Framework for Design Excellence: Design for Economy
Good design adds value for owners, occupants, the community, and the planet, regardless of project size and budget.
- How do we provide abundance while living within our means?
- How do we design robust projects that enhance economic, natural, intellectual, and experiential resources?
- How will the design choices balance cost with long-term value?
- How can the performance of this project be improved in ways that are cost and design neutral?
Focus topics
- Building size
- Material use and reuse
- Operational requirements
- Financing and incentives
- Community links
- Cost estimating and value engineering
If you can do only one (or a few) thing(s):
- ZERO CARBON: Reuse an existing building if possible and reuse materials wherever appropriate.
- ZERO CARBON: Right-size the program early and keep the square footage as efficient as possible while supporting occupant experience and managing design for change.
- RESILIENT: Identify the proposed service life for the building and create a plan to adapt to hazard risk over time.
- EQUITABLE: Design to support a vibrant local economy, maintaining diverse populations and supporting local resources and trades.
- HEALTHY: Healthier buildings = healthier people. Balance operational and maintenance requirements to improve occupant health and well-being, improve community health outcomes, and lower household health care expenses.
