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Article
Publication date: 6 March 2007

Tore I. Haugen

371

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Facilities, vol. 25 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

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Article
Publication date: 1 September 2004

Jan Brochner and Tore I. Haugen

229

Abstract

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Facilities, vol. 22 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

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Article
Publication date: 6 March 2007

Wacław Szarejko and Elzbieta Trocka‐Leszczynska

The purpose of this paper is to search for a modernization model of functionally obsolete office buildings, taking into consideration the different needs of potential users.

1442

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to search for a modernization model of functionally obsolete office buildings, taking into consideration the different needs of potential users.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of possibilities of adapting existing buildings to a contemporary conception of office space.

Findings

The paper presents a practical adaptation possibility of an object from the 1970s to contemporary conceptions of “cell”, “den”, “hive”, “club” and “office like a city” type of offices.

Research limitations/implications

Despite investigations being confined to Poland, a wider application of the method described in the paper seems possible in modernizing corridor‐system buildings constructed using prefabricated technology.

Practical implications

The solution proposed in the paper, based on contemporary knowledge bound with the design of office buildings, may allow better consideration of users' preferences in future modernization activities.

Originality/value

Analysis shows the possibilities for the conversion of technically and functionally obsolete buildings at the pre‐design stage. Based on the model's results, it is possible to integrate the program of modernisation efforts with an appropriate strategy of renting, which from the very beginning may be adapted to the requirements of companies of various organisational structures and needs.

Details

Facilities, vol. 25 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

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Article
Publication date: 6 March 2007

Arto Saari, Matti Kruus, Aimo Hämälainen and Juhani Kiiras

Nowadays it is typical that the precise use of a building becomes clear during construction. Current building processes do not support this in Finland. The objective of this study…

1039

Abstract

Purpose

Nowadays it is typical that the precise use of a building becomes clear during construction. Current building processes do not support this in Finland. The objective of this study is to present a novel systematic management of the design process for flexible construction projects, from the project programming stage through to overall design, detailed designs, procurement, and handover, in a situation where the final use of the building becomes clear only during construction.

Design/methodology/approach

The development work included a constructive search for solutions to the problems presented above. The process developed in this study is illustrated with two case projects analysed retrospectively.

Findings

According the open building principle, buildings should be divided into two parts: a permanent base building; and modifiable interior spaces. This division should apply throughout the building's entire life cycle, starting from the beginning of the construction project. The start of the project is the time when goals should be set for the flexibility of the building. The first step in this goal‐setting procedure is to define the flexible modifiable spaces, and the second step is to dimension the permanent base building. A design procedure for this open building procedure has also been developed in the study. The study concludes that traditional boundaries and the content of design packages must be changed. These boundaries should be compatible with the appropriate bid packages and should support implementation of the construction work. The bid packages should follow the division to base building and spaces too.

Originality/value

The procedure proposed forms guidelines for flexible programming, basic principles for design and procurement processes. In addition, it is the starting point to transforming the Finnish standard scope of work for design corresponding to the open building approach.

Details

Facilities, vol. 25 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 6 March 2007

Zuzana Vranayova, Juraj Kalas and Miroslav Lichner

Since 1989, the efficiency of heat production has increased remarkably, and heat and water consumption have decreased significantly. This is largely due to the liberalization of…

423

Abstract

Purpose

Since 1989, the efficiency of heat production has increased remarkably, and heat and water consumption have decreased significantly. This is largely due to the liberalization of prices (within 15 years heating prices have increased 25 times, water charges 50 times), legislative changes and the improved quality of administration of residential buildings. The purpose of this case study is to describe actual interventions and experiences from Slovakia's older residential houses. Some associations' efforts in relation to building management of housing estates have achieved such improvements, which are also instructive to advanced countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilises a case study approach.

