Architects’ tactics to embed as-designed performance in the design process of low energy non-domestic buildings

Abstract

There is an urgent need to reduce the carbon emissions of the built environment and to foster practices that enable improved quality and efficiency in the building sector. However, research suggests that there are several barriers deterring the achievement of carbon reductions. Research shows that there are significant gaps between as-designed and in-use building performance. This work investigated the design process enacted to facilitate as-designed performance intentions. The study used ethnographic methods to explore the architect’s actions and tactics observed during the real design process in 4 architecture practices. The analysis resulted in an alternative description of the building development timeline that illustrates the activities that designers undertook to facilitate as-designed performance. This work contributes to the understanding of what architects do to incorporate low energy considerations and how architects deliver as-designed energy performance in the design process.