Theses 2005 ~ 2006

Azza Al Zaabei - 2006 MS - Dr. Vallie Miranda

Demonstratin and Analysis of Tangible Heritage Management Strategy Using Geographical Information Systems for The City of Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates

Jin Su Jeong - 2006 MS - Dr. Vallie Miranda

Web-based Feedback System: The Life Cycle Management As Conitinous Maintenance of Apartment Facility Information

Kwang Jun Lee - 2006 MS - Dr. Vallie Miranda

The Web-based Graphic Service Request System for Facility Management of Apartments

Melanie Joseph - 2006 MS - Dr. Phillip Tabb

A Pattern Language for Sacred Secular Places

Alene Reich - 2005 MS - Prof. David Woodcock

Utilitas and Venustas: Balancing Utility and Authenticity in Stweardship of our Built Heritage

Azza Mohamed Kamal El Sayed Ibrahim - 2005 MS - Prof. Bob Warden Prof. Marlyynn May

Betina Martens Mogo - 2005 MS - Dr. Liliana Beltran

An experimental setup to evaluate the daylighting performance of an advanced optical light pipe for deep-plan office buildings

Byoungsoo Ahn - 2005 MS - Dr. Liliana Beltran

Daylighting Systems for The Kuwait National Museum

Jaya Mukhopadhyay - 2005 MS - Dr. Jeff Harbel

Analysis of Improved Fenestration for Code-compliant Residental Buildings in Hot and Humid Climites

Jeong Han Woo - 2005 MS - Dr. Mark Clayton

Sharing Tacit Design Knowledge in A Distributed Design Environment

Joon Ho Choi - 2005 MS - Dr. Liliana Beltran

Study of the Relationship Between Indoor Daylight Environments and Patient Average length of Stay (ALOS) in Healthcare Facilities

Mini Malhotra - 2005 MS - Dr. Jeff Harbel

An Anlaysis of Maxiamun Residental Energy-efficientcy in Hotmand Humid Climates

Nancy Crowley - 2005 MS - Dr. Anat Leva

The Influence of Local and Imported Factors on the Design and Construction of the Spanish Missions in San Antonio, Texas

Siritip Harntaweewongsa - 2005 MS - Dr. Liliana Beltran

Thermal and Lighting Performance of Toplighting Systems in the Hot and Humid Climate of Thailand

Sonia Punjabi - 2005 MS - Dr. Vallie Miranda

Development of An Integrated Building Design Information Interface

Umesh Atre - 2005 MS - Dr. Mark Clayton

Effect of Daylighting on Energy Consumption and Daylight Quality in an Exsiting Elementary School

Young No Kim - 2005 MS - Dr. Mark Clayton

A Web-based Timesheet Tool for The Design Studio

 

Jeong Han Woo - 2005 MS

Sharing Tacit Design Knowledge in A Distributed Design Environment

Throughout the life-cycle of a design project, architects rely heavily on their tacit design knowledge to support design decisions. Tacit knowledge is highly personal and implicit. As such, it encompasses expertise, intuitive understanding, and professional insight formed as a result of experience. Due to its implicit nature, tacit design knowledge is typically shared only among colleagues who work in the same office through face-to-face interactions. With emerging Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) technologies, designers face new opportunities for capturing and reusing tacit design knowledge. However, there is no accepted CMC strategy for sharing tacit design knowledge in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. This research investigates the impact of tacit design knowledge on design performance in a distributed design environment supported by CMC software. The software was developed and tested in three design studios in which design students sought advic
e from experts in remote locations. It provides tools for showing images, such as drawings and renderings, and for engaging in a written dialogue (chat session). The written and graphic artifacts of the conversation are stored in a Web-accessible database.The chat sessions included the identification, clarification, and explanation of real problems. Dialogue records provide evidence of a significant influence upon the students' approach to conceptual design. Content analysis of the comments from the experts provides qualitative evidence for the software's effectiveness. The participants shared past experience, professional recommendations, and intuitive expectations. In follow-up surveys, most participants reported that their experience with the software was very enjoyable and the software is well-designed to support sharing of design knowledge. This research also suggests that tacit design knowledge may be confidently captured and shared through careful strategic implementation of CMC
technology in a distributed design environment. Demographic and attitudinal surveys of the participants suggest that enabling factors for sharing tacit design knowledge include knowledge sharing attitude,just-in-time expertise matching, and timing of the communication.

