Sketch Elevation Study to an Arts & Crafts home
Neil Kahawatte Architects
A linear project is one that proceeds regularly and consistently through each of the project phases and stages, avoiding loops back in response to external factors or to accommodate variations to the scope of work or the project plan. Design on the other hand is a creative process, requiring testing and iteration to arrive at optimal solutions, which by its nature cannot be undertaken in a wholly predictable and linear fashion.
There are many potential causes of a non-linear project process, some may be deliberate and desirable while some may become necessary due to factors beyond the awareness or control of the project team. Typically, non-linear processes are used to overcome difficulties with cost, approvals, unforeseen site conditions, or changing preferences.
While each construction project is unique and it wouldn’t generally be realistic to expect a 100% linear process without any adjustments whatsoever, the closer you can get to a purely linear process the more likely you are to minimise overall cost, reduce overall time frame, and maximise design and construction quality.
With any design project there is a delicate balance to be struck; to avoid uncontrolled design iterations and scheme changes that would undermine the project process, while ensuring that robust management of the project process doesn’t stifle the creative potential of the scheme. This balance can be achieved through a ‘creative linear process’, allocating plenty of time and space to explore design ideas at appropriate stages in the project process, while maintaining an efficient and coherent project sequence and programme.
