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Design of External works(Hardscape): Activities that can adversely impact business -Function-Design of Architecture
The design scope includes roads, paved areas, pathways, drainages, water bodies, fountains, entry drives, gates, pavilions, recreation areas, gazebos, boundary walls, external lighting areas, signages, terraces, etc.Characteristics of a Robust External development work design can be measured vis a vis:Aspects in coordination with architects &Interior designers· Designing for tasteful and functional paving · Raising playgrounds at the appropriate level · Providing outdoor recreation and Physical activity · Preservation of historical heritage · Designing all external works which conform to sanctioned/regulatory approvals· Designing for Efficient utilization of space in the landscape area· Designing Patios, deck designs, fencing, boundary walls, pavers, concrete works, pebbles, and safe Driveways· Designing Lawn Furniture which is weather-proof · Provisioning of swimming Pool and Spas· Designing of Patios, Fencing, Driveways, · Designing for Ponds and Water bodies Aspects in coordination with MEP designers · Designing Ponds and Water bodies that are scenic · Create Swimming Pools and Spas that meet statutory/safety requirements· Designing Outdoor Kitchen · Proposing sustainable solutions in favour of the environment · Regeneration of polluted areas · Designing Storm-water management · Providing solutions for cleaning the soil and water · Use of lighting as a powerful toolInputs that contribute to making a good design of Hardscape (landscape) design include:1 Proposing the right choice of materials, in terms of specifications while optimizing costs for the following: Types of materials for use Key specifications of building materials (as required by customers and National/international Quality standards) Stones/Marbles, Paving material, Pebbles Stones/Marbles Natural or synthetic, Overall dimensions -size, commercial name, country, thickness, colour, hardness, grain size, texture, polish ability, chemical properties, etc. Paving material Shape, size, thickness, compression strength, and coefficient of friction to prevent skidding Types (e.g., Asphalt, Concrete, albed, asphalt mixture, asphalt binder, etc.) Structure steel, low alloy steel, Stainless steel, etc Tensile strength, yield strength, elasticity, hardness, ductility, strain, toughness, and so on Wooden size, colour, luster, grains, content, hardness, density, shear resistance, and so on Aluminum strength to weight, air tightness, heat deflection, corrosion resistance, appearance, and so on plastics materials Strength, fire resistance, weather resistance, durability, size, colur, chemical resistance, thermal resistance, Signages Material type (steel, aluminum, plastic, glass, etc.), size, strength, type of lights, colour, language, etc. And so on 2. Incorporating, in Hardscape-related design & drawings, good practices for construction or & installation of the following as per applicable Quality standards: · Construction of irrigation & drainage system, subsoil drainage.· Construction of sculptures, water bodies · Laying of turf · Developing Golf areas · Installation, testing & commissioning of signboards, streetlights, night lighting unique fixtures, etc.· Constructing external walls · Controlling vehicular traffic · Paving slabs· Surfacing of gravels· Laying of Kerbs and stones· Construction & erecting structures · Providing inputs to the Architects, softscape architects, Interior designers, and MEP designers for integration of all designs across the project · This may require using design software such as Idea spectrum Realtime landscape pro, NCH software dream plan, smart draw, etc., and other software options Five stages for developing the design of hardscape/external development Design activities vary considerably from company to company, but generally, there are five stages to designing the Hardscape as below. Whatever designing processes and software are used, designing must result in developing Robust designs by accomplishing the following:· Build designs that are comprehensive, accurate· Contributes to building quality in construction by incorporating national and international quality standards in BOQ/material specifications and construction processes· Integrates statutory and safety requirements (if applicable) in the designs and drawings · Optimise project costs· Enables efficient delivery of designs & drawings · Incorporates maker-checker step in each design stage through the implementation of segregation of duties concept The five stages are:Usually, there are 5 stages for designing hardscape/external development works as below. · 1 Develop Concept designs · 2 Develop a Detailed design· 3 Develop Tenders (Technical design aspects· 4 Estimating Costs· 5 Issuing As-built drawing This may require using design software such as AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, etc., and other software optionsIn the below-listed activities, those marked *reflect those activities which can have adverse statutory implications. Stage 1 Activities that can adversely impact business · Not obtaining or and not incorporating inputs (like visioning for different types of rooms, halls, recreation areas, gazebos, restaurants, paved areas, pathways, water bodies, fountains, entry drives, gates, pavilions, boundary walls, lighting areas, signages, terraces) from functions into building Hardscape design· Using unlicensed software while developing a concept design for Hardscape. · Not vetting the concept and detailed design/making compromises while vetting Hardscape, in collaboration with, inhouse or outsourced Hardscape consultant, by skipping or compromising on important designs and drawings aspects such as below. Vis a vis Hardscape Features: · Tolerances on material specifications and Workmanship· Statutory code-related requirements for Hardscape. * · National and international standards for quality · Raw Materials (hardware, glazing, stones, claddings, etc.) sizes and specifications · Quality requirements and suggestive gauging· Hardscape safety requirements* · Bribing mandatory Agencies which approve the Hardscape relevant for issuing compliance * Stage 2 Activities that can adversely impact business · Design intent not aligned to approved concept design.· Hardscape detailed drawings, not comprehensive vis a vis site plans/drawings with dimensions, gradings, material, soil depth, drainage, water features, etc. or not accurate · Material specification incomplete Stage 3 Activities that can adversely impact business · In the tender, the designer/architect includes names and brands of specific materials only for pre-identified /preferred vendors of the designer/architect in return for commission/kickback from such vendors. * · The designer/architect recommends only a single source for many BOQ materials and thus leaving very few options with the project materials team to negotiate prices aggressively in return for commission/kickback from such vendors · Tender drawings not incorporating applicable quality standards for all works. · Tender drawings not incorporating applicable statutory requirements vis-à-vis applicable national/international codes w.r.t safety. * Stage 4 Activities that can adversely impact business Computing Hardscape costs based on thumb rules rather than on the first principal basis vis-à-vis following, leading to underestimating or overestimating project costs. · Skipping a few BOQ input/raw materials costs for some of the areas such as roads, paved areas, pathways, drainages, water bodies, fountains, entry drives, gates, pavilions, recreation areas, gazebos, boundary walls, external lighting areas, signages, terraces, etc· Inaccurate estimates of Cost elements such as BOQ materials used for civil works, steel, equipment, etc. both for inhouse and those in the scope of Contractor including labor component, construction, installation, etc. for all types of Hardscape elements Stage 5 Activities that can adversely impact business · The landscape designer /architect issuing “As-built drawings” for hardscape drawings that are aligned to earlier approved drawings by the project head but at variant vis-à-vis actual completed physical construction (in terms of approved plans and construction materials used etc). You can read more about the 21 activities that can adversely impact business in Chapter 1 of my handbook ETHICS in the real estate and hospitality industry, Volume 1- Architectural, Interior design and MEP services “
Designing of Softscape / Landscape: activities that can adversely impact business -Function-Design of Architecture
The design scope includes the following: · Selection of following and finalising the specifications of: § Trees § Plants for exterior and interior areas, etc § Ground covers § Grassing § Planters · Providing technical guidelines for planting, layouts, spacing, quantity take off, watering, and fungi-control and maintenance · Designing of Golf course and other landscape sloping or uneven areas · Providing design ideas to the Architect team for § Swimming Pools and Spas § Lawn Furniture § Outdoor Kitchens § Landscape Lighting § Watering system Characteristics of a Robust softscape design can be measured vis a vis: Architecture /horticulture-related aspects · Scenic beauty of the landscape · Contributing to air purification · Selection of Plants/trees/shrubs etc installed as per planned specifications/sizes and aesthetically appealing in various spaces · Designing for efficient utilization of softscape space in the landscape area · Introducing roof gardens · Bringing in green walls · Golf course contours and grassing quality meeting International and national standards MEP design-related aspects · Preservation of the environment · Storm-water management · Cleaning the soil and water · Use of lighting as a powerful tool · Ease of maintenance Inputs that contribute to making a good Interior design include: 1 Proposing the right choice of Trees/plants, planters, etc., in terms of specifications while optimizing costs : Types of softscape/ landscape items Key specifications of plants & trees (as required by customers and suggested by Horticulturist /designers or applicable quality standards) Trees Types (coconut palm, oak, pine, redwood, etc.), Sizes: Height, stem/trunk diameter, attached branches, canopy uniformity & fullness, leaves, flowers/fruits, etc., root, etc.) Ground covers -for areas like garden, landscape, kitchen, inside rooms, work areas Choices: Flower Colour, fragrance, charm, sizes Types: rubber, wandering Jews, betel leaf, peace lily, fittonia-spotted plant, dummies-(Ixora, herbs, anthurium, hoya), etc. wooly thyme, Irish moss, blue star creepers, Roman chamomile, lady’s mantle, Corsican mint, beach strawberries, and so on), Grassing-(cool or warm season) 1Blade – flat, narrow, sharp, pointed, rounded hair-like e, V shape, visible vein, broad 2colour/texture -soft, dense, dark green, pale green, spongy, pricky, stiff, carpet like 3 Size growth-height, bunch type, quick, slow 4 Water-frequent, average, below average 5 Cool season- few examples-Bent grass, Fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, Ryegrass, Tall fescue, 6 Warm season -few examples -Bermuda, centipede, Zoysia, Dichondra, St. Augustine grass, Golf course-9 holes or 18 holes Specifications of different