A Model for Managing and Evaluating Quality in Architectural Projects

Author(s):

Dr. Om Prakash Bawane , R V College of Architecture, Bangalore

Keywords:

Quality, Design Quality, Design Audits, Quality Indicators, Sustainability

Abstract:

Quality is obscure; hence difficult to define its attributes in precise terms. The perception of quality has been always subjective; thus the quality assessment of a product or service may vary with individuals. Manufacturing industry has successfully evolved a system of managing and evaluating the quality of industrial products. However, much greater challenge is involved in managing and accessing the quality of something which is yet to be translated into a product. Architectural design is one such creation where conventional approach of evaluating quality cannot be applied. This paper attempts to explain the concept of quality as applicable to architectural projects. This paper outlines a model that can be applied to in managing design quality in architectural projects. The paper provides an overview of some tools that are in use to assess the design quality. These tools define the relationship among three vital aspects of design quality i.e. impact, functionality and build quality. The buildings are major contributors to climate change. Hence, it is imperative that the issue of sustainability is addressed by the architecture community at early design stage. This necessitates to recognise ‘sustainability’ as fourth aspect of design quality. The paper proposes a pyramidic model with sustainability being the fourth vital indicator of design quality.

Other Details:

Manuscript Id	:	IJSTEV4I3018
Published in	:	Volume : 4, Issue : 3
Publication Date	:	01/10/2017
Page(s)	:	71-75

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