Thinking Inside the Box

Things to Think About

by Moses D. F. Ling, PE, RA

1. Are we asking the HVAC engineer to deliver a collection of mechanical equipment or is the expectation thermal comfort?
2. Does the system selected have limitations that will prevent the desirable outcome? For example, using a single-zone system to serve a number of differing occupancies. Is the application proper?
3. Is the architecture compatible with the mechanical system necessary to deliver the desired outcome? Residential construction may satisfy the architectural program, but will the equipment have adequate space, support and sound isolation?
4. Is proper provisions for installation, service, and maintenance provide? All system needs periodic servicing, similar to an automobile.
5. Is the installation proper? Who makes sure of this? Commissioning may be the ultimate solution.
6. How has an automobile changed in the last 50 years? Consider the VW Beetle. Its production in Mexico is being discontinued this month. Technology has rendered this classic obsolete. How have we changed building design and building design process to keep pace with technological advances? Should the allocation of construction budget consider these advances?
7. Is the architectural fee structure reflective of the increasing expectations of a more complex product? (See AIArchitect Best Practices January 2002 for suggestions.)
8. Given the importance of the proper thermal comfort outcome, how is the construction budget determined? Do adequate discussions about systems precede the setting of a project budget?
9. How does a team work together? Are engineers full-fledged team members sharing rights, privileges, and responsibilities? Does a football hundle include the quarterback as well as the linemen? Of course, all 11 football players are in the huddle, getting the same instructions and encouragement. What can we learn from the athletic teams?
10. How do the engineers know what his charge is on the design team? Everyone having played the game "pass the message" know the risk of second hand information. Would direct communication improve performance?
11. What are some of the obstacles in the design process? Adequate space, access, repeatable architectural details make for a more easily coordinated project.
12. The architectural/engineering design teams are asked to deliver a perfect product without prototyping, testing, revisions and finally production. Can we really produce a Swiss watch?
13. Is there a point in the design process when changes should stop? Beyond that point it is simply not feasible to produce a product that is totally thought out, coordinated and perfectly documented. What about the available fees for making changes? Will late changes handicap the engineers, and the architects, from delivering the best product?
14. Often architects advise owners to pre-qualify the contractor. This is an excellent tool to guarantee trouble free construction and improve quality. How are the mechanical and electrical subcontractors selected? The General Contractor often turns around and selects the subs based on low bids. Some contractors even "shop" the subcontract after the bidding process. Can the subcontractor selection process be improved?

So what is the Box? Is it a mindset that requires periodic re-evaluation?

The above are the main points from a presentation by Moses D. F. Ling for the AIA Middle Pennsylvania Meeting, January 15, 2003.

Moses D. F. Ling is Principal of Ling Partnership, State College, Pennsylvania and a faculty member in the Department of Architectural Engineering of The Pennsylvania State University. The author would appreciate any comments. mling@lingpartnership.com