parts of a Golf course · The tea box (teeing ground where hole begins), · fairway (30-50 meters from the hole with tight trimmed grass) · The green (where each hole is located, with cut short grass) · The rough (an area that surrounds the fairway with longer grass) · Hazards (ponds, lakes, creeks, etc.), bunkers Turf grass-durable, drought tolerant, climate-driven Turf choices (Bermuda, Bentgrass, Fescue, Zoysia, Poa annua, Rye) Planters-outdoor or indoor Types-Ceramic, plastic, wooden, concrete, nursery pots, garden-planter Urns, grow bags, window boxes, wall planters, vertical planting towers, hanging baskets, railing planters, raised beds, terrariums, globe containers, themed planters, Physical-Dimensions, shapes, colour, texture, weight, strength, weatherability, porous/drainage holes, durability, water circulation, ants proof, And so on 2 Incorporating, in Landscape(softscape) related design & drawings, good practices for planting or & installation of the following as per applicable Quality standards: · Guying and planting of Trees, and plants, Ground covers, grass · Fertilisation · Transplanting · Watering · Handling · Pest control · Fungicides control · Method of constructing Golf- course 3 Building quality in the designing process for Softscape using designing software: · Horticulturists proposing High-Quality § Trees Plants § Ground covers, shrubs, etc § Grass § Planters § Golf course § Watering system § Planting, growing, and maintenance of plants · Providing valuable inputs to other designers (architect or & interior designer, or & MEP designer) for: § Designing of swimming Pool, ponds, and waterbodies § Designing of Patios, Fencing, Driveways, § Designing Lawn /landscape furniture § Designs for Landscape Lighting § Designing for the watering system This may require using design software such as Idea spectrum Realtime landscape pro, NCH software dream plan, smart draw, etc., and other software options Five stages for developing the design of Softscape Design activities vary considerably from company to company, but generally, there are 5 stages to designing the softscape as below. Whatever designing processes and software are used, designing must result in developing Robust designs by accomplishing the following: · Build designs that are comprehensive, accurate · Contributes to building quality in construction by incorporating national and international quality standards in BOQ/material specifications and construction processes · Integrates statutory and safety requirements (if applicable) in the designs and drawings · Optimise project costs · Enables efficient delivery of designs & drawings · Incorporates maker-checker step in each design stage through the implementation of segregation of duties concept The five stages are: · 1 Develop Concept designs · 2 Develop a Detailed design · 3 Develop Tenders (Technical design aspects · 4 Estimating costs · 5 Issuing As-built drawing In the activities listed below, those marked ‘*’ reflect those activities which can have adverse statutory implications. Stage 1 Activities that can adversely impact business · Not obtaining and not incorporating inputs (like types and sizes of plants, ground covers, planters, and plants for exterior and interior areas) from property owners, sales team, and design teams functions in Building Softscape design · Using unlicensed software while developing a concept design for Softscape* · Not vetting the concept and detailed design /making compromises while vetting Softscape, in collaboration with, inhouse or outsourced Horticulture consultant, by skipping or compromising on important designs and drawings aspects such as below vis a vis Softscape Features: § Tolerances on softscape material specifications and workmanship for installation § Bill of quantities for Softscape- plants, ground covers, grassing, trees, planters, and plants § National and international standards for quality § Sizes and specifications for Softscape § Softscape safety requirements * · Bribing mandatory Agencies (e.g., green building-related) which approve the Softscape relevant for issuing compliance * Stage 2 Activities that can adversely impact business · Design intent not aligned to approved concept design · Softscape specifications/detailed drawings not comprehensive or not accurate vis a vis plants, ground covers, grassing, trees, planters, etc. · Softscape layout, spacings, and quantities w. r. t. softscape elements are neither comprehensive nor accurate · Methods for guying, watering, handling, pest control, transplanting, equipment, fungicides control and method for developing Golf course not insufficient details vis-à-vis each type of Plants, Ground covers, Grassing, Trees, etc. · Assigning the same landscape designer to develop specifications & drawings in this stage who developed concept designs in earlier design stages thus not implementing the segregation of duties concept* · Compromising specifications for the development of samples in collusion with vendor/contractor · · Stage 3 Activities that can adversely impact business · In the tender, the landscape designer/architect includes names and brands of specific materials only for pre-identified /preferred vendors of the landscape architect in return for commission/kickback from such vendors. · Landscape designer/Architect recommending only a single source for many plants, ground covers, grassing, trees, planters, and plants for interior areas and thus leaving very few options with the Project materials team to negotiate prices aggressively in return for commission /kickback from such vendors. · Tender drawings not incorporating applicable Quality-standards or specifications for all works. · Inspection requirements w.r.t. each BOQ material is not comprehensive. · Stage 4 Activities that can adversely impact business Computing Softscape costs are based on thumb rules rather than on a first principal basis, such as below, leading to underestimating or overestimating project costs. · Estimating costs related to directly bought out BOQ inputs (such as plants, ground covers, grassing, trees, planters, and plants for interior areas) by the project team and issued to the Contractor, labor component, construction, installation, etc. for all types of Softscape · Estimating costs related to BOQ inputs in the scope of the Contractor including labor component, construction, installation, etc. for all types of Softscape · Costs w.r.t. installation of plants, ground covers, grassing, trees, planters, and other landscape material is not considered Stage 5 Activities that can adversely impact business · Horticulture consultant/landscape designer architect issuing “As-built drawings” for Softscape drawings which are aligned to earlier approved drawings by the project head but at variant vis-à-vis actual completed physical construction (in terms of approved plants, ground covers, grassing, trees, planters, and plants for interior areas materials used and their layouts/quantities, etc.) You can read more about the 21 activities that can adversely impact business in Chapter 1 of my handbook ETHICS in the real estate and hospitality industry, Volume 1- Architectural, Interior design, and MEP services “
Design of HVAC works (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning works - Activities that can adversely impact business -
As shared in an earlier MEP Electrical works design blog, there are many MEP Packages such as:· Design of Electrical - external and Internal works, Designing of Airconditioning -Works, Design of lighting works, Design of plumbing and water (hot and cold) supply works, Energy management works for green building, firefighting works, Designing of lifts/elevators works, Design of STP (sewerage treatment plant) works, Waste management works, Design of fuel storage and supply works, Design of solar energy works, Design of wind engineering works, Design of audio-visual works, Heating works, Ventilation & exhaust works, Acoustics works, Facility management works, Hospitality works like kitchen and laundry, IT infrastructure, Building automation, and so on This blog covers the Design of Air conditioning & basement ventilation works This Design can be relevant for buildings used for residential, commercial, shopping malls, education institutes, hotels, hospitals, offices, etc. Characteristics of a Robust Airconditioning and robust ventilation Design works can be measured vis a vis: Robust Airconditioning · Optimum usage of energy-saving BOQ materials and systems for Air-conditioning (eg. Chillers, VRV, Outdoor units/indoor units, low power consumption units, etc.) · BOQ, refringent, and the entire Airconditioning system that conforms to local Quality standards and preferably international quality standards such as ASHRAE (American society of heating, refrigeration & Airconditioning) · Layout schemes designed for cold air supply distribution system, coils that are optimum and are concealed · Coming up with designs that are eco-friendly and sustainable energy · Configuring the Design of Airconditioning BOQ, their installation, and commissioning that ensure conformance of integrated system to meet statutory requirements · Integrated building management systemsRobust Basement ventilation · Ability to extract and push out polluted air and introduce the same volume of fresh air at an hourly rate · Ability to condition the air to an acceptable usage level of quality that is comfortable · Meeting the statutory levels in terms of air quality levels (e.g. carbon mono oxide) within statutory levels.· Preferably meeting ASHRAE (American society of heating, refrigeration & Airconditioning) standards for the exchange of air in terms of cfm-cubic feet per hour with new or clean air. · Eliminating potential bacteria, microbes that cause respiratory issues or sinus problems Common aspects of a Robust air- conditioning and basement ventilation system Design schemes that enable installation & commissioning of equipment with optimised capacity · Design arrangements that enable easy maintainability · Incorporate flexibility in the Design to meet challenges towards potential changes in technology or energy savings or costs · Coming up with design solutions that are scalable /expandable · Approving specifications/brands of BOQ that enable the least downtime · Approving designs that lay focus on the total cost of ownership including running costs · Delivering specifications and drawings that are easy to understand and incorporate international standards Inputs that contribute to making an excellent Electrical design include:1. Proposing the right choice of strong materials, in terms of specifications while optimizing costs for: Types of materials for use Key specifications of building materials (as required by customers and National/international Quality standards) i) Airconditioning designs VRV Make, Brand, Tonnage, Inverter Technology, star rating, refrigerant, (For chiller-British thermal units /hour or a ton of refrigeration /hour Outdoor and Indoor units Size, make, colour, filter type/size, Compressor Cfm (cubic feet per minute and horsepower condenser coils Tube material, tube diameter, thickness, temperature, vapor density, environment friendliness Instrumentation, and remote controls Pressures and temperatures ranges Refrigerants Freezing temperature, evaporation pressure, condensation pressure. And so on basement ventilation Centrifugal fans Make, brand, Fan