Influence of total building performance, spatial and acoustic concepts on buildability scores of facilities

Abstract

Purpose - While the buildability concept and habitation comfort have been studied extensively, these have so far been examined separately. In particular, the implications which the total building performance (TBP) concept, as part of habitation comfort, may have on buildability are as yet unknown. Arising from this lacuna, the objective of this study is to develop an understanding of the relationship between buildability and the two TBP concepts of spatial and acoustic performance. Design/methodology/approach - In studying the relationship between the spatial and acoustic performance concepts and buildability, a base model was used to establish the baseline for comparison. This base model was adopted from the Code of Practice on Buildable Design implemented by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore. The incorporation of spatial and acoustic performance guidelines on the base model was examined to assess their influence on the buildability score. Findings - Analysis for the spatial performance concept yielded a slight decrease in the buildability score after the incorporation of the guidelines. This was also the case in the acoustic performance concept, where there was a slight decrease in the buildability score. Nevertheless, the reductions do not affect the buildability score so significantly. The minimum buildability score requirements set by the BCA were still met after the incorporation of the guidelines. This seems to suggest that there is minimal effect on the buildability score arising from the implementation of both the spatial and acoustic performance concepts. Practical implications - The study determined that the two TBP concepts of spatial and acoustic performance do not seem to have any significantly adverse effect on buildability. Building professionals can therefore incorporate appropriate spatial and acoustic performance guidelines in their architectural layout designs without compromising on buildability. Originality/value - This study presents a better understanding of the relationship between buildability and the two TBP concepts of spatial and acoustic performance. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.