SECTOR INSIGHT
RIBA PLAN OF WORK AT HEART OF FREE GUIDE FOR ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS
By Douglas Masterson , GAI Technical Manager
A new Architect + Designer ’ s Guide to Architectural Ironmongery , published by the GAI in late 2023 , heralded the arrival of the first-ever architectural ironmongery overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work .
» PUBLISHED BY THE ROYAL Institute of British Architects ( RIBA ), the RIBA Plan of Work is a highly-regarded and widely-used framework for the design , planning and management of architectural projects . The Plan of Works has never been more relevant in a world now defined by competence and ethics , digital innovation , safety and compliance , the Golden Thread , accountability and sustainability . It provides a clear roadmap for project management and delivery ; it is adaptable to various project types , scales , and procurement methods ; and promotes the use of industry best practices and standards . As RIBA says in the introduction to its Plan of Work Overview 2020 : “ Of course , any client is welcome to interpret the RIBA Plan for Work in their own way and to set their own overlay of tasks or documents . In a world of continuous change , bringing clarity to each stage allows everyone involved to develop their own innovations , without the perpetual need to discuss the strategic aspects of who should do what when .”
How it works
The RIBA Plan of Work organises the process of briefing , designing , constructing , and operating building projects into eight stages , to ensure that all aspects of the project are considered and addressed . Numbered 0 to 7 , each stage represents a phase in the project lifecycle and explains the outcomes , core tasks and information exchanges required at each stage .
Taking each stage in turn , the GAI ’ s new guide helps architects and designers identify the ways in which architectural ironmongers can help them meet requirements for the demonstration of professional competence , compliance , and the functional , performance , and design considerations raised by architectural ironmongery scheduling .
In the pre-design and design Stages 0 , 1 and 2 , the guide highlights the benefits of early engagement with an architectural ironmonger . Key themes including the contribution to the Golden Thread of information , the advantages of approaching hardware as a core component rather than an add-on , and the pivotal role of the GAI Registered Professional as the only recognised guarantee of professional competence in architectural ironmongery to current British and European standards
‘ Key focus will be on the relationship with the contractor in respect of installation of all relevant product ’
Stages 3 and 4 signal an increased level of involvement with the architectural ironmonger , in specifying and detailing the required ironmongery products , considering functionality , aesthetics , building regulations and standards compliance . It also involves securing the order for the specified ironmongery and security products .
Stage 5 sees the supply of hardware , security products and materials have been procured according to the contractor ’ s delivery programme . It also involves the architectural ironmonger working closely with the contractors to ensure the specified ironmongery is installed correctly . This may involve site visits , quality checks , and ensuring compliance with the initial design intent .
Key focus will be on the relationship with the contractor in respect of installation of all relevant product .
Stage 6 focuses on the importance of product information , operation and maintenance manuals , up to date testing and commissioning data , certificates and warranties in the handover process , while Stage 7 addresses critical user maintenance and management issues for ongoing performance and compliance ( something recently addressed by the GAI in its publication of sector-based user guides for architectural ironmongery at www . gai . org . uk / user )
Accessing the guide
Alongside the new RIBA Plan of Works overlay , the comprehensive 32-page guide features practical advice , checklists , potential pitfalls , and illustrations of best practice relating to hardware products such as hinges , door closing and locking devices , door handles and furniture , grab rails , window fittings and sophisticated electronics to control locking and access .
As well as being mailed to architectural practices across the UK , the guide has been made available as a free download on the GAI website at www . gai . org . uk / SPECIFIERS . Although written specifically for architects , designers and other specifiers , the GAI is also encouraging architectural ironmongery companies to include the guide in their own customer relationship processes .
50
AUGUST 2024
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