Model, Size/diameter, CFM, Static Pressure (SP), and Loudness Limit. Jet fans Make, brand, Model, Size/diameter, Thrust in Newton, no of speed steps MS Conduits Make, brand, Model, Gauge of the sheet, diameter Diffusers- Aluminum, steel plastic Make, brand, Model Size, throw pattern (2,3,4 way or 360 degrees), etc Grill Make, brand, Model Size, Nominal sizes, Volume flow rate as Cubic feet /hour. And so on 2 Incorporating, in HVAC-related Design & drawings, good practices for construction or & installation of the following as per applicable Quality standards:i) Airconditioning§ Installation of VRV or outdoor units, indoor units. § Central refrigeration plant, chillers§ Distribution pipelines§ Cooling towers§ Air handling units§ Grills, fans, filters &Fan coil units§ Fabricating and laying of ducting, copper pipes,§ Installing pipe insulations, control cables, v joints § Filling of refrigerants § Installation, testing, and commissioning of complete AC system§ Installation of local cooling unitsii)basement ventilation § Fabrication of ducting & its installation § Installation of MS conduits, pressurization system, grills, diffusers, etc§ Installation of fresh air fans, exhaust fans, propeller fans, air washers, pressure fans,§ Installation of cable layouts and terminations, distribution panels§ Installation, testing, and commissioning of the completed Basement Ventilation system iii)Providing inputs to the building architects, Interior designers, and all other MEP-package designers for integration of all designs across the project 3 Building quality in the MEP-HVAC design process-using designing software:Essential technical steps/activities include performing the following for developing designs.Design calculations for determining capacity for the Airconditioning & basement ventilation systems for the project include: Air-conditioning · Cooling load computation · Cool air distribution scheme · Incorporating installation, testing, and commissioning aspects and following local and international quality standards like ASHRAE (American Society for heating, refrigeration, and Airconditioning) and National building code, BIS, National building code, etc. · Including detailed 3D BIM Modelling Services with HVAC with BOQ depicted, · Develop airconditioning works related to shop drawings · Designs supporting all applicable quality standards ii) Basement ventilation · CFM and sizing calculations· Pressure loss calculations· Duct and diffuser layouts· Duct construction standardsSoftware like Revit MEP, AutoCAD HVAC, Quick Allot, or similar ones with 3D MEP BIM modeling features can be considered for developing design airconditioning and basement ventilation works. Eight stages for developing the Design of Air-conditioning and basement ventilation Design activities vary considerably from company to company, but generally, there are eight stages to designing the MEP-HVAC for buildings, as below. Whatever designing processes and software are used, designing must result in developing Robust designs by accomplishing the following:· Build designs that are comprehensive, accurate· Contributes to building quality in construction by incorporating national and international quality standards in BOQ/material specifications and construction processes· Integrates statutory and safety requirements (if applicable) in the designs and drawings · Optimise project costs· Enables efficient delivery of designs & drawings · Incorporates maker-checker step in each design stage through the implementation of segregation of duties concept 8 Stages are:Stage 1) Develop a preliminary design brief and drawings Stage 2) Detailed design /drawings /specifications and schemeStage 3) Develop schematic drawings for statutory approvalsStage 4) Develop tender with BOQ and specificationsStage 5) Making constructions drawings duly coordinated (GFC)-Design and drawings for HVAC works: (Stage 6) Perform final Design calculations Stage 7) Making Cost estimates -For the entire project including in Rs and Cost/Sft. of the saleable area or built-up area or both Stage 8) Issue “As-built drawing”-post-work completion and approval This may require using software such as Quick Allot, Revit MEP, AutoCAD HVAC, and other software options.In the below-listed activities, those marked *reflect those activities which can have adverse statutory implications. Stage 1 Activities that can adversely impact business · Strategic plans for Design not aligned with visions · Developing non-comprehensive design brief (vis a vis cooling load, air circulation requirements, etc.)· Skipping developing all preliminary designs Stage 2 Activities that can adversely impact business · Making Compromises in the airconditioning and basement ventilation designs by skipping or compromising on essential aspects such as below. i)Design features vis a vis Heating works, Heat exchangers, Fan coil systems, Reverse cycle heating system, Distribution pipelines, Valves, Pumps, Fittings, Instrumentation and control, Local heating units, Chillers, VRV, Outdoor units, Indoor units, Centrifugal fans, jet fans, Ventilation, air conditioning, pipes, insulations, etc ii) National and international standards for quality iii) Specifications of BOQ material iv) Tolerances on workmanship vis a vis installation and commissioning· Not incorporating comprehensive Quality requirements · Not considering comprehensive Design-related construction processes for HVAC works · Design without considering standardization leading to higher costs · Inaccurate Bill of quantities for each design area /no off of HVAC package items · Not factoring in acceptance criteria for HVAC design work in process and completed area · MEP designer or consultant Insisting on specific brands of BOQ such as heat exchangers, valves, pumps for the Heating system, centrifugal pumps, jet pumps for the ventilation system and chillers, Outdoor units, indoor units of Air conditioners, etc. in collusion with vendors of specific brands of BOQ items and getting financial favors. * · · Assigning the same designer to develop designs, drawings schematic designs & drawings, who initially developed concept design thus not implementing the segregation of duties concept*· Compromising specifications for the development of samples of HVAC materials in collusion with vendor/contractor. * · Using unlicensed software while developing HVAC designs. * · Issuing of Design and drawings to HVAC contractor at project site without any version control · Not shredding waste designs/drawings or not deleting obsolete /old soft drawings* Stage 3 Activities that can adversely impact business · Not incorporating all requirements vis a vis Statutory approval and design/drawings*· Bribing mandatory Agencies which approve the safety-related specifications of HVAC design works relevant for safety, e.g. fume extraction, insulations, etc* · Contractors influence certifying agencies for making compromising on certification in return for favours. *· Assigning the same designer to develop schematic designs and statutory drawings, who initially developed concept design or schematic designs thus not implementing the segregation of duties concept*· Stage 4 Activities that can adversely impact business · Making tenders that are not comprehensive vis-à-vis technical specifications or are deliberately stated vaguely for subsequent manipulations amongst the MEP team members and contractor with ulterior motives. * · In the tender, the MEP consultant/employees /engineers include names and brands of specific materials only for pre-identified /preferred vendors of the BOQ materials + MEP Engineer in return for commission/kickback from such vendors. * · MEP engineer recommends only a single source for many BOQ materials and thus leaving very few options with the project materials team to negotiate prices aggressively in return for commission /kickback to the MEP team from such vendors. · Tender drawings not incorporating applicable quality standards for all works. · Inspection requirements w.r.t. Airconditioning, basement ventilation works, etc., are not comprehensive.· · Tender drawings not incorporating applicable Statutory requirements vis-à-vis applicable National/International codes w.r.t safety. * Stage 5 Activities that can adversely impact business · Making constructions drawings inaccurate by not obtaining or not incorporating inputs from functions into various design elements for HVAC plans · Preparing coordinated drawings for each of relevant HVAC works scope items vis designs and drawings without factoring inputs from Architect team, Interior design team · Using unlicensed software while developing HVAC drawings Stage 6 Activities that can adversely impact business · Validating designs without proper incorporation of all proposed connected heat load, air circulation, and air conditioning at different progressive loads or estimated occupancy of constructed areas or pro-rata over a period · Considering the inaccurate proposed factor of safety & proposed statutory approvals * · Inadequate vetting of design efficacy and drawings developed vis-à-vis specification of BOQ materials and installation requirements. Stage 7 Activities that can adversely impact business · Estimating costs based on thumb rules rather than considering detailed working vis a vis each BOQ item and their quantities Air-conditioning Chillers or VRV, Outdoor units, Indoor units, Valves, Pumps, cablings/wirings, Fittings, Instrumentation, and remote controls, Refrigerants, air filters, air conditioning pipes, drainage pipes insulations, etc Basement ventilation Centrifugal fans, jet fans, Ventilation, motors, cables, Ducting, Distribution pipelines, fittings, etc · Not considering installation, testing, and commissioning costs Stage 8 Activities that can adversely impact business · Making “As-built drawings” designs and drawings without verification of actual supply and installation of each BOQ material for airconditioning works and basement ventilation works * You can read more about the 34 activities that can adversely impact business in Chapter 1 of my handbook ETHICS in the real estate and hospitality industry, Volume 1- Architectural, Interior design, and MEP services “
Designing of Facade - Activities that can adversely impact businesses