 

 

Byoungsoo Ahn - 2005 MS

Daylighting Systems for The Kuwait National Museum

Daylight has a deteriorating effect on the museum objects. For this reason, usually museums totally block the daylight. This research is the part of restoration works of Kuwait National Museum (KNM), which was destroyed during the Gulf War in 1990. The purpose of this research is to investigate the lighting performance of the top lighting and side shading devices in KNM. This research will cover daylighting systems for Building 3 and 4 of the KNM. Daylighting systems are evaluated by using the scale model and Desktop RADIANCE, a lighting simulation program. This research will present how to make use of daylight in museum buildings while protecting museum objects from the harmful portion of daylight.

 

 

Umesh Atre - 2005 MS

Effect of Daylighting on Energy Consumption and Daylight Quality in an Exsiting Elementary School

This research investigates the effects of daylighting in an existing elementary school in College Station , Texas . The conclusions are generalizable to similar school designs in hot and humid climates. This study focuses on the trends observed in thebuilding's heating, cooling, and lighting energy consumption due to daylighting, and the overall effect on total energy consumption. Skylights with 1% to 10% glazing surface to floor area and clerestories from 2 ft to 8 ft glazing height were analyzed to formulate balanced daylighting designs that could provide for decreased electricity and gas energy consumption and increased daylight illuminance levels and energy cost savings. Classroom and Library areas inside the case study school building were analyzed using walk-throughs and daylight factor measurements to understand existing lighting conditions and the potential for daylighting. Physical scale models of the study spaces with and without daylighting alternatives were built for dayli
ght factor and daylight penetration analysis. Computer simulation models were created for the base case and all proposed daylighting designs for building energy performance evaluation using theDOE-2 building energy simulation program. Daylight factors from the actual spaces, physical model measurements, and computer simulation outputs were studied for trends in interior daylight illuminance levels. Annual energy consumption analyses were performed using DOE-2 and involved heating, cooling, and electrical energy use comparisons of all proposed designs with the base case. One design each from the skylight and clerestory cases, and an overall design based upon the performance criteria are proposed for the existing school building. The building energy analyses suggested that a considerable reduction in artificial lighting and total electricity use could be achieved through proper sizing of skylights and clerestories. Heating energy use stayed almost constant in all cases. Considering all d
ifferent trends in energy use, all the proposed cases perform better than the base case in terms of total energy savings. The spaces analyzed constituted 15% of total school area, and projected savings would be much higher if daylighting could be applied to the entire school building.

 

 

Sonia Punjabi - 2005 MS

Development of An Integrated Building Design Information Interface

This research recognizes the need for building simulation/performance tools that can easily be integrated into the building design process. The study examines available simulation tools and attempts to determine why these tools are not used by building designers/architects. Findings confirm that the complexity of simulation tools created by scientists, who are more technically oriented, discourages use by architects who are more visually oriented people. The evaluation and analysis of available simulation tools suggests a thorough research methodology for creating a new front-end interface that solves current usage problems. The research is limited to the interface design of the new front-end which is named Integrated Building Design Information Interface (IBDII). The new front end provides an interface that allows designers to make more informed decisions during the design process while providing a front-end that supports AutoCAD and permits a user interface where the mode of input is graphical and not numerical. Criteria for the new front-end interface enable the development of a series of mock-up interface designs that are responsive to the needs of architects. A working graphical user interface of the building information prototype is created and is then put through an empirical user testing. The usability testing establishs the usefulness, effectiveness, likeability and learnability of the developed interface design. The testing includes six factors which act as indicators of usability and provide suggestions for future developments. The testing evaluation ascertains that the interface is easy to learn and use. Findings also show that the best feature of integrated building design information front-end is its interface design and there is room for improvement in the way input is selected.

