Stages of Design and Building Process - Essay Example

? DESIGN PROCEDURE Table of Contents Contents Page Introduction 3 Scope and limitation of this report 4 RIBA Stage A and B: Project Appraisal Phase 4RIBA Stage C: Concept design stage 8 RIBA Stage D: Design Development Phase 15 RIBA Stages E, F , G, and H: Construction document phase 29 RIBA stage J, RIBA stage K, and RIBA Stage L: Construction phase – Contract Administration 29 RIBA Stage M: Feedback 29 Conclusion 29 Bibliography 36 Introduction Architectural design procedure is a cognitive process, and the ultimate goal of it is to meet clients and end users needs. Design development process proceeds thru a series of distinct phases. Each phase of this procedure has distinct tasks. These tasks investigate issues like site-specific conditions, reliability, performance, costs, governmental and environment restrictions and regulations. All of these tasks are encapsulated in the design procedure. Different organizations describe these procedures with different names. Irrespective of individual task names, the principal elements of the design procedure consists of four key elements (architype.net n.d.); programming, schematic design, design development, and construction documents. Figure 1 exhibits the above-mentioned concept. The diagram in figure 1 shows that design procedure does not present a sum of several activities Figure 1. Principal elements of design procedure (architype.net n.d.) that flow in one direction. The activities are iterative, which is one of the paramount concepts of an Architectural design procedure. Iterative flow provides the opportunity for design modification. In the design procedure, modification plays a pivotal role since the process is cognitive. That is why tasks or activities of design phases move back and forth allowing develop more elaborate designs to control and modify the overall design. Each of the principal elements of the design procedures shown in figure 1 is divided into multiple tasks. Many recommendations are available about how to subdivide each principal process into multiple tasks. This report follows recommendations provided by the Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBA). RIBA (architecture.com n.d ) outlines work process to manage and design architectural projects Scope and limitation of this report The report is structured using words and visual forms of presentation. Scope of this report is to describe architectural design phases thru general idea without tying to any specific project. Phases that are described hereafter present design procedure of any kind of building construction from appraisal to completion. Sketches and illustrations are used from general constructions for visual representation of different phases. The step-by-step procedures described in words and sketches exhibit work from appraisal to completion of practical constructions. RIBA Stage A and B: Project Appraisal Phase The program of discovery begins with the appraisal phase. Design procedure starts with the determination of scope of work, and that is why this phase is also known as programming phase. This phase includes discussions, thoughts, and explorations. All participants must understand and agree on the program at the start. This phase establishes scope, objectives, limitations and criteria of the future project. For a residential housing project, the program would include information about types of amenities the client wants in the house, number of rooms, square footage requirement of rooms, and construction stages. For a bigger building project, such as a school, a program is complex and would include numbers of rooms, type and their functions, interior and exterior design, finishes, electrical, mechanical, and water supply system, playgrounds, different science laboratories, etc. For a highly complex task; a program starts with the development of a master program document, which is then split into smaller individual programs of different buildings. Project appraisal phase is also called as pre-design phase. RIBA characterizes it as briefing stage. To develop the brief, this phase includes different services that may consists of (Design Advisor n.d.): Site analysis and selection, Site development planning, Detailed site utilization, On site utility analysis, and Zoning processing assessment. Aim To understand the project detail in order to prepare a brief before the development of concept design. Brief should confirm requirement and constraints, identify procurement method and procedure, and describe the parameters of consultants and others to be engaged. The key output of this stage is strategic brief that shows role of client and architect (architecture.com n.d). Input Meetings should be arranged with the client and architect. Client explains needs, and Architect needs to understand and analyze it. Verbal communication is the crucial part of the work of this stage. Communication among client, architect and lead designer help to develop a list of objectives. Objective is essential for an architect to create a successful design according to client’s needs, constraints and goals. Without a thorough up-front exploration, all needs or constraints may not be discovered until a later in the project, when it will be much more expensive and time-consuming to address. Tasks RIBA and other organizations recommend the following tasks for this stage. Identify key performance indicator (KPI) Conduct needs analysis Conduct feasibility study, cost planning Setting up procurement method Conduct site survey Conduct analyses of government