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
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.






















