The Lifetime Design Brief

"The source of energy is separate from the process of translation of information, or the applying of knowledge. This is obvious in the telegraph, where the energy and channel are quite independent of whether the written code is French or German. The same separation of power and process obtains in automated industry, or in "cybernation." The electric energy can be applied indifferently and quickly to many kinds of tasks.
Such was never the case in the mechanical systems. The power and the work done were always in direct relation, whether it was hand and hammer, water and well, horse and cart, or steam and piston."

Marshall McLuhan, Understanding Media.

In the Industrial Age, the Architect’s design brief lasted a few months.
A linear step of procurement, design and construction.
Hand over the keys and cash your cheque.
Close the door on that job.

In the Information Age, the Architect’s design brief lasts a lifetime.
Design details the customized, off-site manufacture.
On-site assembly to your instructions.
The master key is the information that describes how the building works.
Monitor progress.
Flatten the boom and bust cycle, cash flow is here!
But wait, there's more…
When the use-by date is up, dismantle your building.
Add your design expertise; recycle and re-use your leftovers into a new meal ticket.
The information that describes the building has an ongoing life.
A Lifetime Design Brief is yours for the taking.
The revolving door of perpetual motion and opportunity.


Related Article: The Lifetime Design Brief, part 2: One of the most dramatic impacts on architectural practice from computer technology is the shift to the Lifetime Design Brief. This opportunity will make or break the architectural profession!

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