regulations and limitations Conduct Zoning Analysis Plan sketches Formulate the brief Examples Figure 2 exhibits (MEINHARDT n.d.) an appraisal phase sketch of Zirkapur Residential Development, located at New Delhi, India. This is a residential project spread over an area of 60 acres, comprising villas and apartments. Figure 3 shows an appraisal phase (Waite 2012) drawing of remodeling of The National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas in Staffordshire, UK. A new Center for Remembrance will house an education center, exhibition space, ‘functions pavilion’ and a large restaurant with views over the gardens and Heroes’ Square – an area for ‘major set-piece events with a stone canopy, open on all four sides’. Figure 4 exhibits appraisal phase (autodesk.com 2010) drawing of a simple one story residential house. RIBA Stage C: Concept design stage In this phase, focus changes from analyzing the problem to solving it. This phase defines design with a comprehensive scope, budget, and schedule before the approval of the project. This stage determines conceptual design, scale and relationship of components of the project. Architect creates and reviews a comprehensive program along with the client to determine needs and objectives, such as the relationship among spaces, sizes and its role. Architect starts gathering and analyzing information of the work required to design the project. Architect produces quick sketches or model schemes to represent fundamental concepts of the project. For example, Architect produces raw plans, showing the general arrangement of rooms and building on the site. Architect may obtain help of a landscape consultant to determine the best placement of the project ensuring sunlight and views. This stage typically is characterized as development of graphic and written conceptual design solutions for the client’s approval. Preliminary sketches are used to develop floor plans, elevations, and 3-D images of the building. The goals of this phase are in developing alternative solutions to a specific program. Minor details are ignored; instead design focuses on creating a logical solution of the entire project. Extensive feedback and client’s approval is essential for successful completion of this phase. In simple words, this stage defines the project’s scope, features, purpose, and functionality. Once concept design phase is complete, it is not recommended to generate any substantial changes or it will incur additional expenses and extend the construction period. This stage may include services like (Design Advisor n.d): Architectural design Landscape design Structural design Mechanical design Electrical design Civil design Interior design Materials research Aim RIBA classifies this phase as design brief implementation and additional data collection phase. The objective (All Australian Architecture n.d.) of this phase is to achieve a clearly defined viable concept and submit it in a structure that achieves client’s understanding and acceptance. Based on brief, architect creates a design that meets the client’s needs or exceeds expectation. RIBA recommends that the work of this stage must provide the client enough with information showing if the project is functionally, technically and financially feasible (architecture.com n.d). RIBA advises to execute the strategic brief into a full project summary and outline design proposals and cost estimate. Alternatives in design and construction must be studied. Architect establishes the general arrangement of spaces, character, and overall appearance of design (Robertcoolidge.com n.d.). Square footage is analyzed for cost estimation. The following services may be included at this stage (Design Advisor n.d): Architectural design and documentation Landscape design and documentation Mechanical design and documentation Electrical design and documentation Civil engineering design and documentation Material research and specifications Input (Construction Industry Council n.d ) Brief, including budget, time schedule and sketches Client’s recommendations regarding about design process structure. The following additional data may also be required: Topological survey Certificate of title Construction related legal information Geotechnical information Engineering reports on existing structures Government regulation Other design constraints Tasks General tasks: Arrange and attend design meetings Inspect site and prepare site analysis Develop the brief further Prepare schedule of accommodation Conduct research on user requirements on technical aspects, planning, design, and costs Monitor performances against KPI for the project Sub tasks Architectural design and documentation: Conceptual site and building plans Preliminary sections and elevations Preliminary section of building system and materials Perspective sketches Review of owner’s program and budget Landscape design and documentation Conceptual design solutions for land forms, lawns, and planting based on requirement, site characteristics, design objectives, and environmental determinants Mechanical design and documentation Energy source Energy conservation Heating and ventilation Air conditioning Plumbing Fire protection Total space requirement Electrical design and documentation Power service distribution Lighting Fire detection and alarms Total space requirement Civil engineering design and documentation On site utility system Drainage system Paving Interior design Material research and specification Identification of materials, equipment and their criteria Quality standard according to needs Investigation of