Design Economics

Question 1

List the three factors that affect the cost of construction? (3)

Answer 1

Design factors
Site factors
Economic factors

Question 2

What are the design factors? Ten to list

Answer 2

Plan shape
Grouping of buildings
Storey height
Number of storeys
Size of the building
Circulation space
Internal layout
Specification
Works within existing building
Sustainability

Question 3

What are the site factors that affect design?
Ten to list

Answer 3

Location
Topography
Geology
Sustainability
Environmental
Access
Existing services
Existing site use
Size of the site
Adjoining property

Question 4

What are the five economic factors that influence contractors bidding for projects?

Answer 4

Amount of construction work in the marketplace
Availability of resources
Desirability of the project
Cost of borrowing
Microeconomics of the tendering firms.

Question 5

Explain Plan Shape (3)

Answer 5

The shape affects :
The perimeter of the building.
The width of the building and therefore the span.
Simplicity of the shape.

Question 6

Plan Shape, list four elements that are affected in the external perimeter of a building.

Answer 6

External wall
Substructure/length of foundations
Roof, affects detail of eaves and gutters
Heat source & space heating

Question 7

Explain the affect of grouping of buildings elements . (4)

Answer 7

Grouping affects/impacts
Foundations
External walls
Party walls
Flashing at junctions

Question 8

Explain the economic affect of storey height (4)

Answer 8

Cost affect of increasing the storey height
Affects the vertical elements
Internal and external walls
Finishes and decorations
Means of access lift & stairs