Every project is led by the Architect. Hence, the final finishes are of atmost importance. Thats where Reflected Ceiling Plan comes into the picture and so is the RCP co-ordination.
The MEP final fixes (like HVAC supply & retun grills, Fire Alarm detectors, Sprinklers, Lights etc) are to be arranged well with false ceiling design and alignment. This is called RCP co-ordination.
Proper care to keep the RCP aesthetic with MEP functionality intact is a fine engineering thought process.
Things to keep in mind here are:
MEP priority
Though different MEP services have same importance, there are priorities within MEP final fixes wrt RCP coordination . The first priority is given to LIGHTS as these will be always ON to avoid shadow areas. Second will be given to detectors and sprinklers as these are life safety devices and have a span radius to activate. The placement can be adjusted with the span radius. Next priority can be the grills and so on.
RCP support
Already mentioned in the support co-ordination system blog.
Symmetry
When MEP final fixes are placed in symmetry wrt the RCP, and the functionality explained, then the architect cannot comment much. The eveness of lights, the distribution of detectors/sprinkles, the placement of final fixes in equal intervals are some way to get this done.
Its always better to get the RCP layout and MEP team doing this exercise rather than Architect dictating where to place the final fixes. This will keep the MEP service functionality proper and avoid arguments on authority approval.
As important is the knowledge of MEP to the Architect/Civil engineers, so is the importance of a architectural vision for MEP engineers. This will reduce the clash between Architecture and MEP and will help keep the aestheticisml also in tact.
Access doors
Access doors are required for future maintanence of equipments. The location of such should be placed in such a way so that the particular equipment is easily reached on to. There shall not be any MEP final fix on an access door location
Once the RCP coordination is done, there need to be a micro co-ordination again above the false ceiling to get the respective service branches to the final fixes. If proper MEP co-ordination and Support co-ordination is done, then this final touch is a time saver.
Next blog: Arch and Civil help in MEP co-ordination.