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.
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