Turning Design Concepts Into High-Performing Buildings

Key Concepts

• Building Commissioning
• Design Concept to Durable High-Performing Reality
• Performance Expectations
• Pre-design Phase
• Design Phase
• Construction Phase
• Operations Phase
• Verification

Challenges in Translating Design to Reality and the Role of Engineers

The core challenge in transforming a building's design concept into a durable, high-performing reality lies in the translation process itself. Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring that buildings meet their intended performance expectations once constructed.

Building Commissioning: A Tangible Tool for Performance Assurance

A key tool to bridge this gap is building commissioning. This is a documented process that can be leveraged throughout a project's lifecycle, starting from the pre-design (concept) phase all the way through to operations.

Process Breakdown of Building Commissioning:

1. Pre-design/Concept Phase: The process begins with the owner clearly articulating their needs and desired functionalities (X, Y, and Z). This upfront definition of requirements is critical.
2. Design Phase: Feedback loops and peer reviews are integrated into this stage. The initial owner requirements are translated into a design that aims to meet those needs.
3. Construction Phase: The collaborative effort from the design phase is carried forward into construction. The goal is to build according to the refined design.
4. Operations Phase: The commissioning process extends to the operational life of the building, ensuring ongoing performance.

The Importance of Verification

A significant component of the building commissioning process, and indeed the entire journey from concept to reality, is verification. This involves systematically checking that the building is performing as intended at each stage and ultimately meeting the owner's initial requirements. This collaborative effort, from owner to design to construction, is essential for achieving a high-performing building.