Construction Project Stages & Architect’s Role
Stages of Construction Projects
The construction process involves a series of stages, each with specific tasks and deliverables:
1. Preliminary Study
This document provides an initial representation of the project through sketches and drawings, along with a report outlining program needs and cost estimates.
2. Draft
This document presents a preliminary architectural proposal, showcasing the formal, functional, and basic economic aspects of the project.
3. Basic Project
This document justifies the chosen solutions and serves as the basis for requesting administrative authorizations required for construction. It includes supporting reports and descriptive details.
4. Project Implementation
This document provides a detailed definition of the architectural project, including specifications, measurements, budgets, development plans, material specifications, and construction procedures.
5. Works Supervision
This stage involves coordinating the technical team, interpreting the project, and ensuring its proper implementation.
6. Liquidation and Reception of Works
This stage determines the final cost of the project and involves the formal acceptance of the completed work by the client.
Types of Construction Projects
1. Greenfield Projects
These projects involve the creation of new properties.
2. Widening Projects
These projects focus on the renovation and restoration of existing buildings.
3. Modification Projects
These projects involve replacing or modifying elements of the original project.
Development Projects
Architects also work on development projects that contribute to integrated land management, such as Land Management Plans, General Land Use Plans, and Special Plan Detail Studies.
A development project involves implementing urban land planning by constructing necessary infrastructure. These projects can also be categorized into different stages:
1. Draft
This document includes a supporting report, scale drawings, facility diagrams, and a preliminary budget.
2. Project Completion
This stage provides all the necessary information for a comprehensive understanding of the project.
3. Works Supervision
This stage involves issuing orders, sketches, details, and records, similar to building work supervision.
Role and Responsibilities of the Works Architect
The construction manager visits the site regularly to provide detailed instructions for project implementation. The role of the works architect can be characterized as:
1. Creative
Requires interpreting existing information and providing instructions and details for aspects not fully defined in the project.
2. Technical
Ensures that the work conforms to the project’s formal and technical aspects, complies with project specifications and regulations, and provides necessary information to prevent delays.
3. Controlling
Verifies and guarantees the quantity of work performed, the amount to be paid to the builder, and the final reception of the work.
Documents for the Execution and Completion of Works
1. Act of Rethinking
This document confirms the project’s location and technical information, marking the official start date of the work.
2. Book of Orders
This document records the construction manager’s instructions and findings, serving as a key reference in case of conflicts.
3. Certification of Work
This document quantifies the work completed within a specific period, enabling payment to the construction company.
Additional documentation during the project may include amended drafts, complementary projects, final dimension plans, “as-built” plans, and facility certificates.
Documents to Complete the Works
1. Certificate of Work Completion
This document confirms the completion of the project and guarantees its adherence to the approved project plan.
2. Act of Reception
This document signifies the developer’s formal acceptance of the completed work.
3. Reception Inspection
The developer, assisted by the project supervisor, inspects the work to ensure its compliance with specifications. If approved, the work is accepted, subject to hidden defects, and the final cost is determined.
4. Liquidation of Works
This document outlines the total work performed and determines the final cost of implementation.
5. Certificate Describing the Work’s Constructive State
This document certifies that the work complies with the project for which the license was obtained and is required for property registration.
6. Building Book
This document contains essential project information, including the final project, certificates, reports, and manuals, and is provided to the building’s end users.