**2.5 Design process: synthesis, limitations and potentialities**

As indicated by the literature [3], the architecture started along with the conception of Renewable Energy Technologies (RET), which, in the present case, consisted of photovoltaic energy. Feedback cycles took place periodically between the thematic teams, together with the facilitators. The design of the building for the use of natural lighting also took place from the preliminary design. Soon after, the HVAC project, starting with passive strategies (ventilation, evaporative cooling, solar chimney) was initiated. The active HVAC strategies were designed right after the first thermoenergetic simulations, due to the hours of discomfort not passively resolved, giving rise to the preliminary project. At this point, an initial calculation of the building's energy balance was carried out (with data from the first thermo-energetic simulations and the photovoltaic panels still only on the roof). Then the sunshades and openings were readjusted to correct some identified problems. As a result of natural lighting simulations, with the building being better defined, the lighting, electrical, controls, and automation projects were carried out. In this preliminary project phase, strategies were also conceived for the rational use of water (hydro-sanitary project) and waste treatment, which are complementary aspects of the project's sustainability. The final thermo-energetic simulations, labeling, primary energy calculations, and final energy balance of the building were carried out after the definition of the envelope materials, the internal finishes, and the basic project, **Figure 4** presents the design process, products, and flows, relating them to the iterative phases mentioned in **Figure 1**.

The process took place relatively smoothly, due to the aforementioned previous tests, involving part of the team. However, some important points that emerged from the experience with time and budget limitations should be mentioned: 1. The role of the facilitators is essential to coordinate the various decisions to be taken that

#### **Figure 4.**

*Design process, with products and design flow. Source: authors.*

*An Integrated Design Process in Practice: A Nearly Zero Energy Building at the University… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.102443*

require inputs and results from different thematic teams; good facilitators are crucial for meeting deadlines and are potential drivers of positive results; 2. Efficient communication with the various thematic teams is included in the role of the facilitators, to delimit the level of detail of the solutions proposed by each one, in each phase. In the early design phases, the level of detail should be lower, to avoid wasting time and rework; in the final stages, the level of detail is higher. There seems to be a tendency among specialists to get the phases in detail from the beginning., to be controlled by the facilitators, as it represents a barrier to the fluid development of the process; 3. The simulation team also has a fundamental role and interacts with other teams, as they need to "translate" the architectural proposals into simulation results, which feedback the new architectural proposals. For this, communication must be effective, and the language adapted to reach all professional profiles, which is not simple and can become a barrier in the process; 4. Periodic meetings, sharing information, and decisions are important for team involvement and motivation. However, in some moments, quick decisions must be taken and for this, again, the role of the facilitators is fundamental.
