The status quo for building projects has the engineers, architects, contractors and other stakeholders working in silos. Traditional project delivery processes tend to be fragmented and systems synergies are often identified when it’s too late or costly.

Building systems are interdependent and require cooperation and creative thinking across disciplines.

At the outset of the project, the design team for the HPI d-school Building at UCT participated in an introductory Design Thinking workshop in line with the purpose of the Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika. This workshop was hosted by Richard Perez, the founding director of the Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika at UCT.

The workshop, and the application of the Green Star rating tool by PJC + Partners – the appointed Accredited Professionals – on the project encouraged the exploration of sustainable design, construction, and ongoing operations from the project’s inception, rather than on the construction site or during occupancy when changes become increasingly expensive and complex.

An integrated design process identifies opportunities to achieve synergies across disciplines and building systems throughout the planning and design phases and beyond.

By involving team members and stakeholders early in the design process, the project team was able to tap into each team member’s expertise and drive value throughout the project to increase high-performing building outcomes without an associated premium cost.