Design is a particular aspect of the generalised human activity of decision-making. Engineering design is a precise, ordered process. Human beings have the gift of curiosity linked with enthusiasm. Every time we make a decision we are using the design process, involving conceptual and lateral thinking.
The Nature of Design Principles
Engineering design can be considered as encompassing three stages. The definition of the need to be met, the conception of a response to that need, and the organisation and management of the delivery of that response.
These three areas of activity can be summarised as:
1. The definition of need, requiring the recognition and understanding of the nature of society, of economics, of humanity’s needs. The human qualities of reason, compassion, service and curiosity all contribute to the definition of need. All design begins with a clearly defined need.
2. The use of creative vision, requiring the ability to think laterally, to anticipate the unexpected, to delight in problem-solving, to enjoy the beauties of mind as well as of the physical world. The ethos within which the problem is being addressed must be understood. All designs arise from a creative response to a clearly defined need.
3. The delivery of a solution to the recognised need, requiring the assembly
and management of resources and of team members with the necessary skills and knowledge of natural laws, and of the materials and energies needed to effect an efficient and appropriate creative design. All designs result in a system, product or project which meets the need.
Design is recognised as an iterative creative process bringing about the development – physical and cultural – of ways of meeting identified needs.
In general, when a construction project is initiated, a Facilities Planning and Construction project manager is assigned to the project, and a building committee is formed to oversee the project development until completion. The life cycle of a project involves the following phases:
Programming
A building committee of approximately six individuals is formed to represent the stakeholder group(s) involved with the project. The committee will be responsible for making the necessary design decisions based upon user requirements. One member of the committee will be designated as the chair; the committees will develop the specific requirements for the project. A Program of Requirements (POR) is developed that details all objectives, spaces, services (i.e. telephone, data, utilities, etc.), equipment (new and existing), special finishes, furniture and spatial relationships. The POR forms the basis of the college's expectations and goals for the completed project. The building committee and various other groups from the college, if required, will review and contribute to the development of the program documents prior to approval. In the case of technically complex projects, an outside consultant may be engaged to prepare the program documents.
Selection of the Design Professionals
Design professionals are generally firms offering both architectural design and engineering services. However, on occasion, design firms join with engineering firms to form a design team. Client will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) in accordance with the Local Government Professional Services Selection Act, using the Qualifications Based Selection process (QBS). When proposals are received from design firms, the building committee reviews and evaluates them to create a “short list” of design firms (or teams) that have the necessary qualifications and experience to be interviewed. The interviews consist of a formal presentation by the proposed team members, illustrating their expertise in the relevant areas, followed by questions from the building committee members. The committee selects the firm it deems most suitable to meet the task and recommends its selection to the college administration and Board of Trustees for approval. The successful design firm uses the program of requirements, institutional standards for design and construction, the schedule and the construction budget, as well as any other applicable requirements, as the basis for their design.
Schematic Design
The first step by the design team is referred to as the “schematic design" phase, in which the objective is the development of simple diagrammatic documents delineating room sizes and relationships, single line diagrams of all systems (i.e. water mains, electrical risers, etc), preliminary elevation studies of the building exterior, and, if applicable, drawings of special interior spaces. The schematic design will be reviewed during frequent meetings with the building committee. At the conclusion of this design phase, the architect will submit drawings, a project narrative and an estimate of construction cost for review and approval by the building committee.
Design Development
The approved schematic design is then further developed into definitive plans and elevations by the design team. Colors, patterns, materials, lighting fixtures, and special equipment and building elements are selected and reviewed with the building committee. Detailed floor plans, sections, elevations and an outline specification defining materials, finishes and systems, as well as an updated construction cost estimate, are submitted for review and approval by the building committee.
Construction Documents
The approved definitive design documents are developed into comprehensive construction drawings and specifications that are used to secure a building permit, if required, to competitively bid the work and ultimately as the basis for the construction of the project. The construction documents are submitted for review and approval by the building committee and when the documents are 50 percent complete and 100 percent complete (just prior to bidding). After a thorough review and evaluation of all the bids by the Purchasing Department, the most responsive, responsible, low bidder who meets all the requirements of the bid documents is selected and recommended to the client for approval.
Construction
The project manager coordinates the work, monitors costs and scheduling, and reviews the construction work performed by the contractor. The project manager will also keep the designated building committee representative informed of the progress of the project. Building tours must be arranged in advance with the project manager due to safety and liability requirements. No one is allowed in the construction area without prior authorization. Unforeseen changes that arise in the field are appropriately handled. Any user requesting changes to the project must be directed in writing to the project manager. The project manager will address these requests appropriately within the guidelines established by client requirement.
Pre-occupancy/Commissioning
Consultancy will arranges with contractors to provide training for Operations personnel and others who will be responsible for operating and maintaining the facility. Operations assume operational responsibility for the facility at the time of initial occupancy. Well in advance of the projected occupancy date (generally, at least sixty days), persons designated by the building committee must:
• Submit a comprehensive listing and schedule to the project manager. The schedule identifies who is moving (i.e. "from where - to where") and is used by the movers, IT and Operations.
• Contact IT to arrange for the activation of select telephone and data communications outlets.
• Contact Operations to arrange for keys.
Occupancy
At the time of initial occupancy, the project manager will give an overview presentation and tour of the facility to designated representatives. This will include an explanation of how the building is zoned for thermal comfort, operation of appropriate building components, the location of emergency equipment and exits, etc. The operational and maintenance responsibility for the facility is turned over to Operations at this time. All calls for service relating to the building should be directed to Operations.
