The Construction Research Programme – Project Showcase
| This is an archive version of an article from the CPIc website, which was closed in 2025. CPIc (the Construction Project Information Committee) was formed from representatives of the major industry institutions and was responsible for providing best practice guidance on the content, form and preparation of construction production information. |
The AVANTI programme was one of the two ‘programmes’ of activity selected for funding by DTI in 2002. The introduction of larger areas of development – aiming to become self-funding, ongoing networks – was a response to the recommendations made by Sir John Fairclough in Rethinking Construction Research and Innovation (see Chapter 1).
The Avanti initiative was led by Collaborating for the Built Environment (Be) in partnership with Teamwork and IAI. The group identified a need to reduce the risks involved in adoption of new methods of working, bringing together areas of current best-practice (such as CPIC protocols) that had previously gained too little market penetration to have significant impact on the sector.
The objective was to deliver improved project and business performance through the use of ICT to support collaborative working, applying the AVANTI approach by getting people to work together; providing processes to enable collaboration; and applying tools to support collaborative working.
The Avanti approach increases the quality of information, the predictability of outcomes and by reducing risk and waste. Avanti is not an IT system or tool. As a method or approach, Avanti can be applied to projects using 2D CAD as well as those using 3D intelligent modelling or building information models. It is supported by handbooks, toolkits and on-site mentoring.
The core of the Avanti method is an approach where all CAD information is generated with the same origin, orientation and scale, and organised in layers that can be shared. All layers and CAD model files are named consistently within a specific Avanti convention to allow others to find the relevant CAD data.
Avanti achieves its core objective in three ways; through providing consultants, each an expert in the Avanti approach; Information standards and procedures; and cross-project assessment and measurement.
Posted on February 15, 2007
Featured articles and news
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.