This project investigates the cooperation between architect and engineer. The context of the investigation is the design of buildings for a sustainable society. The goal of the project is to further the development of the sustainable built society by increasing the knowledge of the interdisciplinary cooperation between these two fields.
The focus is a close cooperation already from the start of a project. By involving both fields in the early design stages it is thought that the knowledge and skills of each field is better utilized. With both parts working side by side, helping and learning from each others work, a more creative and innovate environment may be achieved.
The project method consists of two parts. The first part is a research study investigating different forms of close interdisciplinary cooperation and different methods for sustainable design. This research study forms the foundation of the second part of the project, an experimental case design. By documenting and then evaluating the cooperation during the design process certain conclusions can be drawn about the investigated design method.
The most important aspect of a close cooperation studied is the informal communication paths. It is essential that these are acknowledged and not limited by rigid formal communication plans. Nevertheless, it is important to include both the architect and engineer in the all the major design choices, which may require a general approach to the design process. A design approach similar to a common prototype loop was developed and tested.
The case design experiment is a large office building in a suburb south of Stockholm called Flemmingsberg. The documentation of the design process shows a close involvement of both the architect and engineer in all the major design choices. It is presented by short graphical summaries of the process leading up to a design choice.
The concluding discussion promotes the close cooperation by arguing that it creates a better design process with a higher knowledge input. It is also suggested that the design process promotes innovation, because it forces the members of the design team to widen their view and include new aspects in their design tasks.
Source: KTH
Author: Thunberg, Pär | Philipson, Olof