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Several years ago, while waiting at O’Hare airport for a flight home, I noticed a dad with what I estimated to be, his 2-year old son, looking out the tall windows at the large wide body jet airliner parked at their gate. The sheer size of the jet was inspiring - but what intrigued me was the little boy who would slowly grow to become a full-sized man.
The knowledge of constructability and how to impart that into our designs has become a challenge for many design firms. Surprisingly, some contractors lack practical expertise in this area as well. What can we do about that?
There is something magical about taking the rough outline of a building and breathing life into it by crafting how materials and systems "meet and greet". He may not have originated the phrase, but architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe observed that "God is in the details".
I have read with interest articles and blog posts lamenting the poor productivity of construction and the need to get in step with mass production manufacturing. While this is an interesting topic and would appear to be a viable observation…
Recognizing that many design firms will be content to continue working as they always have and not take the Lean "plunge", a coupon highlighting our free and wasteful efforts is provided. Get your coupon now!
This post includes a Workflow summarizing the steps for implementing the Toilet Types system described in the previous 2 posts. It is based on over 20 years of use of the system.
Drawing Systems are intended to simplify and streamline aspects of the CD documentation effort. Generally, they are not "perfect" in the sense they purposely do not try to cover every kind of situation found – just the majority of them. Unusual, atypical and special situations may warrant additional drawings or notes.
How has Lean Thinking been applied to a design professionals work? Are there better ways to document and what does that look like? Does the BIM environment and workflow reduce or eliminate the need for 2D drawings and documentation altogether? These are good questions which I will try to address below.
Significant amounts of money, time and effort are expended in preparation to play the game of football - and most any other sport. Drafts are held and trades made to assemble the best players available to build the team's capabilities. The coaching staff employs strategic analysis to understand their teams, and the competitions, strengths and how to exploit any weakness. Plays are devised, ...
Moral of the story: look for the Leanest, smartest way to work that meets the Standard of Care and make it the rule for day-to-day practice.