#value engineering

Value Engineering in Antiquity!!

Well Galaxy’s edge is out! And so far the consensus has been pretty strong when it comes to the land and it’s offerings and that’s only with one of it’s attractions operating! Still that being said a LOT that was promised, and hell even intended to be apart of the land didn’t make it in during the last minute. So what is missing from Galaxy’s edge? Glad you asked! It’s the part of the land that made Imagineers so excited and gave them the courage to claim this would redefine theme park lands and was even their code name for the entire area. Project Delos, the name being inspired by the show West World which features a theme park that is basically where you go to live out your fantasy with highly interactive robots that act as if they are apart of the world you are visiting!  Essentially Interactivity, live actors, and role playing elements! The LARP area of every star wars fans dream.

Where to begin with this one, well all the way back to it’s inception even before it was known as Galaxy’s edge Disney kept touting that this land would set itself apart by it’s inhabitants. 

As seen in the concept art there are a LOT of characters here, aliens, bounty hunters, and yes droids. So was this piece of early concept art an embellishment? Yes and no. Yes in that the layout of the land is not like this, and no in that everything else shown in the image was 100 percent meant to be the reality of the land.

Let’s take a look at one of the more final pieces of concept art to see what I am talking about. This was one of the initial concept art pieces for what Oga’s Cantina is supposed to be. A watering hole for Bounty Hunters, aliens, rebel spies, and storm troopers alike. You are meant to have the feeling of being transported into the films and seeing these seedy characters all interact with you and the other guests that’s what the big appeal to this bar was meant to be! Because in the films that is what these places are strand despots for all sorts of creatures to interact and be amused by. 

Now let’s take a look at that Lizard looking guy in the yellow and red armor next to the Jawa. That is one of the most pivotal pieces of how this whole bar was meant to be an interactive experience, and his name is Harkos!

Wiki article about him below

 https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Harkos 

Back in 2017′s D23 he was announced to be a PIVOTAL part of the land and would reside here at the Cantina. Where he would find guests and either commend or even berate them based on their performance on smugglers run which he would have access too thanks to the Play Disney Parks app. They were so sure of this they created lore around the guy and included him in several pieces of art. It’s this very energy that is missing from Oga’s cantina, it’s a seedy wateringhole without anyone seedy visiting, unless you count tourists as seedy and even then mileage there varies depending on whose there that day.

Let’s move onto to more missing Kinetic energy for the land

Here is a video from Star Wars Celebrations in 2017, showcasing what was meant to be a stunt show featuring ray against several storm troopers that was intended to take place in the walkways that are above guests which are littered throughout the land. While this element wasn’t entirely cut as there is still a small show (Though with little to no stunts and some flares) it was left albeit more minimal that it was intended to be. 

Another feature that is likely on the back burner but was still cut from the land was the sit down table service and show. 

Think hoop de doo revue meets star wars and it’s variety of alien musicians and performers and you have a general idea of what the restaurant was intended to be. As far as I can see this one among the first round of cuts from the land as it wasn’t mentioned as far as I can look up at the 2017 conference but was shown in the initial pitches for the land. This is where you would have gotten your fix for the aliens and the Cantina style band. This is one of the bigger mistakes in my opinion regarding cuts as the land while it does offer 2 quick services is in dire need of a table service environment, anything that can help take the load off of Oga’s which is brimming at capacity every day. Yet this was cut too, in favor of having the area it’s currently in being used as the overflow queue for Smugglers run. 

The last thing im gonna touch on and this is one of the more obvious cuts is the lack of roaming droids! 

Back in 2017 Disneyland and I think Disney world as well were both testing out droid units to which they basically said were indeed going to be part of the magic of galaxy’s edge. 

And as seen in the concept art several units were supposed to be littered throughout the land. They would have been controlled by cast members and would have added yet another touch to making galaxy’s edge feel truly unique. Yet about 6 months prior to opening news that these and most of the aliens in the land had been cut.

SO, What happened? Well there are two stories going around. If rumors are to be believe Bob Chapek viewed these additional entertainment options are WAY to pricey and instead of paying for equity performers (Bounty hunters, stunt show personnel, and aliens) and puppeteers (droid performers) he canned the whole thing. Basically saying let the land speak for itself these embellishments aren’t necessary. Which if true is disappointing and very wrong given that the land was clearly designed for this interactivity. Money has already been spent on infrastructure for all of these features (minus the restaurant) which is sitting there literally unused for guests just to save a quick buck. 

