FEATURE: TECHNOLOGY FOR ARCHITECTS
type of technology – for example, the constraints in projector positioning and acoustic treatments, and how we facilitate these in ceiling and wall design,” says Tony Musson of Wilkinson Eyre Architects. “However we are often hit by late changes imposed by new technologies and devices requested by clients who want state-of- the-art technology. As a result architects are hesitant to specify exactly the devices when design starts, often two years or more before completion. It is sometimes difficult to add a new or additional type of device to a finished room without it looking like it has been included as an afterthought. Interactive whiteboards with their short-throw projectors are a typical example, exacerbated by the need for services to them which might
only be able to be run on the surface at that stage.”
STEP BY STEP Project planning and timing is defined in RIBA’s plan of work; a ‘definitive model for the building design and construction process’ which identifies eight stages (0-7) in a project. “AV systems should ideally be laid out in principle by stage 3 – Developed Design – and the physical items should be specified by stage 4, Technical Design,” explains Naylor-Smith. “While device models and types might change before final installation, parameters such as screen size and speaker position can be agreed.” To some extent, AV
integrators have to take control of the situation and ensure that architects and building project managers are made aware of the
techniques of AV integration as well as providing complete information on the systems proposed. One way of doing this is to embrace Building Information Modelling (BIM): a process for the generation and management of digital representations of buildings. Computer models cover the
physical and functional characteristics of a facility from the earliest conceptual stages and through construction, and act as an ‘owner’s manual’ for the building. Architects are very familiar with BIM and use it to generate 3D images of a proposed structure to visualise the final result. It is rapidly becoming a tool that is crucial in checking aspects of the design, particularly interaction between disparate elements and offers an effective way for AV integrators to collaborate and
work with architects. “BIM has become
increasingly instrumental in drawing various parties together to share information about a building, its components and the energy- efficiency performance of the intelligent environment,” says Melchin. “AV providers can bring valuable input to the project and communicate it through BIM modules. There are many architectural and structural decisions to be made that will affect cable pathways, camera and projector sightlines, and natural daylight designs that can compromise video clarity. Building Information Modelling is an excellent tool for designers who can use the models to visually check the final result. Among other benefits, BIM fosters collaboration between everybody working on the project.” For the time being though, it is unlikely that BIM will be used extensively for small AV components. Large flatpanel displays and external stadium screens that affect the structural design of the buildings by requiring dedicated mounting consideration will be included, and so too will the allocation and access to equipment rooms – another AV (and IT) requirement that is often neglected or inadequately provided for in building design.
SMART BUILDINGS AV integrators also ignore the trend for ‘smart buildings’ at their peril. “Forward- thinking construction companies and mechanical and electrical contractors are implementing smart building technologies,” points out Rajesh Sinha. “As the cost of smart technologies continues to fall and their benefits become more apparent, the decision to implement smart building technologies is increasingly straightforward. Energy, maintenance, comfort and other benefits, requirements for future-proofing, along with an increasingly strong return on investment, make smart technologies particularly attractive for both new-build and existing buildings. Clients and those responsible for the ongoing comfort and costs of operating a building are demanding a smart approach: buildings in which the lighting, AV, shades, heating, cooling and
38 September 2013
‘BIM fosters collaboration between
everybody
working on the project’
Jon Melchin, FSR
ventilation operate seamlessly and optimally throughout the year, adapting to public holidays, seasonal variations and changes in use, without ongoing manual tuning throughout a day, week or year.” Modern buildings are complex, but the design team should be managed so as to facilitate co-operation and rise to this challenge so that the end result is an efficiently functioning environment. We’ve been constructing buildings for long enough; we really should be getting this right by now. Not rushing ahead too quickly without investing time and effort in the concept stage pays dividends throughout the project and on through the operating life of the building. “I guess some contractual
arrangements encourage people to push on with their own specific deliverables without pausing to collaborate effectively,” says Howie. “That includes deciding how integrated the systems need to be to function effectively; it does not need to be more complicated than appropriate for the particular requirements of the building's operation. An independent consultant will overcome this pitfall.”
www.accenture.com www.arup.com www.fsrinc.com www.infocomm.org/standardreview www.riba.org www.visual-acuity.com www.wilkinsoneyre.com
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