Shop drawing is not just about co-ordination with trades. It is also about retaining architectural intent throughout the whole design and construction process. In earlier days, architects were the primary contractor and were in charge on site. They took the design through and maintained the design intent until it was handed over to the client at the end of a job. This guaranteed quality and design integrity and established trust in the process. 3D structural modelling assists to rebuild this former purpose of the architect. Design intent issues can be solved before construction.

Particularly during this time of isolation, professionals are finding more ways to collaborate digitally than dogs are to find the nearest edible treat. There is a real hype around being able to work remotely and produce work which is more efficient and arguably more focused than work done in previous years. Pre-building your design intent virtually in order for you to communicate to involved parties pays off big time. Here are some examples of some issues it can go towards solving:

1. 1. Co-ordinating design intent with the Structural Engineer becomes easier as you can explain beyond 2D documentation and markups.
   2. Solving mechanical allowances and duct work runs beyond the 2D drawing allows you to test the concept before it is built on site.
   3. Co-ordination with your Ecological Sustainable Design Consultant (see ‘The Green Dot’) as many of the ESD tools out there use building surface areas to calculate energy losses and gains. (We find this process aids the implementation of requirements of the Passivhaus standard)
   4. Co-ordination with the Builder during the tender process may ensure a slimmer margin for variation in a fixed contract price. The builder is presented with a virtually built project, making it easier to quote. (It is also possible to call out values for the number and length of studs, length of ductwork etc.)
   5. Provide an explanation of cost priorities to the client. To explain; when running a project through contract administration it is easier as the mediating party to mitigate the grey area with a more resolved design which addresses discrepancies before they are found on site. This ultimately saves time and cost.

At Shared Space Architecture we are always looking for ways to encourage integrity in the profession. Understanding the ramifications by virtually building the project to a high level of structural and mechanical detail allows for a seamless build.

If you would like to find out more, please see some notes on Construction and Workshop Detailing or Contact Us.