Plan for use strategy
The RIBA Plan of Work published by the RIBA in 2020 suggests that:
|
Plan for Use is the RIBA’s interpretation of the Soft Landings Framework produced by the Usable Buildings Trust and BSRIA. Its aim is to encourage a more outcome-based approach to briefing, design, construction, handover and aftercare throughout the construction industry. The Plan for Use Strategy is central to this focal shift. Plan for Use has three basic components:
|
Additional guidance can be found in the RIBA Plan for Use Guide (2020), created for the 2020 version of the RIBA Plan of Work.
Smart Building Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work, published by the RIBA in 2024, states:
| ‘Plan for Use is the RIBA’s interpretation of the Soft Landings Framework produced by the Usable Buildings Trust and the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) and is embedded within the 2020 RIBA Plan of Work. Its aim is to encourage a more outcome-based approach to briefing, design, construction, handover and aftercare throughout the construction industry. This is a key element of the design and construction process and maintaining the “golden thread” of the building purpose through to delivery and operation, with early engagement of the end user and inclusion of a Plan for Use champion on the project team, and commitment to aftercare post construction. BS8536 Design and construction for operability also offers guidance on this.’ |
Engagement Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work, published by the RIBA in January 2024, states:
|
The Plan for Use Strategy should include an asset's operation and management, ensuring it is looked after appropriately in perpetuity. The Plan for Use Strategy may include land to be held for the benefit of the community (this can also be referred to as stewardship) and capture how contributions will be guaranteed for long-term management purposes, or management and maintenance of communal spaces (internal or external) and including provision for roads and footways that fall outside the adoption strategy.
There are various legal models and approaches. It involves creating a plan to ensure that the development meets the needs and expectations of the planning consent, the users and the community over the long term, including responding to any unforeseen issues that may arise – also, gathering feedback, ensuring that their needs and addressing concerns, and ensuring that the development is sustainable and adaptable to future changes. Involving the community and users of the asset(s) helps build trust, nurture community involvement, and foster a sense of ownership. It can provide opportunities for innovation, potential upskilling, and education, enabling community members and potential participation of existing local community groups to improve the quality of their environment. |
The Inclusive Design Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work published by the RIBA in 2023, states:
| Plan for Use is the RIBA’s interpretation of the Soft Landings Framework produced by the Usable Buildings Trust and BSRIA and is embedded within the 2020 RIBA Plan of Work. Its aim is to encourage a more outcome-based approach to briefing, design, construction, handover and aftercare throughout the construction industry. |
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.