The SOLUTION program has been written to address the balancing of quantity with quality directly. It endeavours to answer ‘What can we get for the monies available’, which is usually the client’s first question. In simple terms, it may be regarded as a reverse estimating process, where the first question asked in the program is the total amount available for construction.

The next questions request the values to be reserved for Contingencies, External Works and the like. After these values are deducted, the residual value may be distributed by mathematical modelling between the quantity and quality of the structure. Data on the number of storeys, floor to floor height, Footprint area, etc is also entered

For comprehension of the myriad of solutions possible for a structure, the modelling results are displayed in graphics form with horizontal axis as the gross floor area and the vertical axis for shape. Traces on the graph offer ten different forms of construction. Selection of a building solution is made by moving a cursor around the graph to bargain off the three primary variables of gross floor area, shape and construction quality.
The results produced by the program after building selection comprise: 
  • A detailed element estimate of the building in standard BCIS format complete with element unit quantities and rates. 
  • Details of the calculation results plotted on the graph. 
  • A visual triangular representation of the balance achieved.
  • Plans and elevations of the building selected on a graphics screen and Hard copy of any graphics if a suitable printer is available.
  
The SOLUTION program is relatively easy to learn, provided the user is familiar with graphics and the BCIS Standard Form of Cost Analysis. It will provide suitable outline designs to meet a given cost in less than one hour.

The client can now be afforded early, reliable advice as to the adequacy of his budget for his construction aspirations.