Design activities include design work for facades of all types, such as: · Aluminium · UPVC Glazing · Brickwork, and stonework · Tiles and stone veneer panels · Pre-cast concrete panels · Metallic cladding · And so on Characteristics of a Robust Façade Design: · Uniqueness of building envelop ‘s style to grab attention · Energy saving cost reduction · Overall project costs for facade · Provision of vertical & lateral wind actions · Optimum design performance of Façade vis a vis: · Eliminate water ingress · Ensure airtightness to prevent heat or cooling loss · Configure acoustic insulation to reduce noise · Thermal insulation designed to reduce the overall amount of heat absorption due to solar radiations · Provide adequate daylight while preventing glare · Carbon neutral design · Fire resistance · Ability to withstand excessive vibrations · Ability to withstand changes in the frequency of sound & Noise control · Prevent looseness of fasteners · Inside occupant’s comforts · Incorporate features of the façade cleaning system · Ensure meeting safety and statutory requirements · Easy maintainability of the cleaning system And so on Inputs that contribute to making a good Façade design include: 1. Proposing the right choice of strong materials, in terms of specifications while optimizing costs: Types of materials for use in Façade Panels Key specifications of building materials (as required by customers and National/international Quality standards) Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) Thickness, density, unit weight, compression strength, tensile strength, porosity, moisture content, water tightness, moisture content, coefficient of thermal expansion, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity and Colour, texture, surface type/shape, size, width, Steel reinforced Concrete façade (RC) Thickness, density, unit weight, compression strength, tensile strength, porosity, moisture content, water tightness, moisture content, coefficient of thermal expansion, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) As above Composite façade (Aluminium -polyethylene composite or wood plastic composite panel) As above Terra cotta cladding tiles As above Ceramic Façade Hardness, modulus of elasticity, ductility, wear resistance, resistance to chemicals, and so Timber Façade size, colour, luster, grains, content, hardness, density, shear resistance, and so on Natural stone Façade colour, hardness, grain size, texture, polish ability, chemical properties, and so on Door/window hardware (Aluminium, Stainless steel, Make, brand, aesthetic and style, size, colour, coating, surface finish, Sealants (silicon rubber, Waterproofing, insulation, resistance to extreme temperature, UV resistance withstanding temperature, colour retention, strength, shrinkage and crack resistance, etc Maintenance equipment Make, brand, model, performance, size, safety And so on , 2 Incorporating, in façade-related design & drawings, good practices for construction or & installation of the following as per applicable Quality standards: · Fabrication of aluminium or UPVC or alternate materials for use as panels · Install various types of panels for façade as mentioned above, such as GFRC, RC, UHPC, composite façade, terracotta, natural stone, etc. · Install glassworks/glazing, hardware, and maintenance system for façade. · Application & testing of sealants on façade for acoustics, water & air leakage, and inside temperature control · Installation, testing, and commissioning of specialized façade systems · Installation, and testing of a façade cleaning system with safety considerations · Providing inputs to the building architects, Interior designers, and MEP-package designers for integration of all designs across the project 3 Building quality in the designing process for Façade -using designing software: · Essential technical steps/activities include performing the following for developing designs. · Analysis of Solar movement and shading analysis · Daylight planning · Energy reduction · Solar heat gain and thermal analysis · Carbon neutral designs · Glazing selection · Façade envelop geometry. · Fabrication & assembly of façade system Software like Fennesta, Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, ETAB, or similar ones having features to carry out design analysis can be considered for developing Facade works related to designs. Five stages for developing the design of Façade Design activities vary considerably from company to company, but generally, there are five stages to designing the Façade for buildings, as below. Whatever designing processes and software are used, designing must result in developing Robust designs by accomplishing the following: · Build designs that are comprehensive, accurate · Contributes to building quality in construction by incorporating national and international quality standards in BOQ/material specifications and construction processes · Integrates statutory and safety requirements in the designs and drawings · Optimise project costs · Enables efficient delivery of designs & drawings · Incorporates maker-checker step in each design stage through the implementation of segregation of duties concept The five stages are: · 1 Develop Concept designs · 2 Develop a Detailed design · 3 Develop Tenders (Technical design aspects · 4 Estimating Costs · 5 Issuing As-built drawing The below-listed activities, those marked *reflect those activities which can have adverse statutory implications. Stage 1 activities that can adversely impact business · Not obtaining or not incorporating inputs (like Building Envelop, Building statutory codes, the performance of façade, Construction methods for proposed façade, Maintenance of façade, Renderings for sales promotion, cleaning system for façade) from Architect, MEP, sales teams’ functions into Building Façade design · Using unlicensed software while developing a concept design for Façade. · Not vetting the concept and detailed design/making compromise while vetting Façade, in collaboration with, inhouse or outsourced Façade consultant, by skipping or compromising on essential design features and drawings aspects such as below. · Tolerances on material specifications and Workmanship · Statutory code-related requirements for Façade * · National and international standards for quality · Raw Materials (hardware, glazing, stones, claddings, etc.) sizes, and specifications · Quality requirements and suggestive gauging · Façade safety requirements * · Compromising on the safety of the Façade by proposing low cost /low strength raw materials · Bribing mandatory Agencies which approve the Façade. relevant for issuing compliance* Stage 2 activities that can adversely impact business · The design intent is not aligned with the approved concept design. · Façade detailed drawings are not comprehensive to include structural integrity, material selection, acoustics, etc. or are not accurate · Assigning the same designer to develop schematic designs & drawings, who initially developed concept design thus not implementing the segregation of duties concept* · Detailed design not based on supporting calculations/formula related to thermal movements, edge beam deflection, thermal expansion, structural calculations, and fire protection leading to façade safety issues* Stage 3 activities that can adversely impact business · In the tender, the Façade designer includes names and brands of specific materials only for pre-identified /preferred vendors of the Façade designer in return for commission/kickback from such vendors. · Façade designer recommends only a single source for many BOQ materials and thus leaving very few options with the project materials team to negotiate prices aggressively in return for commission/kickback from such vendors. * · Tender drawings do not incorporate applicable quality standards for all BOQ and façade fabrication, installation and assembly works. · Inspection requirements w.r.t. façade works like aluminum and glass, doors, hardware, stones, etc., are not comprehensive. · Tender drawings not incorporating applicable statutory requirements vis-a-vis applicable national/international codes w.r.t safety. * Stage 4 activities that can adversely impact business Computing Façade costs based on thumb rules rather than on the first principal basis vis-à-vis following, leading to underestimating or overestimating project costs. Costs of raw materials like Aluminium or UPVC or civil materials · Costs of doors and handles · Costs of hardware · Costs of consumables · Costs of equipment for cleaning /maintenance of Façade · Costs of fabrication · Costs of labor etc. · Costs of installation, testing, and commissioning Stage 5 activities that can adversely impact business · Façade designer issuing “As-built drawings” for the Façade which are aligned to earlier approved drawings by Project head and statutory authorities (if applicable) but at variant, vis-à-vis actual completed physical construction (in terms of approved façade plans and construction materials used, etc.) * You can read more about the 20 activities that can adversely impact business in Chapter 1 of my handbook ETHICS in the real estate and hospitality industry, Volume 1- Architectural, Interior design, and MEP services “
Design of MEP - Electrical works - Activities that can adversely impact business
There are various types of packages under MEP services such as below, but not limited to: 1. Design of Electrical - external and Internal works2. Designing of Airconditioning -Works3. Design of lighting works4. Design of plumbing and water (hot and cold) supply works5. Energy management works for green building,6. Firefighting works7. Designing of lifts/elevators works 8. Design of STP (sewerage treatment plant) works9. Waste management works10. Design of fuel storage and supply works 11. Design of solar energy works12. Design of wind engineering works 13. Design of audio-visual works14. Heating works15. Ventilation & exhaust works16. Acoustics works17. Facility management works18. Hospitality works like kitchen and laundry19. IT infrastructure20. Building automation, and so on This blog covers only the Design of Electrical - external and Internal works for any type of buildings used for residential, commercial, shopping malls, education institutes, hotels, hospitals, offices, etc Characteristics of a Robust Electrical Design works can be measured vis a vis: · Optimum usage of energy-saving BOQ materials and systems for Electricals (eg. Transformers, Solar power systems, low fuel consumption Gensets, etc.) · BOQ and the entire electrical system that conforms to international & local Quality standards · Design schemes that enable installation & commissioning of equipment with optimised capacity · Layout schemes designed for power supply distribution systems, cables, and wires that are optimum and are concealed · Coming up with designs that are eco-friendly and sustainable energy · Design arrangements that enable easy maintainability · Incorporate flexibility in the design to meet challenges towards potential changes in technology or energy savings or costs · Coming up with design solutions that are scalable /expandable · Configuring the design of electrical BOQ, their installation, and commissioning that ensure conformance of integrated system to meet statutory requirements · Approving specifications/brands of BOQ that enable the least downtime · Approving designs that lay focus on the total cost of ownership including running costs · Approving designs for all types of lights, including fixtures and lamps for internal and landscape Lighting · · Delivering drawings and line diagrams that are easy to understand and incorporate international standards for symbols of electrical parts and numbering of wires and components · Integrated building management systemsInputs that contribute to making an excellent Electrical design include: 1 Proposing the right choice of strong materials, in terms of specifications while optimizing costs for: Types of materials for use Key specifications of building materials (as required by customers and National/international Quality standards) i)External electrical/High side designs Electric substations materials (Transformers, circuit breakers, poles. Earthing, disconnect switches, cables, metering units), Capacity. Type, Make, brand, size, primary power line side statutory and safety standards Voltage class, poles sizes, high voltage cables, insulation properties, earthing statutory or & safety compliances. VCB-vacuum circuit breakers and their components