Exploring the relationship between building morphology factors & running costs of office buildings in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Buildings should be visualized for operation and maintenance at the early stage life cycle. The building structure is noticeably influenced by design variables. Past studies show that design variables like building shape, size, storey height, circulation space, grouping of buildings and perimeter/floor area ratio, have significantly influenced the construction costs of buildings. Although there is little evidence that these design variables impact the running costs of buildings. The current study therefore explores the relationship between running costs and design variables, by analysing the running costs and design variables of office buildings in Sri Lanka. The study was approached quantitatively where documents like; drawings, annual reports, administrative expenditure budget, and operating expenses records of 20 completed office buildings were collected. Correlation and regression analysis were performed on the data collected to establish the statistical relationships between running costs of its and design variables. The results of the analyses show that there are Twelve (12) significant running costs elements that contribute up to 82% of the total running costs. Furthermore, the running cost element of repairs and decoration has a strong correlation with building shape. Regression analysis performed on the data show that the model primarily depends on building size: the gross floor area of the building and building height, These two parameters are responsible for over 73% of the model findings coupled with the analysis of running costs could help design variables that influence running costs at the early design economic design is realizable accuracy. These designers to focus on stage of office buildings. This could ensure that an throughout building life cycle.