Best practice guidance on soft landings for local authorities has been launched by the Construction Innovation Hub (CIH).
Known as the Local Authority Government Soft Landings (GSL) Interactive Navigator, the guide asks and answers key questions about how a building or asset will be used to ensure that user needs are central to the design and construction process. It also supports a smooth transition or soft landing between design and construction teams and the people that operate and use public buildings and facilities.
David Philp, the CIH’s digital impact director, said: “GSL is all about a focus on the long-term use and performance of an asset, which is especially important for local councils who manage a complex portfolio of buildings and assets and have to consider value for money for the taxpayer as well as delivering on their commitments to reduce carbon emissions.
“GSL is fundamental to maintaining the ‘golden thread’ of a facility’s purpose by aligning the interests of those who commission, design and construct an asset with those who use and maintain it. The approach supports greater collaborative work, best practice and shared learnings throughout the supply chain so all partners embrace a whole-life mindset, and are working to a shared goal of putting people’s needs at the heart of construction. Whole-life value is at the heart of these projects and at the very core of the GSL approach as its guidance puts the end user at the heart of the planning, design and construction process.”
The guidance was developed in association with the National Association of Construction Frameworks (NACF) and the Local Government Association (LGA).
Keith Heard, chair of NACF, said: “This interactive process map will help [local authorities] to practically apply GSL on [their] project.”
Read the guidance: https://www.cdbb.cam.ac.uk/files/060521_gsl_navigator.pdf