 

 

Jaya Mukhopadhyay - 2005 MS

Analysis of Improved Fenestration for Code-compliant Residental Buildings in Hot and Humid Climites

This thesis presents an analysis of energy efficient residential windows in hot and humid climates.To accomplish this analysis, the use of accurate simulation tools such as DOE-2.1e is required, which incorporates the results from the WINDOW-5.2 simulation program to assess accurate fenestration performance. The thesis also investigates the use of optimal glazing types, which, for future applications, could be specified in the code to reduce annual net energy consumption to zero. Results show that combinations of low-E and double pane, clear-glazed windows, which are optimally shaded according to orientation are the best solution for lowering both annual energy consumption and peak electricity loads. The study also concludes that the method used to model fenestration in the simulation program plays an important role in accurately determining the effectiveness of the glazing option used. In this particular study, the use of the WINDOW-5.2 program is highly recommended especially for high performance windows (i.e., low-E glazing). Finally, a discussion on the incorporation of super high performance windows (i.e., super low-E, ultra low-E anddynamic / switchable glazing) into the IECC code concludes that these types of glazing strategies can reduce annual net energy use of the window to zero. Future work identified by this thesis includes a more extensive examination of the passive solar potential of high performance fenestration, and an examination of the appropriate methods for specifying these properties in future versions of the IECC code. This implies that future specifications for fenestration in the IECC code could aim for zero net annual energy consumption levels from residential fenestration.

 

 

Young No Kim - 2005 MS

A Web-based Timesheet Tool for The Design Studio

This research is related to time management and the use of timesheets in architectural design education. It focuses on the role of Web-based timesheets in the architectural design studio. The main purpose of the research is to explore whether Web technology is helpful in increasing compliance with time documentation and can determine which student behaviors and habits can be observed with Web-based timesheets in architectural design education. In time management, using timesheets is a common method to analyze time usage. However, a traditional timesheet is usually focused on the investigator's (teacheror employer) perspective. Therefore active participation is hardly expected and data analysis is not easily offered to participants as useful information in real time. To overcome the identified problems, Web technology may be useful. For this research, a pilot software tool was developed and tested in design studios at several grade levels. Research was focused on empirical observation to determine which student work patterns and behaviors can be observed with a Web-based timesheet tool. The Web-based timesheet tool was successfully fielded in the design studio and the utility of the Web-based timesheet tool was observed. By analyzing the collected data from the experiments with this Web-based timesheet tool, it was possible to observe various work patterns and behaviors and to develop insights in the students' design process. Analysis of log data gave interesting insights into students' work patterns and design behaviors. Web technology was helpful in increasing the value of the timesheet in architectural design education.

 

 

Betina Martens Mogo - 2005 MS

An experimental setup to evaluate the daylighting performance of an advanced optical light pipe for deep-plan office buildings

This research focuses on an advanced optical light pipe daylighting system as a means to deliver natural light at the back of deep-plan office buildings (15ft to 30ft), using optimized geometry and high reflective materials. The light pipe configurations follow a previous study at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Beltrán et al., 1997). The current system is designed for College Station , TX (lat: 30° 36'N), with predominantly mostly sunny sky conditions. This work consists of the monitoring of two scale models simulating a portion of a multi-story office building with open-plan configuration, with interior dimensions 30ft x 20ft x 10ft, built at 1:4 of its real scale, one of the models being the reference case and the other the test case where the light pipe system is placed. The main objectives of this thesis are (a) to examine this daylighting system comparative to the reference case, taking measurements for longer periods than the study at LBNL, as well as to collect de
tailed data of its performance under different weather conditions and with different materials; (b) to evaluate the visual comfort and possible glare problems of the light pipe system through photographic evaluation and the conduction of a survey that provides people's opinions and suggestions about the daylighting system. The light pipe system demonstrated a higher performance than the reference case in terms of appropriate levels of light and people's preferences. The illuminance at the workplane level showed to be adequate with any of the two different diffusing materials used to spread the light into the room. The light pipe without a diffuser was the other condition observed to further understand the bounces of the sunbeam inside the reflective chamber and its consequences on the lighting output. Recommended standards for office spaces with VDT screens together with the analysis of the daylight system, led to preliminary suggestions on how to integrate the light pipe system in an 
open-plan office configuration. Further study is indicated to reach the complete potential of this advanced optical light pipe that ties illuminance quality with energy savings through the integration of daylight and electric light systems.

