Gesamtkonstruktionen

Gesamtkonstruktionen is a term used in German-speaking design and engineering to describe a holistic approach to creating constructions or products in which all sub-systems and components are developed as a single, coherent system. The aim is to ensure compatibility, performance, and lifecycle efficiency by integrating structure, envelope, mechanical, electrical, and software elements from the outset rather than in a sequential, ad hoc manner.

The scope of Gesamtkonstruktionen spans architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, and product design. It emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, early interface management, and the use of digital tools that support integrated modeling. Common methods include concurrent engineering, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and the development of digital twins to simulate how different parts interact over time. Modularity and prefabrication are often pursued to simplify manufacturing and assembly while maintaining overall system integrity.

In practice, the concept functions as a design philosophy rather than a formal discipline. It aligns with related ideas such as integrated design and systems engineering, while remaining distinct in its emphasis on architectural and construction-level cohesion. The term can be found in technical literature and project briefs that seek to optimize performance, cost, and maintenance through a unified design language and standardized interfaces.

Examples of environments where Gesamtkonstruktionen is applicable include complex buildings and infrastructure projects, as well as sophisticated machines and smart products where architecture, structure, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), and control systems are conceived together. The approach often yields improved constructability, reduced lifecycle costs, and more seamless operation of the final system.

See also: integrated design, systems engineering, Building Information Modeling, modular construction.