Event Recap: Anatomy of building environments in the 21st Century
海角视频 hosted a series of three masterclasses delving into building environments in the 21st century.
The first in this series of three online masterclasses explored how Building 海角视频 systems impact the embodied carbon of other building elements. Most importantly, we examined how this can be done early in the design process, allowing data-driven decision-making to deliver optimal project outcomes and a healthier planet.
Part two examined how Building 海角视频 contribute to the success and functionality of architectural spaces. We explored the invisible ingenuity that brings light to the unseen and often forgotten Building 海角视频 systems that are the lifelines of every successful building.
And the third masterclass delved into the creative processes behind modern building environments, emphasising functionality and human-centric Building 海角视频 design. The session also dissected Building 海角视频 design as a foundational principle, exploring project case studies, best practice and lessons learnt.
Our experts
James Padbury, Associate Director
Laura Smith, Director
What did we learn
Part 1 // Design at dawn
1. Start early to unlock the luxury of choice
When we assess the embodied carbon impact of MEP systems early in the design process, we have the luxury of choice. If we don鈥檛 like the outcome of our assessment, we are able to adapt and change systems with little consequence.
2. Focus on consequential system choices
MEP systems are hugely complex, to start early we must simplify. To do that, we need to focus on consequential system choices that cannot easily be changed later in the design.
3. Don鈥檛 forget – design is an interconnected web
In driving down the embodied carbon of MEP, we must ensure we are not adversely impacting the embodied carbon of other building elements, or indeed the operational carbon impact of MEP systems. Perhaps more importantly in our aim to drive down carbon, we mustn鈥檛 lose sight of the end user 鈥� making buildings work for people!
Submit your request to watch Part 1 // Design at dawn below.
Anatomy of building environments in the 21st Century 鈥� Part 1 // Design at dawn
Part 2 // Design with purpose and forethought
1. Designing for longevity can reduce whole life carbon
Refurbishment and retrofitting, rather than demolition will reduce embodied carbon. However, MEP systems will need replacing throughout a building’s life so it is important to plan for this.
2. Considering future needs will improve flexibility and adaptability
Whether this is understanding the path to decarbonisation or planning for predicted climate change, considering the potential impact from day one will allow for a building to readily accommodate future adaptation.
3. Right space, right place
Critical to building longevity is understanding where space makes a big difference, either to provide the most energy efficient and low carbon solutions at the start or ensure that building functions and environmental requirements (and their associated plant) can be accommodated in the future.
Submit your request to watch Part 2 // Design with purpose and forethought below.
Anatomy of building environments in the 21st Century 鈥� Part 2 // Design with purpose and forethought
Part 3 // Design philosophy and wisdom
1. The philosophy of MEP design
MEP design is centred around making buildings that meet the needs of the people who live and work in them. Considering not just the needs today, but also how to create a low carbon future for us all.
2. The importance of prioritising collaborative and proactive design approaches
This makes MEP design work better in practice, with less maintenance issues and greater opportunities to predict and fine-tune operational energy performance.
3. Our ways of working are always evolving
Whether it鈥檚 advances in BIM technology, optimising whole life carbon emissions or adapting to the gateway processes introduced in the Building Safety Act, building services engineers innovate to respond to our changing environment. Our approach focuses on creating safe, sustainable, and comfortable spaces for users to enjoy.
Submit your request to watch Part 3 // Design philosophy and wisdom below.
Anatomy of building environments in the 21st Century 鈥� Part 3 // Design philosophy and wisdom
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