Measuring Architecture: Formulating METRICS that drives required OUTCOMES
How to measure design?
A critical part of ensuring success in the architectural industry to track it for which key metrics have to be determined and evaluated.
By definition, metrics must offer some kind of insights and be aligned with business goals. They must be clear and measurable so that progress can be gauged effectively. The question is- what are these and how to set them up?
Generally, 90% of the time costs are the main driver. Budgets are set, baselines are prepared and then efforts are made to optimize revenues; all along, the goal is to increase project margins while reducing operational expenses. But should only cost-related metrics be considered? Definitely not because they only present half the picture; they provide no information or insights about the quality of architecture or the effectiveness of designs.
Let’s review how to come up with effective metrics that measure architectural success.
How Can Metrics be Defined?
Metrics are parameters that measure progress, health or effectiveness and can be defined for every project, team or organization. They can be customized in a way.
Choosing the right metrics is a challenge. The goal is to come up with KPIs that measure progress accurately and in ways that matter for the desired project outcomes. Also, KPIs should directly be related to the primary goals.
Metrics such as utilization rate, backlogs and overhead rate are widely used by architectural firms.
What Are the usual metrics used?
Conventionally Architectural metrics are used for purposes such as:
§ Tracking costs
§ Evaluating progress
§ Assessing client satisfaction
§ Comparing performance across all projects in the portfolio
What Questions Should be Considered?
§ What must be measured? Of the so many available metrics, which ones would work best for a certain project?
§ Which metrics should be given a higher priority? What about intangibles? Are they worthy of being considered?
§ How can architectural design be evaluated? What kind of analysis must be made for this purpose?
How Can Meaningful Metrics be Defined?
One of the best methods I found to measure architecture outcomes is the OKR. OKR stands for Objectives and Key results, founded by Any grove of Intel and is being widely used in Itel and google.
The first step here is to define goals, and then accordingly, define an outcome that is measurable.
OKR, also known as Objectives and Key Results, is a method for setting and sharing objectives and results such that they are connected to success. This ensures that every single individual moves ahead in the right direction. Each set goal is supported by key results, various tasks and actions, which outline how the goals can be achieved.
Which Metrics are Often Used on Architectural Projects?
General architectural metrics that can be used include the following:
§ Number of accidents or incidents
§ Material usage
§ Working hours spent on a certain aspect of the work
§ Number of defects
§ Total waste and the amount of recycled material
§ Total variations
When we talk about designs, there is usually no single parameter that can capture progress completely. But multiple metrics can. All these are combined under the Key Performance Index or KPI. When aligned with the vision, it provides a powerful framework for achieving desired results. The following metrics can be included in the KPI.
§ Efficiency
§ Energy consumption
§ Fire protection
§ Local practices
§ Operational flexibility
§ Social relevance
§ System backup
Building performance often referred to as efficiency, should also be considered. This is a measure of how the structure functions wrath respect to physical, environmental and social considerations. As an example, physical efficiency can be determined by considering energy usage, water usage, structure performance and heat loss. Generally, building performance is assessed against a criterion which considers various aspects like:
§ Sustainability — are environment-friendly materials used, and in what quantities? How much energy is required for heating and cooling? How much heat is retained?
§ Comfort — can humidity, ventilation and other factors ensure a healthy environment?
§ Ecology — are the habitats exposed to risks of any sort?
§ Layout — does the design optimize privacy, circulation and sunlight?
§ Accessibility — how accessible is the building? Does it offer necessary features for the disabled?
Building performance may not always live up to the expectations of the designers and clients. As such, a gap occurs between desired and actual performance, which may often be significant and detrimental to owners, occupiers and environment. But if proper metrics are defined and evaluated, this issue can be prevented.
How Can Intangibles be Measured?
Measuring intangibles such as cognitive contribution or social relevance is a common challenge in several architectural projects. Feelings are hard to quantify and measure, but nonetheless, experienced teams have done so after finishing construction. Advanced tools and techniques can still be used for the purpose; these methods understand the emotional effects on design and the consequences it could have.
Ironically, there are no right and wrong metrics. Creativity has to be considered for understanding metrics that offer value and track progress effectively. Since complexities are involved, the impact of designs is often measured for intangible parameters by converting them as a subset of a tangible on. Thus, the architecture deviates from user feelings to user experience, user cognition to scale, user mood to other parameters like colours and light.
Thus, intangible aspects can only be mastered when the designs are fully understood in higher functioning. And remember, focusing on them is what sets apart regular buildings from modern, inspiring architecture
Well-defined metrics provide valuable insights on which key decisions can be made. But the process involves certain complexities. Both tangible and intangible benefits must be considered because the metrics are only useful when they are linked to the goals.
