PRE-DESIGN

PROGRAMMING/SUSTAINABLE AND SITE RESEARCH

In this step we typically include the following types of research and analysis which help the team to understand the conditions, boundaries and possibilities of the site and program together. These can include, as appropriate:

• weather station and data logger erected on site to collect microclimate data

• climatic analysis relative to activities housed on building and site

• programmatic analysis of illumination and thermal requirements of activities

• analysis of available site energies (wind, sun, geothermal)

• sun and shade conditions on site with fisheye photographs

• identify local sources of structural, envelope and finish materials

• identify and characterize on-site water collection, retention and reuse possibilities with annual rainfall, soil conditions, topography

• identify and characterize site ecology and vegetation

• identify and characterize programmatic requirements for water

• identify and characterize generation of waste and potential recycling opportunities

• initial LEED analysis and project registration

This phase is also often the appropriate time to begin coordination and discussion with the contractors and the facility personnel about sustainable issues in construction and operation of the building.