Efficiency in High-Rise Building Design : A Lean Approach to Waste Identification and Reduction

Abstract

The design phase of buildings represents a dynamic and complex process, constantly evolving with modifications and feedback. It involves numerous professionals from various specialties, resulting in a fragmented and iterative trial-and-error process. Analyzing waste is the first step towards increasing the efficiency of the design process for high-rise buildings using Lean methodology. Initially, the design phase was characterized, and processes were classified into productive, contributory, and non-contributory work. Typical waste in building design was identified, analyzed, and ranked based on frequency and impact to facilitate understanding and elimination. Three traditional design stages were identified: Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), and Construction Documentation (CD). A total of 33 typical wastes were classified into the eight Lean categories. Key waste ranked by the Frequency-Adjusted Importance Index (FAII) for cost, schedule, and quality metrics were late-stage design changes, waiting for resources and information, rework, and late-stage clarification of requirements.