As part of the wider construction industry, these types of approaches will be able to support the large changes that will need to occur within the next decade.
Each project is unique, but an ethos and approach prevail: you focus on what you want the project to do, how it should best function and who it should serve –rather than a specific material outcome..In this sense, Design to Value begins with near-anthropological analysis, delving deep into the various needs of each project’s constituents, from client to planner to end users.
Describing the needs of all of the stakeholders in a project leads to a ‘problem statement’.Unlike a traditional brief, which works to corral a project before it even begins, effectively shutting down possibilities, a problem statement opens them up.The problem statement pinpoints the gap between the existing state and the desired state (of a company, a site, a process) and defines the core values that will drive the project.
This, of course, runs counter to how many architects and engineers work today.Normally in design and construction, a client hires an architect with a predefined brief in hand.
The very descriptor –brief– points to a system that diminishes the basis of a project, marginalising it to a minor, condensed idea rather than an expansive and radial statement of purpose.
Design to Value, on the other hand, asks that clients rather approach every project with a question, or set of problems, to be solved – not a directive.The top priority should be to optimise the HVAC design with a view to reducing the amount of plant and riser space required.
Techniques such as transferring extract air from adjacent office spaces to partially make-up the new lab supply can sometimes be used, however their compliance must be carefully reviewed..Even with an optimised design it is likely that new, larger HVAC plant and additional ductwork will be required.
For some office buildings this can be difficult to incorporate, with limited roof, external, riser, and ceiling void space available.Ideally, new riser space can be formed in such a way that it doesn’t significantly reduce net usable lab space or cause issues with adjacent tenancies (where relevant).