28 REFLEXION | 2022-23 | AIA Utah It is essential that electrical space allocation is part of the initial coordination efforts. Space Planning Buildings today simply have more. More technology, more interconnectedness, and more power requirements. It is essential that electrical space allocation is part of the initial coordination efforts. This ensures that electrical gear, including service entries, MDF/IDF rooms, transformers and panel boards are optimally located for efficiency, cost, and performance. Design Time Much of the electrical design depends on the mechanical and architectural disciplines. Last-minute additions such as roll-up doors or electric blinds need time to be accommodated and reflected in the electrical design. When the entire design team works until the last minute, the electrical team has days to complete their part electrical components of the project. Try to plan adequate time to ensure that all the power is provided properly for all mechanical units, data and communications and building architectural needs. Check and Check Again Well-coordinated projects have fewer RFIs and change orders. But even last-minute design changes can be successfully managed if the design team continues to coordinate through the entire process. Checklists for electrical coordination at every phase of design, including addenda, are essential. Although systems may not be fully sized until Incorporating Electrical Elements in Innovative Designs BY PARIS LELACHEUR Granger Medical Center Images / Photos Courtesy of Okland Construction Photo Credit: Scot Zimmerman the very end, by using a checklist, all the components can be included on the drawings and can be accounted for and adjusted when the other members of the team prepare the final design. This then becomes a couple of hours of work versus days. Architects can facilitate this by making electrical coordination a line item throughout the process. The more complex the project, the more essential a series of checklists and coordination become. See the Light Lighting is the most visible way an electrical engineer impacts and compliments a project design. Light is an element that can complement design ideas and concepts and enhance the feel of a building. Involve the interior design group early for architectural features and ceiling coordination to ensure special features can be highlighted. Working closely with your electrical engineer to integrate lighting can dramatically affect the look and feel of the building without affecting the electrical space requirements and is often the aspect an electrical engineer enjoys most on a project.
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