It is easy to look at a building as a collection of materials and equipment that have been assembled to create shade and shelter for occupants. However, most don’t consider all of the thought and analysis that goes into creating a building. Even a simple building is much more than a collection of materials. The construction of a building is amazingly complex-so complex that it requires a team that practices both integrated design and integrated delivery. However, integrated design is often difficult to practice.
When I talk to practitioners in the construction industry, they often brag about implementing integrated design, before it was the in thing to do. But, after talking with them, it doesn’t take long to figure out that most of them have developed their own definition or version of integrated design.
There is no one set definition for many of the tools we use in our industry. Sustainability, design-build, high performance and integrated design are all concepts that many people define as they move forward on each project. While there are specific actions that should take place during each aspect of the design and construction process, it’s rare to find designers who care more about someone else’s discipline as much or more than their own. It’s even more unusual to find an entire team made up of these scarce like-minded individuals.
Many people define integrated design as one that takes into account all aspects of a building. While some practitioners expand this definition to include external influences like the local ecosystem, heritage, future proofing of the building, cultural aspects and socioeconomic impacts, to gain a true understanding of integrated design, it’s best to first look at the materials and equipment that are needed to create the building.
Mechanical System Design
To further narrow the scope, let’s take a look at one system within the building-the heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system. In a typical design of a mechanical system, when selecting the system components, a team member may first look at owner preference, code compliance, initial cost, size, noise, maintenance, warranty, service providers, load conditions, experience with the vendor or controllability.
Once the system is selected for the needs of the project, the designers set out with the duct and/or pipe routing from the location of the central unit(s). These activities are typically done without much consideration to other design disciplines, and conversely, other team members may not take into consideration the needs of the mechanical designer.
When a mechanical room, for example, is barely large enough to house the equipment, let alone provide adequate access to that equipment for maintenance, there is often disconnect within the design team. This could happen for many reasons, but one big factor is that time and space are a rare commodity in today’s designs. Because of this, well-qualified designers are often working in a silo to get their portion of the project complete with little consideration to others. It is not that they do not care about the work of their fellow teammates they are dealing with a set of constraints and are forced to respond the best they can.
A designer working as part of an integrated team striving for an energy-efficient system also needs to factor in other aspects not typically considered in traditional design. Following an integrated process, the mechanical designer must consider all variables, including how choices made will impact all other design elements. The integrated design process demands that each discipline discuss, consider and act in such a manner that supports the end result.
Designers who are well practiced in traditional design may be threatened by an integrated approach to their work. Integrated design forces people to work as a team. And while this approach may take more effort, the process fosters innovation through the synergy of the team.
The success of a project using an integrated design is not measured by the mere completion of the design activities. Success is marked by the creation of a building that deeply satisfies the owner. Building owners want a team that thinks through every aspect of each project, including how all those elements come together to create a project that has a higher value than the cost of the material used to build it. It’s a great feeling-for both the owner and the project team-to deliver a building that meets the needs and expectations of the owner and occupants.
Many in the AEC community have integrated design down to an art, but there are others that struggle with the true definition of the concept. Our industry is forever changing, and integrated design is no exception. When utilized properly, in the hands of a skilled professional, integrated design is a tool that can be used to create some amazing buildings.
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Thomas Taylor, a 30-year veteran of the construction industry and noted expert on sustainability, is a principal and co-founder of St. Louis-based Vertegy. His book, “Guide to LEED 2009: Estimating and Preconstruction Strategies,” provides step-by-step information about the LEED 2009 for New Construction process. To learn more about Vertegy or Taylor, visit
www.vertegyconsultants.com.