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
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February
Update on the future of Grenfell Tower
Deputy Prime Minister decides for it be carefully taken down to the ground.
Ending decades of frustration, misinformation and distrust.
Essential tools in managing historically significant landscapes.
Classroom electrician courses a 'waste of money'
Say experts from the Electrical Contractors’ Association.
Wellbeing in Buildings TG 10/2025
BSRIA topic guide updates.
With brief background and WELL v2™.
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Types of drawings for building design
Still one of the most popular articles the A-Z of drawings.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
The Constructing Excellence Value Toolkit
Driving value-based decision making in construction.
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.