Sustainable design benefits from a holistic, or integrated approach, that creates opportunities for the integration of a wide variety of systems and approaches. Changes in technology in both areas are driving the need to integrate a wide range of systems creativity in order to optimize outcomes for the client.
Over the past several weeks, I’ve been asked about our approach to integrated design several times. Integrated design can be defined as: involving all design disciplines, starting from project inception through construction, rather than the typical linear structure with successive contributions. The process allows for systems-thinking rather than the architect and client agreeing on a design concept and then asking mechanical and electrical engineers to suggest appropriate systems at a later point. Major savings can be achieved in design if we think about concepts such as furniture, energy efficiency, and lighting and their impact on one other early while the design is still flexible enough to consider synergies.
An integrated process is particularly important when it comes to sustainable design and realizing deep reductions in energy and water use. This is a practice that is ingrained in the process of how we work and further enhanced on projects that involve our design team in addition to our internal mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and civil engineers. Furthermore, involving the energy modeler and commissioning agent from start ensures that all possible options are assessed from envelope to lighting to mechanical systems before final decisions on layout are made.
A recent example of how this played out in one of our projects was during a charrette where we invited all of the disciplines to set goals. After some of the preliminary design concepts were presented, the mechanical engineer pointed out that there was a large amount of glass on the southern exposure of the building. Having the engineer in the room allowed us to make some quick changes that included adding shading and discussing high performance glazing, so as to not over size the mechanical systems as a result.
To help us achieve our energy goals using an integrated approach, we use performance-based modeling through a combination of BIM, energy, and water software tools. This approach allows for fast and simple inputs in the early design stages to determine the approximate load compared to similar buildings. The model can then be re-run throughout the design process to assess impacts from various scenarios and design changes, which can lower both capital costs as well as facilitate project delivery.
The process requires various disciplines and breaks down silos between disciplines, and therefore necessitates more effort on the front end of a project. In order to be effective, there must also be feedback loops so that integrated design is more than just a conversation. The charrette and subsequent progress meetings should be multidisciplinary as well and the resulting stronger team can prove meaningful beyond just the project scope.