36 BUSINESS FEATURE: TECHNOLOGY FOR ARCHITECTS August 2014
The design of high-tech buildings leads architects to call for an extensive range of equipment across a wide range of technical solutions (Picture: DHA Designs)
Key Points
Architects do not have the time or facilities to become experts in audiovisual technology
Independent AV consultants provide unbiased advice tailored to architects’ and their clients’ needs
Long-term relationships and high levels of trust are essential in generating business
With the growth in the use of AV systems, lighting control and building management systems in today’s buildings, how well are architects, the key specifi ers of the fabric of a building, being kept up to date with emerging technology? Steve Montgomery investigates
rchitects face an demanding task in keeping abreast of building techniques, new
design concepts and government legislation; so it is entirely understandable for them to concentrate on those aspects of their jobs, rather than investigate the intricacies of the wide range of audiovisual technology and building and lighting control systems that are increasingly requested by their clients. As a consequence, the majority of architects will turn to third-party specialists and manufacturers for the necessary detailed and low- level support.
“The design of a complex lighting control system is not something that
an architectural practice is likely to be able to undertake in-house,” points out Guy Simmonds, sales director at Lutron. “Their focus is on the fabric of the building, its usability and look-and-feel, ensuring compliance with local regulations and energy management targets. While they will have a very good understanding of how they want the building to work and appear visually, the complexities of actually making it work are outside their immediate sphere of interest. They must however, be aware of what is achievable and be able to calculate the cost of including the system components. Our role is to ensure that they have the necessary tools to win
business and then to design the full system.”
Archi-techs? A
Help and guidance While the trend is for manufacturers to develop more integrated systems as a one-stop-shop solution, their ability to meet a client’s particular requirements is invariably compromised. As an alternative, architects can turn to independent consultants for help and guidance on major projects. One such consultancy is Visual Acuity. “We are designers, advisors, planners, engineers and project managers who specialise in delivering solutions based on extensive experience of what works and what does not for each specifi c
application,” explains lead consultant Duncan Howie. “We usually become involved at the initial phase of a project, drawing up functional specifi cations and tender documents that capture the identifi ed operational needs of the end client and, from which, competitive responses are evaluated for best value. This process brings benefi ts in terms of time and quality as well as cost to the
AV product and service providers benefi t by having architectural technologists in their organisations to liaise with architects on their terms
Architects’ professional bodies provide training sessions. Manufacturers and integrators can support sessions to build brand awareness and interest in their off erings
‘Our role is to ensure that architects have the necessary tools to win business’
Guy Simmonds, Lutron
overall project, mitigating risks associated with an architect going it alone; off setting our consultancy fees and ensuring that the systems are applicable and current when implemented, often three to fi ve years later. We then go on to assist in the selection of integrators and contractors, and project manage those elements of the build in co-ordination with the overall construction project
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