Development / Project Briefs Flashcards
What is a feasibility study?
A feasibility study is used to analyse and assess the viability of a construction project.
The goal is to understand if the project is feasible by assessing the practical aspects of the project and identifying potential strengths and weaknesses. The inherent objective of the feasibility study allows stakeholders to make informed decisions about the project.
The feasibility study should be structured in a way so the client can decide whether to proceed to the next stage.
Can you detail the key sections of a feasibility study?
Five typical aspects of a feasibility study (TELOS):
Technical
Economic
Legal
Operational
Scheduling
What is a project brief?
The brief formally defines the client’s requirements and objectives in sufficient detail to enable the proposed project to be designed and specified.
A good brief ensures clarity for the design team, consultants and contractor and creates a sound foundation for the successful delivery of the construction element of the project.
Which RIBA stage is the project brief typically drafted?
RIBA Stage 1 - Preparation and Brief
Who prepares the project brief?
Typically, the client team will gather information and draft the brief.
The consultant team then review the brief to assist with its development, this is usually achieved by raising queries and identifying areas of missing information.
What information is typically included in the project brief?
Client and project background:
- A description of the client’s brand. culture and organisation.
- Organisational structure and decision making processes.
- Legislative constraints to be observed.
- Likely stakeholders.
- Planning permission history.
Project requirements:
- Information identifying the ‘need’ for the project.
- A description of the client’s priorities and the criteria that will measure success.
- A description of the principles that should be adopted in the design.
- Identification of project outcomes.
- Phasing requirements nd key programme milestones.
Policies to be observed for, e.g. sustainability.
- Plans for future expansion.
- Life expectancy of building and components.
- Operational and maintenance strategy.
- Client sign off procedures and specifications to follow.
- Templates or procedures to be followed, e.g. change control.
Financial:
- Project budget.
- Funding, institutional requirements and restrictions.
Site Information:
- Existing surveys
Existing drawings, O&Ms, H&S file.
- Ground conditions and existing utility capacity.
- Access and other constraints.
Spatial and technical requirements:
- Schedules of accommodation, areas and special requirements.
- Occupancy information.
- Project performance targets eg. energy usage.
- Safety and security requirements.
What steps do you take to ensure the requirement of the project brief are met throughout the design and construction phases?
-Reviewing the design at the end of each RIBA stage and checking against the brief for compliance.
- Reviewing the brief at key meetings and workshops, particularly design team meetings.
- Capturing changes to the brief through the change control process.
Regularly reviewing and updating the PEP to ensure suitable processes are in place.
Can you explain what room data sheets are and why they might be needed?
RDS provide a detailed description of the finishes, FF&E, acoustic, mechanical and electrical requirements etc. that will be required for each room or space. They provide detailed information to supplement the project brief.
Once the brief is frozen, how are changes captured?
Once the brief is frozen, change control procedures are introduced to prevent changes without appropriate justification and authorization.