 

 

Azza Mohamed Kamal El Sayed Ibrahim - 2005 MS

Informal settlements are a form of housing found in many parts of the world. Self-help housing in informal settlements has different influences that are denoted in the customs and preferences of the residents, which in turn, are reflected on the elements of house exteriors as well as its interior. Colonias in the U.S-Mexico border region are a model of informal settlements. The purpose of this study is to analyzethe social and cultural influences on housing fronts in Webb County Colonias. The study focuses on investigating traditional features, vernacular forms, building rituals, and social features as they relate to the morphology of house fronts and their production. The housing model of Geddes and Bertalanffy explained byTurner (1972) was the premise of establishing the argument of this study. A mixed-method approach was used in data gathering from the following three Colonias: Los Altos , Larga Vista, and Rio Bravo . Utilized methods included image-based research through systemati
c random sampling of housing fronts in the Colonias, as well as a group-administered structured survey distributed during community monthly gathering for food distribution. The development of the research process and methodology incorporated the input of the local community and local leaders and volunteers assisted in its implementation.The study concluded that past and present experiences of Colonias residents have intense impacts on different aspects contributing to the themes comprising the morphology of Colonias housing fronts. A classical pattern of migration as well as maintained contact and continuous dialogue between residents and their kin were found to result in preserving the inherent native culture of the Colonias' residents and can thus be considered as core elements. This preservation of native culture was indicated by utilization of semi-private space, traditional roof forms, privacy and security elements, and building rituals. The study also identified additional second
ary modified elements, represented by the lack of gates utilization as a measure of security. These core and modified elements coincide with the Geddes and Bertalanffy model and therefore it can be deduced that this model can be applied in the case of the Colonias.

 

 

Siritip Harntaweewongsa - 2005 MS

Thermal and Lighting Performance of Toplighting Systems in the Hot and Humid Climate of Thailand

This study evaluated the potential of toplighting systems in the hot and humid tropics by using Bangkok , Thailand (latitude 13.7°N) as a test location. The analysis tested both the thermal and lighting performance of three toplighting systems. Toplighting, designed for use in one-story buildings or on the top floor of taller buildings, yields a uniformly distributed light throughout a space. However, in lower latitude locations, where there is no heating period, heat gain is a critical design issue since it significantly affects the annual energy consumption of the building. Accordingly, the decision to use toplighting in these locations needs to be carefully examined before any design considerations occur. In this study, the thermal and lighting performance of three toplighting systems were compared. For the thermal performance, total cooling loads, heat gains and losses, and interior temperature were evaluated. The lighting performance parameters examined were daylight factor, illuminance level, light distribution, and uniformity. EnergyPlus was used as the thermal analysis tool, and RADIANCE, along with a physical scale model, was used as the lighting performance analysis tool. The sky conditions tested were overcast, clear sky, and intermediate sky. Results have shown that, for locations with hot and humid climates with variable sky conditions such as Bangkok , Thailand , the roof monitors perform better than the other two systems in terms of the thermal and lighting performance. With similar cooling loads, the roof monitor provides better illuminance uniformity than the skylights and lightscoops, with adequate illuminance level (at mostly higher than 500 lux).

