Contract - June 2010 - (Page 104)

process no one size fits all approach Chosing the right delivery method for independent schools By Dan Wetherell, AIA, principal and COO, Ratcliff Independent schools are under intense pressure to provide 21st century academic facilities, while managing tight operational budgets that have been further diminished by the shifting economic landscape. To date, the trend for independent schools is to utilize a negotiated bid versus competitive bid process where the institution, architect, and contractor team up early in the design process to deliver the proposed project. The advantages of negotiated bid are many, including identification of best design and construction practices, enhanced understanding of the project scope and budget by the project team, and coordination of construction operational issues. Within the negotiated bid process, independent schools increasingly are being challenged to look at a range of delivery methods available to best serve their projects. There are three methods commonly employed, each with distinct advantages: 1) design-bid-build, 2) design-assist, and 3) designbuild. Although each of these delivery models can conceivably be used on any project, choosing the most appropriate model for your specific project can save time and money, and give the project team the best opportunity to meet project goals and objectives. Factors when choosing the delivery model should include: • Complexity of the building and site program • Intricacy of the design • Budget • Schedule • School infrastructure and operational concerns and conditions Windrush School’s innovative building provides a high-performance, healthy learning environment for its K–8 students. Minimalist detailing and regular bays (opposite bottom) reflect the historic main campus building design, a modest concrete structure built in 1934. A visually appealing roof (opposite top) saves energy by combining photovoltaic panels, green planters, and skylights that decrease electric lighting demand for classrooms. Naturally ventilated and cooled classrooms (above) with operable windows allow breezes from San Francisco Bay to eliminate need for mechanical air conditioners. (Photos by David Wakely) 104 contract june 2010 www.contractdesign.com http://www.contractdesign.com http://www.contractdesign.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Contract - June 2010

Contract - June 2010
Contents
Editor's Note
Industry
Exhibition:_NeoCon® 2010
Focus:_Approaching the Bench
Focus:_Optimism is Back
Trends:_The 21st Century Library
Without Prejudice
Lightin the Way
Reading the Future
The Great Uniter
The School on the Hill
Students and the City
Practice:_No Such Thing as Business as Usual
Process:_No One Size Fits All Approach
Designers Rate:_Milan Furniture Fair 2010
Sources
Ad Index
Perspectives

Contract - June 2010