Findings

On the basis of detailed analyses of housing estates it can be concluded that their physical condition, due to various structural defects and technical shortcomings, poor workmanship and neglected maintenance, is worse than that corresponding to their age, particularly in panel housing estates. A reduction in energy consumption in existing housing estates can be achieved mainly by taking the measures outlined. A reduction in energy consumption in residential buildings can be achieved effectively only in terms of real economic parameters. Artificially maintained low energy prices did not motivate residents to reduce heat or water consumption. Now that prices have been brought closer to those in other EU countries, the economic effectiveness of rationalization measures for reducing costs in heating residential buildings can be evaluated more objectively. Rationalization measures aimed at reducing energy consumption have proved successful. Building administration associations have transformed to a great extent.

Practical implications

The paper is a very useful source of information and impartial advice for associations wishing to achieve a necessary level of production and supervision.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified information/resource need and offers practical help for the effective management of housing estates.

Details

Facilities, vol. 25 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 6 March 2007

Antonio Frattari and David Lawrence

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the innovative concept of “envelope within an envelope” as a tool to give redundant timber farm barns (which may be perceived as…

500

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the innovative concept of “envelope within an envelope” as a tool to give redundant timber farm barns (which may be perceived as uneconomic for adaptation) new life for residential purposes. It aims to outline research that is proposed in order to provide guidelines for conservation/preservation professionals, potential user/occupants, investors and developers. It is based upon current problems existing in the Trentino region of Italy and the state of Michigan in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

After explaining the new concept and its potential for solving current conservation/preservation problems, the paper introduces technical and facilities management (FM) goals for research and development. Within the FM goal a series of objectives are outlined giving a broad methodology to consider user needs, costings, and communication needs for raising awareness.

Findings

The concept recognizes traditional conservation/preservation interventions capable of extending the life of a structure while at the same time permitting innovative technology to be introduced to provide modern and sustainable accommodation that will be perceived as economically viable.

Originality/value

The concept of “envelope within an envelope” incorporates not only technical elements of conservation/preservation but also behavioural and economic elements arising from the user‐orientated emphasis given by the introduction of an FM framework. This improves on the technocratic solutions that are offered by the “structure within a structure” concept.

Details

Facilities, vol. 25 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 6 March 2007

Maria Fianchini

The paper seeks to work out methodologies, procedures and tools to evaluate the fitness for purpose of university buildings, to be used for the brief.

1506

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to work out methodologies, procedures and tools to evaluate the fitness for purpose of university buildings, to be used for the brief.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation methodology is based on an approach comparing people needs with building performances and on an integration of analytical methods with empirical ones. It has been tested on a case study.

Findings

The test revealed that building occupants suffered some inconveniences with their activities that conditioned their well‐being and their work. It also attested the importance of an exact identification of the needs of the different user groups and the utility of accomplishing parametric controls and dimensional verifications together with user surveys and observation of behaviour in order to verify the fitness for purpose of the buildings.

Research limitations/implications

The research theme is part of the more general issue of the evaluation of the quality of public services. Other criteria and parameters would have to be elaborated and applied to buildings with different uses.

Practical implications

The paper presents a very useful evaluation model that allows very precise reflection on how buildings are used to determine the real needs and the problems that cause bad service quality and to prompt rehabilitation solutions.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified information/resources need and offers practical help to undertake a performance evaluation in the public sector. Moreover, it presents a case of building quality evaluation with user participation, which is quite unusual in Italy.

Details

Facilities, vol. 25 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 6 March 2007

Juliette McClatchey, Keith Cattell and Kathy Michell

The purpose of this paper is to report on the findings of completed case studies of two major multi‐channel grocery retailers in South Africa. The aim of the research was to…

6360

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the findings of completed case studies of two major multi‐channel grocery retailers in South Africa. The aim of the research was to establish the potential that online grocery retail has to undermine traditional retail by decreasing foot traffic and undermining rental income.

Design/methodology/approach

The growth of online shopping in the retail sector is a matter of concern for those involved in the development and management of shopping centres. Non‐probability convenience sampling was employed to interview shoppers in the five largest regional shopping centres in Cape Town tenanted by the two major grocery “e‐tailers” in South Africa.

