STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

New strategies and project delivery methods are needed to encourage and enable the
secondary adopters. A review of the current scope of work, work methods and processes,
and project delivery strategies may help to suggest some possibilities.
3.1 The Scope of Work
3.1.1 Concept Development and Budgeting
Concept development is the most important part of the design process when dealing with
innovative technology. The relative success of the project is most often determined in this
phase. Concept development includes the architectural phase of schematic design, and a
significant portion of design development. The evaluation of design feasibility should be an
ongoing part of this process. 8
The first item the client-developer typically wants to know is “what is it going to cost.” This is
impossible to answer with any confidence in the absence of at least a conceptual design.
Beyond that, the concept needs to be developed to the point where preliminary information
such as member sizing can be determined so as to facilitate an accurate cost estimate. The
building engineer needs preliminary reaction loads from the façade structure impacting the
building structure, so that he can approximate the steel design required and estimate its
const. HVAC requirements from the mechanical engineer may dictate the type of glass to be
used in the façade, or vice versa, and certainly the structure system type, finish, and glass
system type will all directly impact cost. The designer requires reference information to
create a context for addressing these various concerns.
8 The makeup of the evaluation process is a function of the project, but can include material
and process research, product development, design development, mockups, prototypes,
testing, and cost estimating. An evaluation process should be developed at the
commencement of any design and development project, especially one involving unfamiliar
or innovative technology, and built into the program.
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