BUILDING DESIGN

Registration number: 29458/T.2022

Name: Jonas M. Mutalemwa

Assignment 01
Building Design 29458/T.2022

Qn: What do you understand by the term Building Design as used in civil engineering?

Building design is typically a multi-disciplinary process, involving a number of different designers, such
as architects, engineers, and so on, working together to create a single, holistic solution. It is the process
of taking a client's requirements and translating them into an agreed design that a contractor is then
able to construct. In terms of construction, Design is the process of creating a solution to a project brief
and then preparing instructions allowing that solution to be constructed.

However, the increasing complexity of building design means that there is an ever greater need for
further specialist design input. This is achieved by the integration of contractors, suppliers and specialist
designers into the project team. The client may wish to allocate the roles of lead designer and to co-
ordinate the work of the design team.

The Building Design Process

When designing buildings or engineering structures, the process can differ depending on how complex
they are and depending on the building design type: high rise building design, commercial building
design, office building design, apartment building design, mixed use, building facade design, parking
design. For example, you will be designing an entirely new bungalow, a patio, or simply renovating an
existing building, and here are the main steps that you need to follow:

1. Preliminary Research
Every building design has to start with preliminary research. In this stage, you deal with the following
items:
 A closer review of your lifestyle, including your home setting.
 Creating the design brief.
 Outlining the baseline budget.
 Getting expert advice and familiarizing to it.

2. Select Your Designer.

This is probably the most important part when designing a building because you are likely to stick with
the professional for the entire project. It is advisable to look for architects who are registered, allowed
to practice in your area, and excellent in construction management. Also, you should factor the
experience of the architect as well as his capability to deliver the project.

3. Do a Comprehensive Site Analysis

This is another preliminary step, which will greatly determine how the project will ultimately be. Having
contracted a building design professional, this is the first opportunity to work together. During site
analysis, you check the following:
 Orientation.
 Storm water drainage.
 Cool breeze access.
 The soil type.
 Risks, such as bushfires.
Building Design 29458/T.2022

 Views.
After site analysis, the designer will value add by identifying key solutions that leverage the strengths of
the site.

4. The Concept Proposal and Design Contract.

With the site analysis complete, the next step is the creation of the concept proposal and the signing of
the contract. If you are not convinced to proceed to the next stage after the presentation during the site
analysis, this is the time to seek the services of another designer.

If you agree with the designer during site analysis, the next phase is creating a proposal, which should be
annexed with the contract. Therefore, you need to look at the project's budget, factoring in the
challenges to anticipate along the way during.

5. Development of the Building Concept.

To communicate their thinking, architects prepare and present a number of concepts. These can range
from a hand-drawn concept to sketch diagrams. You can also use one of the best 3d building design
software for early stage design. These concepts are analyzed in line with the passive designs that apply
in your area, such as climate zone or building codes.

6. Building Design Development

At this stage, the most preferred concept design is selected. Then, the developer takes the selected
design to the next level – creating the preliminary layout. This stage is very crucial because it provides
the most details of the building, which include the layout of the rooms, preliminary choice of
construction systems, outdoor floor, and furniture layout.

The designer will also visualize the building. For example, cars in the parking might help to provide a
better connection. Still, at this stage, the materials that will be used to provide specific finishing are
selected. If you want to emphasize sustainability, this is the point to pick the materials that will have a
limited or no impact on the environment.

7. Create the Final Design

This is the design that the building will finally take, and it should have different visualizations for the
client to easily imagine every space, both inside and outside. For example, how does the sofa fit in the
living room? What about the bathroom faucets? Here are the main components of the final building
design: The building floor plan as well as the building form.

 The external building finishes.

 The construction system of the house.
 The air conditioning (heating / cooling).
 The home’s water system, which should include things such rainwater system and recycling
system for sustainability.
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 The building landscape plan.

 The building interior, including finishes and layout.
 The main appliances in the building, such as the renewable energy system.

During the final design, this is where the budget becomes apparent because most of the finishing
products and other aspects of construction management are outlined. In college, trainers insist about it
so much in student’s education because the ability to acquire and use the right materials depends on
available resources. However, the designer can help relook at the materials to try and reduce the costs.

Note that the changes may increase the building design costs. Once the design is accepted by all
parties, it cannot be acted upon before getting approved by the relevant authorities. If your site is in the
city, this might fall under the council approval.