Integrative Process
It’s the close collaboration between singer and songwriter that yields the best songs. The building industry is like that too: the best results are achieved when those who determine success are there to influence the project during its creation.
Depending on the design project, that could include the owner, contractor, trades, or even key product suppliers. Some complex issues are forcing this type of interdisciplinary collaboration to happen organically—like the health and transparency documents that are getting product manufacturers and design teams talking.
Here we’ll highlight processes and structures that break down the siloes between the disciplines—without letting things devolve into chaos.
Integrative Process
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Affordable Housing and Sustainable Design: The Goals Are Aligned
Feature Article
Green building is not just for those with means.
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The Sound of Sustainability: Acoustics in High-Performance Design
Feature Article
Acoustic performance is often overlooked by human-centered design. A holistic approach shows how to navigate the complexities of “sustainable acoustics.”
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Embracing the Economy as a Design Challenge
Feature Article
How architects, community developers, and others are experimenting with new models to support progressive design.
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20 Ways to Advance Sustainability in the Next Four Years
Feature Article
In this age of political revolution and environmental urgency, it’s time to step back and take a look at priorities, challenges, and opportunities
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Ethnography: A Creative Tool for Human-Centered Design
Primer
Social science research methods can generate innovative and sophisticated design solutions that respond to human needs and cultural values.
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Who's Invited to the Green Building Table?
Infographic
Design-bid-build, design-build, and integrated project delivery explained.
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Putting the “Pre” in Post-Occupancy Evaluations
Infographic
Don’t just take a survey and walk away. There’s a better way to do POEs that can dovetail with the integrative process, improve project outcomes, and save clients money.
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Owner’s Project Requirements: What It Is, What It Could Be
Primer
Clients, designers, and commissioning agents don’t always get what they need out of the OPR. Some teams are trying to change that.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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Unmilled Timber Frames Go High Tech, Replacing Steel
Product Review
Keep the beauty of round logs, and get more strength from an engineered wood structure, promises Wisconsin-based company WholeTrees.
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MicroBlend-A Green Revolution in Paint Distribution
Product Review
MicroBlend Technologies' low-VOC latex paints are made onsite, reducing the environmental impacts caused by the paint supply chain.
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LED Systems Provide Huge Energy Savings for Jobsite Lighting
Product Review
New LED technology is revolutionizing lighting on construction sites, but investing in the high-performing fixtures is a challenge for contractors who are used to disposable strings of light bulbs.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Top Ten Toolkit Helps All Projects Boost Performance
News Brief
AIA Committee on the Environment have launched the Top Ten Toolkit, a best-practice design guide based on the criteria for the COTE Top Ten awards.
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Code Officials Take on New Role in High-Performance Design
News Brief
A new report published by the National Institute of Building Sciences explains how project teams can save time and money by involving regulatory officials earlier.
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Ultimate Building Efficiency Requires Team Integration
News Brief
“Systems efficiency” could be the next big thing in sustainable design, and integrated project delivery is how we’ll get there.
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Workbook Provides Hands-On Exercises to Cultivate Integrative Design
News Brief
A new book offers practical guidance on how to foster a culture of meaningful collaboration.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Three Ways to Increase Sustainable Design Literacy in Firms
Blog Post
What does sustainable design literacy mean, and how can firms develop knowledge that leads to action? Here are three places to start.
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Why We Let Ourselves Do Mediocre Work
Blog Post
Architects and designers want to do exceptional, challenging sustainability work. Why are we waiting for the unicorn client?
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Our Economy is Broken (and We Can Fix It)
Op-Ed
Green building practitioners must take on the challenge of our broken economy, in our work and in our lives.
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Opinion: Seven Things Manufacturers Wish You Understood About EPDs
Op-Ed
Some manufacturers say creating EPDs has improved their products. But they also have important messages for the design community.
Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Affordable Housing and Sustainable Design: The Goals Are Aligned
Feature Article
Green building is not just for those with means.
-
The Sound of Sustainability: Acoustics in High-Performance Design
Feature Article
Acoustic performance is often overlooked by human-centered design. A holistic approach shows how to navigate the complexities of “sustainable acoustics.”
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Pest Prevention: Steps Designers Can Take
Feature Article
Integrated pest management (IPM) design strategies can reduce structural damage and unsanitary conditions, and improve our community’s health.
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Mouth, Meet Money: Case Studies of Outcome-Based Design
Feature Article
Performance-based incentives are a growing (and positive) trend. They’re not as risky as they sound, but there are some steps you should be taking to prepare.
