Construction process

The term ‘construction process’ (sometimes called the ‘construction stage’) is usually defined as the physical processes of building, landscaping or refurbishing plus all the associated administration activities. The process may start with demolition and end with handing over a completed project to a client. It therefore does not include pre-construction activities such as preparation of the brief, forming a design team or concept design.

The following processes can form part of the construction process:

• Site survey
• Demolition
• Site clearance
• Erection of hoardings
• Setting out
• Installation of foundations
• Concreting, etc

In terms of the work stages of the RIBA Plan of Work, the construction process can be said to start at stage 5 and finish at the end of stage 6, as shown below.

• 0 - Strategic definition.
• 1 - Preparation and brief.
• 2 - Concept design.
• 3 - Developed design.
• 4 - Technical design.
• 5 - Construction.
• 6 - Handover and close out.
• 7 - In use.

Sometimes, the majority of the activities associated with a building project are frequently termed the’ design and construction process’. This does not include activities such as tendering but usually encompasses activities from Stage 2 to 6; some may also include brief prepararation as part of the design process.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Concept architectural design.
• Concept architectural design checklist.
• Concept design.
• Collaborative practices.
• Consultant team.
• Design quality.
• Design review.
• Design team.
• Feasibility studies.
• Detailed design.
• Options appraisal.
• Preliminary business case.
• Production information.
• Project brief.
• Statement of need.
• Strategic brief.