Construction project complexity
Improving Infrastructure Delivery: Project Initiation Routemap, Handbook, Version 2 June 2016, published by the Infrastructure and Projects Authority, states: ‘Project complexity is a measure of the inherent difficulty of delivering a project based on factors such as stakeholder alignment; interconnectedness of projects; systems & organisations and the level of innovation required etc. The Routemap uses the Delivery Environment Complexity Assessment (DECA) published by the NAO for complexity assessment.’
Project Routemap, Setting up projects for success, Organisational Design & Development, UK Module, published by the Infrastructure and Projects Authority in 2021, states: ‘In the context of Routemap, project complexity is a measure of the inherent difficulty of delivering a project. This is assessed on factors such as the stability of the wider delivery environment, the level of innovation required, and the number of stakeholders involved.’
ICMS: Global Consistency in Presenting Construction Life Cycle Costs and Carbon Emissions, 3rd edition, November 2021, published by the ICMS (International Cost Management Standard) Coalition, defines Project Complexity as: ‘The relative intricacy of a Project or Sub-Project by reference to its form, design, site constraints, method or timing of construction, renewal, operation, maintenance or end of life activities.’
Cost prediction, Professional Statement, 1st edition, published in November 2020 by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), defines complexity as: ‘The number of elements, their interactions and the strength of impacts on a defined system with regard to decision making, project control and predictable asset delivery.’
See also: Complexity theory and Complex project.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.