Design studies
The RIBA Plan of Work published by the RIBA in 2020 defines design studies as: ‘Detailed studies that develop aspects of the building further during Stage 3 (spatial coordination). For example, looking at the façade of the building in greater detail or developing the detail of a core space, such as the entrance lobby. Design Studies consider how the engineering aspects (for example, lighting and structural options for the entrance lobby) can be successfully coordinated into the design.’
It proposes that design studies do not change the concept, but focus on developing greater detail to inform the cost plan and facilitate more comprehensive coordination exercises.
It suggests that on larger projects, design studies might be undertaken by multidisciplinary teams who will analyse all aspects of a specific topic, such as; fire engineering, structural solutions, acoustics, heat gain, glare, access and maintenance, and so on, testing the assumptions made in the concept.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.