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Conclusions: Limitations and Constraints
623.6
HAZARDS OF INNOVATION
One of the principle difficulties with the implementation of any new
process is its integration into the existing framework of conventional
practice. For example, in specifying that most partitions stop at the
ceiling, the Prototype Design is in conflict with building codes and
regulations which specifically require corridor and smoke-stop partitions to
run from slab to slab. Many other requirements are presumably based on
the assumption that this latter condition will be met. Thus in proposing
what seems to be one simple deviation from conventional construction, an
entire fire safety strategy becomes ambiguous in its application, forcing
fire safety authorities to evaluate not only the specific change, but what
amounts to a whole new strategy. (See Section 551.)
A similar difficulty arises from the fact that participants in the
implementation of a new design and construction process must to some
extent modify their customary work and thought patterns. This adjustment
confronts not only administrators, as suggested above, but also A/E and
construction contractors. The ultimate success or failure of an innovation
depends largely on the understanding and attitudes applied to the
experiment by these key people. For example, if construction contractors
do not examine the ceiling-platform concept with sufficient care to
convince themselves that it permits real time savings through more
efficient trade phasing, their bids are not likely to reflect this theoretical
advantage, at least not on the first "demonstration" hospital.
The A/E in particular has the responsibility not only of developing detailed
designs for the integrated subsystems which reflect the intent of the
Prototype Design, but also of developing the non-integrated subsystems in
a complementary manner. The resident engineer in turn must exercise
particular care in the supervision of construction to ensure compliance
with the system rules, such as the rights-of-way in the service zone above
the ceiling.
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