Design workshops

Citation

Duffy, M. (2001), "Design workshops", Facilities, Vol. 19 No. 3/4. https://doi.org/10.1108/f.2001.06919caf.003

Design workshops

Design workshops

Keywords: Training, Construction industry, Design

Design workshops are becoming an accepted part of the development of a project or initiative across many firms within the construction industry. The purpose of a design workshop is to allow an opportunity for staff at all levels within an organisation to debate and promote design principles that are intended to be applied to a particular project. A workshop thus allows a forum at which a presentation can be made at the early stages of any design stage of a project to discuss with peers and other members of the design team ideas and concepts upon which a design will be based.

Any design can be the subject of a workshop at any stage in the design process, depending upon the nature of the organisation running the event, as long as it is at the beginning of that stage in the project. Thus all the ideas can be fed into development work during that phase. As engineers, we find workshops are of particular value when held at either late concept or early scheme design stage. Architects may find that the early concept stage is more appropriate.

Most people find the idea of such a forum exciting: it can be a good place to spark ideas and exchange information. However, managing the workshop to ensure that the best use is made of the opportunity, and the valuable time of busy people, is essential.

As the value of the workshop becomes evident within your organisation, you may find that projects are brought back to the workshop forum as many as three or four times during the life of a project.

When the building to be discussed involves a number of design teams from different disciplines, it is essential to get individuals from each discipline to buy into the idea of a workshop. (It may not always be necessary for each team to be represented, it depends upon the issue to be focused upon.)

Even though the workshop may only focus on architecture, structure or building services, you might want to consider inviting representatives from the other disciplines so the full impact of your proposals can be understood by all parties. It can prove particularly useful to invite other discipline professionals from within your own organisation, or from outside, who are not part of the project design team. In doing this you will engage the "outsider" perspective that people not immediately connected with the project can bring to the table. A friendly cost consultant can advise you of the cost implications, whilst a contractor can add value about the buildability of your proposals.

If possible, try to avoid too much detailed development work prior to the workshop itself, as this undermines the reason for holding the workshop in the first place. Some preparation is required beforehand to maximise the opportunity of getting the team together. A simple agenda will give the event some structure – show time allocated for each section, as well as an allowance for questions and debate. Allow one to two hours for each discipline making a presentation.

The opening presentation should present an introduction to the project, including reminders about the scope of the client brief, a description of outline design proposals, mention of all parties involved and the agreed design and construction programme, as well as procurement, cost and any contractual issues. The workshop should then begin with a brief presentation of outline proposals for the next stage of the project.

Agree on one person to chair the workshop, choose someone who will be able to ensure a lively and constructive dialogue, but able to control discussions and keep participants to schedule. The brainstorming must look at proposals placed for examination in a manner that considers how well the solutions suggested meet with the client’s objectives and vision.

The findings of the workshop should be recorded and distributed to all present, and where appropriate other members of the design team. The workshop record can also be passed to the client if thought appropriate. Monitor the development of the rest of the design phase discussed, to ensure that the ideas and recommendations raised are implemented. If the suggestions which crop up can be integrated into the design stage in a way that adds value, elegance or efficiency to the building, in support of the client’s brief, then the contribution made by the workshop will have been worthwhile.

Martin DuffySystems Development Manager, Buro Happold