Module 7 - Points to Ponder

Submitted For
Module 7 - Points to Ponder
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Please share your comments on 3 of the following Points to Ponder questions. (Choose 3 of the questions below.)

Which types of structural framing systems and materials are most commonly used in the US for residences? For office buildings?

What factors determine why these are the most used materials?

Why do different teams of designers and subcontractors link and share their models during the design process? 

What are the advantages of linking models?

Are there any disadvantages to linking models?

For design feasibility - whether that means budget wise or structurally, it is imperative that these teams link in order to establish a clear concept. Linking models ensure that everyone is on the same page and can even lead to creative breakthroughs. However, linking models can lead to disagreements about where a project will go which, in turn, can diminish the focus of the project.

How do you think design coordination was done before we started using digital models? 

What advantages does doing this coordination digitally have over previous methods?

Design coordination was probably done through the post. This could provide a lot of diffucluty for coordination as teams would be unable to articulate their ideas fully and there would be no certainty that the models would line up. Designers may have adapted by becoming more well-rounded engineers and not solely architectural specialists. Thus, digital platforms have been created to coordinate ideas and designs.

What strategies can design teams use to find and avoid clashes prior to the start of construction? 

What can be done besides sharing the models digitally?

At what point in the project development process should design coordination start? 

Is it ever too early?

I believe that coordination should start immediately, especially if the architectural design is dependent on innovative structural techniques. There are a lot of factors that influence structure during the design process including material and feasibility. These factors should be consulted on as soon as they arise.