Building Envelope Design: Communication

Following our progression, you have selected an architect at this point. Now begins the process of bringing the ideas to fruition. Throughout this process, communications are important to the success of the relationship. Clear, concise, and complete communications will result in the best envelope for the project. It is not enough to have made good design decisions. Design decisions need to be communicated to the owner or developer. Three-dimensional drawings and models are great communicating tools. We can't expect most people looking at two-dimensional drawings to be able to visualize what a building will look like in three dimensions.

Design decisions have to be made clear to the builders. The plans and specifications need to tell the contractors what the expectations are. In order to minimize the risk for future problems with the building envelope, the details need to clearly illustrate all building components, their dimension, thicknesses, fasteners, relationships, etc.

Communicating concisely requires accurate and explicit comprehension on the part of the second party. If there is confusion or misunderstanding, it can lead to bad decisions. If the plans and specifications call for a permeable air infiltration barrier (AIB), there should be no confusion as to where in the wall system it goes or how it gets installed. It is no longer enough to rely on standard industry details with a vaguely written note. We must do our best to pro vide drawings that result in what performs well against the elements.

Complete communication implies continuity throughout the design and construction processes. Complete communication includes more than a set of drawings. It now requires more than the standard set of plan and section views and a couple of details. We must continue working with the builders even after the construction documents (CDs) are done. We recommend participation in pre construction meetings and looking closely at and providing good drawings and text in answering requests for information (RFIs) and in processing submittals.

Two-way communications among designers, owners, and builders can result in the best synergy, benefiting from the cumulative knowledge of all participants.