P2.1: Use an Integrative Design Process – Above Green

(Required)

INTENT

Optimize site performance by identifying and executing synergistic opportunities across different disciplines throughout all phases of design and construction.

REQUIREMENTS

Projects must complete all of the following steps for prerequisite achievement:

1. Form an integrated design team

The integrated design team should include, at minimum, the following roles:
- Owner and/or client
- Professionals knowledgeable in design, construction, and maintenance
- Professionals knowledgeable in sustainable practices
- Professionals with expertise in vegetation, water, soils, landscape ecology, materials, and human health and well-being, selected to meet the unique constraints and opportunities of the project and its site

2. Develop a collaborative communication process

Develop an agreed upon communication method for team members. The method should be collaborative and allow the viewpoints and perspectives of all members to be fully considered in the decision-making process.
Designate a team facilitator to be responsible for overseeing and ensuring a collaborative communication process.

3. Identify project sustainability principles and performance goals (see O+M P8.1: Plan for sustainable site maintenance)

Identify the principles and performance goals of the project (both short- and long-term). Include an associated timeline and specific performance measures for each goal to determine when it has been achieved.
Designate specific team members to track project goals throughout the development process.

4. Incorporate the sustainability principles and performance goals into a program plan

Develop a program plan that at minimum includes the following information:
- The unique characteristics, opportunities, and constraints of the site
- General project parameters, such as the scope, budget, implementation schedule, purpose, and design intent of the project
- A diagram or description of the intended function, arrangement, and relationship of desired features and their approximate dimensions
Describe how the sustainability principles and performance goals will be incorporated into the design.

5. Identify stakeholders and site user groups

Identify project stakeholders.
Identify the full range of potential site users. List the primary and secondary user groups.

6. Plan for construction oversight

Designate a team member, other than the contractor, who will be responsible for verifying the site is built per the construction specifications and drawings.
Meet with the contractor (see Construction P7.1: Communicate and verify sustainable construction practices) prior to construction to review construction specifications, submittal requirements, and drawings and to convey the project’s principles and performance goals.
Describe the agreed upon method whereby changes can be made in the field during construction.

7. Develop a strategy for preparing a site maintenance plan

Include all team members in the development of the site maintenance plan (see O+M P8.1: Plan for sustainable site maintenance).

RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES

Form a diverse team of qualified professionals as early as possible; team members will coordinate with one another throughout the life of the project. For optimal interaction and communication, ensure the project team has multiple face-to-face meetings.
Discuss available resources (e.g., budget, staff, volunteers, equipment, materials) as part of the site maintenance plan. Determine short- and long-term maintenance principles and performance goals. Identify present and potential invasive species, and integrate a pest management plan into the performance goals.
From the project onset, engage the client in participating in and ideally leading a design charrette process with the assistance of the project design team leadership. The design team should embrace a systems thinking design approach.