the Design Continuum

Figure 3.21 Photograph of Daybreak project

Courtesy of desiGn Work shop, denVer, Co

deSiGn deveLopment and SuBSequent phaSeS in the deSiGn continuum

Following the acceptance of the plans prepared during the schematic design phase, the project team will commence work on the design development phase. The work included in this phase advances the schematic design in considerably greater details. Drawings are drawn to actual scale and include selection and descriptions of materials, resolution of dimensions, and more detail in general. Developing design sections is important as a visual aid for the designer to resolve the physical landform of design elements, as close as possible to their final form, so that the client has a better idea of the grading design. Many of the sections are refined during this phase and become technical sections, included with other details in the construction drawing package. Other deliverable elements called for in the professional service contract, such as estimate of probable costs and materials and equipment catalogue descriptions, would also be included in the design development submittal package.

A design development grading plan includes a quantity estimate of earth to be moved, to determine the potential need to bring in additional material or to dispose of excess material. The earthwork quantities are used in developing an estimate of probable construction cost. After the submittal and acceptance of the design development phase documents, the project team prepares the construction documents and bid package. This package will be used in securing bids from contractors and used to guide construction. A final grading plan would be included, together with technical sections and details. Technical specifications and bidding documents would also be a part of this final construction bid package.