Design & mmaintainability

• In designing for maintainability , many designers are often trapped in a dillemma : whether " form should follow function " or "function should follow forms ". 
• Designers are often crticized for giving too much emphasis to aesthetics at the expense of maintainabiolity . 
• The structural forms & maintenance considerations during te design & planning stages for & building services are intimately related to architecturral considerations . 
• There must be continuous interaction between the architect & the engineers in the initial planning as well as in the final design of the building . 
• The architec tmust accord a helathy respect to the structural , mechanical & electrical needs of the building . 
• Likewise the engineers must have an equal respect for the architect's conmcern for aesthetics , form & flow of movement . 

Examples of Poor Planning & Design  

- nadequate provision of space around plant & equipment for proper maintenance to be carried out . 

- Inadequate provision of space in ceiling resulting in inefficient air - conditioning ductwork . 

- Inadequate provision of ceiling accessibility for maintenance . 

- Locating wet pipes in electrical rooms . 

Examples of Good Planning & Design 

- Adequate provision of space around plant & equipment for proper maintenace to be carried out . 

- Adequate provision of space in ceiling for M& E services . 

-Good planning of access routes so that bulky equipment can be easily replaced . 

-Provision of building automation systems .