In use
NB The 2020 edition of the RIBA Plan of Work has renamed this stage 'Use'.
The process for completing the design and construction of a building is often divided into notional ‘stages’. This can be helpful in establishing milestones for the submission of progress reports, the preparation of information for approval, client gateways, and for making payments. However there is a great deal of ambiguity between the naming of stages by different organisations and the definition of what individual stages include (see comparison of work stages) and so it is important that appointment documents make it clear specifically what activities fall within which stage, and what level of detail is required.
‘In use’ was a new phrase coined by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for the 2013 Plan of Work. This plan comprised eight work stages:
- 0 - Strategic definition.
- 1 - Preparation and brief.
- 2 - Concept design.
- 3 - Developed design.
- 4 - Technical design.
- 5 - Construction.
- 6 - Handover and close out.
- 7 - In use.
Stage 7, ‘In Use’ was described by the RIBA as a new stage within the Plan of Work which includes post-occupancy evaluation and post-project review as well as ‘…new duties that can be undertaken during the In Use period of a building.’ Some of these services were previously included in the stages L2: Initial Occupation Services and L3: Post Occupancy Evaluation Services.
The 2020 edition of the RIBA Plan of Work has renamed this stage 'Use'. It suggests that: 'On the majority of projects, the design team and construction team will have no Stage
7 duties to undertake.'
However consultants might provide advice to the client post construction in relation to:
- Letting.
- Rating.
- Maintenance.
- Energy consumption and energy certificates.
- Insurance.
- Tenants queries.
- Facilities management.
- The preparation of tender documents for maintenance and operation contracts.
- Post occupancy evaluation.
- Facilities management.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Occupation.
- Comparison of work stages.
- Defects liability period.
- Designing Buildings Wiki Project plans.
- Developed design.
- Performance gap.
- Performance in use.
- Post-occupancy evaluation.
- Post-project review.
- RIBA Plan of Work.
- Soft landings.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
No Falls Week. The importance of safe working at height
What to expect and what is on offer to avoid accidents.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.
From engineered product life-spans, to their extension.
Circular economy in the built environment
A brief description from 2021. Where are we now?
Mental Health Awareness Week with ABS
Architects Benevolent Society programme of activity.
CLC publishes domestic retrofit competency framework
Roadmap of Skills for net zero.
May 13-19: Moving more for our mental health.
Understanding is key to conservation.
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.