How to reach for the necessary synergy between architecture and engineering

Abstract

New strong demands for a more sustainable built environment led to a more complex design process. The different expertise of engineers must be used more effectively by architects especially in the conceptual design phase to reach for new solutions. To support diverse multidisciplinary building design teams, a supportive design method was developed in cooperation with the Dutch professional organizations of architects and consulting engineers. It helps architects and engineers with their new role in the conceptual design phase as it enables to structure each perspective on the design task as well as to structure the available domain knowledge by using morphological charts (MC) and morphological overviews. After testing the method in workshops as part of a training program in industry, the design method was transferred and applied at the department of architecture for master students for their multidisciplinary master project integral design (ID). In the past 9 years, master projects ID were held and there was a continuous development to optimize the cooperation between architects and engineers. The research showed that it is possible to engage engineers and let other disciplines learn from them within the conceptual building design phase, which makes it easier to achieve nearly zero-energy buildings.