ABSTRACT
Briefing is one of those words with a variety of meanings. In the context of this book, briefing is an evolutionary process of understanding an organisation’s needs and resources, and matching these to its objectives and its mission. It is about problem formulation and problem solving. It is also about managing change. Ideas evolve, are analysed, tested and gradually refined into specific sets of requirements. Sometimes these involve modifying the built environment and other times not. Effective briefing begins without pre-conceived solutions. Briefing is the process by which options are reviewed and requirements articulated, whereas a brief is a product of that process. It is produced at key points in the project formalising decisions and instructions.