 

 

Mini Malhotra - 2005 MS

An Anlaysis of Maxiamun Residental Energy-efficientcy in Hotmand Humid Climates

Energy-efficient building design involves minimizing the energy use and optimizing the performance of individual systems and components of the building. The benefits of energy-efficient design, in the residential sector, are direct and tangible, provided that design strategies with a substantial combined energy and cost-saving potential are adopted. Many studies have been performed to evaluate the energy-saving potential and the cost effectiveness of various design options, and to identify conditions for optimizing the performance of building systems and components. The results of these studies, published in various resources,were analyzed discretely using different techniques, and were reported using different bases for comparison. Considering the complex interaction of, and energy flows through various building components, it is difficult to directly compare/combine the results from various studies to determine the energy-saving potential of combination of strategies, and to selec
t an appropriate set of strategies for making design decisions. Therefore, this thesis develops a comprehensive survey and analysis of energy-efficient design strategies and their energy-saving potential, in isolation as well as in combination, using a DOE-2 simulation model of a prototype house in the hot and humid climate of Houston , Texas . Optimized strategies that included building configuration, materials/ assembly for building envelop components, and efficient mechanical and electrical systems, equipment and appliances, were applied in combination that could minimize the annual energy use. Application of these strategies is expected to allow downsizing systems and equipment and to confirm their operationat their rated performance, resulting in additional installation and operation cost savings. The study is concluded by outlining the procedures for selecting optimized set of strategies, and by developing guidelines for achieving maximum energy-efficiency in single familydetached
houses in hot and humid climates. Thus, this study will facilitate the selection of energy-saving measures for their individual or combined application for developing energy-efficient residences in hot and humid climates.

 

 

Nancy Crowley - 2005 MS

The Influence of Local and Imported Factors on the Design and Construction of the Spanish Missions in San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio , Texas , is home to several eighteenth-century Spanish Franciscan missions, which represent some of the best examples of Spanish colonial mission architecture in the United States and which together comprise the city's historic Chain of Missions. This study traces the history of four of these missions: Mission Nuestra Senora de la Purismima Concepcion de Acuna, Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Mission San Francisco de la Espada. Founded by Franciscan friars, who traveled from Spain to Mexico and ultimately to Texas to christianize native populations of the Americas , and built by craftsmen transplanted from Mexico , the missions are an amalgam of diverse cultures and decades of evolving architectural styles. This study examines the cultural, religious, andenvironmental factors that influenced the design and construction of the original mission structures. Specifically, it analyzes the vernacular architecture of eighteenth-century Spa
in and Mexico, as well as the traditions of local Native American groups of the period, and studies the effect of these cultures and San Antonio's environmental conditions on the resulting vernacular construction of the San Antonio missions. Each of the four missions in this study is examined within the context of three main factors: (a) the unique combination of broad cultural factors - both local and imported - that influenced the architectural forms of the missions; (b) the religious prescriptions of three cultural groups and their effect on the structure of the missions; and (c) the impact of the specific environmental conditions of the San Antonio area. The goal of this study was to identify the multiple forces that contributed to the creation of a vernacular architectural form-Spanish mission architecture-in Texas . The findings suggest that the design and construction of the San Antonio Missions were most strongly influenced by Mexican religious factors, followed by Spanish cultu
ral factors. Environmental conditions of the area were not highly influential.

 

 

Joon Ho Choi - 2005 MS

Study of the Relationship Between Indoor Daylight Environments and Patient Average length of Stay (ALOS) in Healthcare Facilities

