Energy Performance Within Integrative Design, Barriers in Academia
Abstract
Whole building design is not a new design methodology. In practice, countless buildings achieved recognition and high performance ratings through the means of whole building design. Whole building design is simply a holistic design approach that does not overlook any of the design objectives, including energy performance. In the literature, it is also referred to as systems approach, comprehensive design, integrated design, and integrative design. A recent study by the AIA recommends more attention to be given to Integrative Design. In academia, Integrative Design is now one of the NAAB required student performance criteria. NAAB, in agreement with AIA, ACSA, and NCARB, is foreseeing a demand in the profession for the skills associated with integrative design. However, in academia it is still a work in progress. According to NAAB, Integrative Design is one of the most challenging criteria to achieve. This paper reports on the academic experience of the author in teaching integrative design, with emphasis on energy performance, at Oklahoma Stat University for the last sixteen years. In light of his experience, the paper presents a discussion of the curricular challenges in terms of the design studio’s level, scope of design, educational goals, expectations, and available design- assisting tools; and faculty resources and expertise.
Keywords
Energy performance, Energy efficiency, Integrative design, Whole buiding design, Comprehensive design, Naab accreditation