CONTRIBUTORS TO THE REPORT (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Communication is the basis of every successful design. Solar energy technologies are well established in today’s market, and are considered mature and reliable technologies with a comparatively low associated risk. These technologies have a number of inherent qualities, such as reduced risk from increasing energy costs, increased independence and a positive long-term cost-benefit ratio. However, the successful design and realization of Solar Architecture relies upon the effective communication of these qualities in the development of a project. This Communication Guideline is intended to provide recommendations and arguments to assist design professionals in the communication of solar energy strategies, and to realize high quality, well designed solar architecture. The first section of this guideline focuses on strategies to convince clients to request and commission solar buildings. This includes recommendations for identifying client goals and motivations, and important integration considerations for common project types. Section two addresses communication strategies at the design and construction team level. Techniques for anchoring solar energy strategies within the project team and communication with manufacturers are addressed, as well as a separate discussion of communication strategies within a design-build process. Section three discusses tools for communication and design development, and includes national references to design guidelines for solar energy and architecture within the participating countries