If that is not possible, there are job captains, project foremen, engineers, consultants, contractors, developers, representatives of the client and even building maintenance personnel who can shed light on aspects of the building. The scope of the exercise exceeds the abilities of one person. Operating in teams is a requirement. The typical team consists of four members. The typical project examines two buildings.
Variations are possible.
Other possibilities exist, such as two buildings by the same architect, or two long span buildings, or two multifunction buildings, or by material, or by system, or by technique. By system is the preferred method. Similar systems are compared, i.e. structure, enclosure, HVAC, electrical, lighting, telecommunication, vertical circulation, fire prevention and suppression, construction, etc. Since many systems are being explored it is not expected that each will be done in great detail. The focus is on strategy.