RIBA publishes new Design for Manufacture and Assembly guidance

Latest News Mon, Sep 20, 2021 7:10 AM

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published a new edition of the Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work, alongside an accompanying guide.

The new Overlay 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 kindly 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.

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 industry.”

Download the Overlay and accompanying guide here.

Featured News

Specification news
Jobs, homes and better transport links for the Oxford...

Working people will benefit from thousands of new jobs, affordable homes and more...

Read More >>

Specification news
Italian Flooring Giant Florian Group Launches Natura...

Natura Flooring, part of Italy’s prestigious Florian Group, has officially launched...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Our product range at a glance... Brochure

Our product range at...
By Premier Loft Ladders...

Download Now >>

Your Specialist Partner in Composite Steel Roof & Floor Decking Brochure

Your Specialist Part...
By RMD Profiles Ltd

Download Now >>

PVC-U System Fully Reversible Windows by Epwin Window Systems Brochure

PVC-U System Fully R...
By Epwin window systems...

Download Now >>

Spectus Bevelled Windows and Doors Brochure

Spectus Bevelled Win...
By Epwin window systems...

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

Supreme Heavy-Duty Loft Ladder
Supreme Heavy-Duty Loft Ladder

The Supreme heavy-duty loft ladder is supplied as a ready to fit unit. It is manufactured from high...

Read More >>

Designo Loft Ladder
Designo Loft Ladder

The Elite heavy-duty loft ladder...The Elite heavy duty concertina loft ladder is supplied without a...

Read More >>

Elite Loft Ladder
Elite Loft Ladder

The Elite heavy-duty loft ladder...The Elite heavy duty concertina loft ladder is supplied without a...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Proctor Air® Product Explainer
Proctor Air® Product Explainer

Proctor Air® is an air and vapour permeable, highly water resistant roofing underlay. Its...

Watch Now >>

Discover the Power of Blue Roofs in Urban Flood Management
Discover the Power of Blue Roofs in Urban Flood Management

In this video, we explore how blue roofs are transforming urban landscapes by helping to mitigate...

Watch Now >>

RMD Profiles - UK Experts in Metal Decking, Design Installation
RMD Profiles - UK Experts in Metal Decking, Design Installation

At RMD Profiles, we’re more than just metal decking. From supply-only solutions to full design and...

Watch Now >>