We've been doing a lot of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) projects lately. For example, I spend every Monday at a collocation site for a new dormitory at Rhode Island School of Design. All of the designers and key sub-contractors are present and most of the subs are "designing" their own systems - essentially going straight to shop drawings. The groups are organized by cluster, with individuals sometimes included in more than one cluster and of course inter-cluster communication encouraged. I'm the MEP cluster lead. The photo below shows us reviewing possible MEP layouts with the structural engineer and architect as we place and size utility shafts.
One of the things I like about this process is using Choosing by Advantage (CBA) to select the best systems for the project. When we were selecting the HVAC systems, we started with 7 potential options. We then identified 9 potential advantages one system might have over another (see below) and eventually selected a 3-pipe VRF for heating and cooling with a dedicated outdoor air system through energy recovery ventilators.
IPD and CBA are ways to help project teams deliver high performance buildings to our clients. The integrated approach and looking at the building holistically allows us to optimize the whole and makes for a really rewarding experience.
A related post on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathangauthier/detail/recent-activity/shares/
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