Capturing Client Requirements in Construction Projects

At the heart of the construction industry are the clients, who initiate and finance construction projects. The acknowledged importance of clients as the driving force in the construction industry has led to repeated calls for the construction industry to deliver better value-for-money. At the same time clients are also being challenged to be responsible in their dealings with the industry. As a result, it is vital that designers and contractors understand their clients' businesses in order that they may provide what the client wants. This book describes an innovative and structured approach for capturing client requirements on construction projects. The new approach, encapsulated in a Client Requirements Processing Model (CRPM) and associated prototype software, ClientPro, facilitates better understanding and implementation of clients' requirements, more effective collaborative working and design creativity. It also minimises uncertainties and downstream problems because of the early consideration of issues affecting the lifecycle of a facility, and provides the basis for effective requirements management throughout the facility lifecycle. The adoption of the approach described in the book will allow clients to clearly define and communicate their requirements and expectations for a facility, and link these to their overall business objectives. It will also allow the construction industry (designers, project managers and contractors) to deliver products and services that satisfy their clients' needs, thereby providing better value for money. Capturing client requirements in construction projects will be essential reading for all stakeholders in the construction industry - clients, industry practitioners and researchers.