Limits and opportunities of integrated design in sustainable buildings : the need for a more comprehensive project process

The quest to reduce national and global environmental impacts has had a significant impact on the construction industry. In most developed countries, the construction sector is responsible for 35% of waste generation, 32% of energy consumption, and 19% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Both theory and practice show that the traditional silo-type, linear, and fragmented design process is a significant barrier to innovation and the implementation of better practices in the built environment. Integrated Design (ID) is increasingly seen in Canada and abroad as a potential solution to the lack of collaboration and innovation. Contrary to the traditional design process, ID allows all participants to work together from the beginning of the project, making decisions collectively and integrating otherwise fragmented products and processes. Although ID’s potential is theoretically well-founded, there is little empirical evidence of its effectiveness. The objective of this dissertation is to examine – from both theoretical and empirical vantage points – the scope, strengths, limitations, and critical success factors of Integrated Design (ID) in creating sustainable buildings. The research is based on three case studies of recent building projects in Montreal that implemented Integrated Design processes. The analysis of over 350 architectural plans, press releases and documents produced during construction and operation phases, life cycle analyses, and 28 in-depth interviews allowed us to understand the processes involved, the outcomes obtained, and the stakeholders’ interest and expectations regarding ID. Findings reveal that ID enhanced collaboration and innovation, and helped to reduce buildings’ impacts when compared to the traditional processes. But ID failed to achieve its full potential. It did not completely reduce fragmentation between stakeholders and project phases. This research identified that a “wall” between design, construction and operation phases still exists in ID. As it is applied today, ID continues to underestimate the value of effective performance measurements, rigorous project feedback, and systematic post-occupation evaluations. Identifying the gaps between expectations and effective practice, this dissertation reveals areas where improvements are still needed in the building industry. The study suggests, for instance, that project managers and the design team can (and should) assume new roles, liabilities and responsibilities for project outputs. Effective carbon reductions will require that stakeholders develop deeper knowledge of life-cycle assessment and energy simulation tools. New contractual arrangements between stakeholders will also be needed to favour sustained stakeholder commitment to achieve positive outcomes during the entire project life cycle. From a theoretical point of view, the results demonstrate the relevance and usefulness of ID, but also identify its limits and the conditions that allow for the creation of value for all stakeholders and improvements in buildings. The gaps between theory and practice found here reveal the urgent need to change construction industry regulation (such as professional liability, traditional price-driven - lowest bidding - selection procedures, labeling building systems, building codes, standards, and certifications) in order to reduce buildings’ impacts and slow climate change. From a practical point of view, the results highlight ways in which stakeholders in the construction industry can improve interactions among themselves to reduce buildings’ impacts on the environment. All of this can help – and is needed to – create buildings that are more appropriate for today’s society and future generations.

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