The other story is that Ops fearing that Galaxy's Edge would be packed to capacity knew that they wouldn’t be able to implement these interactive pieces at the start. Bounty Hunters would be mugged by every guests for photos, droids would be unable to move in large crowds, and the wandering aliens and jawas would be swamped by guests for photos as well. While there is no definitive answer to which of these is true at the moment my money is probably on a mixture of the two. Cuts and fear of crowds. 

Value Engineering Services in Victoria by Ozbuild Estimating

Introduction

Every commercial construction project begins as an idea—a vision on paper that must be translated into a functional, cost-effective structure. While architects and engineers give form to the concept, a commercial estimating service plays a crucial, often underappreciated role in turning vision into viable reality. By integrating cost insights into early design phases, these services shape projects not only aesthetically but economically. In today’s cost-conscious market, design decisions must reflect budget realities from day one—and that’s where a commercial estimating service makes its mark.

The Strategic Importance of Early Estimating

The earlier a commercial estimating service is involved, the more impact it can have. Engaging estimators during the conceptual or schematic design phases allows them to influence key decisions about materials, structural systems, building layout, and more. This collaboration helps avoid costly redesigns down the line by ensuring alignment between the project vision and the available budget from the outset.

Balancing Aesthetic Vision with Budget Reality

One of the most challenging aspects of design is balancing form with function—and cost. A commercial estimating service helps bridge the gap between architectural creativity and financial feasibility. By providing cost scenarios for different design approaches, estimators empower project stakeholders to make informed choices that don’t sacrifice visual appeal or building performance.

Guiding the Selection of Materials and Systems

Material selection is one of the biggest drivers of project costs. A seasoned commercial estimating service offers deep knowledge of material alternatives, their associated costs, and performance trade-offs. Whether it's choosing between steel and concrete framing, curtain wall systems versus standard glazing, or luxury versus economy finishes, the estimator provides comparative cost data to guide smart decisions.

Value Engineering Without Compromise

Value engineering is a powerful tool in the design process. A commercial estimating service excels in identifying areas where cost savings can be realized without degrading the integrity or quality of the project. This might involve suggesting prefabricated components, optimizing mechanical systems, or adjusting layouts to reduce waste. The key is collaboration—not simply slashing budgets, but preserving the original design intent while improving cost efficiency.

Helping Avoid Scope Creep

As designs evolve, it's common for features to be added without a clear understanding of cost implications—a phenomenon known as scope creep. A commercial estimating service keeps this in check by tracking changes and updating cost models in real time. Their oversight helps stakeholders stay within budget, preventing surprises during bidding or construction.

Supporting Design-to-Budget Strategies

In many projects, the budget is fixed before the design even begins. A commercial estimating service enables a design-to-budget approach by reverse engineering the design process. Instead of creating a design and then pricing it, estimators provide cost benchmarks that guide architects and engineers as they develop the design, ensuring it remains within financial constraints from day one.

Collaboration with Architects and Engineers

Modern estimating is not done in isolation. Leading commercial estimating services embed themselves into the design team, participating in workshops, design charrettes, and feasibility studies. Their role is not just about numbers—they help shape decisions, manage expectations, and contribute to smarter, more buildable designs.

Building Trust with Developers and Owners

Owners and developers rely on clear, reliable cost forecasting to secure financing and attract investors. A commercial estimating service supports this by producing detailed and credible preliminary estimates that reflect real-world conditions. These early estimates often serve as the foundation for pro formas, lender negotiations, and capital planning.

Integrating Digital Tools for Smarter Decisions

Advanced estimating tools allow commercial estimating services to visualize cost data in new ways. From parametric estimating based on building characteristics to integration with BIM models, technology enables real-time feedback loops between design decisions and their cost impact. This level of insight is invaluable in a fast-moving project environment.

Conclusion

Industrial projects are complex and require precise planning, execution, and coordination. Project Management Consultants (PMCs) play a crucial role in ensuring the success of these projects. Their specialized skills and experience help manage timelines, budgets, risks, and technical challenges, ensuring that projects are completed efficiently from start to finish.

Key Responsibilities of Project Management Consultants include project planning and feasibility analysis, risk management, vendor coordination, budget optimization, and continuous monitoring. They work throughout the project lifecycle to align project goals with organizational objectives, minimize risks, and maximize output.

PMCs add significant value by offering best practices expertise, ensuring economies of time and cost, resolving conflicts, and integrating innovative solutions and technology into projects. They help guide projects through the project management lifecycle, which includes stages such as initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.

At Quanta Process Solutions, we understand the importance of a skilled project management consultant in today’s fast-paced industrial landscape. Our consultants turn challenges into opportunities, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation across all project phases.