Interrogating the Dynamics of Regulations on the Design of Energy Performance in Housing

Abstract

Regulations are embedded in the practices of architects and, with growing regulatory complexity, particularly in the context of energy, understanding the role of regulations in shaping design decisions is becoming increasingly important. This paper conceptualizes the design of buildings as a socio-technical process. Using actor-network theory and controversy mapping techniques, it considers in detail how regulations, including non-energy-related regulations, interact with the design process to shape the energy performance of a dwelling for which I was the project architect. In doing so, the paper reveals that regulations are embedded in the design process and their flexibility impacts upon both the role of architects as intermediaries and the ability to predict performance outcomes on site.