Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery Interior

Challenge: Start with the vision of designing a collaborative and interdisciplinary research, outreach, and education facility. Combine design aesthetics that capture the imagination with extraordinary functionality. Then complete construction and installation in a condensed time frame to avoid obsolescence and unnecessary expense.

Solution: By applying an Integrated Project Delivery process (IPD), the goals of collaboration, innovation, functionality and time efficiency were realized. Through the IPD process, the partners share project ownership. Work is structured to maximize value and reduce waste. Del Wilson, Principle of Uihlein Wilson Architects describes KI’s role in the process this way, “Rather than an architect designing stuff and saying, ‘you go figure out how to do it’, we found a manufacturing partner and figured out how to design what suits the intent of the owner and is still able to be built”.

The IPD process involves establishing a team atmosphere, focusing on a joint value proposition, and establishing a guaranteed maximum price. By engaging in a contract negotiation rather than a bidding process, KI was able to commit resources to the project up front (drawings, mock ups, etc. - shown at left). This “win early/lose early” approach saves time and resources. It also aligns financial incentives and optimizes investment here and now for returns there and then, creating an “all for one, one for all” mentality.

KI and IPD - A Shared Vision

Innovation - Customized WireWorks/StudioWorks workstations showcase KI’s design expertise.

Functionality - Workstation solutions throughout the facility were varied to optimize collaborative opportunities and focused study options depending on the user’s needs. KI’s Genius Wall provides quiet, private office space. WireWorks furnishes teaming spaces and a customized Flexible WorkSpace application enables collaborative spaces.

Time Savings - Similar projects typically take 7-10 years to complete. The WID project began in 2007 and reached completion in 2010 - a mere 4 years.

“We’re developing relationships rather than transactions,” say George Austin, Owner Representative, WID. “Our relationship with KI has added significant value to the delivery of this amazing project.”

Description from architects.