How to Quantify Quality Architectural Design from the Aspect of Building Maintenance

Building construction is accused of causing environmental problems. Energy use in buildings accounts for about half of the total primary energy use in Hong Kong. There is an increasing demand for the building sector to reduce energy consumption in the lifetime of buildings. Carbon dioxide is released during the processes of construction, operation and demolition of buildings. Buildings have to be well maintained after completion for efficient operation and optimal use. Most of the maintenance problems in buildings are latent defects related to faulty design. Quantifying the quality of building design based on the need and frequency for future maintenance can reduce the environmental impacts of building construction. The Construction Industry Council in the United Kingdom developed an assessment system, Design Quality Indicator, to quantify the "Functionality", "Build Quality" and "Impact" of building design, and to give feedback to designers. This paper outlines a research framework necessary for the development of an assessment tool based on the concept of Design Quality Indicator to quantify sustainable building design aimed at reducing maintenance work for local application.