Guide to Using the RIBA Plan of Work 2013 - Other - Page 77
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Why is the briefing process different
on a BIM project?
Briefing processes vary but their aim is the same: to obtain sufficient information
from the client to allow the design process to commence in a constructive manner.
The RIBA Plan of Work has always acknowledged that design is iterative and that
aspects of the brief may develop as design solutions are developed. The information
used to develop the Concept Design may include:
• an area schedule defining the client’s spatial requirements
• details of important spatial relationships (for example, between a kitchen and a
dining space in a house or the waiting areas in relation to clinical spaces in a hospital)
• information on subjective themes that are important to a client (for example, the
building should be ‘accessible’, ‘light and airy’, etc.)
• detailed technical requirements (for example, the number of sockets in rooms,
lux levels or certain furniture or equipment to be accommodated in a room), and
• budgetary considerations.
The RIBA Plan of Work 2013 does not change these fundamental requirements.
However, it does split the briefing process into two stages: the Strategic Brief
related to the client’s Business Case and the development of a detailed and
specific Initial Project Brief.
The Strategic Brief tests the robustness of a client’s Business Case and may
consider refurbishment, extension and new build options or compare the merits of
a number of sites before objectively recommending the best approach. It may also
look at strategic cost considerations: the overall area required, benchmark costs,
level of specification and any abnormal costs that might arise from a specific site.
By considering the project holistically, any strategic site, briefing or cost issues
can be addressed before the detail of the project is developed.
Even on a simple project, these high-level considerations can save considerable
time and money on abortive design work that might result from a flawed brief.
The 3D brief
With the Strategic Brief prepared, BIM can assist in the preparation of the Initial
Project Brief. Using a 3D ‘block’ model allows the written brief to be developed
in parallel with the Feasibility Studies. The linking of the geometric model to a
spreadsheet containing the areas allows iteration between the developing 3D brief
and the strategic area allowances. While using a 3D model, linked to a database,
to prepare the Initial Project Brief allows a more intelligent and robust brief to be
prepared, there is clearly a fine line between using such a tool for briefing and the
commencement of the Concept Design.
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