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Engitectural Design
Abstract
Traditionally, Architecture and Engineering have been disciplines practiced exclusive of one another's input and
collaboration. This seemingly awkward custom is due in part to tradition and to the two distinct perspectives each
discipline has concerning the function of a building and it's many components. In the past, collaboration on a
project generally occurred out of necessity, and can usually be attributed to a system and design integration
problems. In most instances, these issues are related to the mechanical systems of building, and in a hot and humid
climate the issues are magnified. Therefore, this paper will discuss the concepts and merits of a new design process
called: Engitectural Design.
Engitectural Design is the concept of blending the many design and aesthetic concerns of architecture with the
more technical aspects of engineering, especially in the area of mechanical HVAC systems. The use of this new
design procedure will reduce, if not eliminate, current problems with clearances, mechanical room size and optimal
area selection. Merely incorporating the mechanical needs of a building during the schematic phase will reduce
communication problems that cause the above mentioned problems, and thus optimize the system. This paper will
address the mutual concerns of both professions as it pertains to materials, lighting, surface finishes, passive and
active solar and the use of landscaping, focusing on the benefits of mutual agreement in a hot and humid climate.
To be successful, the collaboration must begin in pre-design and continue through project completion. During
initial implementation of Engitectural Design, a fm can expect each phase of a project to take longer than usual.
Lack of established relationships, poor communication and professional territorial rights will exist in the beginning.
However, over time a fm can expect a time reduction due to fewer revisions and the elimination of duplicated
work.
As it pertains to today's more advanced HVAC systems, this new cooperation and understanding of the needs
within disciplines will yield a more effective and efficient operating unit for today's hot and humid environment.
Citation
Gagliardi, D. R. (1996). Engitectural Design. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /6675.