If functionality isn’t considered during the design and construction phase, inadequacies may arise later. These could negatively impact customers and residents experiences. Therefore, understanding and addressing these issues from the design stage is important to ensure the building operates efficiently and safely. In part 1 of this article, Savills experts will explore some of the operational hurdles related to building architecture. 

Most costs incurred or problems encountered during building operations come from architectural and technical system deficiencies. Architecture must be beautiful and functional, ensuring seamless experiences for residents and tenants, safety, and cost optimisation.

Developers should work with construction and management agents from the project construction stage, especially for complex buildings. They will deliver multidimensional perspectives, considering both approaches. The meshing of both approaches will ensure beautiful and functional projects that deliver a competitive edge.  

Construction vs management approach to project development. 

Savills Property Management Team has expertise in managing diverse real estate types and assists developers in evaluating their architectural design. We provide suitable recommendations to optimise investment expenses and enhance operational effectiveness. 

1. Building traffic flow

One of the significant challenges in operating complex projects lies in building traffic flow. Traffic flow refers to the system that manages and coordinates the movement of people and vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians within a development. It is fundamental to the experiences people have within a development.

If not well managed, improper vertical and horizontal traffic can cause overlap and congestion, hindering groups with different travel purposes, thereby reducing building operational efficiency. Poor implementation of traffic guidance devices wastes time, creates safety risks, and causes traffic and security issues for employees and residents, affecting the project's reputation.

A well-designed traffic system is essential. Vertical traffic, using escalators, stairs, and lifts, moves people between levels. Horizontal traffic involves moving between areas and amenities on the same floor. Wide pathways, well-placed amenities, and efficient space management create a safe and convenient environment for end-users. These features ease movement, reduce waiting time, boost efficiency, and lower the risk of incidents. 

Savills management consultancy services asses  circulation design, including entrances, parking lots, escalators, and elevators, to help developers. Benefits include: 

• Ensure optimal and convenient entrances. 
• Meet the needs of tenants and residents. 
• Maximise the use of elevators, stairs, and escalators while saving energy. 

Learn more about our services here.

2. Parking area

In Viet Nam, parking demand is increasing and spaces are limited, which makes parking lot design complex. It must follow construction and fire safety regulations to ensure security, efficiency, and convenience. 

If parking is poorly designed, several issues may arise: 

• Inefficient use of space, leading to wasted space and costs. 
• Increased risk of fire hazards and problems with fire safety approvals. 
• High energy consumption and reduced project value due to lack of sustainability. 
• Higher operating costs due to frequent system repairs and maintenance.

Developers can consider these long-term solutions to balance aesthetics and functionality in parking lots: 

• Design parking areas and mark no-parking zones near fire extinguishers and wastewater treatment areas. 
• Paint wall and column corners to prevent collisions and property damage. 
• Install an underground parking space notification system to manage car numbers and improve service. 
• Implement an intelligent parking system.

Building design requires expert consultation for both aesthetics and operational efficiency. While architects understand the basics, a management consultancy agent’s perspective is needed. After project completion and handover, fixing problems becomes difficult, costly, and time-consuming. 

As a professional management consultancy agent, Savills Viet Nam gets involved early in project development to ensure thorough planning, transparency, and risk minimisation during and after project operation.