HI-02-20-1 -- Design Intent and Basis of Design: Clarification of Terms, Structure, and Use PDF

The development of design intent,and verification that it has been met, should be considered essential to the building delivery process in virtually all commissioning guidelines. Documenting the basis of design is also considered essential. However, there is confusion as to the actual definition, content, and format of “design intent” and “basis of design,” how they are best obtained, and how verification is actually conducted. Often confused is whether the design intent is the documentation of the owner’s or of the designer’s goals. Conflicting definitions of design intent and basis of design are common. ASHRAE ’s Commissioning Guideline Committee (GPC 1-1996R) is in the process of renaming “design intent” to get away rom the misconceptions surrounding this term. Without clarity in the content, scope, and use of design intent and basis of design, their application will continue to be limited and ineffective. This paper develops and discusses consistent names, definitions, and documentation format or the information associated with design intent and basis of design that will facilitate their collection, review, storage, modification, distribution, and use.

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