In our practice speed has become part of the design process. Companies need to be up and running quickly, and once the design has begun they are looking ahead to the next steps. Clients needs change even during the design process as their work figures into our more rapid paced world. Delivery schedules have become compressed. However, our desire to create a unique, expressive and clear design has not changed. The challenge has become how to design and execute a project with the same quality and in a shorter amount of time.
As a result, much has changed in the way we work. The traditional defined order of work; schematic design, design development followed by construction documentation has merged into a continuous flow of design, coordination and detailing. The use of Revit has facilitated this change. Where once a design had to be set in stone prior to proceeding to final documentation, now further development of the design occurs alongside of the creation and development of details. It takes time for clients to understand the project and develop their design input. We find that we are able to keep the project moving forward, while allowing for shifts within the project based on client feedback. In a recent fit-out for a pharmaceutical company in Cambridge, we were able to change both details of the lobby area and alter the number of offices and types of equipment without impacting our schedule. The client was able to bring forward a required change seamlessly. We feel able to handle more nimbly our clients changing needs while being able to deliver on the design.
Integrating engineering into Revit is key to this faster paced project delivery. Having a single, integrated model of the design allows for the pinpointing of areas requiring coordination as well an understanding of the implication of alterations to the design. In a recent project at Harvard, working with Rist-Frost-Shumway Engineers, we have found that both the engineers and architects benefit from access to the full model. We, as architects, are able to take views and cuts through the project and see where we might find opportunities or where we have clashes. As well, the engineers benefit through a greater understanding of design intent and are able more quickly to identify areas where we need to alter the design to accommodate ductwork or other engineering elements. Importantly, this shared model leads to fewer issues during construction as issues are worked through more thoroughly during this combined design/documentation process.
There are limits to this new flow of work. Unlike a current that ebbs and flows without termination, our projects must move toward a logical conclusion, which is the building of a project on schedule and on budget. A solid program, schematic layout and good understanding of the systems and aesthetics are key to a successful project. Establishing frequent and effective communication and trust with the client early on establishes that current of progress so needed in a fast paced project. As a result, we are able to have a little more play, a little more fun in the design and documentation that we would normally expect given time constraints. We can try on a few ideas within the team context while moving the details and coordination forward. There is no more of that “if we only had a little more time…” as we allow ourselves the opportunities along the path to completion to make those improvements that refine and turn a project from good to great.
Stephanie Goldberg, AIA, LEED AP BC+D is a principal with Lab/Life. Science. Architecture Inc.