The design of a project gets only a short paragraph in the
textbook, but the design can be a very expensive and time consuming process. Architects
and designers convert the owners’ ideas and thoughts about a building into a
paper representation. Today, a digital model is also a possibility as well.
Finally construction documents are used to build the project.
Trying to take a conceptual idea and turning it into a
practical design is the job of architects and design teams. The traditional architect
solely designing a project is not commonly used anymore. A design team who is
well versed in various construction related specialties will come together to
generate a design that efficient, aesthetically pleasing and practical. Design
teams turn the end vision of the owner into a set of plans that can be read by
a contractor who will build the project. Often these plans are becoming more
and more digital.
Digital plans and models are gaining traction in the
construction industry. A 3-D model helps to visualize what a project will look
like before anyone even steps foot on the site. Utilizing models are very cost
effective because any errors and omissions can be caught before construction
begins. Another benefit to digital modeling of buildings is that it helps the
owner see what he is getting and it ensures him that the design will satisfy
the need. Below is an example of a digital model. I made this to show what one
of our lab classes was going to build throughout the semester. The model was
created in a program called Sketch-Up (a free program and widely available).
The third part of the design documents are to actually build
off of them. It is very important for the documents are accurate and correct so
that costly mistakes in the construction phase can be avoided. Many design
teams are now hiring contractors to consult during the design phase. Once the
building has been built the plans are updated to reflect what was actually
build. Deviations to the original plans are common. As-build plans are created
for future reference. Below is an example of the same shed but drawn in a way
that a contractor would use to build the shed.
In conclusion, the design process is very involved and can
take years in some cases. The text does not address how large the design process
is. However, new systems and ways of designing buildings are helping owners see
what they are getting for their money before a single contractor is on site.
Work Cited:
Diaz III, Julian and J. Andrew Hansz. Real Estate Analysis: Environments and Activities. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt, 2010.
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