Why MEP?

The MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) is the “life” of the Building. I like to compare a building to our human body, which we can all relate with.

In order to have support for the different forces of nature and human use, a building has a facade which represents the “skin.” It also has a structure which can be compared to our bones and muscles, but to have life, the human body must have different functioning organ systems, and this is how I view MEP.

The Mechanical System, also called HVAC (Heat, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) manages the air. When we take a deep breath, air comes from outside and then goes into our lungs, and that’s what ventilation is. The equipment that is part of this system includes but is not limited to: Fans, Air Compressors and Air Handler Units, which manage the flow (velocity in a determined area) and temperature of this air, giving comfort and temperature regulation to the Building.

The Electrical System is  energy management. There’s electricity from multiple sources, some non-renewable (coal, gas, uranium, petroleum, etc.) and some renewable (hydro, wind, solar, etc.). Most of this electricity is provided by an electrical company,  it goes to a meter can and then the Building has a load center that manages, protects and distributes this power to different devices (outlets, appliances, lights, equipment, etc.). Similarly, our body needs energy to perform work and it has an internal system that manages this energy distribution.

The Plumbing System basically is water distribution. The water comes to The Building from different sources such as lakes, the ocean, underground, etc. and it is distributed to the fixtures for human needs. Then this water is disposed and carried off into the septic tank or municipal sewer. Just as waters bring “life” to a building,  it is essential for life itself.

In conclusion, the Architect and Structural Engineer establish the Building size, spaces, support and appearance, and it is the MEP Engineer who defines the items that are needed to operate daily and dynamically, this is the constant movement of Air, Electrons and Water.