Why Is MEP Coordination Becoming Ever More Important?

Developers are faced with a just in time world. The pressures, as far as project management and all aspects of the design process when it comes to construction projects, has never been more significant. Aside from the focus on cost control and the necessity to incorporate the coordination of multiple disciplines that are today dealing with project management that is increasingly demanding from a technological perspective – this is why MEP coordination is now increasingly important and part of the remit for all accomplished MEP consultants. Practitioners of disciplines as diverse as those required for the installation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire safety systems need to work closely together to ensure the design, construction, operations, and maintenance of these increasingly sophisticated systems and processes are integrated seamlessly.

Without this close cooperation at each stage of the project management process it is almost inevitable that there will be conflicts between the practitioners of various disciplines, including the BIM coordinator for each such discipline, – and in an environment where time and expenditure (as well as meeting the demands of budget and efficiency) are both driving factors that will inevitably influence the success of the project there can be no margin for error.

 

In the case of MEP coordination, it is essential that each professional who is driving the project silo that is their responsibility be informed as soon as possible about the activities of the other members of the project team – irrespective of their disciples. This timeous coordination will mean the difference between successful MEP coordination and one that will not deliver results. Coordination is especially vital since space constraints are a part of modern design practice. Given that each element of the project must unfold simultaneously, MEP coordination can leave no margin for error. It is for this reason that 3D modelling has become so important to the practice – it allows for visualization of the project components and for changes to be made quickly and effectively – and the impact of those changes to the entire project scope and work plan.