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D31VR  Value and Risk ManagementSession#3 : Value and Function (continued)

Getting Value for Money from construction projects through design

Graduate School for Building & Urban Design

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Concept of FA and the construction project

Concept

Spaces

Elements

Components

Strategic – ‘Value drivers’

Technical – ‘product functions’

• ‘soft’ problems• project level

• definition & scoping• Analysis of concept

• ‘hard’ problems• original VE approach• units of construction-

systems, materials..• Analysis of product

Designdevelopment

ClientOrganisational

issues

BuildingStructure

issues

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Function analysis of window

• Transmit light• Control Ventilation• Secures space• Attenuates sound• Retains heat• Excludes weather• Minimise condensation• Pleases aesthetically• Facilitates outlook

• Displays interior• Resists glare• Attenuates solar-gain• Resists wind-load• Facilitates cleaning• Contain fire• Facilitates escape• Resists vandalism• Resists blast

FA applied at an elemental level (Value Engineering approach)

How to sort these?

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Sort of functions – pairs comparison

Identify functionsand weight their importance

Application at technical level(VE) e.g Internal partitions

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Sort of functions – weighting & scoring

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Pairs comparison – application at strategic level

See K, M and GCh 8.5

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Function Logic diagram

• The Function Logic diagram, also known as FAST diagram (Function Analysis System Technique) is a development of FA introduced in the 1960s

• Function Logic diagram provides a diagrammatic representation of the functions of an object under study (system, element, component, product, concept…)

• Function Logic diagram aids in viewing a problem objectively

• There is no correct FAST model for a particular problem under study- only a valid one for project team.

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Function Logic and problem structuring

• Function Logic diagram introduces logical dependency and hierarchy into Function Analysis

• Advantages:– Aids in identifying the BASIC function (prime task)– Breaks a large complex problem into manageable individual

problems– Stimulates in-depth thinking– Communicates aspects of a problem in broad easily

understood process

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Benefits of Function Logic diagramming

• “FAST diagramming is an art rather than a science- but when properly applied, its an art that reveals, as nothing else, ways to improve value because through logic it stimulates imagination and creativity”

- J E. FergusonAmerican Value Specialist

• “FAST [Function Logic] is a thinking process, you can throw the diagram away”

- C. Bythaway

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Function Logic diagram – briefing stage

Project – “investment ofResource to transport usersacross the river”

See K, M & G

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Small group exercise – Value and function

Defining Value and function of a motor car – a fixed asset with significant capital and operational costs

• As a small group, identify your functional requirements for investment in a car (express as concisely as possible)

• Prioritise these functions from most important to least important.• Consider each item on the list and make sure it is a function and not

a solution.

• Are there any other ways to satisfy your functional requirements?

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Small group exercise – Value and function

A number of issues are likely to be highlighted through this exercise.

• No two groups are likely to have the same list of functional requirements

• Individuals within groups are likely to have different ideas about desirable functions.

• A car is a technical solution which fulfils a number of functions• Achievement of some functions are more tangible (and measurable)

than others

• Value is a relative concept• Achieving group consensus is not always easy

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Assessment – Hotel Development project

• What are the issues?• Strategic Definition

– Client value drivers– Measures of project success– End users / stakeholders– Possible functional spaces – Project constraints

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Reading and self-study

VM and VE ‐ A discussion of Value, Function and Cost – Function Analysis  

1. What are the dimensions of client value system to be considered by a client atthe outset of a project?  

2. What are the most cost significant elements of a building project and do they vary from building type to building type (Review the BCIS Cost Analyses for this)

 3. Review the function logic diagram of the Hillside Park case study (pp 111‐118 

of K,M&G text). If the project was to construct a new academic building with amission to “Create a focal point for teaching and research excellence to deliverworld class student experience” what would the FAST diagram look like?

See last week slide for core reading