ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book begins with at Stage 7, when buildings are in use, at the point at which a building is regularly monitored and analysed to ensure that it optimally meets owners’ and users’ needs, or where an existing building or buildings are assessed to inform future building projects and the upcoming Stage 0. It considers Stage 0, when projects are strategically defined and become identifiable entities with a Business Case. The book explores at Stage 1, when project briefs are developed and defined and the project team for the rest of the stages are appointed. Stage 2 is the first stage at which the architectural concept for a project will become apparent, and is one that most design and project teams are used to – and that many expect to be the ‘beginning’ of the project for them.
