Value and quality in architecture: a study of the principles of value engineering

TLDR: Value Engineering is an analytical study of a specific method that makes the best investment out of the available resources in a way that does not affect the purpose or function of the project, and rapidly helps in giving results and proposals.

Abstract: Value Engineering is an analytical study of a specific method. Its processes are conducted by a multidisciplinary working groups in order to come out with a certain product, design, project, or service, with the aim of  identifying and classifying functions performed by that product, project, or service. All that is for the purpose of the betterment of the execution of those functions, or the reduction of the total cost, or both, through the search for innovative alternatives without compromising the basic requirements, on the bases of the principles of functional budget between the three elements of production; performance, quality and cost, Cooper, R. et al (1997). This methodology has proved highly efficient in solving problems based on its ability of functional analysis, and makes the best investment out of the available resources in a way that does not affect the purpose or function of the project, besides that it rapidly helps in giving results and proposals. All what mentioned above makes Value Engineering to be able to improve the tasks and actions, and the generation of creative ideas, and upgrading products or projects, as well as increasing its functional and aesthetical aspects. This improvement relies on a work  methodology or a roadmap, where such approach boots its performance and productivity development based on the idea of ​​combining the targeted investigation productivity and the savings in costs without compromising quality and basic functions expected by customers and producers on the other hand. The qualitative upgrading of projects and services is possible and available, that could be achieved by raising its value by improvement and development, while reducing their total cost, without affecting the necessary requirements and needs, and the optimal exploitation of resources is as well increasingly demanded day after day, since they are mostly considered as depleted resources.                                                                                                       For the application of Value Engineering production processes, the execution of projects and other aspects Value Engineering urgently demands the survival in a severe global competition. In areas related to the applications of architecture, the achievement of quality is not only limited to design processes, construction and the trial of transforming the design into reality. With respect to the quality of equipment and materials employment the achievement of quality extends to include all of the above in addition to trying to achieve quality through the way the building is used and the quality of the method of operation and maintenance. hence the significance of Value Engineering in achieving a comprehensive quality through the stages of design and execution, as well as the achievement of that during the operation phase, an issue which the study is aiming to explain, Donald E. Parker,(1998).