Clients and architects disagree on how well building to code provides resilience, according to a recent report by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in partnership with Owens Corning.
Resiliency in the Built Environment assesses the current state and best practices for increasing resiliency and sustainability in design and construction. Clients believe building to code is sufficient to ensure resilience, but architects disagree with that notion, the report says. It’s not surprising then, that few projects and properties are reported as being built beyond code.
The report also provides insights into how to best improve resiliency and sustainability from design through construction with input from three key audiences: architects, general contractors, and clients, including owners and developers. One key finding: “Stronger building codes and standards will drive resiliency, but so will making the business case to clients.”
The report’s areas of focus include:
- The role of building codes, clients’ expectations, and specification requirements that drive resiliency in design.
- How is resiliency reinforced through practices like material replacement strategy and resilient design strategies?
- Where are the biggest gaps in expertise about resiliency in construction, and how can they be filled?
- How do long-term and short-term incentives determine the level of resiliency for a given project?
- How is resiliency considered when selecting building products and materials?
- Which hazards and risks are most commonly taken into account in design?
The report is available for free at the AIA website.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 8, 2020
Frank Lloyd Wright sites set to reopen and construction jobs rise by 464,000.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2020
Reopened offices raise liability risk for businesses and owners
Risks may not be covered by property insurance.
Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2020
American Wood Council updates report on fire resistance of wood members and assemblies
Provides new examples and background on mass timber calculations.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2020
Virginia makes GCs liable for subs employee wages
New law allows workers to sue GCs for wages in class action.
Codes and Standards | Jun 2, 2020
Designers, owners reinventing restaurants to cope with COVID-19
Options include rearranged seating, mobile ordering, designated flow spaces.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2020
How owners should comply with OSHA roofing safety guidelines
Buildings should have fall protection and restraint provisions for those who go on roofs.
Codes and Standards | May 29, 2020
AIA releases new, updated sustainable project documents
Streamlined sustainable design and construction process included.
Codes and Standards | May 28, 2020
USGBC outlines how it will support pandemic recovery efforts
Includes emergency guidance and upgrades to the LEED green building program.
Codes and Standards | May 27, 2020
Office market could be COVID-19 casualty
As companies get used to work at home, post-pandemic office market could collapse.
Codes and Standards | May 26, 2020
Architectural Reuse Council will step up efforts to reuse construction waste
Cabinets, appliances, lighting, and lumber diverted from landfills to be repurposed.