This study investigates how indoor daylight environments affect patient Average Length of Stay (ALOS), by evaluating and analyzing daylight levels in patient rooms incomparison to their ALOS. The patient ALOS data were taken at one general hospital in Inchon , Korea and the other in Bryan , Texas , U.S.A. ; physical, environmental and daylighting conditions were assessed at each building site. The gathered data were analyzed using SPSS statistical package to determine the trends in patients' length of stay in hospital wards with 95% and 90% statistical significances. The data were categorized based on the orientation of a patient room and were compared between different orientations and types of patient rooms in the same ward of each hospital. Selected hospital wards were classified based on their orientations and types of patient rooms. The other variables considered in the study were: the differences in daylighting environments (illuminance, luminance ration, daylight factor, diversi
ty and uniformity of illuminance), and physical environment properties of the patient rooms of each hospital, and how these affected patient ALOS in both locations ( Inchon and Bryan ). To analyze the daylighting environment, on-site measurements, RADIANCE simulations and physical scale model measurements were conducted. This study also investigated patients' feelings and opinions, and their preferences in daylighting environments with the questionnaire survey. Through this study, three hypotheses were tested and was evidence for the following conclusions. First, there may be a positive relationship between indoor daylight environments and ALOS. Second, seasonal weather differences cause different indoor daylighting levels and may influence the length of patient hospitalization. Third, overall patient satisfaction and reactions to patient rooms may be related with indoor daylight environments. More controllable shading devices, naturally lighted indoor environments, and glare prevention 
create positive outcomes for patient ALOS and visual comfort. To increase the validity and confidence about the positive effects of daylight on human physiological conditions, further studies are necessary which provide more samples, facilities and other variables.This study was created as a basis for the development of recommendations for designing patient rooms in healthcare facilities and, as a result, should be used to achieve more effective healing environments.

 

 

Alene Reich - 2005 MS

Utilitas and Venustas: Balancing Utility and Authenticity in Stweardship of our Built Heritage

This thesis examines the past, present, and potential future of the practice of Heritage Conservation. Beginning with ancient Roman Architect, Vitruvius, this study establishes a vocabulary for the ideals of preservation practice. Utilitas and venustas, as two of the defining features of good architecture, are also key features to consider in the stewardship of a historic building in active use. The data set used in this evaluation comes from a symposium given in November 2004 by the Association for PreservationTechnology International (APT), the United States General Services Administration (GSA), and the United States National Park Service (NPS). Historical background is presented to give a context for the symposium, which includes foundations, policy, and practice in the United States . The Venice Charter, National Historic Preservation Act, NPS, and GSA have been chosen for the Literature Review to provide this background. With utilitas and venustas as additional criteria for evaluation, the symposium case studies were mined for examples of practice that could be used to make suggestions for the future. Based on these examples and the possibilities for improving practice, this study concludes that the United States should draft a new document outlining an updated philosophy and policy for preservation. Future research would serve to develop refinements of existing frameworks and to create a new standard for "best practice".

 

 

Melanie Joseph - 2006 MS

A Pattern Language for Sacred Secular Places

"Pattern Language" is a term popularized by Christopher Alexander and his co-authors of the book A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction, Sara Ishikawa, and Murray Silverstein in the late 1970's. Though intended to enable every citizen to design and construct their own home, pattern language never quite caught up with those in the field of architecture, mostly because of its lack of flexibility. The core idea of Alexander's pattern language was to arm architects, designers, and the common people with a tool that would empower them to make informed decisions related to designing places that would comply with their needs and wants. What architecture needs the most today is the ability to heal and invigorate. I believe that contemporary architecture lacks such places that enable occupants to connect and communicate with what is within and what is without. A number of studies have proven that universally sacred (a majority of which are religious in function) places are charged with energies that could contribute towards this process. The energies, also referred to as "patterns," are the energies unique to a place that make it special and sacred (not just in the religious context but also in the secular context). This thesis is an attempt to derive a new pattern language for the creation of sacred "secular" places like our homes and work places which draw from the pattern lists that have been proposed in four separate instances by authors including Christopher Alexander and Phillip Tabb. This new pattern list is aimed at providing architects and designers with a tool for creating secular places with an element of sacrality without having to taking on a religious meaning.

