planning stages the decision was made to better embed the  story of the nearby water course through the masterplan - an idea to include flows, eddies and boulders through the plan and weave together both phases. This decision was made after phase 1 planning had already been submitted so a new application had to be put through to accommodate changes driven by phase 2.
The two phases have been built together simultaneously with phase 2 only a few months behind phase 1 with different contractors holding the reigns. I’ve been on the novated side team for both phases on a project where we have been the lead designers which has been a welcome challenge for leading coordination and conversations between disciplines. Another challenge of this project has been the speed and pace that we have worked whilst at the same time accommodating last minute overhauls to the masterplan as a result of significant VE exercises. Being involved in the design and build contract of such a fast paced project with so many last minute changes from our American clients (Lincoln PPC) has been a challenge and has meant we really are designing while building, testing our on the spot coordination capabilities and adaptability as designers.

To further complicate the project half of the site was built previously on a podium constructed at the beginning of the 20th century meaning that the as built drawings were incomplete and entirely hand drawn - this has meant a lot of thinking on our feet in relation to how to deal with subterranean surprises as well.

Another challenge of this project has been a high turnover of staff through the projects duration on all disciplines and has also shone a light on the importance of interpersonal relationships with clients and colleagues outside of your own team.

Phase 2 is due to be complete in October, it is always exciting to see something you've involved in since the first dot on the paper come to life and fill with people.