Construction platforms are an example of an approach to DfMA that relies on both off-site and on-site construction works, bringing the best aspects of both.
No matter how detailed or how explicit you are with information, data and rules there will be some critical implicit knowledge input that is constantly required to deliver success.The design process needs to be formed and managed with frequent check-ins across the design spectrum.
Many times, have I experienced very unpleasant shocks on projects which have not deliberately iterated in this way.The other reason, this is required is that we cannot pretend that, even in the more detailed levels of design, ideas, drivers and decisions, will not continue to evolve.You can call it changing-minds or scope-creep or natural emergence; whatever it is called this will be handled much more cost and time effectively through managed iteration..
The design process needs to remain integrated.This iteration is a part of ensuring the design is and remains integrated.
Although different parties become engaged with design and delivery, it is the integration of the design which leads to the required outcomes.
There is little value in ten high-quality design packages if they do not interface and deliver efficiency in construction and effectiveness in operation.However, in other cases, where assets need to respond to site constraints and/or business needs, then the ability to adapt a Reference Design is critical to its usefulness.
We have seen clients who already have Reference Designs (also called template designs).However, with no rules for how to adapt this Reference Design to local sites, the delivery teams can end up unravelling it and are back with new designs..
Many, if not most clients, need designs that can respond to unique sites and needs e.g.for a healthcare facility the design needs to be flexible to accommodate specific clinical specialisms and the demographics of a particular region..