 

 

Kwang Jun Lee - 2006 MS

The Web-based Graphic Service Request System for Facility Management of Apartments

This research investigates the feasibility of web technology as a means of handling service requests for delivering high quality service in building operation and maintenance. This research proposes a web-based graphic service request (WGSR) system as a pragmatic solution to the limitations of current computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) processes. Service request process in CMMS was developed as text-based, so that it is hard for ordinary tenants to use. Therefore, when tenants have a problem in a facility, they prefer calling in service requests or going to the office instead of using the internet service request application. In practice, work orders and records are often misplaced - resulting in lower efficiency and customer satisfaction. This may be overcome by a system that states information digitally and provides a web-based Graphic Service Request (WGSR) interface. The interface allow customers to report environmental problems in the facility, trace their work o
rder progress, view schedules for maintenance, and provide feedback for service online. The WGSR system is an end-user point-and-click graphical interface that allows residents to request service by selecting a problem fixture on a floor plan image. By using HTML image map tags and combination of location, part, and types of problem identification number, the resident's input produces a text-based problem report for Facility Management (FM) departments that allows them to service requests on the fly. To solve the complexity and inefficiency issues of CMMS, the user interface for the WGRS system consists of a perspective drawing or isometric drawing of each unit's plan. An empirical test of the system and post-task survey was conducted to determine the efficiency and usefulness of the system. The analysis of the results shows the system to be efficient and convenient in several fields, including comprehensibility, navigability, simplicity, clarity, compatibility, and graphic appeal. Thi
s result shows that residents prefer to use the WGSR system and could reduce the effort needed to make and receive service request phone calls and input information into a database. The labor and time for daily work could be saved to recognize problems correctly and set the right schedule so that this could be used for preventive work and project work.

 

 

Jin Su Jeong - 2006 MS

Web-based Feedback System: The Life Cycle Management As Conitinous Maintenance of Apartment Facility Information

This research investigates the feasibility of web technology as a means of delivering facility information for better support of facility operations and maintenance. This study proposes a web-based feedback system as a pragmatic solution to the limitations of current facility management (FM) processes, increasing the efficiency of these processes via web technology. In practice, work orders and records are often misplaced, resulting in reduced efficiencies, redundancies, and time-consuming, costly tasks. This problem may be overcome by use of a system that stores information digitally and provides a web-based interface. The interface could allow operations personnel to create documentation, share and monitor work orders, provide feedback for service online, and facilitate communication between facility teams. The benefit for a FM department is that it can receive feedback on performance, which would improve the quality of service and build a record of practical experiences. In this research, the software was tested using two types of prototype testing: first, system testing to evaluate functionality, usability and capability; and second, a post-task questionnaire survey was conducted to test and review the concept, interface, and usability of the system. Facility Management Industry Advisor Council (FMIAC) members answered the questionnaires after using the system posted on the web. By using web-based feedback system, a facility web site can be created and maintained easily through a standard web browser. The questionnaires from the FMIAC members were analyzed to test research questions. The tests show that the software aids facilities managers in maintaining living documents of their facilities

 

 

Azza Al Zaabei - 2006 MS

Demonstratin and Analysis of Tangible Heritage Management Strategy Using Geographical Information Systems for The City of Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is focusing on towards two paradoxical directions especially after the oil-boom. The first is the contemporary architectural development, while the second is the conservation of traditional dwellings and historical sites in the country. It is obvious that the management and planning towards the first direction are fully integrated and highly précised to be implemented efficiently, thus,unveiling a new façade of contemporary lifestyle to the world. But the second direction is lacking good strategic efforts for conservation, preservation methods and tourism promotion, especially among different authorities that are in charge of either management or implementation of conservation techniques. Therefore, the country started looking for solutions that initiate the right management strategy to be followed and improve the use and promotion of tangible heritage . In this research, I am taking the case of the city of Al-Ain since it has started taking the path and has established an agreement with UNESCO. Geographical Information Systems is used in this research as a tool to implement the major objectives and solutions for issues discussed in the agreement. In this research, the main issues that were discussed in the agreement were segregated and studied separately in terms of geographic extent, then, spatially represented on the map. Furthermore, they were analyzed using the different techniques in the Geographical Information Systems software ArcGIS to demonstrate each i

ssue and problem and study its expected results. It was clear from this research that these issues were clearly presented using the software and will aid in the decision making process, especially for stakeholders and different entities in the city of Al Ain .