alternative solutions Deliverable documents (Construction Industry Council n.d) Design brief and schedule Report of existing facilities and engineering systems of applicable Conceptual drawing: Overall site plan Floor plans Elevations Sketches Key sections to give an overall idea Models or computer simulations that help to present the concept Preliminary cost estimate Concept schedule of decorative and building materials Figure 5 exhibits (universaldesignstudio.com n.d ) a sketch of turbine hall of Battersea Power station in London. The challenge was to maintain the formality of the Turbine hall based on existing structural grid. Figure 6 exhibits sketch (universaldesignstudio.com n.d ) drawing of Battersea Power Station in London. Example: Figures from 7 to 12 show sketches of concept design stage developed for a hill top residential house. These sketches exhibit an architect’s principal design task of this stage. Figure 7 shows (Robertcoolidge.com n.d.) an early concept design sketch of a residential house. The sketch explores different ideas such as long linear arrangement of rooms’ vs. more compact rectangle. The alternatives were studied to finding solution of seasonal sunshine and best views. Figure 8 shows (Robertcoolidge.com n.d.) conceptual floor plan layout. Letters designate different rooms of the house. Figure 9 shows (Robertcoolidge.com n.d.) sketches architect used to find a solution for the roof of the house. Figure 10 (Robertcoolidge.com n.d.) is an aerial sketch showing the location of the house on the site. It shows property lines, zoning setbacks and contours. Figure 11 shows (Robertcoolidge.com n.d.) final schematic floor plans. Figure 12 shows (Robertcoolidge.com n.d.) sketch of final schematic perspective design. RIBA Stage D: Design Development Phase This stage starts after the client has approved the schematic design. Schematic drawings are now refined to turn into workable construction design drawings. Consistency was the focal point of concept design stage, at this stage the focal point moves to developing details (All Australian Architecture n.d.). Sizes and characters of the project are refined further, including architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical systems. The architect assembles a team of consultants consisting of structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers. Consulting engineers perform design work on the systems of the building and provide engineering design drawings to architects for developing architectural design drawings. Architect’s challenge at this stage is to preserve original design of the building within the estimated construction budget. At the end of this stage, architect provides the client with CAD drawings of floor plans, elevations, sections, and site plans. The scope of work for the developed design phase varies from project to the project and may also include 3-D CAD drawings, physical models, colored presentation drawings and computer animations. This stage may include services like (Design Advisor n.d): Architectural design Landscape design Structural design Mechanical design Civil design Interior design Material research and specification Role of the services (Design Advisor n.d) Architectural design: To continue development of schematic design documentation in order to determine the final scope, relationship, forms, sizes and appearance of the project. Structural design: To continue development of schematic design in detail to establish basic structural system and dimensions, final structural design criteria, preliminary sizing of critical structural components, outline material specifications. Mechanical design: To continue development of schematic diagram in detail to determine equipment sizes and capacities, equipment layout, space for equipment, clearances, energy conservation measures. Electrical design: To continue development of schematic diagram in detail to determine electrical design and layout criteria, and communication system, equipment layouts, space for equipment, equipment size and capacities. Civil design and documentation: To continue development of schematic outline in detail to determine concept and criteria for foundation design, interior design, on-site and off-site works. Landscape design and documentation: To continue development of schematic diagram in detail to determine material lists, specification outlines and preliminary detail for landscaping. Material research and speciation consists of specification outline of key architectural material, coordination of similar activities of other disciplines, preparation for production of the design manual. Aim Further development of the initial concept sketches and preparation of preliminary plans, elevations with detail. RIBA advises to establish general layout of design and construction in order to obtain authorized approval of the client. The project brief reaches its full development that includes specific proposals. The brief is compiled in a form of report. Input (Construction Industry Council n.d) Client approved concept design Approved concept cost plan Structural and civil engineering constraint concept Topological, geotech, and legal site surveys Confirmed government and municipal regulations Environmental study concept Fire protection concept Project time schedule Task Complete design brief Prepare preliminary engineering designs Prepare architectural developed design drawings incorporating amendments into plans, elevations, and sections. Deliverable Documents (Construction Industry Council n.d) Drawings Site plan with landscaping and parking Floor