This Blog Explores: The meaning of Optimized Building.
In the blog post “The New Order” , were introduced.
- Boutique projects that offer high-end custom-building solutions based on the unique preferences of an owner or client.
- Iconic projects that develop large-scale structures that push the boundaries of current building technologies and techniques.
- Optimized, or “modular,” projects that focus on buildings throughout the built environment and do not require one-off customization for optimal performance.
- Hybrid projects that combine features of #1, #2, and #3.
Today, building projects are typically custom, one-off endeavors. A client must deal with a variety of personnel (architects, consultants, General Contractors, sub-contractors… etc.) whose interests are not always aligned and who often operate in their own silos. It’s difficult for the client to determine who to trust. Projects are often beset by delays, errors, and budget overruns culminating in suboptimal outcomes. The experience for the client can be frustrating and disappointing.
In contrast, the optimized process can eliminate many of these issues and dramatically reduce the uncontrolled variables in a building project. Like cars, Optimized buildings will be developed on standardized chassis, with a sufficient variety of custom options to satisfy the client’s personal preferences. In addition to a menu of aesthetic and functional options, Optimized Buildings will have predetermined project schedules. The customer experience will be interesting and rewarding, rather than the opposite.
The following are the defining elements of Optimized building. They impact almost every area of building, including how data is structured across a building’s life cycle, the material procurement chain, project teams, sales, and how and where buildings are assembled.
The 7 features of Optimized Building include:
- Collaborative Data Environment (CDE): A cloud-based collaborative platform for all project and life cycle data.
- Modular Building, built on a chassis: Standardized building solutions.
- Standardized Construction Assembly Modules: Assembled elements, racks, panels, boxes, and systems that can be utilized within multiple modular building chassis.
- Standardized Templates, Standards, and Workflows: The key data structures that allow multi-disciplinary teams to work together seamlessly and with increased quality, speed, and scale.
- CIPO building organizations: A new business framework that expands the power and reach of small and mid–size businesses while maintaining their unique identity and culture.
- Selling modular buildings with defined-design options: The buildings will be sold with pre-determined design options that provide the customer with sufficient aesthetic and operational flexibility while dramatically improving the efficiency of the building workflow process.
- Scalable building sales: Buildings are sold in volume and construction adheres to standard predetermined manufacturing schedules.
In the foreseeable future, a greater number of architects, engineers, builders and clients will choose Optimized building because of its ability to consistently deliver high quality buildings in shorter time and at lower cost. Produced in a controlled environment with consistent standards and workflows, Optimized building can leverage the economic benefits of producing at scale.
Of course, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. The broad adoption of Optimized Building-and the enjoyment of its many benefits- comes with a trade-off.
Clients will have to trade infinite flexibility in project start times and design options in exchange for:
“Higher Quality, higher Performance buildings delivered to market in shorter time periods and at lower cost.”
Personally, I’m happy to make this trade. Successfully executed, Optimized Building will reduce risks, lower costs, and increase profits. The optimized process promises to revise the relationship between the user and the building industry—and for the better.