IMPACT OF ECONOMIC FACTORS ON DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCESSES IN ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

The influence of economic factors on the design and construction processes in the architecture and construction industry is under consideration and theoretically underpinned. The following aspects (factors of influence) were found to be among the economic problems faced by Ukrainian architects, developers and urban planners. Design and construction costs are the first problematic and applied area. The general classification of design and construction costs has been presented. It is noted that a project can be made more affordable and efficient through effective project cost management and finding ways to optimise costs. The economic feasibility of using the latest technologies is the second area of concern and application. The authors argue that the introduction of modern technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modelling), 3D printing in architecture and intelligent systems in buildings often faces economic barriers. However, by increasing process efficiency and reducing time and financial costs, they believe these technologies can be cost effective in the long term. Another problematic, applied area is energy efficiency. It has been noted that energy efficiency in construction requires up-front investment that can significantly reduce future building maintenance costs. Both the long-term savings and the improvement in the quality of operation of the facilities should be taken into account when assessing the profitability of such investments. It has been found that there are a number of ways to optimise the activities of a construction company. One of these ways is to implement an energy saving strategy in the company. This strategy consists of several stages. The first stage, based on the parameters of the company’s energy status, is to formulate a set of objectives. This means calculating and setting targets for reducing the energy consumed and improving energy efficiency. The second stage is the planning and implementation of a series of measures to save energy in the building. These may include the installation of energy-saving equipment, the modernisation of heating and air-conditioning systems, the introduction of energy-efficient technologies in the construction process, the integration of energy-saving management systems, etc. The third step is to monitor the energy-saving processes. This includes systematic analysis and evaluation of the results of the implemented measures, monitoring energy consumption, identifying and eliminating potential problems. According to the authors, intensifying the introduction of new energy-saving technologies is the innovative component of a construction company’s energy-saving activities. It is also important to develop scientifically based means of organising and managing the energy saving process in construction. The fourth problematic and applied area is the development and implementation of cost-effective norms and standards. It should be noted that improving the quality of design and construction, as well as improving economic performance by optimising the use of resources, can be achieved by updating the regulations and standards governing construction and architectural processes through the integration of new knowledge and technologies. In particular, the cost of running construction projects can be optimised by considering economic parameters in the development of norms and standards.