Transforming the traditional design process to create better infrastructure

Any given infrastructure project has a number of needs to meet. Its primary one is almost always to be fit for purpose. For example, a road most get you from A to B, a bridge must allow you to pass from one point to another and a building must be suitable for its intended use.

However, being fit for purpose is not the only requirement of an infrastructure project. We must take into account a number of other factors, such as aesthetics, accessibility, inclusion, and sustainability.

A number of these needs are very different from the needs that we had at the turn of the century. And yet many aspects of the traditional design process that we still use in large part today, date back to the 1990s. If society has otherwise transformed in so many ways, how we expect the same processes to still be suitable?

The designs and design processes that we’ve used in the past, still of course hold their place in construction. But it’s time we worked towards modernising them in order to make them appropriate for current (as well as future) expectations and demands.

Design Principles for National Infrastructure emphasise that good design must incorporate a number of value markers; climate, places, people. We must stop thinking about whether or not traditional designs would still allow infrastructure to be fit for purpose (which it usually would be), and start to question whether or not it would allow it to meet the other criteria.

The Net Zero agenda in particular, is an ever-pressing matter and so we must really focus on the sustainability merits of our infrastructure builds. Focussing on this should not only mean we get better infrastructure now, but also set us up well for the future.

At Dice, we’ve always tried to take an innovative approach to our design process. We like to utilise technology to modernise our process, working exclusively with BIM tools such as REVIT and Site 3D. By using bespoke engineering design techniques, we’re able to not only create better infrastructure, but also to more effectively coordinate our projects, services and clients.

We believe that a technology-first approach is the way forwards for the whole industry. As a paperless business, sustainability is high on our agenda, and a modern technology-focused design process helps to further this as well. Increasing precision and accuracy, utilising BIM in our design process enables us to reduce errors and waste on site. 

If we are to move the industry forwards and create better infrastructure, it’s time for all of us to start thinking outside of the box and taking a modern approach. After all, good infrastructure is not only fit for purpose, but also fit for people and for the planet.