Plan Flexibility into the Original Design Intent: Create future flexibility into the building plans to allow easy adaptation to various uses and occupants. The Tricom Building has approximately 3000 sq ft of executive office space; 2800 sq ft of showroom space; and 5000 sq ft of high bay warehouse space. The office space is located above the showroom at the front of the building. The back of the building is the high bay warehouse. The high bay warehouse was structurally designed with minimal extra embodied energy that if needed could provide adequate support to add an additional 40% of floor space. This would allow the 5000 sf warehouse to be converted into two levels of office. The intent is to recognize the use and needs of buildings and that companies change. Planning flexibility into the original design will prevent the building from being demolished and rebuilt or dramatically retrofitted. The amount of energy added to the building shell during the time of construction is minimal in comparison to demolition and reconstruction. Green Building Concerns: By creating a building that is easily expandable, we reduce the impact on the environment by eliminating the need for additional land. We reduce the amount of raw materials required for construction by working within the original building shell, therefore decreasing the amount of construction waste produced. Prevent the building from being demolished because the needs and uses of the company or local market. Within the existing building shell, 40% additional square footage can be added with few adaptations. Requirement & Submittals: Submit floor plans, sections, and elevations as required to show the degree of flexibility in the building.
Designing for flexibility and adaptability over time is indeed a consideration when designing a sustainable, green building. However, this measure is extremely difficult to quantify. Without an industry-accepted baseline for comparison, it is challenging to demonstrate that the design decisions did in fact increase flexibility, and that these decisions do not unduly increase the environmental burden of the initial building. The project must demonstrate how flexibility was incorporated into the design in a holistic and comprehensive way by including systems other than the structure, such as mechanical systems, flooring, floor covering, furniture, etc. The project must address how the needs of future projects were predicted, and how such needs were met while also meeting current sustainability goals. It is not possible to speculate on the likelihood of your project achieving an innovation credit with the information provided. If the project wishes to pursue an innovation credit in this area, the project team should provide the following, at a minimum: