• Building technology is evolving in a way that requires a greater level of knowledge. I recently attended a seminar that focused on the proper design for vapor barriers, air infiltration barriers, and insulation in wall construction. The types of materials and how they are used has to be carefully considered. The details associated with maintaining continuous barriers, especially at intersections of roof, wall and structure, can be tricky. Are we sure that we are doing it right? I’m glad I never adopted the layer of sand located between concrete slabs and the vapor retarder, given the problems that occurred with these slabs.
• The integration of building systems requires a much greater level of coordination than was previously required. We have all been used to incorporating traditional mechanical systems, plumbing, sprinklers and electrical power and lighting, although this was not necessarily the case a hundred + years ago. Now we are looking at new, alternative mechanical systems to address energy concerns or sustainability goals. Communication systems in the past twenty years have changed from telephone wiring to CAT-5, CAT-5E, and CAT-6 data wiring as well as wireless options. There are lighting control systems that are controlled by computers, audio-visual systems with cameras, speakers, projection equipment, etc., that have to be located and wired, and other computer control systems that operate the blinds, shades, or the energy management system. The options available require a greater knowledge and familiarity with these systems in order to successfully integrate them into a building.
• Sustainable design adds another layer of complexity to designing buildings. Whether it is the careful siting and orientation of a building to address passive concerns, or whether it is the use of energy conscious materials, or incorporating recycled materials, or avoiding the use of old growth timber, or... You get the idea. Environmental concerns are critical to our future, but it increases the matrix of decisions we need to be involved in.
• Building code requirements are becoming more stringent, which further affects our ability to design creatively. Consider the code requirements for atriums and egress. It has become much more difficult and costly to design a two-story atrium, which now requires a smoke exhaust system, and oh...does that have to be on an emergency generator? And forget about the grand central exit stair with corridors around the atrium. It is no longer our creative imagination that achieves a special design such as the Phillips Exeter Library or nearly any municipal city hall or state house built earlier in the twentieth century.
• The specialized needs of buildings such as laboratories, hospitals, libraries, manufacturing facilities and other unique structures further stretches the changing demands of buildings. There is an ongoing discussion within AIA and the profession on whether specialty certification is necessary or does it harm the generalist nature and creative talents of architects.
