One of my most endearing traits which annoys the greatest number of people is a delight in paradigm shifts, deep thinking, and root cause analysis. No doubt that this “strategic” and “ideation” approach is the stuff of research and change. But there is something to be said for stability, normalized situations, and managing expectations. This is the advantage of human minds. When faced with a new situation, we can figure it out and store this knowledge in our “comfort zone” for the next time the situation occurs. The only time we re-analyze the situation is when we observe sufficient change in the normal indicators. But there is the story of the gradually increasing hot water, which can kill us because we didn’t notice the shift in the norm.
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| Using BIM for Energy Modeling |
This is where inquisitive minds come in. At best, a mind which comes from outside the industry and asks “Why?” And so.. when we start a project, might we reconsider the traditional document flow from design, to structural, to HVAC? If we are using virtual design software such as Revit ( BIM), we might choose to lead with the structural model - for example, if our specifications call for fireproof, earthquake and tsunami resistance. And, if the project that it is being built on an island in the middle of the Pacific, this might greatly affect what materials are reasonably available. Structure can thus initiate the dialog which then is joined by space planning, exterior shell materials, and the HVAC.
Or, you are building in Iceland, and a geothermal system with radiant concrete slab is the key constraint in the specifications, so HVAC goes first. You get the idea – but do we ever even ask this question?
Construction tends to view the world based on the activity of the worker, but there are other perspectives. For example, water is the domain of not only the plumber, but the roofer, the gutter guy, the landscaper, perhaps a wetlands wastewater specialist. Oh, and let’s not forget the Tyvek guy, the below grade waterproofer, window installer….. At what point in the plan design is there a “water “ review? Who asks those questions?
And less we get distracted, who asks the real big questions? Why are we building? If we need a school to house the kids, is there any really good reason to not either re-use the existing building or take over another empty shell, other than to create conformity in the schools? Does the building really address the needs of the occupants, or the neighbors, or the globe?
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| Mumbai Green |
Construction has been luxuriating in its own comfort zone for the past few decades. But we’ve been slowly boiling in every increasing hot water, as the productivity of the industry went down, quality went down, and cost went up. But the economic times are forcing us to change, and those bold enough to ask the right questions are pushing through the cost, design, and schedule barriers. They can reconfirm the items in the comfort zone, and push others areas to create a totally new paradigm in the built environment. Go ahead, ask the questions.
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4 comments:
I think it is strange you pose the question, "why does it always start with the architect?" but go on to pose numerous other questions about who should do or ask "X?" Maybe it's because I'm an architect I answer, THE ARCHITECT!
Maybe it's too behind the scenes, but this is what we do everyday. If a project needs a special structural or HVAC a system we often get a jump start with those disciplines, essentially doing as you say. Usually we are the only people thinking about trade overlaps or big picture questions before the project starts.
Architects have a little too much on our plate at times, but almost no one else finds themselves in a position to ask and answer all the necessary questions. As buildings become more complex and higher performing clients must be willing to pay more for services or the result is too little time to give adequate attention to all the "right" questions. Construction is a market driven business model and these questions will only be well asked and answered when the clients want us to or the codes mandate it.
It appears that my wording was not quite concise. What I meant to ask was - does it always start with the design component of Revit? In a tradition DBB, or even a DB, the architect would indeed take the lead in asking these questions. However, in an integrated contractual agreement,such as AIA's IPD, these questions would be asked by the lead team of the owner, designer, engineer, and contractor. There have been several exemplary projects which have demonstrated that combined minds can push through the cost barrier and delivery high performance at no upcharge.
Vera, I have an energy question just a question in regards to a net zero home. What type of energy are designers, builders or home owners trying to zero out, site or source?
Mark - that is a good question. Ideally, the strategy is to reduce energy waste at the site, and then source the remainder with either site energy or regionalized renewable power suppliers, with fewer source to site losses. The "zero" is an artificial target, as distributed energy generation will eventually be allowed - ie you could sell your excess power. In practice, "net-Zero" denotes more of design intent of energy independence.
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