The Strategic Brief

Discusses the strategic brief and its application to facilities. The briefing process is, therefore, of crucial concern to the facility manager and facility user. The traditional process begins with identifying needs of the client and user, as this is the first condition of responsible design. This is flawed, however, because of its failure to be flexible towards the needs and objectives of the client/user in the future. Mechanisms for continuous adjustment to briefing processes will need to be put in place to accommodate these objectives. Fundamental changes in the pattern of the supply side of the property market also need to be taken into account. Strategic briefing procedures would ensure future facilities are more robust to functional change and make a more responsive use of existing facilities.