Learning about Integrated Design, with Brian Ford
It was a unique experience have a guest lecturer like Briand Ford, one of the world’s leading experts of Integrated Design. The three days of workshop were focused on the technical innovations that integrate natural ventilation and passive cooling in building design.
“Architectural design requires a very wide ranging holistic approach, which today includes an understanding of environmental design principles. Thermal performance and passive cooling are part of this, and to be successful an understanding of the principles and strategies need to be embedded within the design and procurement process. It is not a technological ‘add-on’, but part of an approach to Integrated Design. To achieve this, leading practice promotes close collaboration between the different members of the design team. The manipulation of plan and section, building form and fabric, the disposition of openings and the relationship between them (normally the province of the architect) have as big an impact on the feasibility of environmental design strategies as the specification of plant, actuators and controls (normally the province of the engineer).”
“It is widely recognised that great benefits arise from architects and engineers working closely together from the earliest stages of the design process. Given an understanding of the basic principles, low carbon design can provide a springboard for invention and an opportunity for innovation, based on an holistic approach by both architect and engineer.”
From The Architecture & Engineering of Downdraught Cooling, by B. Ford, R. Schiano-Phan and E. Francis
