OUR WORKING PROCESS

 

We work together with an iterative process which moves between technical analysis and research and the generation of design proposals. In this process, an integration of technical information and analysis techniques within the design process forms a cycle of technical work, design work, technical work, design work, etc. The cycle can be more specifically characterized as:

The knowledge and understanding gained from the evaluation step in turn identifies a revised analysis or an extension of the research to further develop and tune the design

Typically we will begin with the research and analysis step in the Pre-Design Phase of the project and continue through a number of cycles as the phases of the design progress. Our ability to collaborate through all phases of the design process is dependent on our dual backgrounds as both architectural designers and technical researchers and educators. We enter each design phase understanding the goal of the phase, how the designer work and how to bring to bear our particular expertise, whether with quick rules of thumb that generate form or with sophisticated energy simulations which determine the size and location of mechanical equipment.

In the Pre-Design Phase, some of the information and analysis is developed in collaboration with the pre-design activities of the architect, the other team members such as the landscape architect and PV designer, and in discussions with the client. This phase allows the full design team to engage in the Conceptual Design phase informed by the opportunities and conditions of the site, location and program.

The Conceptual Design phase involves a number of iterations through the analysis, design and evaluation cycle. Typically these are quick and often involve an intense period set aside for a design charrette with the full team working together to generate and evaluate a number of approaches and schemes.In the Schematic Design phase, the direction of the site and building design becomes clear and the sustainable, energy, thermal, lighting and water resource strategies are identified. With the development of the building siting, orientation, form, massing and organization, our techniques of analysis and evaluation are directed toward the basic size, location and operation of the design. As with the previous phase, the iterative cycle is followed, but the analysis and evaluation phases contribute primarily to the development of the design proposal, not to a comparative evaluation of many proposals. Typically, we will work with the design team in weekly work sessions, in which the performance analysis and the developing design are brought together and discussed in a combination design and critique working session.

In the Design Development phase, we revisit a series of materials choices and issues to prepare for specification and perform a more detailed performance evaluation of the building systems and materials for energy use, comfort, lighting, water and waste. We typically meet less often than in Schematic Design with the design team for regularly scheduled review sessions, but have significantly increased communication via telephone, email and fax concerned with project details. We will schedule meetings to review the results of detailed evaluation and performance analysis and the implications for materials selection and cost. We are also fully involved with the Value Engineering meetings and decisions.

In the Contract Documents phase, our work involves the specification of component systems and protocols for operation, in coordination with appropriate members of the design team. We also complete much of the LEED certification coordination and documentation as well as preparation of protocols for commissioning. Building commissioning and LEED certification predominate in the Construction Administration and the Post-Occupancy phase, with occupant education also involved in the later.