Design brief
The design brief is an important document that expresses requirements and expectations. It will be prepared by the client for the designer and will communicate what needs to be delivered on a site, the potential constraints and the likely means of delivery. It can also be used as part of a procurement project in tender specification and evaluation.
A Client Design Advisor (CDA) may be appointed to assist in the development of a brief. A CDA is usually an architect (but not the one designing the building) sitting on the client's side of a project, independent of the supply team, monitoring and helping to manage the design process from its earliest stages. A design brief may include:
■ the overall objectives for the development
■ work already undertaken - how/why the site has been selected;
■ any specific design objectives or criteria
■ site location and area/footprint for development
■ description of the proposed development including any specific operational requirements
■ access to the site (during construction and operation)
■ availability of services
■ any constraints identified such as services and environmental constraints such as flooding
■ the timeframe and budget for delivery
■ details of any relevant consultation, for example with the local planning authority.
| STAGE 1 : SETTING THE DESIGN AGENDA |
| KEY ACTIONS |
| ■ define the project needs/challenges ■ identify potential locations/sites ■ identify potential technologies/treatments ■ consider funding mechanism ■ assemble project team ■ identify overall project manager ■ set aims and objectives ■ define strategy and programme ■ collate available data ■ undertake site analysis and appraisals - planning policy, character, environmental issues, engineering/ground conditions ■ meet and discuss with local stakeholders ■ consider service provision establish design principles and visions for site ■ define criteria. |
| DELIVERABLES AND RELATED PROCESSES |
| ■ plan and strategy preparation ■ develop business case ■ procurement initiation ■ develop brief ■ define objectives ■ feasibility studies ■ contextual analysis. |
|
Image courtesy of Biffa Waste Services |