Capacity. type of VCB, Make, brand, size, Materials with High density, high electric conductivity, low resistance, high thermal conductivity, high arc resistance capability, statutory or & safety compliances ACB-Air circuit breakers, and its components Capacity, Type of ACB, Make, brand, size Rated voltage protection, rated current protection, overload relay tripping -current settings, rated short-circuit breaking capacity, statutory or & safety compliances. Transformers with ferromagnetic steel Capacity. Core Type, Make, brand, size, High permeability, low hysteresis loss, statutory or & safety compliances Panels (circuit breakers, bus bars, PLC, relays and contractors, Steel boxes, bus bars, buttons, indicators Capacity. Type, Make, brand, size of the complete panel and its components, conductivity, earthing, statutory or & safety compliances Electrical distribution boards With switches, bus bar, circuit breakers, fuse links Safety characteristics, overcurrent protection, space for wires, fixtures, cables, corrosion resistance, statutory or & safety compliances High tension Cables(Copper or aluminum conductors) Make, brand, size, no of cores, insulation, resistance to abrasion and wear and tear, non-corrosive, low resistance, statutory or & safety compliances Backup equipment like Diesel Generating sets, inverters, UPS, and Solar lighting panels Make, brand, KW ratings, fuel consumption (for gensets), maintenance, statutory or & safety compliances High-speed diesel/fuel storage related tanks, pipes, cooling towers, metering units, Make, brand, capacity, firefighting capability, statutory or & safety compliances. And so on ii)Inside electrical/low side designs Key specifications of building materials (as required by customers and National/international Quality standards) Conduits, low tension cables/wires, and accessories Make, brand, size, ratings, colours, safety compliances statutory requirements Electrical fixtures and lamps, switches, and sockets Type, Make, brand, size, ratings, styles, finish, safety compliances, lamps-types, light intensity, light colour, etc statutory requirements CCTV, video phones, public address systems, telephones, etc. MATV (Master Antenna Television system), wi-fi Equipment Type, Make, brand, size, ratings, styles, finish, and statutory requirements. And so on 2 Incorporating, in Electrical works related to design & drawings, good practices for construction or & installation of the following as per applicable Quality standards:i)External electrical/High side designs· Installing & commissioning sub-station equipment like ACB, VCB, etc· Installing & commissioning HT cables, and earthing· Installing & commissioning rising mains, metering boxes, panels · Installing & commissioning DG sets, Solar panels· Installing & commissioning exhaust systems, cooling towers, etc · Installation, testing, and commissioning of completed high-side External electrical packageAnd so on ii)Inside electrical/low side designs · Laying of conduits, wires, cables, and accessories· Installing & commissioning electrical fixtures and lamps· Installing & commissioning access control systems like CCTV, Videophones· Installing & commissioning metering units and public address system, telephones, etc· Installation, testing, and commissioning of a completed low-side electrical packageAnd so on iii)Providing inputs to the building architects, landscape and softscape architects, Interior designers, and all other MEP-package designers for integration of all designs across the project 3 Building quality in the designing MEP-Electrical design process-using designing software:Essential technical steps/activities include performing the following for developing designs.· Computing total power loads, assessing the capacity of each type of equipment · Incorporating installation, testing, and commissioning aspects · Including detailed 3D models depicting electrical components like entire electrical layouts with BOQ depicted, ductwork, electrical fixtures, Lighting, lamps, switches, sockets, etc.· Circuit designs and reuse · Identify any inter or intra-discipline clashes · Develop electrical works related to shop drawings using international conventions for wires and component -numbering tags · Designs supporting all applicable electrical standards Software like AutoCAD Electrical, Smart Draw, Autodesk, Ansys, or similar ones having 3D MEP BIM modeling features can be considered for developing electrical works related to designs Eight stages for developing the design of Electricals Design activities vary considerably from company to company, but generally, there are eight stages to designing the MEP-Electrical works for buildings as below. Whatever designing processes and software are used, designing must result in developing Robust designs by accomplishing the following:· Build designs that are comprehensive, accurate· Contributes to building quality in construction by incorporating national and international quality standards in BOQ/material specifications and construction processes· Integrates statutory and safety requirements (if applicable) in the designs and drawings · Optimise project costs· Enables efficient delivery of designs & drawings · Incorporates maker-checker step in each design stage through the implementation of segregation of duties concept Eight stages are Stage 1 - Develop a preliminary design brief and drawings Stage 2 - Develop detailed drawings and schemes.Stage 3 - Develop schematic drawings for statutory approvalsStage 4 - Develop a Tender with BOQ and specificationsStage 5 - Develop constructions drawings duly coordinated (GFC)Stage 6 - Carry out and validation of design calculationsStage 7 - Making Cost estimates- including values in Rs and Cost/Square foot of saleable area or built up as appropriate.Stage 8 - Develop as-built design calculations and as-built drawingsThis may require using software such as AutoCAD Electrical, Smart Draw, Autodesk, Ansys, and other software options.The below-listed activities, those marked *reflect those activities which can have adverse statutory implications. Stage 1 activities that can adversely impact business · Strategic plans for design not aligned with the vision · Develop a non-comprehensive design brief · Skipping developing all preliminary designs Stage 2 activities that can adversely impact business Making Compromises in the external and internal electrical designs by skipping or compromising on essential aspects such as below. · Design features External electrical works – (Diesel Generating sets, substations, High-speed diesel/fuel storage, and distribution, Electrical distribution system and backup system, ACB-Air circuit breakers, VCB-vacuum circuit breakers, Panels, bus bars, General Lighting, power layouts, and illuminations, distribution boards, switches, Fire doors, Access controls, CCTV, Public address system, telephones, building management system, MATV (Master Antenna Television system), Security system, wi-fi, Solar lighting system, inverter, UPS· Design features Internal electrical works (Wirings, Fixtures and fittings, Distribution system, rising mains, MS conduits, insulated conductors, Panels, etc) · National and international standards for quality · Specifications of BOQ material · Tolerances on workmanship vis a vis installation and commissioning· Not incorporating comprehensive Quality requirements· Not considering comprehensive Design-related construction processes for external and internal electrical works · Without considering standardization leading to higher costs · Inaccurate Bill of quantities for each design area /no off · Not factoring in acceptance criteria for Electrical design work in process and completed area · MEP designer or consultant Insisting on specific brands of BOQ -both external electrical and internal electrical items. * · Compromising specifications for developing samples in collusion with vendor/contractor* · Using unlicensed software while developing Electrical designs. · Issuing of design and drawings to Electrical (external or internal) contractor at project site without any version control * · Not shredding waste designs/drawings or not deleting obsolete /old soft drawings* Stage 3 activities that can adversely impact business · Not incorporating all requirements vis a vis Statutory approval and sanctioned design/drawings*· Bribing mandatory Agencies which approve the safety-related specifications of electrical design works relevant for issuing safety certificates * · Contractors influence certifying agencies for making compromising on certification in return for favors. * Stage 4 activities that can adversely impact business · Making tenders that are not comprehensive vis-à-vis technical specifications or are deliberately stated vaguely for subsequent manipulations amongst the MEP team members and contractor with ulterior motives. * · In the tender, the MEP consultant/employees /engineers include names and brands of specific materials only for pre-identified /preferred vendors of the BOQ materials and MEP designers in return for commission or kickback from such vendors. * · MEP designers recommend only a single source for many BOQ materials and thus leaving very few options with the project materials team to negotiate prices aggressively in return for commission /kickback to MEP designers from such vendors. · Tender drawings not incorporating applicable quality standards for all works. · Tender drawings not incorporating applicable Statutory requirements vis-à-vis applicable National/International codes w.r.t safety. * Stage 5 activities that can adversely impact business · Making constructions drawings inaccurate by not obtaining or not incorporating inputs from interfacing functions into various design elements for MEP plans · Preparing coordinated drawings for each of relevant External & Internal Electrical work scope items vis designs and drawings without factoring inputs from Architect team, Interior design team · Using unlicensed software while developing MEP drawings Stage 6 activities that can adversely impact business · Validating designs without proper incorporation of all proposed connected power consumption points at different progressive loads or estimated occupancy of constructed areas or pro-rata electrical power consumption over a period · Considering inaccurate proposed power factor & proposed power sanction /KVA* · Inadequate vetting of design efficacy and drawings developed vis-à-vis specification of BOQ materials and installation requirements. · Colluding of main MEP consultant and validating design consultant to accept the design work with incorrect design calculation in return for some favors. Stage 7 activities that can adversely impact business · Estimating costs based on thumb rules rather than considering detailed working vis a vis each BOQ item (e.g. Generators, ACB, VCB, Cables, Panels, Lights and fixtures, etc.), their quantity, and estimated rates based on tender documents, designs & drawings-external electrical works and internal electrical works · Not considering installation, testing, and commissioning costs Stage 8 activities that can adversely impact business · Making “As-built drawings” designs and drawings without verification of actual supply and installation of each BOQ material for external and internal electrical works* You can read more about the 35 activities that can adversely impact business in Chapter 1 of my handbook ETHICS in the real estate and hospitality industry, Volume 1- Architectural, Interior design, and MEP services “
