For the last two decades, I have been asked to design and re-design clubhouses by real estate developers. And with them I have learned the effective ways of doing it. We have analyzed and validated the concepts behind these clubhouses and we discovered why some worked while the rest turned out to be mere white elephants.
You may currently reside in a relatively new development with a clubhouse that is ill-maintained or under-utilized. These are not isolated cases. Perhaps, the reason is that most developers design for prestige and to flaunt and impress their prospective buyers rather than for a more important reason: function.
It may be no different from the Imelda structures like the Metro Manila Film Fest building and some others in the reclamation area. Some are suffering due to huge maintenance costs. Others have grossly miscalculated operating expenses.
Sports and country clubs are no different. I recently visited some with other designers and we saw which areas are useful and which are mere dust collectors. In the end, users turn out to be the losers because they have to shoulder the premium of maintaining it.
Improper design would result to more manpower for maintenance and security. Safety is also compromised. Electricity cost shoots up due to inadequate natural lighting and ventilation. Some of these clubhouses continue to operate because the residents can still afford to finance it. However, this poses an important question if they should really be paying as much when it could have been designed more properly.
Now, the developers are learning. It turns out that the best source of information is their mistakes, more so the mistakes of others. A thorough analysis of the existing similar developments is a fountain of information and one can replicate which of these structures worked and which have to be avoided.
Another equally important or may even be a more important source of information would be the users. They can first-handedly supply their experience for a redevelopment of an existing clubhouse. For a new development, the demographics of the users must be established, their needs identified and problems addressed.
There always is a club manager or club administrator who handles the daily activities of the club. He knows about the complaints and the problems encountered. We need not go to each member and get information because the club manager would already know this by heart. Safety issues must always be brought to attention of the club manager for proper action. What are learned here are very useful to the designers.
An impressive structure can only serve those looking at it. Unfortunately, more often than not, it is not really serving the ones using it. This made us ask ourselves for what purpose are we designing these structures. To impress is definitely a superficial reason for in the end the one who pays and shoulders the hard realities of maintenance are the end-users.
This brought us to the realization that a truly impressive structure is a functional one. This is applicable in designing houses or even in the design of practically anything. In buying your next home, don’t forget to include the subdivision amenities as part of your considerations.
Don’t let the exterior deceive you. See if it works by spending a few days there for a picnic or a family activity. I am sure that the developers wouldn’t mind if you chose to experience the feel of the place prior to making your hard-earned investment.
In case this option is not welcomed by the developers, try to find out more about the development. There could be more that you should know about. Does it only look good on the outside? Is it practical? Is it safe for your kids? Find out the monthly dues and maintenance expenses you will eventually be paying. This may not be the kind of surprise that you want to have.
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