Findings

The findings show that the online grocery market is an expanding market segment. Furthermore, diminished foot traffic is likely to affect the ability of smaller retailers to pay turnover rentals. Miller's revised rent model is adapted and used to illustrate the potential savings that may be generated by changing the rent models currently in use.

Research limitations/implications

Future research into exactly what consumers buy online from food retailers needs to be undertaken in order to establish the maximum potential reduction in foot traffic attracted by food anchors.

Practical implications

It is concluded that the South African retail industry is heavily reliant on traditional retail centres and although the loss in rentals resulting from online grocery sales is not currently considerable, it does represent a potential future threat.

Originality/value

The paper speculates about the effects of growth in online buying on rental agreements in shopping centres. The paper would appeal to property investors, property developers and facilities managers.

Details

Facilities, vol. 25 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 6 March 2007

Göran Lindahl and Nina Ryd

The paper seeks to suggest methods that will enable innovative and effective communication and collaboration between clients and construction project management professionals.

7998

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to suggest methods that will enable innovative and effective communication and collaboration between clients and construction project management professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology involves workshops with construction clients documented in working documents circulated to participants.

Findings

Workshops revealed trends that urge a re‐evaluation of the briefing process. The need for better briefing with the focus on end‐users is increasing. The findings also pointed to difficulties for construction projects to deliver what the user‐clients need. There was considered to be a lack of systems and methods to keep track of user client demands sufficiently and in a satisfactory way. Goals need to be iterated and validated on a regular and coherent basis throughout projects. An increased interest for process‐oriented and strategic briefing was indicated.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies are required to develop a client/user driven construction process that is more than just new statements. Research needs to address not only issues in the business as such, but also what requirements should be put on the education and training of stakeholders who are active in the construction sector.

Practical implications

The paper presents a challenge to the traditional role of several actors; there is a need to communicate core business needs to construction prerequisites in a reciprocal way. There is a need of choosing logic – however, this does not diminish the need for methodologies for capturing, processing and verifying requirements in the process of provision of facilities to a user.

Originality/value

The paper proposes the idea that different logics govern actions by construction industry stakeholders, an issue the construction sector needs to address.

Details

Facilities, vol. 25 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 6 March 2007

Hilde T. Remøy and Theo J.M. van der Voordt

The vacancy of office buildings leads to financial problems for the owners and social problems for the community, e.g. vandalism, dereliction and deterioration. A solution may be…

3675

Abstract

Purpose

The vacancy of office buildings leads to financial problems for the owners and social problems for the community, e.g. vandalism, dereliction and deterioration. A solution may be found through the conversion of vacant office buildings into housing. Vacancy‐threatened buildings are often part of the mediocre part of the building stock. Does conversion make sense in this case? What are the opportunities, threats and risks? What are the critical success factors? The purpose of this paper is to discuss financial, functional, structural, technical and aesthetic issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Through previous research at the Delft University of Technology, tools are developed to decide the potential for the conversion of buildings. This paper discusses the risks and chances, and brakes and triggers of transformation projects, based on case studies. These case studies are performed through interviews with professionals involved in the transformation process and through analyses of architectural drawings of the before and after situations. For each project two interviews were held, with the architect and the developer or client. The interviews focussed on the process of the transformation projects.

Findings

The conversion of nondescript and unarticulated buildings makes sense from the point of view of sustainability, both ecologically and in an urban regeneration context. These projects will only be interesting for developers of commercial real estate if they can be made economically feasible. Social housing associations also have additional social goals. Through a longer investment perspective these associations can wait for property increases through long‐term externalities as result of upgrading of the area. In buildings that are kept because of economical or social feasibility there are strong connections between the target group, the location and the conversion costs.

Practical implications

The tools developed have proved to be useful for quick scans of the potential for building conversion. This paper is a first step in trying to depict a more detailed view of the risks and chances of building conversions. Knowledge of the risks and chances of conversion is required to make decisions concerning transformation projects.

Originality/value

The paper develops knowledge about transformation projects and decision support tools for the conversion of buildings, based on empirical studies.

Details

Facilities, vol. 25 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

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