Migration strategy
Once the client is certain that the project will proceed, they should appoint a senior director responsible for moving, who can stand their ground under pressure from various elements of management who may fight their corner during the stress and upheaval of moving. The job is one that requires the skillful co-ordination of a multitude of time consuming tasks. On larger projects this is likely to require a team of people working under the director, including an accommodation manager and perhaps a facilities manager.
After preparing a policy for occupation, setting out how the facility will be used (see article on occupation), the director and their team should prepare a migration strategy (or move in programme) setting out the procedures for moving in such a way as to minimise disruption whilst allowing the efficient re-use of assets from any existing facilities.
This migration strategy might include:
- A detailed, phased, logistical programme for purchasing or moving of furniture and equipment.
- A detailed, programme for moving or recruiting staff.
- Requirements for the hire of temporary equipment.
- Removal contracts.
- Setting up a help desk with a rapid response team.
- Postal and information and communications technology (ICT) arrangements to ensure continuity of communication (including transfer of hardware).
- Setting up 'goods in' and 'dispatch' rooms, a post room and an information and communications technology support centre.
- Catastrophe planning for fire or flood.
- Staff transportation strategy.
- Parking allocation.
- Access by consultants, contractors and suppliers for summer and winter checks of building services systems and environmental conditions (which can only be properly carried out in a fully operational building).
- Room allocation.
- Signage.
- Catering facilities and environmental health approval of kitchen areas.
- Liaison with emergency services.
- Stocking and storage of goods and consumables.
- Communications between facilities during the move.
- Installation of existing equipment requiring electrical, drainage, extract or cooling services such as vending machines or fume cupboards.
- A risk schedule with mitigation measures (for example; the absence of key personnel, late building handover, alarm activation, interruption of power or water supply and so on).
The client may also need to put procedures in place to move some of its staff and equipment so that it can continue to operate effectively during construction.
If the soft landings framework is adopted, there may be additional requirements to ensure a smooth transition from construction to occupation, and these should be included in appointment documents and contracts. See soft landings for more information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
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.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
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.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.