Abstract:
The traditional procurement approaches commonly adopted in construction projects and the involvement of multitude of various project participants with diverse objectives, skills and interests tended to separate design from conbstruction.. This separation
obstructs contractors from providing designers with construction
feedback and suggestions for design improvement, which ultimately
hampers the improvement of building performance. Because of the importance
of the design phase and the vital role played by contractors in
the construction industry, this paper aims to investigate the integration
of construction knowledge and contractor’s experience in the design
process as an approach for improving building performance. In order
to achieve this aim, a research methodology is designed to accomplish
four objectives. Firstly, reviewing the nature of the construction industry;
constructability; architecture and the design process and measuring
building performance. Secondly, presenting case studies of successful
projects benefited from applying the concept of constructability during
the design process. Thirdly, developing an innovative framework
to facilitate the integration of construction knowledge and contractor’s
experience in the design process and establishing the strategies that
support its application. Finally, summarising research conclusions and
recommendations useful to construction professionals and further research.
Findings of the research showed that integrating the concept of
constructability during the design process improves building performance
(e.g. reducing construction time, cost and waste as well as improving
quality and productivity) and enhances the relationships between
project participants. The research adds a valuable contribution to the
built environment body of knowledge through presenting a practical approach
for integrating construction knowledge and contractor’s experience
in the design process.
Keywords:
Constructability, design
management, design
process, partnering,
performance, quality.
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