The RIBA has published new Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) guidance, acknowledging the proven potential of DfMA solutions to produce not only good outcomes but great architecture
The Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work aligns with the 2020 Plan of Work and details the relevant tasks that must be actioned at each project stage to successfully deploy the DfMA approach.
It reflects the huge technological advances that have been made to popularise the design process, and uses case studies to demonstrate the potential of the evolving method.
The Overlay has been produced by a group of industry experts led by Nigel Ostime, partner at Hawkins\Brown, and Ian Heptonstall, director of the Supply Chain Sustainability School.
Publication of the report has been supported by Akerlof, Buildoffsite, Kier, Supply Chain Sustainability School and UK Research and Innovation, and endorsed by Mark Farmer, founder of Cast Consultancy and UK government MMC champion for homebuilding.
Embracing the adoption of technology and MMC
RIBA president, Simon Allford, said: “The new DfMA Overlay marks a significant development. By embedding this delivery mechanism within the RIBA Plan of Work, we are acknowledging the proven potential of DfMA solutions to produce not only good outcomes but great architecture, as the case studies show.
“I firmly believe the built environment must explore this territory to meet the challenges ahead and – as custodians of good design – architects have the potential to lead its adoption.
“I commend this detailed guide and thank everybody who has contributed to its development.”
Mark Farmer, founder of Cast Consultancy and UK government champion for homebuilding, said: “At a time when the construction industry’s inherent fragility is being exposed more than ever, there is even more focus on changing the traditionally accepted methods of doing things which are no longer fit for purpose.
“This Overlay, therefore, comes at a crucial time and if we are to fully enable adoption of technology and modern methods of construction and the better outcomes we strive for, then the overarching principles of how we initiate projects and organise the design and production process needs to be reformed and this Overlay provides a blueprint for that.
“The high profile of the RIBA’s Plan of Work as a project management and control tool makes the Overlay a practical and powerful addition to the tools necessary to modernise the industry and I look forward to seeing its adoption across the industry.”
