Value-sensitive design & management of buildings and facilities

Abstract

Architectural design may be defined as a synthesis of form, function, and technology, in a particular context, taking into account legal and financial preconditions. This book shows the need to also incorporate societal values. In the area of Corporate Real Estate Management (CREM) and Facilities Management (FM), a growing awareness comes to the fore, how buildings, facilities, and services can add value for clients, end-users, other stakeholders, and society as a whole. Adding value through well-thought design and management choices in the development of new buildings or interventions in buildings-in-use regards its contribution to the fulfilment of organisational objectives, end-user needs, interests of other stakeholders, and societal values. This chapter aims to connect both worlds by presenting findings from the CREM/FM field that may be incorporated in architectural design. It discusses twelve types of added value, possible conflicts and synergy between different values, and criteria for prioritisation. It also presents a step-by-step model to support value adding design and management processes. Incorporating societal values and values of clients and end-users is a prerequisite for socially responsible and user-centred design and management. Teaching students this way may help to provide a sustainable built environment that fits with people’s needs and interests. The chapter ends with some suggestions on how to teach value-sensitive design and management of buildings and facilities.