Construction Lesson - Architecture Lesson

One of the best lessons that I learned during my time with a large general contractor was the understanding the idea of constructability and access. What this speaks about is seeing design and detailing from the perspective of the person installing the material in the field.

On the construction site, constructability was one of the reoccurring issues. A installer would look at the drawings and ask how he was supposed to install the piece of material? “How do I get the drill in that tight space to access the fastener?” I would hear that a lot. I would see guys without their hard-hats on, contorted in peculiar positions in a tight spot attempting to install something.

I remember a senior staff member speaking to me about architects. He knew that I went through architecture school and I appreciated his insights. He would say: “It is important for architects to understand how these things are going to be installed in the field. Sometimes they focus on how something looks or how it keeps water out but they forget about how and who is attaching the thing.”

When I am drawing things up I remember that conversation. The most interesting thing - you design the thing for clear access for the installer and another issue that arises requiring adjustments gets in the way of the installer’s clear access! That is construction, an unending puzzle with multiple ways to the top of the mountain. That is the beauty of combining architecture and construction, you can efficiently make those adjustments once constructions begins. You can even be so bold to issue bridging documents and allow situations to be met on the spot.