‘I previously had little knowledge of what
they actually did. The drawings got sent off and returned full of comments and strategies and solutions, but exactly how they were reached was almost a mystery to me.’ So her experience at Hoare Lea was an
enlightening one. She began by looking at the details of air handling units (AHU), power systems and the challenges faced by electrical engineers, as well as learning about how different duct sizes impact on power and sound. ‘I now know why M&E engineers specify large ducts!’ she jokes. She also discovered
that selecting a fan is far more complicated than she first imagined, as there are so many types and variations. As part of her
through the system and the different roles parts have, such as valves and test points. ‘I completed the same exercise for
I now have a much greater appreciation for the complexity of the work that building services engineers do and the limitations placed upon their work by basic physics – Lucy Devereux
exchange, she was required to observe and take part in a number of projects, including the layout of a rooftop plant room, where she realised first-hand the challenges engineers face when trying to squeeze in equipment, such as AHUs, into tight spaces. But it was while looking at a schematic
for a low temperature hot water heating/ boiler room from another scheme that she experienced the kinds of problems that can be caused through a lack of interdisciplinary understanding. Devereux explains: ‘Using an existing schematic as the basis, Amanda [my exchange programme mentor] created a LTHW boiler room schematic for the project and explained how water/gas flows
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a chilled water plant and chilled beam schematic – but design changes by the architect has made this a relatively long process. Fire protection of beams and structure has meant that the space allocated for pipe-work may now be inaccessible and so the team had to look into alternatives.’ According to Devereux’s experience, space constraints and equipment accessibility appear to be common problems that building services engineers have to face. Completing
the exchange programme, Devereux says,
has boosted her admiration for the work of building services engineers. She concludes: ‘I now have a much
greater appreciation for the complexity of the work building services engineers do and the limitations placed upon their work by basic physics, as well as the equipment available for their specification. ‘This experience has certainly served me
well now that I am completing my diploma in architecture back at university. I have been able to relate much more with visiting building services engineers, and realise the importance of being aware of what they need from our designs, and how important it is to consult with them throughout the design process.’
May 2011 CIBSE Journal 47
Young professionals can benefit hugely from learning about other related disciplines
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