SUSTAINABILITY IN THE EARLY PHASE OF BUILDING DESIGN
Explorative design research for HEAL | 2020
role
research responsible | interviews | analysis | report
the project & the need
Our team leveraged innovation and concept development from within. The explorative study served as one cornerstone for that. We researched processes, current ways of working, opportunity areas and fruitful problems regarding sustainability in the early phase of building design. To comprehend the relevance and importance of this topic we interviewed field experts.
the relevancy
The construction industry has a big impact on sustainability. However, e.g. (environmental) impact calculations can alter the situation towards sustainable development. Through our research we understand this topic better – and could work on ideas that support a positive change.

How is sustainability taken into consideration in the early phase of building design?
What is the role of (environmental) impact calculations in this?


Affinity mapping on Miro as part of our analysis process.
the methods & the process
The start of the study in spring 2020 coincided with the beginning of the global pandemic – which switched our interview processes quickly to 100% online. We interviewed 11 field experts (architects, LCA specialists, researchers, …) and simultaneously gained deeper understanding of the topic through desk research.
Our analysis funnelled the insights through several mapping cycles towards identifying fruitful problems and opportunity areas – a starting point for our team to collaborate on conceptualising ideas.
identifying pains | gains |
ways of working
affinity mapping
identifying emerging themes
translating findings to statements
creating opportunity questions for ideation
the outcome & the impact
We summarised insights, current ways of working and opportunity areas in a report – which was received positively by the team.
The report served as a basis for an ideation and concept creation workshop with experts from Stora Enso and our own team. It resulted in over 40 ideas of which five were worked on in more detail.
Furthermore, three blog posts on HEAL’s website communicate our research findings to a broader audience (post 1 | post 2 | post 3).
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN CONSTRUCTION
emphasising carbon
open source solutions, impact
calculation tools & smaller companies
sustainability as competitive
advantage

A page from our final report.
my lessons learned
Leading and conducting exploratory design research 100% online
Facilitating an ideation and concept creation workshop 100% online
Navigating ambiguous research goal and processes