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Interior designing activities that can adversely impact business
The design of interiors work can be relevant for buildings used for residential, commercial, shopping malls, education institutes, hotels, hospitals, offices, etc.Characteristics of a Robust Interior design work can be measured vis a vis:1 Accomplishing vision of balancing functional space between§ filled space in the area being designed § y space in the area being designed 2 Accomplishing vision of Colour schemes that are optimum vis a vis § Hue (Red, Green, Blue, Purple, etc excluding white, black, etc)§ value (lightness or luminosity ie how dark or light a colour is)§ intensity (brightness or dullness of colour)3 Accomplishing vision of Design style of Interiors: · Normal or · Classical ( blend of both Greek and Roman and planning perfect harmony balance and order)· Modern (monochromatic color,…..palette, clean lines 4 Accomplishing vision of lighting · Mood (Ability to create an atmosphere within an area using lighting)· Accent (Highlighting or focusing on objects like artwork or feature locations to create dramatic effects)· Task-driven (For increasing light for specific tasks in a room eg for fine work ) · or Natural light (light from Sun) 5 Accomplishing vision Texture & pattern · Defining the physical feel of something (eg smooth, rough, slim, etc)· Defining appearance (eg size, shape, density, arrangement, proportion) Inputs that contribute to making a good Interior design include: 1 Proposing the right choice of strong materials, in terms of specifications while optimizing costs for: Types of materials for use Key specifications of building materials (as required by customers and National/international Quality standards) Finishing material for the floor: marbles, tiles, wooden floorings, and soon Marbles/Tiles colour, hardness, grain size, texture, polish ability, chemical properties, and so wooden floorings size, colour, luster, grains, content, hardness, density, wear resistance, shear resistance, and so Finishing material for walls: paints, wallpaper, fabrics, and so on Paints workability, Gloss, viscosity, flowability, Resistance to water, wear, heat, and so wallpaper look, size, abrasion resistance, Type of coatings, strength, durability Fabrics Strength, cohesiveness, flexibility, water absorbency, dyeability, Resistance to chemicals, softness, tenacity, woven ability, length to width ratio, etc Finishing materials for ceilings: lighting fixtures, lamps, etc lighting fixtures, lamps types like chandelier, pendent, landscape, cove, ceiling, etc sizes, shapes, Type of lamps (LED, incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, wattage, intensity, color, temperature, etc Chinaware, chrome plated fittings, Size, color, shape, strength, Type of material (acrylic, tempered glass), scratch resistance, crack Resistance, etc. Furniture: Chairs, sofas, tables, cupboards, almirahs, modular kitchen, etc Types of materials (wood, Aluminium, SS, Plastic, etc.), Sizes, dimensions, capacity, Make, model, color scheme, Fixtures & fittings: For each Type of room, kitchen, bathroom, office, etc Makes, Models, sizes, capacity, power consumption, performance parameters, Equipment: For Gym, Spa & sauna, offices, kitchen, laundry, etc Makes, Models, sizes, capacity, power consumption, performance parameters, Artwork: paintings, sculptures, Antique items Material types-(Glass, Ceramics, Stainless steel, Aluminium, Paper, wood, etc.) Sizes, Shapes, Colour, strength, ease of installation, durability And so on 2 Incorporating, in Interior related design & drawings, good practices for construction or & installation of the following as per applicable Quality standards: Process for Applicable for Carrying out plaster coating, painting, tiling, decorative work Wall finishing Laying Marbles, tiles, wooden floor, coverings with carpets Floor finishing POP, painting, suspended framework, decorative works Ceiling finishing Assembly, installation, testing & commissioning Furniture and furnishing, including internal areas and external areas like lawns, landscape Assembly, installation, testing & commissioning fixtures such as lighting, signage Assembly, installation, testing & commissioning Equipment like kitchen, laundry, office, Gym, Spa, etc Assembly, installation, testing & commissioning Artwork Providing inputs to the Architects, including landscape/ softscape architects, and MEP designers, for integration of all designs across the project 3 Building quality in the designing process-for Interiors using designing software:Essential technical steps/activities include performing the following for developing designs.· Generating Solid, surface, and mesh modeling· 3D navigation Visual styles, · Renderings, · DWG, and Images references · Integration with Architecture and MEP services Software like Pro’s modeling suite Max, AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, Autodesk 3d’s, SketchUp Photoshop, or a similar one can be considered for developing Interior design 2)Detailed designing for elements such as walls, ceiling, flooring, furniture, fixtures staircase, internal doors & windows, etc. 3)Detailed specifications required to be generated/captured for layouts, manufacturer details, serial numbers, etc.Software like Architectural Interior Modelling or a similar one can be considered for developing Interior design. Nine stages for creating the design of Interiors Design activities vary considerably from company to company, but generally, there are 9 stages to designing the Interiors for buildings, as below. Whatever designing processes and software are used, designing must result in developing Robust designs by accomplishing the following:· Build designs that are comprehensive, accurate· Contributes to building quality in construction by incorporating national and international quality standards in BOQ/material specifications and construction processes· Integrates statutory and safety requirements (if applicable) in the designs and drawings · Optimise project costs· Enables efficient delivery of designs & drawings · Incorporates maker-checker step in each design stage through the implementation of segregation of duties concept The nine stages are: 1. Develop interior design plans 2. Develop and design furnishing plans of the area under the scope 3. Develop reflected ceiling plans 4. Develop floor covering plans — designs, specifications, and drawings 5. Develop mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering plans 6. Develop design and drawings of Interior areas 7. Develop Tender documents- developing tender documents -technical design aspects8. Estimate Costs (BOQ+ labour+ direct construction variable costs) 9. Provide handholding support In the below-listed activities, those marked *reflect those activities which can have adverse statutory implications. Stage 1 activities that can adversely impact business · Not obtaining or not incorporating strategic inputs (like the design of interiors to be traditional, modern, contemporary, etc vis a vis furniture, fixtures, finishing, target costs, target customers) and inspirational vision vis-à-vis each area to be designed as wall locations, reflected ceiling plans, floor covering plans, finishes, Power and data plans) from various functions · Not involving all relevant functional teams in the vetting of the plans as mentioned above Stage 2 activities that can adversely impact business · Plans developed by untrained/unskilled professionals · Not involving all relevant functional teams in the vetting of the Plans· Inadequate Standardisation leading to higher costs · Proposing furniture and fixtures through limited pre-identified vendors with malice intent Stage 3 activities that can adversely impact business · Making RCP non-comprehensive or inaccurate by not obtaining or not incorporating inputs from functions into various design elements (like sprinklers, smoke detectors, light fixtures, fans, and lighting plans, HVAC mounts, and any other mechanical equipment requiring special venting or electrical objects on the ceiling) for RCP.· Using unlicensed software while developing Interior designs. · Making Compromises in the detailed RCP design process by skipping or compromising on essential aspects such as below. · RCP Design Features · Statutory requirements. * · National and international standards for quality * · Tolerance of BOQ material specifications and workmanship.· Non-comprehensive RCP design-related Construction processes · Inaccurate Bill of quantities for each RCP design area /no off · Inadequate Standardisation leading to higher costs · Measurement requirements for work in process and completed Interior design areas of the project Stage 4 activities that can adversely impact business · Making Floor plans non-comprehensive or inaccurate by not obtaining or not incorporating inputs from functions into various design elements for floor plans Using unlicensed software while developing Interior designs. · Compromising on tolerances for BOQ materials and installation based on the design of the preferred vendor or & contractor · Making Compromises in the detailed Floor design process by skipping or compromising on essential aspects below. · Floor design features · Statutory requirements. * · National and international standards for quality *· Vague BOQ material specifications and tolerances on installation.· Non-comprehensive Quality requirements · Non-comprehensive floor design-related construction processes · Developing renderings which are at variant from a design developed Inadequate Standardisation leading to higher costs Inaccurate Bill of quantities for each flooring design area /no off · Acceptance criteria for Interior design work in process and completed area Stage 5 activities that can adversely impact business · Making MEP & interior design integration plans non-comprehensive or inaccurate by not obtaining or not incorporating inputs (such as power points, data points, finishing materials, etc.) from functions into various design elements for MEP plans · Using unlicensed software while developing designs for interiors · Making Compromises in the detailed design process by skipping or compromising on essential aspects such as below. · Interior design Features · Statutory requirements. * · National and international standards for quality * · Vague BOQ material specifications and tolerances · Compromising on tolerances for BOQ materials based on the design of the preferred vendor · Non-comprehensive design-related construction processes and potential equipment · Inadequate standardization leading to higher costs · Inaccurate Bill of quantities for each Interior design area /no off · Inspection requirements concerning inputs (like finishes, sprinklers, smoke detectors, light fixtures, fans, lighting lamps, etc) are not comprehensive · Non-comprehensive Quality requirements for completed areas · Acceptance criteria for Interior design work in process and completed area Stage 6 activities that can adversely impact business · Design and drawings not aligned to approved strategic plans, concept, and layouts vis a vis Internal elevation, Sections for each area, Wall finishing configurations, ceiling profiles, Joinery details including custom-built BOQ/items, All