Chapter 5 Taking a through-life perspective in design

This chapter brings a through-life perspective to the design process recognising that there are a number of phases in the development and use of a constructed asset; starting with the concept phase, progressing through the design and construction phases, into the operation and use phase, where the proper execution of the previous phases is rewarded by satisfactory through-life performance without major unintended disruptions, costs and environmental impacts being incurred, before the asset is decommissioned and/or demolished at the end of its useful life. Much can be learnt from studying the through-life performance of existing constructed assets, gaining an understanding of what contributes to inadequate performance and lack of durability. These perspectives help explain and respond to the drivers associated with life‑cycle cost, value and sustainability issues, which complement and broaden the functional requirements defined for the constructed asset, feeding into the wider design process. Attention is given to the need to create durable constructed assets, with the attendant requirement for a through-life performance plan and a coordinated approach to structural and service life design, construction and associated through-life care processes. Some observations are made upon future challenges and opportunities that are expected to have an influence upon the design process.