Value Engineering and Decision-Making Process in Façade Project Development: A Real Estate Case Study

This study explores the application of Value Engineering (VE) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) in the development of a LEED Gold-certified office building in São Paulo, Brazil. The project, characterized by high-end real estate design and sustainability objectives, involved a thorough examination of façade material options, particularly precast concrete panels. The methodology integrates SWARA and WASPAS frameworks for evaluating façade materials, leveraging Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies for 4D and 5D modeling to enhance decision-making. Key findings highlight significant cost savings through VE, achieving a 27% reduction in initial costs by optimizing façade panel design and crane operations. LCC analysis revealed a comprehensive understanding of the financial implications over a 60-year lifespan, contrasting precast concrete with thermal insulating coatings. This study underscores the importance of concurrent design processes in real estate projects, emphasizing the need for early contractor involvement and transparent cost management strategies. The findings contribute to improved decision-making frameworks in sustainable real estate development.