Guide to Using the RIBA Plan of Work 2013 - Other - Page 91
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Government Soft Landings (GSL)
The GSL framework is reflective of work that has been undertaken by BSRIA
and the Usable Buildings Trust in their development of Soft Landings. The UK
Government Construction Strategy aimed to improve public sector construction
and contribute to both growth and efficiency savings by a number of means.
A key area identified was the need to align design and construction with
operational asset management, and encourage increased use of outcome-based
specifications against clear performance criteria. GSL has been developed in
order to meet these requirements (see www.bimtaskgroup.org/gsl-policy).
The reason for the creation of an asset and its intended business purpose, or the
‘golden thread’, can often be lost in the construction process. GSL will be used
to maintain this ‘golden thread’ and ensure its continuation into the building’s
operative stage. In particular, it will focus on the following:
• ensuring that GSL is implemented as standard for government projects
• early engagement during the design process with end users, clients and
facilities managers
• continuing post-construction responsibility for the project on the part of the
design and construction teams
• implementing a contractual mechanism to ensure the above
• establishing an appropriate handover process from construction to end user or
facilities manager
• Post-occupancy Evaluation or monitoring and tie back to ownership and
lessons learned for future design.
Guidance will be presented in the form of BIM process maps to take projects
through the four required areas of:
• environmental performance: each project will have an environmental
performance plan at the core of the design brief
• building management: there will be a clear, cost-efficient vision and strategy for
managing the facilities
• commissioning, training and handover: the building will be delivered and
handed over through a plan specifically designed to meet the needs of the end
users, building managers, facilities managers and occupiers
• performance effectiveness and efficiency: facilities must be designed to meet
the needs of the project sponsor and occupiers and provide an effective,
productive working environment.
www.ribaplanofwork.com