plans with dimensions Elevations and sections with detail Computer drawn perspective Reports Updated design brief with schedule Revised calculation of floor areas Construction methodology description Example: The above discussion demonstrates that an architect in this phase develops design with more specific in form, material, and products using documents of concept design phase (RIBA Stage C). The decisions made in this stage help solve design issues in preparation of construction documents. Drawings of this stage are more accurately drafted than in the previous stage. Areas, spaces and costs are recalculated in accordance with the client requirement. Architectural drawings of a residential building in figure 13 thru 18 demonstrate the concept of this stage. Figure 13 (Robertcoolidge.com n.d.) is an example of freehand pencil sketch of a floor plan from the concept design stage (RIBA C sage). Figure 14 shows (Robertcoolidge.com n.d.) using the sketch from figure 13 a finished floor plan is produced at the end of this phase, which is computer drawn. Figure 15 shows (Robertcoolidge.com n.d.) a detail drawing using the drawing of figure 14. The drawings of figure 13, 14 and 15 present the concept of step-by-step design procedure. Figure 16 shows (Robertcoolidge.com n.d.) building elevations drawings of the same project documented at the end of Design Development phase. Figure 17 shows (Robertcoolidge.com n.d.) a detail drawing using information from figure 16. The principal concept of design procedure is integrity. This concept is demonstrated in above two drawings. Figure 18 represents (Robertcoolidge.com n.d.) finished building sections at the end of Design development phase stage. Example. Figure 19 and 20 represent drawings of the Museum of the White mountains of at Plymouth State University, Plymouth, New Hampshire. Figure 19 shows computer drawn basement floor plan of the Museum (Plymouth State University n.d.). Figure 20 shows computer drawn first floor plan of the Museum. Drawings of figure 19 and 20 together will be used to develop interior section drawings as well as construction detail drawings (Plymouth State University n.d.). Example. Figures 21 thru 26 exhibit design drawings produced during the Concept and Design Development stages of New Chemistry Building of Western Michigan University. These drawings are parts of one unified construction. This is one of the main concepts of different stages of the design procedure. Be it site vicinity plan, site plan, sketches, computer aided drawings showing floor plans, elevations, cross sections, etc, but all of them belong to one building, showing integrity of the design procedure. Figure 21 shows the site plan of New Chemistry Building of the Western Michigan University (wmich.edu n.d.). Figure 22 shows the site vicinity plan of the New Chemistry Building of Western Michigan University (wmich.edu b n.d.,) Figure 23 is elevation sketch of New Chemistry Building used to develop design drawing (WMU n.d.). Figure 24 shows the elevation of the actual building (wmich.edu c n.d.). Figure 25 shows the facade sketch of the New Chemistry Building of the Western Michigan University (WMU n.d.). Figure 26 shows the facade of the real building (wmich.edu d n.d.). RIBA Stages E, F , G, and H: Construction document phase This phase, according to RIBA includes detail design, production information, and preparation of Tender documents. Architect at this stages focuses on detail design and documentation. Documents must be presented to the client; they should be explicit, consistent, and comprehensive. Design documents of this stage must be coordinated with structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems of the building and site. Relationship between construction documents and construction process is controlled with the use of production sequence flow chart. Aim Accomplish the brief with design approval, and construction document approval. Provide document with material specification and cost of the project. Provide procurement document and tender documentation. Identify potential contractors and other specialists for construction. Input (Construction Industry Council n.d) Client approval of developed design Client approval of cost plan and feasibility analysis Developed structural engineering document Developed service engineering document Developed fire protection document Developed environment study document Tasks Coordinate and check other consultant’s design and drawing with architectural drawings Confirm project drawing Document all constraints during construction Highlight safety and hazard risk Confirm revised cost plan Prepare architectural detail design drawings Prepare bill of quantities and tender documents Hold pre-tender briefing Obtain and appraise tenders Appoint contractor Deliverable Documents (Construction Industry Council n.d) Full set of drawing as per register Site plan including datum, boundary definition and orientation of earth works, landscaping, in ground and over ground services, and drainage. Floor plans at each level External elevations Internal elevations Cross sections and longitudinal sections Roof plan with falls, gutters Electrical outlet and switching plan Plumbic payout and schematic Schedule of various works RIBA stage J, RIBA stage K, and RIBA Stage L: Construction phase – Contract Administration The scope of work of this phase according RIBA is Mobilization, Construction to Practical Construction. During this phase, the site is handed to the contactor with the necessary documentation. Aim To inspect the construction work against design