coordinated designs, and drawings w.r.t these design aspects. · Assigning the same designer to develop designs & drawings in this stage who initially developed designs in earlier design stages thus not implementing the segregation of duties concept*· Design and drawings not comprehensive or not accurate · Using unlicensed software while developing Interior designs specifications and drawings · Developing drawings and designs which are not well coordinated leading to conflicts or rework during construction · Compromising specifications for the development of samples/mock-up units in collaboration with vendor/contractor· Using smartphones in interior design work areas to take pictures and share with competitors · Allowing official laptops to carry outside offices/to homes of interior designers and misusing by sharing confidential information * · printing of Interior design and drawings without any control and misusing these · Not shredding waste designs/drawings and misuse of these· Allowing Liberal access to design servers/laptops and printers * Stage 7 activities that can adversely impact business · Making tender documents non-comprehensive or inaccurate vis-à-vis the following: in tender documents. · BOQ material specifications (furnishing, fixtures, and equipment, Finishing BOQ like marbles, tiles, flooring, claddings, paints, fabrics, etc.) · Tolerances in specifications of BOQ materials · Interior design-related construction processes and potential equipment· Standardisation· Bill of quantities for each Interior design area/no off · Interior design features in GFC drawings· Statutory requirements. * · National and international standards for quality *· Measurement requirements for work in process and completed Interior design areas of the project · Inspection requirements concerning inputs and workmanship are not comprehensive Stage 8 activities that can adversely impact business · Making cost estimates based on non-validated assumptions of BOQ material rates from vendors’ design or cost estimates from contractors. · Deliberately skipping a few BOQ materials from the scope of costs · Not computing costs on 1st Principal vis-à-vis raw materials, Direct construction materials, costs of labour/fabrication or installation leading to underestimating or overestimating project costs. Stage 9 activities that can adversely impact business · Interior designer/consultant not providing adequate inputs and handholding support to project team for:· Development of detailed specification and quality requirements · Development of sample boards or samples for developing Interior designs. · Selection of vendors for BOQ items · Inspection of interior design items.· Insisting on sourcing specific brands of BOQ materials and interior design-related consultancy services from vendor and service providers respectively in collaboration with them in return for kickbacks * You can read more about the 63 activities that can adversely impact business in Chapter 1 of my handbook ETHICS in the real estate and hospitality industry, Volume 1- Architectural, Interior design, and MEP services “
Design of Architecture: Activities that can adversely impact business
Design of Architecture: Activities that can adversely impact businessDesign activities include carrying out design work for all types of buildings, including residential, commercial, shopping malls, education institutes, hotels, hospitals, offices, Industrials/ factories, other engineering works, etc.The Scope of design in architecture usually includes developing plans and elevations for the buildings, and architect designs for each floor, wall, and ceiling. Characteristics of a Robust Architecture are: Elegant Architecture · Optimum use of permitted FAR · Design must meet all regulatory requirements & National building code including health and safety· Plans and Elevations must be easy to visualise and understand by all stakeholders Construction using developed design to be in plumb (i.e Walls are perfectly vertical and flawless, floors and ceilings are perfectly horizontal -unless designed otherwise and meticulously finished) · Durable for any changes in the use of the building· Flexible -for changes in natural -environments/surroundings Building design to be free from potential leakages, cracks, deformities, bulging of walls or any types of defects, etc. vis a vis in all parts/BOQ of architecture Effective space utilisation in designing Main-kitchens, Outdoor Kitchens, restaurant kitchens, pantries Perfectly aligned parts Optimum costs Visually appealing Inputs that contribute to making a good design of Architecture include: 1 Proposing the right choice of strong materials, in terms of specifications while optimizing costs for: Types of materials for use Key specifications of building materials (as required by customers and National/international Quality standards) Stones/Marbles colour, hardness, grain size, texture, polish ability, chemical properties, and so on Bricks moisture content, shape and size, compression strength, density, and so on Structure steel, low alloy steel, Stainless steel, etc Tensile strength, yield strength, elasticity, hardness, ductility, strain, toughness, and so on Aluminum strength to weight, air tightness, heat deflection, corrosion resistance, appearance, and so on Glass Colour, shapes, transparency, brittleness, hardness, resistance to fire, weather insulation, and so on Ceramic Hardness, modulus of elasticity, ductility, wear resistance, resistance to chemicals, and so on POP colour, compression strength, coarse particles, setting time, and so on Paints workability, Gloss, viscosity, flowability, resistance to water, wear, heat, and so on Wooden BOQ e.g frames, doors size, colour, luster, grains, content, hardness, density, shear resistance, and so on And so on 2. Incorporating, in Architecture related design & drawings, good practices for construction or & installation of the following as per applicable Quality standards: · Site preparation (clearing vegetation, demolition, tree protection, excavation & earthwork, filling voids, disposal, etc. · Providing & installing brickworks · Providing & installing punning work· Providing & installing woodwork like door frames, doors, etc. · Providing & installing steel works like railings etc.· Providing inputs to the structural, façade, landscape, softscape architects, Interior designer, and MEP designer for integration of all designs across the project · and so on 3 Building quality in the designing process for Architecture -using designing software:Essential technical steps/activities include performing the following for developing designs.· Solid, surface, and mesh modelling· 3D navigation (e.g View cube)· Evolving visual styles · Developing plans & elevations · Developing renderings for marketing · Developing Base projected and section views· Developing DWG · Developing Images references · Integration with Interior design and MEP servicesAnd so on Software like AutoCAD or a similar one can be considered for developing Architectural design a) Design to have features for building integration to enable the following: § Create & edit Architectural design, structural engineering design, and MEP views for coordination. § Get the design and layout of the project before construction for general contractors, subcontractors, and owners . Able to develop schedule and do cost estimations using enhanced BIM concepts § Extract the construction drawings from the coordinated and error-free model. § Refine the drawings by adding annotations and notes Software like Revit Architecture (BIM) or equivalent software can enable this b) Further a comprehensive architect design must enable the following: § Developing Animation § Building Flexibility to have texture options§ Generate renderings for marketing Software like 3D Studio Max or equivalent software can enable thisSeven stages for developing the design of Architecture Design activities vary considerably from company to company, but generally, there are 7 stages to designing the architecture for buildings, as below. Whatever designing processes and software are used, designing must result in developing Robust designs by accomplishing the following:· Build designs that are comprehensive, accurate· Contributes to building quality in construction by incorporating national and international quality standards in BOQ/material specifications and construction processes· Integrates statutory and safety requirements in the designs and drawings · Optimise project costs· Enables efficient delivery of designs & drawings · Incorporates maker-checker step in each design stage through the implementation of segregation of duties concept The seven stages are:1. Developing Concept designs2. Developing Schematic design3. Developing Sanction design duly coordinated for structure, architecture, façade, landscape, interiors, MEP, etc4. Developing /Revising detailed technical Design based on sanctioned approvals5. Developing Tenders 6. Estimating Project Costs for structure, architecture, external development works, façade, landscape7. Developing working drawings & Good for construction drawings, As-built drawings. In the activities listed below, those marked ‘*’ reflect those activities which can have adverse statutory implications Stage 1 activities that can adversely impact business· Not obtaining or not incorporating inputs (like strategic plans vis a vis vision, landscape, traffic circulation, master plans, area plans, preliminary plans, elevations, etc) into Building Civil Architecture design · Not assigning competent designers*· Using unlicensed software while developing a concept design for Civil Architecture. * · Not vetting the concept and detailed design/making compromises while vetting Civil Architecture, in collaboration with, inhouse or outsourced Code Architect or consultant, by skipping or compromising on important designs and drawings aspects such as below vis a vis Civil Architecture Features: · Tolerances on specifications of materials and workmanship· Statutory code-related requirements for Civil Architecture. *· National and international standards for quality · Raw Materials (Bricks, POP, Paints, joineries, Inserts, stone works, Tiles, Door frames, doors, windows, etc.) sizes and specifications · Quality requirements and suggestive gauging· Civil Architecture safety requirements* · Compromising on the safety of Civil Architecture by proposing low cost /low strength raw materials / Bill of quantities for Civil Architecture · Bribing mandatory Agencies which approve the Civil Architecture plants and elevations etc. relevant for issuing FAR and sanction drawings compliance * Stage 2 activities that can adversely impact business· Design intent not aligned to approved Concept design· Schematic drawings are not comprehensive or not accurate · Area statements not detailed· Cost estimates are ballpark and based on thumb rules rather than detailed assumptions. · Assigning the same designer to develop schematic designs & drawings, who initially developed concept design thus not implementing the segregation of duties concept* Stage 3 activities that can adversely impact business· Preparing drawings incorporating inaccurate area statements vis-à-vis intended construction plans and bribing the sanctioning team to get minimum non-compliance and speedy approvals *· Assigning the same designer to develop sanctioned designs & drawings, who