Why Integrated Design?
An integrated design process is one in which all building elements are considered from the earliest stages of a building’s conception. We all know the feeling of being in a bad building—stuffy air, flat, deadening light, disorienting spaces. Too often this results from a design approach where key elements of occupant comfort are neglected until the very end of the design, to be addressed by the addition of an unconvincing and energy-intensive mechanical system.
The Integrated Design Lab at the University of Washington’s College of Built Environments (CBE) is an applied research laboratory that exists to aid the Puget Sound design community in creating energy-efficient and high-quality institutional and commercial buildings. The lab combines several disciplines—daylighting and electric lighting design as “Integrated Lighting” and passive systems configuration, with a variety of research focuses, such as health design and energy use intensity (EUI) compilation. This range of interests allows us to consult with design professionals on key aspects of integrated building design, as well as to pursue research into the efficacy of a variety of design alternatives.
Integrated design is a process as well as a result. Design and ownership teams that begin thinking about integration early in design have a much higher chance of success. Considering lighting, heating and ventilation strategies from the very beginning of design allows the team to develop high-performing yet inexpensive design solutions. From here we encourage our clients to set concrete performance goals, and to follow through on these goals throughout design, during construction and into post-occupancy evaluation. Browse our website for a look at our services and research, and feel free to contact us at the earliest stages of your project.
Our chief sponsor, BetterBricks, also offers a wealth of information on the design and construction of high performance buildings on their website, which can be accessed here.