Improving Building Performance through Integrating Constructability in the Design Process

The traditional procurment 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 construction.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