initially developed schematic design thus not implementing the segregation of duties concept*· Stage 4 activities that can adversely impact business· Colluding of the leading Architect with sanctioning authorities to obtain approval of the submission drawings that are not adequately coordinated or not aligned to instructions of sanctioning authorities in return for favors to approving authorities * Stage 5 activities that can adversely impact business· In the tender, including names and brands of specific materials only for pre-identified /preferred vendors of the Architect in return for commission/kickback to the Architect from such vendors. · Recommending only a single source for many BOQ materials and thus leaving very few options with the project materials team to negotiate prices aggressively in return for commission /kickback to the Architect from such vendors · Tender drawings not incorporating applicable quality for all works. · Tender drawings not incorporating applicable Statutory requirements vis-à-vis applicable national/international codes w.r.t safety· Inspection requirements concerning inputs (like Bricks, POP, Paints, joineries, Inserts, stone works, Tiles, Door frames, doors, windows, etc) are not comprehensive Stage 6 activities that can adversely impact business· Computing costs of works for Structure, Finishes, External development, Façade, and Landscape are inaccurately based on thumb rules rather than on the first principal basis vis-à-vis raw materials, Direct construction materials, costs of labour/fabrication or installation leading to underestimating or overestimating project costs. Stage 7 activities that can adversely impact business · Develop working drawings or GFC which are not fully aligned to activities in the above seven design stages · Architect issuing “As-built drawings” which are aligned to earlier sanctioned drawings by statutory authorities but at variant vis-à-vis actual completed physical construction (in terms of FAR, building plans and elevations, construction materials used, etc.) *· Bribing the statutory officials to get ok occupation and completion certificates in due course. * You can read more about the 25 activities that can adversely impact business in Chapter 1 of my handbook ETHICS in the real estate and hospitality industry, Volume 1- Architectural, Interior design, and MEP services “
Design of Structure: Activities that can adversely impact business
Designing of Building Structure: Activities that can adversely impact business Designing of building structure for any building includes designing columns, foundation, stilt floor, beams, slabs, retaining walls, levels, column schedules, staircases, terraces, Sewage Treatment Plant, harvesting pits, façade areas of any building Characteristics of a Robust building structure are: Withstand earthquake vibrations and prevent displacement, deformation Free from cracks Construction to be in plumb (i.e., perfectly vertical columns & other vertical structures & walls, perfectly horizontal beams & floors) Not buckle due to loads Perfectly aligned parts Corrosion-free Aesthetically appealing Inputs that contribute to making a good structure design include the following: 1 Proposing the right choice of strong materials in terms of specifications while optimizing costs: Types of materials for use Key specifications of building materials (as required by customers and National/international Quality standards) TMT bars, Structural steel, etc strength, elongation, fatigue resistance, etc Cement setting time, strength, moisture, density, fineness, chemicals, etc RMC workability, mechanical strength, density, durability, etc. Shuttering materials strength, durability, rigidity, etc Scaffolding materials compression strength, tensile properties, etc. Applicable hardware size tolerances, the material used, etc Joineries strength, flexibility, toughness, appearances, etc And so on 2 Incorporating, in Structure related design & drawings, good practices for construction or & installation of the following as per applicable Quality standards: i)Sub-structure · Excavating · Dewatering · Earthmoving · Preparing PCC · Preparing RMC · Bending & preparing TMT bars · Constructing & laying the standard foundation · Laying the piled foundation · Waterproofing, · Concreting & masonry work in foundations ii) Superstructure · Scaffolding · Shuttering · Constructing frameworks for all columns, beams, etc · Constructing upper floor · Constructing roof structure · Constructing stairs/ramps · Constructing external walls · Constructing external windows &external doors · Internal walls & partitions · Internal doors · And so on iii)Providing inputs to the building architects, Interior designers, and MEP-package designers for integration of all designs across the project 3 Essential technical steps/activities to facilitate building quality in the designing process for Structure include: · Drawing grids · Defining materials · Defining section properties · Drawing objects in the structural engineering models · Developing plans and elevations · Defining & Selecting loads · Soil-Structurer Interaction · Structural Dynamics · Earthquake analysis · Wind and seismic loads as per National standards · Value engineering And so on Software like ETAB can facilitate carrying out such activities accurately & efficiently. Validation of design Validation of developed design by carrying out structural analysis by an independent proof consultant is desirable, and the scope usually includes: · Linear Static and Dynamic Analysis of RCC Structures, Design and Detailing of RCC Beams, Columns, Slabs, and Foundations, Composite deck and Parametric Modelling, Modal Frequency of a Structure, Wind Loads on RCC structure, FEM Analysis, and Design and so, on Software like STADD or similar can be considered for structural analysis and developing an error-free, comprehensive design. Seven stages for creating the design of Structure Design activities vary considerably from company to company, but generally, there are seven stages to designing the Structure for buildings, as below. Whatever designing processes and software are used, designing must result in developing Robust designs by accomplishing the following: · Build designs that are comprehensive, accurate · Contributes to building quality in construction by incorporating national and international quality standards in BOQ/material specifications and construction processes · Integrates statutory and safety requirements in the designs and drawings · Optimise project costs · Enables efficient delivery of designs & drawings · Incorporates maker-checker step in each design stage through the implementation of segregation of duties concept The seven stages are: 1. Developing Concept Design 2. Vetting of design 3. Developing GFC and specifications 4. Tender development 5. Obtaining a Structural stability certificate 6. Making Cost estimates for the entire Structure 7. Issuing “As-built drawings.” These are not being narrated in detail as design activities can vary from organisation to organisation. Therefore, only activities that can adversely impact business are captured here. In the activities listed below, those marked ‘*’ reflect those activities which can have adverse statutory implications. Stage 1 activities that can adversely impact business · Not obtaining and not incorporating inputs (like Purpose of building, Features of Structure, Structural safety requirements vis-à-vis zone in which building is to be constructed, Overall dimensions and FAR, overall building Plan and elevation, etc.) from other interfacing functions like selling, architects, and construction into the Structure design · Not assigning competent designers* · Using unlicensed software while developing a concept design for Structure * · Making compromises while vetting structure design, by skipping or compromising on structure designs and drawings aspects such as below. · Tolerances on specifications of materials and workmanship · Statutory code-related requirements for Structure * · National and international standards for quality · Raw Material (TMT bars, Cement, or RMC) sizes and specifications, the lower factor of safety* · Proposing low cost /low strength raw materials · Bribing mandatory Agencies which approve the structure design calculations relevant for issuing structural stability certificates* Stage 2 activities that can adversely impact business · Colluding the principal architect and proof consultant to accept the consultancy design work with incorrect design calculations (e.g., TMT bars sizes and Grades like Fe415, Fe 550, RMC (M20, M30, M40, etc., Cement-OPC 43, OPC 53, PPC, etc.) in return for some favours. · Assigning the same designer to validate the design, who initially developed it, thus not implementing the segregation of duties concept* Stage 3 activities that can adversely impact business · Making GFC drawings that are not aligned to design calculations · Architect Insisting on specific brands of TMT bars and Cement or RMC in collaboration with vendors of brands and getting financial favours. * · Compromising specifications for developing samples in collaboration with vendor/contractor. · Releasing of design and drawings and issuing these to structure contractor at a site without any control · Not shredding or deleting waste designs/drawings and misuse of this Stage 4 activities that can adversely impact business · Making tenders that are not comprehensive vis-à-vis technical specifications or are deliberately stated vaguely for subsequent manipulations amongst the architect and contractor with ulterior motives. · In the tender, the Structural Engineer/architect includes names and brands of specific materials only for pre-identified /preferred vendors of the Structural Engineer/Architect in return for commission/kickback from such vendors. * · Architect recommending only a single source for many BOQ materials and thus leaving very few options with the project materials team to negotiate prices aggressively in return for commission /kickback to an architect from such vendors. * · Inspection requirements concerning inputs such as TMT bars, Cement, and RMC are not comprehensive · Tender drawings not incorporating applicable quality standards for all works, and applicable Statutory requirements, particularly w.r.t safety. * Stage 5 activities that can adversely impact business · Bribing the certifying officials to get a Structural Stability Certificate in due course. * Stage 6 activities that can adversely impact business · Computing costs based on thumb rules rather than the first principal basis vis a vis costs of TMT bars, Cost of Cement, Cost of RMC, and other structural elements relevant as also costs of shuttering, cost of scaffolding, costs of joinery, etc. and cost of labour/fabrication for each part of the Structure, floor wise, and each building. Stage 7 activities that can adversely impact business · Preparing “As-built drawings” shown as aligned to Structure Stability certificate, but actual physical construction of the built-up Structure is in deviation to the “as-built drawings” in terms of TMT Bar sizes, RMC, safety factor and construction materials used, etc. You can read more about the 29 activities that can adversely impact business in Chapter 1 of my handbook ETHICS in the real estate and hospitality industry, Volume 1- Architectural, Interior design, and MEP services. “