Systems approach to building design and construction
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A systems approach is a concept built on the idea that all things are connected and dependent on each other. It is associated with business, but can also be applied to construction in terms of project management and other areas such as safety, infrastructure and net-zero buildings.
[edit] History
As an intellectual concept, the systems approach originated in the 1940s and 1950s. It was first formally proposed by Ludwig von Bertalanffy (originally known as general system theory or GST), an Austrian biologist who proposed the idea that open, organic systems (such as living things) were not necessarily ruled by classical laws of thermodynamics. He recognised that these elements were affected by, or interacted with, the environment, which meant understanding the system required an examination of each element along with its related processes.
A systems approach considers the attributes of an entire system to achieve the objective of a system through the anticipation of complex behaviours. It considers two basic components: elements (or components) and linking processes:
- Elements are essential, connected things such as objects, people, structures, events, concepts, behavioural patterns and so on. These interacting elements create a system of interest (SOI).
- Processes in the system are those events that transform the SOI into a holistic entity. Each element of the system plays its own role in the process towards becoming a complex whole.
[edit] A systems approach to construction
A systems approach to the built environment looks at how elements (or components) in the building work together as a whole instead of considering how the elements perform or function on their own. A successful outcome will require the development and application of linking processes - perhaps in the form of specifications - based on the purpose of the completed project.
The importance of a systems approach to construction was raised in the examination of consequences associated with the Grenfell Tower fire. In Building a Safer Future, Dame Judith Hackitt suggests that; “…there is a need for a radical rethink of the whole system and how it works. This is most definitely not just a question of the specification of cladding systems, but of an industry that has not reflected and learned for itself, nor looked to other sectors.”
As a result, Building a Safer Future puts forward the idea of delivering building safety as a system rather than by considering a series of competing or isolated objectives. The significance of a systems approach is stressed in terms of risk management, considering the layers of protection to ensure building safety for every structure that falls under the regulatory framework.
The risk management diagram above shows the layers of protection which may be in place for a high rise residential building to prevent and mitigate the risk of a large fire. Each of these layers of protection form part of an integrated safety strategy for the building. Some layers are physical and inherently provide higher levels of protection when installed. Some layers are system related: in other words a competent person needs to appropriately instal and maintain a physical control for it to deliver its protective function.
The report also suggests the regulatory framework should treat the building as a single entity (a system encompassing sub-systems) and a new over-arching Approved Document should be published describing the system and the holistic analyses that must be completed when undertaking building work. This should define the requirement to understand the interactions of the system and its comprising subsystems in both normal operation and outside normal conditions.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- A systems approach to net-zero.
- Building systems.
- Career development for infrastructure leaders.
- Grenfell Tower articles.
- Grenfell Tower Fire.
- Hackitt review of the building regulations and fire safety, final report.
- Risk management.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.