2.1 At its broadest, design is the process in which intelligence and creativity are applied to a project in order to achieve an efficient and elegant solution. As far as buildings are concerned, good design is not an 'optional extra', rather it is inherent in the way the brief is responded to from the very beginning. Design encompasses functional efficiency, structural integrity, sustainabililty, lifetime costing, and flexibility as well as responsiveness to the site and to its setting. There are good reasons for the appearance of a well-designed building, and the plans and sections are at least as important as the elevations.
2.2 In order to achieve good design, it is necessary to have strong PFI bidders, an end-user that knows exactly what is needed, a thorough brief and designers who can engage in a challenging and constructive dialogue with both the public sector procurer and end-users. The availability of sufficient time to achieve a good solution is essential.
2.3 Good design involves creativity, and it should lead to simplification and to savings in cost. It does not consist of using expensive materials for their own sake or of providing needlessly lavish areas and volumes. A good design team will ensure that capital costs are competitive, and that savings can be achieved on running costs. By enhancing the environment in which a service is provided, it can increase outputs and add to the quality of service. It can also give the facility a competitive advantage in attracting both customers and staff. Good design can also contribute to wider policy objectives, such as those relating to the protection of the environment, without compromising the procurement policy objective of optimum combinations of whole life costs and quality to meet users' requirements.