EuroEconomica, Vol 31, No 2 (2012)

Abstract

Objective: The paper aims to propose a novel tool in the form of a questionnaire that will measure flexibility of building. The tool designed to measure the flexibility of building will help in identifying flexible building structures.

Prior Content: In the recent past the importance of flexibility and adaptability in construction building projects has increased. The reason for it can be rapid change and involvement of both private and public organizations in construction projects, new ways of working where client is asking for more innovative and flexible work place designs, high renovation costs due to changing user demands and more focus on the environmental costs.

Approach: A survey method including experts from construction industry is used for this work to design a tool that can measure the flexibility of buildings.

Result: Flexibility becomes inevitable for environment where the environment is dynamic. For a ready adaptation to market fluctuations it would be good to impose the condition that the building, along with its installations should be suitable for several uses.

Implication: The flexibility measurement tool will help the construction practitioners for achieving flexible building structures for the continuous changing demands.

Value: Prior research work contains various characteristics of flexible building structures but no attempt has been made to develop a questionnaire for measuring flexibility of buildings.