Collaborative project delivery are fast gaining ground on traditional approaches. As the industry gravitates towards collaboration, design-build, public-private partnerships and integrated project delivery are three of the most often-cited methods that are altering the industry and are likely to gain ground during 2017.
Design-Build
Design and build is a generic term describing a procurement route in which the main contractor is appointed to design and construct the works, as opposed to a traditional contract, where the client appoints consultants to design the development and then a contractor is appointed to construct the works. You might say it’s a simple approach to construction.
A team, working together from start to finish in open communication and purposeful collaboration. It’s the notion that when owners sit at the same table with architects and builders, engineers and estimators, great ideas are born. And the way is paved for creative solutions to take hold, resulting in costs minimized, schedules streamlined and efficiencies realized.
Design and build can appeal to clients as it gives a single point of responsibility for delivering the entire project. Some clients however consider it is only appropriate for simple projects, where design quality is not the main consideration.
Integrated project delivery (IPD)
Integrated Project Delivery, or IPD, is a project delivery method distinguished by early collaboration between cross-functional teams through all phases of design, fabrication and construction. It’s a collaborative alliance of people, systems, business structures and practices into a process that harnesses the talents and insights of all participants to optimize project results, increase value to the owner, reduce waste, and maximize efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication, and construction.
The entire process, from concept to construction, is defined by early substantive engagement by all key stakeholders. An IPD project improves project outcomes by changing the way decisions are made, goals are accomplished and responsibilities are shared. The hallmarks of an IPD project are shared objectives, consensus decision making and the use of BIM or building information modelling.
Public Private Partnership
A PPP or public-private partnership is a collaboration between public bodies, such as central government or local authorities, and private companies to finance, build, and in some cases operate or maintain an infrastructure project such as a road, school or hospital.
A PPP is defined by the shared goal of the public and private sectors to deliver a service to the public, together. The cardinal benefit of a public-private partnership is shared risk and responsibility. This type of partnership engenders increased flexibility for the public sector and is therefore often utilised for large-scale infrastructure projects, like roads, hospitals, convention centres, schools and civic buildings.
In countries such as Canada, Australia and parts of Western Europe, governments have embraced the PPP model and it is widely seen as first choice for large public projects which require significant investment and facility or cost management over the duration of the contract.
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