Role of Architectural Engineer in Architectural Design and Development Perspectives in the Western Countries [Shaker Abdullah Al-Morshed, B. Arch. Dhaka] All the clients need the services of an Architect but most of them feel uneasy about contacting one simply because they aren’t familiar with the architectural process and the basic services normally offered by Architects. A. Design Development Phase: • In design development phase the Architect enlarges upon the approved schematic or graphic design studies to develop more detailed drawings illustrating or explaining other aspects of the proposed design. • Floor plans show all the rooms in correct size and shape. • Outline specifications or requirements are prepared listing the major materials and room finishes. • The Architect verifies that the design complies or fulfills with building codes and works with engineers to design the: • Structure, • Mechanical and • Electrical systems. • The project proceeds to the next phase when the Owner approves the Design Development documents. A1: Details in Representation on graphic design: As the first step in the project, Schematic or Graphic Design (or “SD” or “GD” phase) normally involves the client sitting down the Architect to discuss project goals, requirements, and aesthetics. A1.1: Discussion results: The result of this discussion is often referred to as the architectural “Program”. A1.2: Architectural Program: The Program should include information such as: • General space needs, • Required square footages, and • Functional or useful requirements of the building. A1.3: Initial writing of the Program: • Following the initial writing of the Program, the Architect commonly develops preliminary drawings for the client’s review that illustrate or explain the general concepts of the design. • These drawings may: • Illustrate internal and external spatial or 3-dimentional relationships, • Site placement, • Scale, and • Building forms in a loose and • Diagrammatic fashion. • It is also in this phase that the Architect researches zoning and local regulatory restrictions that may affect the site and building design. A1.4: Cooperation with civil engineers: • Depending on the complexity of the building’s site, it may be necessary for the Architect to begin consulting with a civil engineer on the design. • Although very early in the design process, integrating a civil engineer early can sometimes avoid potential pitfalls or drawbacks concerning: • Complex site access, • Drainage, • Parking arrangement, etc. • This is particularly important on sites with: • Severe topography or landscape, • Urban infill sites, and • Sites with strict zoning regulations. A1.5: Involvement of Civil Engineer: • If zoning variances or approval from local zoning boards are required, it will essential to involve a civil engineer early to ensure that all required regulations are met. • Many times these boards require detailed site analysis and site plans that require the expertise of a civil engineer to produce. A1.6: Reviews of discussions: • Following client review(s) and discussion of the Program and preliminary drawings, the final product of this phase is a final Schematic Design Package for client approval. • The drawings in this package should be adequately refined such that they properly reflect the design’s overall intent or determined. • Depending on the complexity of the project, the Schematic or Graphic Design package may include: a) Site Plan b) Floor Plan(s) with overall dimensions c) Building Section(s) d) Typical Wall Section(s) e) 2d Building Elevations (may be rendered) f) 3d Computer Generated Images B1. Construction Documents Phase: • Once the Owner has approved the Design Development phase, the Architect prepares: • Detailed working drawings (formerly known as blueprints) and • Specifications, which the Contractor will use to establish: o Actual construction cost and o Start to build the project. • These drawings and specifications become part of the construction contract. • The Architect may also assist the Owner in the preparation of bidding forms. B2. Construction Documents in details: • Once the owner is satisfied with the progress of DD drawings, the architectural team moves forward with Construction Documents, otherwise known as “CD’s. • Notice that the term is actually Construction Documents, not Construction Drawings. • The reason for this distinction is because Construction Documents include not only drawings, but written Specifications as well. B2.1: Specifications: • Specifications are “written requirements for: • Materials, • Equipment, • Systems, • Standards and • Workmanship for the Work, and • Performance of related services,” according to AIA Document A201-2007. B2.2: Specification on administration: • Specifications include administrative sections involving: • Instructions to bidders, • Bid forms, • Bond forms, • General conditions of the contract, etc. B2.3: Specifications on Technics: • The majority of the Specification is technical in nature and exists as a written description of the: • Materials, • Products, and • Workmanship used to construct a building. B2.4: Drawings include with Specification: • The construction drawings that accompany Specifications should be highly detailed, accurate, coordinated and complete. • They should include all final drawings from the entire project team (Architectural, Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Plumbing, etc.). • These drawings should all be signed and stamped with the Architect or Engineer’s license seal and marked as “For Construction”. • The level of detail of the drawings can depend on the preference of the client, local jurisdiction requirements, and/or bidding requirements. B2.5: Purpose of construction drawings: • The purpose of construction drawings should always be to provide the Contractor with an accurate and ample explanation of the architectural design and its required engineering systems. • The drawings should explain the design intent in enough detail that the Contractor has a clear picture of what the building should look like and how it should function. • Construction drawings do not exist as an instruction manual of how to construct the building, but as a highly detailed series of notated pictures that explain: • What the design should look like, • How it should function, • What systems it needs to function properly, and • What materials the Contractor should utilize to achieve the end product. B2.6: Deliverables in the Construction Document phase include: • A complete set of signed and sealed drawings including (as applicable): • Architectural, • Civil, • Structural, • Mechanical, • Electrical, and • Plumbing • A signed and sealed Specification • A good explanation of how to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications. C. Design Development: • It is known as “DD”, Design Development takes the SD documents a step further. • The design evolves not only by ironing out architectural details, but also integrating civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems into the design. • Drawings produced in this phase are normally fairly detailed as the design team begins to work through the specifics of getting the initial SD design to “work” in reality. • As the DD phase progresses, the Architect works closely with the engineering team to ensure that all necessary systems are coordinated and fit with the architectural design. • The DD phase normally ends with documents delivered to the client for review and approval. • Deliverables in the Design Development phase may include: • Site Plan • Floor Plan(s) with full dimensions and notations • Building Section(s) • Wall Section(s) with full dimensions and notations • Enlarged Plan Details • Enlarged Wall Section Details • Door and Window Details/ Schedules • Building Elevations • Material Specification book in outline format D. Bidding/Negotiation Phase: • The Owner selects and hires the Contractor. • If the Owners are choosing from among several Contractors, the Architect can help: • To prepare bidding documents as well as invitations to bid and instructions to bidders, • The conditions of the contract, and • The form of agreement between the Owner and the Contractor. E. Construction Contract Administration Phase: • While the Contractor will physically build the project, the Architect can assist the Owner by making site visits to observe the construction to determine, in general, if the project is being built according to the plans and specifications. • The Architect may also review and approve the Contractors applications for payment, process change orders, and generally keep the Owner informed of the projects progress. • The Contractor is solely responsible for construction methods, techniques, schedules, and procedures. 3 F. The Succeeding Step: • The next step in the process varies depending on the needs of the client. Usually the Architect will submit all drawings to the local permitting office for permit review. • Sometimes the Owner will request that the drawings be sent out to Contractors for bidding prior to permit review. • Whichever route is chosen, the project cannot commence construction until the Contractor has all required building permits in hand. • The local jurisdiction where the project is being permitted should be consulted on the exact requirements of the permit process as many states and counties have differing submittal procedures and requirements.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 19:16:26 +0000
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