November 28, 2005

What is ecological design?

Ecological design means:
1. Including ecological performance as part of the definition of architectural quality, along with formal expression and human comfort
2. Using a generic design process of:

2a. Measurable ecological objectives set in the earliest planning phase of the project;
2b. Repeated design cycles of simulation and assessment to achieve objectives;
2c. Evaluation of architectural quality after occupancy and open dissemination of results

Ecological design can be better defined as a process than as a product. The process has the generic characteristics described above.

The form of contractual relationships between actors in the building process usually has a great effect on the resulting product. A review of common contractual arrangements and their affects on ecological outcomes will follow in coming posts.

What contractual relationships between actors in the building process are necessary for today's architectural quality? See coming postings.

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