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
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.
Construction contract awards remain buoyant
Infrastructure up but residential struggles.
Home builders call for suspension of Building Safety Levy
HBF with over 100 home builders write to the Chancellor.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2024/2025
CIOB names James Monk a quantity surveyor from Cambridge as the winner.
Warm Homes Plan and existing energy bill support policies
Breaking down what existing policies are and what they do.
Treasury responds to sector submission on Warm Homes
Trade associations call on Government to make good on manifesto pledge for the upgrading of 5 million homes.
A tour through Robotic Installation Systems for Elevators, Innovation Labs, MetaCore and PORT tech.
A dynamic brand built for impact stitched into BSRIA’s building fabric.
BS 9991:2024 and the recently published CLC advisory note
Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings. Code of practice.