ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has launched the DQI Online tool, a web based version of its Design Quality Indicator. The DQI is a qualitative assessment method for buildings, but within a quantitative framework.

Stuart Henderson, deputy chairman of the CIC says: "We have drawn upon a wealth of experience in developing the DQI tool. We have used the best intelligence from clients, industry and government on design quality and how to assess the value good design can add to buildings. All of this knowledge has been assimilated to form DQI Online."

The tool uses a non-technical questionnaire, which can be used at any stage in the development of a building. DQI Online covers three key areas: functionality, build quality and impact. The answers show how well the building is designed according to each stakeholder group. Graphics make use of the technology easy and quick.

The long-term aim of the DQI is to influence best practice by gathering data from the accumulated DQI returns and relating it to the procurement process.

The tool was tested in a scheme launched in July 2002. Over 1000 individuals in the construction industry used the DQI on live projects.

Peter Gershon, chief executive of the Office for Government Commerce (OGC) comments: "Central government is committed to creating better public buildings and design quality has an important role to play in achieving that. Government projects have already benefited from the DQI tool."

Testing schemes show that the most beneficial use of the online tool is when all respondents complete the questionnaire in a face-to-face facilitated workshop. It can also be completed remotely.

The Strategic Forum for Construction says it hopes that 500 projects will have used the tool by the end of 2004, and that usage will have expanded to 60% of all publicly funded projects by 2007.

Strategic Forum chairman Peter Rogers says: "As the largest client group it is crucial that the Government demonstrates its commitment to this type of innovation."