Steel Buildings in Europe

Part 2: Concept Design 2 - 2 1.1 Hierarchy of design decisions The development of any proposal for a construction project requires a complex series of design decisions that are inte r-related. The process should begin with a clear und erstanding of the clien t re quirements and of local conditions or regulations. Despite th e com plexity, it is possible to identify a hierarchy of design decisions, as shown in Figure 1.2. Firstly, planning requirem ents are likely to define the overall building for m, which will also in clude aspects such as natural light, ventil ation and services. The principal design ch oices that n eed to be made in close consultation with the client are:  The depth of the floor zone and the overall s tructure/service inte raction strategy  The need for special structural arrange ments in public spaces or circulation areas  The provision of som e tolerance between structure and serv ices, to perm it future adaptability  The benefit of using longer span structure, at negligible extra cost, in order to enhance flexibility of layout. Based on the design brief, a concept design is then prepared and is reviewed by the design team and client. It is this early inte ractive stage where the important decisions are made that influence th e cost and value of the final pro ject. Close involvement with the client is essential. Figure 1.2 Hierarchy of design decisions