drawing and documentation, to review the information provided by the contracts and specialists, to make changes in design and detail if necessary, and help resolving building issues. RIBA Stage M: Feedback At this stage property has been handed over to the client. Architects and construction management team together inspect for defects that need to be fixed. Architect conducts post construction inspection of the building in use. RIBA recommends monitoring overall performance against the KPI of the project. Conclusion An architectural design as a concept incorporates set of procedures. Some of the procedures are universal others are not. The general concept of the design applies to the science of architecture, and the local concept is derived to meet a country’s regulation, culture and environment. As an example, one can design a bathroom for a residential house in European countries without allocating a window, however, cannot do the same for South Eastern Asian countries. Some architectural constructions are monumental and landmark of a country. In this case, it is necessary to consider a country’s tradition and purpose of the structure. However, irrespective of the character of the architectural object and its location, it should be designed to meet the following four basic criteria: Meet user needs, understand and respond to its context, enhance the neighborhood with the appearance and build it to last long. Once the above-described criteria are met, and architectural concept becomes a design issue. Thus, a design procedure starts with the concept. A concept may be simple and complex. Figure 27 exhibits a simple concept drawing (JaneCameronArchitects n.d.). Figure 28 exhibits more complex sketch (Whole Trees n.d.). Figure 29 exhibits more complex sketch together with real object (hmarchitects.com n.d). An architect presents the concept in the form of sketch. Figure 27, 28, and 29 show sketches of design concept. In architectural language design concept is expressed thru schematic design. Schematic design phase is noteworthy because it is the foundation of the next phase, which is called design development phase. Design development drawings eventually produce the final building. Figures 23, 24, 25, 26 and 29 exhibit architectural objects from the sketches to final products. Figure 30 exhibits a more complex design concept sketch of Dubai Metro in UAE (Top Box Design n.d.). The concept fulfills requirement of Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai, which was ‘The station architecture shall have an aesthetic, form and external appearance which is unique, innovative, iconic and reflecting Dubai’s identity and character’. The sketch describes main concept of the design procedure - Meet client’s need, which is at the same time the main thrust of RIBA procedure. This report is tailored to RIBA recommended design procedure. RIBA has made the design procedure convenient and handy. The basic principles of RIBA procedure are shown in figure 1 of the report. Aforementioned description reported every step of the design procedures both in text and graphics. This report has unfolded the concept that is demonstrated in figure 1. Architectural drawings of figure 31 thru 36 confirm (Robert Architects LTD n.d.) the same concept and in brief demonstrate the design procedure from concept to completion. Figure 31 exhibits RIBA C stage drawing output. Figure 32 exhibits RIBA C stage drawing output. Figure 33 exhibits RIBS D stage drawing output. Figure 34 exhibits RIBA Construction document phase Stages E, F , G, and H. Figure 35 exhibits RIBA Construction document phase Stages E, F , G, and H. Figure 36 exhibits RIBA Construction document phase Stages E, F , G, and H. Figure 37 exhibits RIBA Construction document phase Stages E, F , G, and H. Bibliography All Australian Architecture n.d., Stages of Design and Building Process, viewed on November 6, 2012, http://www.aaarchitect.com.au/downloads/Stages-of-the-Design-&-Building-Process.pdf . architecture.com n.d., RIBA Plan of work 2013: Consultation Document, viewed on November 6, 2012, http://www.architecture.com/Files/RIBAProfessionalServices/Practice/FrontlineLetters/RIBAPlanofWork2013ConsultationDocument.pdf architypes.net n.d., Architectural Design Process, viewed on November 5, 2012, http://www.architypes.net/pattern/design-process . autodesk.com 2010, Phase-Specific rooms and boundaries, viewed on November 6, 2012, http://docs.autodesk.com/REVIT/2010/ENU/Revit%20Architecture%202010%20Users%20Guide/RAC/index.html?url=WSfacf1429558a55de124d854ff550a7db6-7f89.htm,topicNumber=d0e81422 Construction Industry Council n.d., Design Documentation Guidelines, viewed on November 6, 2012, http://www.nzcic.co.nz/Design/DDG-Architecture.pdf . 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Whole Trees n.d., Phase 1: Programming and Schematic Design, viewed on November 6, 2012, http://www.wholetreesarchitecture.com/Phase1.html . wmich.edu n.d., West Michigan University New Chemistry Building, viewed on November 6, 2012, http://cf.wmich.edu/images/chem/site-plan.gif . wmich.edu b n.d., Site Vicinity Plan, viewed on November 6, 2012, http://cf.wmich.edu/images/chem/site-vicinity-plan.jpg . wmich.edu c n.d., NorthSideBridge A, viewed on November 6, 2012, http://cf.wmich.edu/images/chem/2007NorthSideBridgeA.jpg . wmich.edu d n.d., EastSideComp, viewed on November 6, 2012, http://cf.wmich.edu/images/chem/2007EastSideComp.jpg WMU n.d., Chemistry Building: Architects Rendering, viewed on November 6, 2012, http://cf.wmich.edu/completedprojects/Chemistry/ArchitectsRendering.htm . Read More