Schematic Design
What is a Schematic Design for industrial projects?
Schematic design is the phase that follows conceptual design. It starts with rough drawings from the approved layouts in the conceptual phase of industrial infrastructure design.
The main objective of this phase is to develop a spatial relationship between different elements in the project. Compliance with the statutory regulations is also considered in this phase. After exploring the other alternatives, a detailed program is precisely developed.
Introduction to the schematic design phase
The industrial architects and engineers work with the results of the conceptual design in the schematic design phase. This stage involves providing a visual reflection of the concept to the client. Drawings, documents and other narrative materials help to convey the general information.
It defines the general scope, area details, and their functional relationships. Furthermore, during this phase, the detailing of traffic flow, project quality definition, budget, and schedule take place. This helps to convey clear and comprehensive information about the intent of the design.
The technical drawings are prepared at this stage. The client is able to visualize the facility as a whole. This phase also brainstorms the client requirements to solve problems that they may not have recognized yet. Such issues if unresolved, may have an impact in the future. Hence, the schematic design acts as an action plan.
The project team, including the client and the consultants, undergo several meetings and share their opinions in this phase. As a result, there is a very clear outline of the project. Once the client accepts the framework, the consultants proceed with the next step of engineering design.
Key deliverables of this phase
This phase gives the general scope of the project and the preferred development strategy. It also describes significant functional aspects, engineering requirements and the necessary details of the building envelope.
Also, it includes preliminary details of civil, electrical and mechanical engineering design & structural elements. Another activity during this phase is detailing of interior and exterior wall materials and finishes, joinery details, daylight and wall light features.
To conclude, once the schematic design is complete about 20% of the entire industrial infrastructure design is complete. It provides clear directions and sufficient information to understand the main design concepts and cost.
