A study of the utilization of construction management in the design process of educational facilities

• Main Author: Garvey, F. Patrick
• Other Authors: Wagner, Ivan D.
• Format: Others
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/handle/176346; http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/249379

New methods of designing and construction have been developed and utilized for building educational facilities during the past decade. The conventional method of construction has been most frequently used. However, construction management has gained in popularity the last several years. Utilizing the concept of construction management, an architect designs the facility with the assistance of a construction management firm to meet the educational needs of the school corporation.The purpose of the study was to describe how construction management firms are utilized by architects in the design process of planning educational facilities. A review of related literature and interviews with architects experienced in utilizing construction management firms for designing educational facilities served as data for the study.Conferences were conducted using a structured interview guide developed from research techniques. The interview was structured around the utilization of construction management firms, specific elements needed, uses, and services provided by construction management firms during the design process.Five chapters were devoted to the study. Chapter I described the purpose and need for the study. Review of related literature was addressed in the second chapter. The third chapter explained the methods and procedures used for the study. Interview data were presented in Chapter IV. The fifth and final chapter was devoted to a summary, findings of the study, conclusions, recommendations for future studies, and guidelines for using the study.Data collected during the interviews with the selected architects and the review of literature formulated the basis for the conclusions and recommendations. Construction management firms being utilized during the design process were revealed as an essential part of planning an educational facility.The utilization of a design team by the school corporation during the design phase permitted input from several sources. When the design team was used the school corporation was reasonably certain the facility met the educational needs of the community.The research revealed that two methods of construction are primarily being used: conventional management and construction management. The conventional method is the best known by educators, architects, and contractors. Construction management is a concept that is gaining popularity primarily because it permits the owner/client to retain control throughout the entire project--from design phase through construction.The responsibility for planning the facility remains with the architect. However, when utilizing a construction management firm during the design phase, the architect is transferring certain responsibilities thus leaving more time to devote to design technique and construction practices.