This will simplify design and construction in the long-run, and will often expose hidden defects or complications (see below.)

We created a logic flow to define how all the raw materials and assembled trusses moved through the system, depending on their types and other parameters..Some aspects of the process were fixed, such as the quantity of welding stations and the routing of specific truss types (e.g.

truss type A and B can be processed in welding station 1).Others, for example the painting bays, were left as flexible station areas to allow recording of the capacity over time.. Other input data included:.truss parameters, such as type, dimensions, and other product data.

production schedules, to specify the order in which truss types would be made.throughput and timing data, such as processing times of stations, speed of conveyors and speed of cranes..

The data itself was not hard-coded into the model and instead read from an external data file, which made running multiple simulations for differing parameters a rapid process.. Several different scenarios were simulated in the model that were made up from combinations of options.

This included different production schedules and whether transport timings were included, to test sensitivity of the system to these inputs.When designing new or refurbished buildings we must plan for the unexpected.

Buildings need to be able to adapt for future uses and by designing this in from the start we will use fewer materials in the future..The façade has a shorter life expectancy than the rest of a building due to the nature of the materials used, exposure to the elements and the impact of UV light.

To prolong the life of the building, the façade should be replaceable without affecting the structure of the building.. Each component of the façade should be replaceable individually, to allow panels to be swapped in or out to respond to changes in building use.For example, if an occupied space were to be replaced with a non-occupied space, the glazed component could be swapped for an opaque component, improving the energy efficiency of the façade.