STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

3.2.3.1 Strengths of Design/Assist
Allows for the early involvement of the necessary technical expertise without a
commitment to the construction of the work.
Maintains the competitive environment for the owner or general contractor’s benefit, as
appropriate.
Allows for a change in the design consultant all the way up to start of construction.
3.2.3.2 Weaknesses of Design/Assist
Some of the most qualified specialty subcontractors are reluctant to provide
design/assist services, owing to the possibility that they may lose the build part of the
work to a competitor. Nobody like watching a competitor build their own design.
The design/assist entity may try to develop a design that favors them for the build
portion of the work. If successful, it may be difficult to find competitive bidders for the
construction work.
3.3 A Project Delivery Strategy for Innovative Technology
The architect has been identified as the primary adapter of structural glass façade
technology. The keys to the technology must be handed to the architect, in the form of
information, resources, learning programs and tools. These things can only be determined in
the context of a delivery method. The delivery method for designs involving innovative
technology must reduce to a minimum the work required by the architect, while still providing
for their control over design and construction quality all the way through the design and build
process. It must also provide for the involvement of critical material suppliers, fabrication
vendors and erection subcontractors early in the design process.
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