Exam 1 question

construction & evaluation
1

Hi can you clarify this answer in the case study? According to the case study the basement must also be considered as scope of the work based on the clients needs as well as the other choices?

So is this like the best answer cause you can’t choose the cafeteria?

Not sure if I get this answer’s explanation.

The university has requested that the architect and general contractor review ideas for decreasing project costs. The architect and general contractor are reviewing value engineering options for the proposed dormitories.

Which of the following items would best decrease the cost of the project and maintain the university’s design intent?

Remove two laundry rooms; provide laundry on floors 1, 3 and 5

Incorrect. Removing two laundry rooms would not be a significant cost savings.

Remove the clouded area on the floor plans on every floor

Incorrect. Although removing the clouded area on all floors would be a significant cost savings, it would not align with the university’s intent to provide a cafeteria in every dorm building.

Remove two kitchenettes; provide kitchenettes on floors 1, 3 and 5

Incorrect. Removing two kitchenettes would not be a significant cost savings.

Remove the basement from dormitories

Correct. Removing the basement would provide a significant cost savings in foundations alone.

Reference: The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th edition, Chapters 9 and 10

2

Hi @sergioclaure93 !

Thanks for your question! There are a couple of reasons that removing the basement is the best option. Like the answer says, although removing the clouded areas would provide a significant cost savings, this would go against the university’s goal to provide a cafeteria in every dorm and which is most likely a must for every dormitory.

Removing the basement, although it goes against the requirements list, would be the best option because all other buildings are already going to be slab on grade and the university hasn’t included any sort of programming or use for the basements. Also, the cost of building a basement is significantly more expensive than building a slab on grade foundation. Removing the basement would provide the least amount of programmatic disruption to the building while also providing a significant cost savings. Thanks!

-Rebecca

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