Managing Design Changes through Integrating Concurrent Engineering into the Architectural Design Process

This research aims to investigate the role of concurrent engineering (CE) towards managing design changes (DCs) during the architectural design process (ADP). To achieve this aim, a mixed research approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods was designed to accomplish four objectives. Firstly, the literature review investigated ADP, causes and impacts of DCs and CE. Secondly, three case studies of construction projects from Finland, China and Indonesia were collected and analysed to validate the identified causes and impacts of DCs and examine the role of CE towards managing DCs during ADP. Thirdly, a survey questionnaire was conducted with a representative sample of Architectural Design Firms (ADFs) in Egypt to assess their perception and application of CE as an approach for managing DCs during ADP. Based on the above, the research developed and validated a framework to manage DCs by integrating CE into ADP. Data analysis showed that the “Inability of clients and end-users to comprehend and explain the project requirements due to lack of technical knowledge” and “Inability of clients and end-users to accept advice and guidance” were ranked the highest influential causes of design changes (CDCs). In addition, the “Nature of the traditional procurement approach” and “Insufficient support from the senior management” were ranked the highest challenges of integrating CE in ADFs. These findings informed the research and helped in the development of the proposed framework, which represents a novel and creative synthesis that adds value to knowledge in a way that has not previously occurred.