RIBA plan of work
Contents |
[edit] What is the RIBA plan of work?
The RIBA Plan of Work is published by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The latest version is also is endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, the Construction Industry Council, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, the Royal Society of Architects in Wales and the Royal Society of Ulster Architects.
It was originally launched in 1963 as a fold out sheet that illustrated the roles of participants in design and construction in a simple matrix format. The first detailed plan of work was published in 1964 (ref. Introduction, RIBA Plan of Work 2007).
[edit] How is the RIBA plan of work structured?
Split into a number of key project stages, the RIBA Plan of Work provides a shared framework for design and construction that offers both a process map and a management tool. Whilst it has never been clear that architects actually follow the detail of the plan in their day to day activities, the work stages have been used as a means of designating stage payments and identifying team members responsibilities when assessing insurance liabilities, and they commonly appear in contracts and appointment documents.
The Plan of Work has evolved through its history to reflect the increasing complexity of projects, to incorporate increasing and changing regulatory requirements and to reflect the demands of industry and government reports criticising the industry. It has moved from a simple matrix representing just the traditional procurement route, to include multiple procurement routes, more diverse roles, multi-disciplinary teams, government gateways and stages that take place before and after design and construction. It is supported by other RIBA publications such as the RIBA Job Book, and supplements, such as a sustainability overlay and a green overlay.
[edit] What work stages does the latest RIBA plan of work include?
The latest version of the RIBA plan of work, published in 2020, reflects increasing requirements for sustainability and Building Information Modelling (BIM).
In addition, the work stages were re-structured and re-named.:
- 0 - Strategic definition.
- 1 - Preparation and briefing.
- 2 - Concept design.
- 3 - Spatial coordination.
- 4 - Technical design.
- 5 - Manufacturing and construction.
- 6 - Handover.
- 7 - Use.
[edit] Overlays to the RIBA plan of work.
A number of overlays have been published to provide detailed guidance on specific design and built environment considerations that can be implemented through each RIBA Plan of Work stage to enable informed decision making at the right time and with the right stakeholders, to support the best project outcomes:
- Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) Overlay (November, 2021)
- Passivhaus Overlay (February, 2023)
- Security Overlay (April, 2023)
- Inclusive Design Overlay (July, 2023)
- Engagement Overlay (January, 2024)
- Smart Building Overlay (February 2024)
The green overlay with reference to Soft Landings was also published in 2011 for further information see Green Overlay
[edit] Criticism of the RIBA plan of work
The RIBA plan of work has been criticised for continually changing the names and definitions of project stages, and for a lack of co-ordination with other industry project plans. This can leave clients and other stakeholders confused about what terminology is being used, and what it refers to - for example, the re-naming of detail design as spatial co-ordination is not something that is widely understood.
In addition the plan has been criticised for focussing too much on the role of the architect, and not giving enough detail about the crucial planning stages that happen before an architect is appointed. Those early stages are instrumental in defining the way the project is set up, and the nature of the project that the client intends to develop.
You can find out more about the RIBA plan of work at: https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/resources-landing-page/riba-plan-of-work
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Apprenticeship announcement by the Prime Minister
Welcomed but with call for more actionable detail.
Heat pump announcements, what homeowners need to know
An 'ultimate guide to heat pumps' from a heating company.
Construction contract awards reach £7.1bn in February
Their highest level in seven months.
The journey to sustainability in heritage
Research is the key to better understanding.
Heritage approaches to adaptation, mitigation and loss.
Bridging the gap between policy, finance and installation.
Development on brownfield land
Definition, background, policy and the latest consultation.
With the Design Framework for Building Services.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, measures and the roles involved.
ECA joins HSE campaign to support mental health
Working Minds’ five simple steps based on risk assessment.
Mental health in the construction industry
Mental health issues in brief with related articles.
Transitional arrangements, Building Control and the BSR.
For pre-October buildings with substantial progress by April.
Why quality counts in domestic ventilation systems
From products, to systems to the installation.
Empowering the Future with CIOB Academy
Lifelong learning, upscaling, and reskilling for the built environment.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.