Construction Management for Human Settlement - myassignmenthelp

Question: Discuss about theConstruction Management for Human Settlement Planning. Answer: Neither utilization of the best practices nor just merely throwing three functions within a building make a successful mixed used development planning but rather a consideration of a few factors that when well utilized with see the clients obligations met in the design and construction task. It is of importance to take into account the cultural priorities, lifestyles as well as the context with which the development is to be mounted. Without a careful consideration and further incorporation of these factors may culminate into an eventual fail of a mixed use development project(Ingram 2012, p. 236). It is fundamental to incorporate into the design proper setting, timing and location of a mixed use development project as such a project has direct impact on public life. Such functions as retailing services of the project interact with the public realm while others like parking do not necessarily do(Hannigan 2015, p. 425). Other yet important aspects that will impact directly on the success of a mixed use development include the economic and social dynamics within the community where the development is yet to occur. The economic climate of the region affects the extent of investment the client can do on the project. Whereas there are numerous economic risks that may discourage developers from investing in innovative mixed use development projects, mixed use development projects are able to assist in the diffusion of these economic risks across the various users of the spaces available(Coupland 2015, p. 499). In order to maximize from the investment, the client should locate it such that it is close to or in dense neighborhoods since such neighborhoods provide greater opportunities and drivers of change that would facilitate acceptance of mixed use development. In case of non-existence of dense neighborhoods, it would be important that a research study is conducted so as to understand political, economic and market conditions of acceptance of mixed use development in the region(Jha 2012, p. 347). In order to achieve a financial success for such a development project, there are three major factors that must be taken into consideration: Having a major draw that would bring people together into the facility: An example can be a community center comprising of an entertainment facility, an academic institution or any other facility that would enhance social interaction Being familiar with the uniqueness of economic environment into which the project is to be constructed. By considering this, it would be possible to make the development project more attractive to investors and more profitable. The social variables are also an important element of seeing a successful mixed use development. In as much as people enjoy the conveniences that come with such development offers, other may not want the whole package. Such spaces as day care centers, playgrounds, parks or even group homes may at times meet resistance from the intended users of the spaces. Families may opt and prefer homes that have gardens and increased privacy levels that would enhance quiet and peace as opposed to crowded spaces(Misra 2015, p. 639). Design concept Besides the comprehensive pre-construction process that entails planning, design of any structure comes with numerous challenges that may need to be successfully attended to in order to achieve a sound and functional structure. Such challenges are among them ensuring compliances with the existing local building codes and regulations(Yang 2010, p. 587). This challenge is even greater with mixed use development project since each of the usable spaces is likely to have a different building code that need to be observed. In addition, each of the units would require its own support system for example a development inclusive of a restaurant would need to have a separate exhaust system from the rest of the building fabric. Retailers would not wish to have plumbing pipes from the apartments to be seen in their spaces. In order to achieve a successful mixed use development project that would meet the expectations of the client as well as keep the image of the company intact, several design concepts should be incorporated. As provided for by the regulations of the building code, there would be provision of fire suppression methods and it should be ensured that these become more stringent following the mixture and high density of the development. A consideration must as well be attached to the structural safety of the structure. Retail spaces tend to be more expansive and open than office spaces or residential apartments. In normal practice, the retail spaces are in most cases allocated ground floor spaces to enhance ease of access by the shoppers as well as the suppliers(Chandra 2011, p. 205). The ceilings of these spaces should thus be designed in such a way that they are able to transmit and support the load above them. In as much as retailers would prefer to have small and few columns so as to maximize the space available and ensure unobstructed views, the safety and functionality of the development must be given a top priority. To achieve this safety measure, the design concept would incorporated support beams of the most appropriate strength in addition to more construction materials(Hannigan 2015, p. 89). There are four main challenges that need to be addressed while doing the design of the development project. These include odor, trash, security and parking. The design concept would be such that each of the users should be able to collect trash in such a way that he does not trespass on other uses and then dispose them in the safest manner. Odors can be sourced from any elements of mismanagement and other operations for example cooking taking place in a restaurant(Hannigan 2015, p. 566). Parking could be hectic especially under circumstances when a retailer has shoppers who drive to shopping as opposed to those who walk to the shops. To achieve security of the building, the design concept should draw a line between public access and private access thereby separating entry into the residential spaces/apartments from places accessible to the public(Chandra 2011, p. 166). Upon this distinction being clearly drawn, security would be enhanced and privacy levels well defined in such a way that it would not only be attractive but also safe to dwell within the development project. While designing, these factors should never be overlooked as they have impact both on the length of time of the project and may culminate into additional cost. In conclusion, design and final construction of a successful mixed use development project is quite a challenging task that requires a consideration into several factors that would ensure the needs of both the user and the client are met. The design concept should be such that it is cost effective and gives reasonable financial returns to the investor and at the same time attracting to the users of the various spaces. The construction process of the project should not be as such long as this would culminate into inflated construction costs that would lead to unaffordability of the project services by the users. References Chandra, P 2010, Guidelines for Human Settlement Planning and Design, 4th edn, CSIR Building and Construction Technology, New York. Chandra, P 2011, Projects: Planning, Analysis, Selection, Financing, Implementation and Review, 7th edn, Tata Mc Graw Hill Education Private Limited, New York. Cooper, R 2014, Wellbeing: A Complete Reference Guide, Wellbeing and the Environment, 5th edn, John Wiley Sons, Califrnia. Coupland, A 2015, Reclaiming the City: Mixed use development, 3rd edn, Routledge, Salt Lake. Hannigan, J 2015, Fantasy City: Pleasure and Profit in the Postmodern Metropolis, 10th edn, Routledge, London. Ingram, H 2012, Developing Hospitality Properties and Facilities, 2nd edn, Routledge, Oxford. Jenks, M 2016, Future Forms and Design For Sustainable Cities, 7th edn, Routledge, New York. Jha, AK 2012, Cities and Flooding: A Guide to Integrated Urban Flood Risk Management for the 21st Century, 6th edn, World Bank Publications, Washington D.C. Misra, KB 2015, Handbook of Performability Engineering, 4th edn, Springer Science Business Media, Manchester. Yang, J 2010, Smart and Sustainable Built Environments, 4th edn, John Wiley Sons, Beijing.