Abstracts – Browse Results
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Adham, A (2018) The political economy of work in Saudi Arabia: a comparative labour process analysis in two firms, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , De Montfort University.
Al Bunni, A (2020) Refurbishment of UK state school buildings: a strategy and framework for BIM-based digital twinning, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , De Montfort University.
Alhalafi, M (2021) Develop a lean project management framework for the construction companies in order to improve the time and cost efficiencies of their construction operations, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , De Montfort University.
Ali, N (2018) A framework for designing energy efficient dwellings satisfying socio-cultural needs in hot climates, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of Architecture, De Montfort University.
Ayodele, T T (2022) Cost-effective retrofit packages for low-middle income residential buildings in Nigeria, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , De Montfort University.
Beadle, K (2008) Analysis of the design process for low-energy housing, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development, De Montfort University.
- Type: Thesis
- Keywords: case study; construction cost; content analysis; decision analysis; design process; environmental impact; housing development; interview; motivation; partnering; professional; project team; RIBA; sustainability
- ISBN/ISSN:
- URL: https://www.dora.dmu.ac.uk/handle/2086/4271
- Abstract:
The present thesis presents an extensive description and analysis of the design process for a large-scale low-energy housing development (196 houses). The research is used to question the appropriateness of the RIBA Plan of Work for the delivery of low-energy housing and to give a unique insight into the motivations and interrelationships ofproject team members. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect and analyse data. Qualitative data were collected from participant observation of over 40 design and construction meetings at the case-study development, as well as from documents distributed at these meetings. In addition, members of the core design team were interviewed. Data from these various sources were analysed using template, documentary and quantitative content analysis. Decision analysis was used to investigate factors that affected the environmental impact of the houses. The impact of these decisions (and of particular decision makers) is discussed. The EcoHomes Standard had the largest influence on decisions, and many were renegotiated in construction to the detriment of the houses' environmental performance. The research reveals that some project team members lacked understanding of the cost of sustainable construction. Several parties added up to 30% to actual construction costs. The experience of designing and constructing the low-energy houses increased all project team members' knowledge, and apparently changed how many operated and thought in their professional roles. Partnering and trust were very important in the project team, and good working relationships were essential. Cost (especially affordability of the houses) and sustainability were the strongest influences on decisions cited by project team members. However, compromises on the sustainability of the houses were observed because of the cost implications of some low-energy technologies, materials and building techniques. The RIBA Plan of Work did not hold the key to incorporating sustainability into the design process, as this was shown to be embedded in other issues, such as project team relations.
Borthwick, F (2002) The impact of the European Construction Products Directive on UK construction product manufacturers, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of the Built Environment, De Montfort University.
Gilham, A (2010) A governance framework for sustainable development in the built environment, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , De Montfort University.
Huang, J (2012) The effects of the development of Private Finance Initiatives in the UK and their relevance in the implementation of Build-Operate-Transfer projects in Chinese road and water sectors, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of Business, De Montfort University.
Men, Y (2023) Investigation into sustainable solutions for improving small and medium sized museums in China, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , De Montfort University.
Moore, D R (1996) Task difficulty assessment: a contribution towards improved buildability through simplification, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , De Montfort University.
Small-Warner, K (2022) Adopting sustainable business models in small island developing states (SIDS): buildings and construction sector, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , De Montfort University.
Watts, C J (2002) In-service training for computer-aided design in building surveying, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of Architecture, De Montfort University.