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The market and different events for which the building will be used will vary for a
particular city, country and business objective. Once these are established and agreed
through feasibility and market research then a detailed brief can be prepared, which
specifies the range of facilities within the building and the operational parameters for
all aspects of the building. This brief will be the guideline for the detailed design and
construction process and as such, is a key document.
The brief/ specification enable an initial budget to be estimated. Funding can come
from many sources, but in the vast majority of cases, convention centres are funded
largely through the public purse, either at local or national level. The business plan
outlining the potential return in revenue, profit and economic impact is crucial in
making the case to secure funding
Once funding is in place the design team can be appointed, often following an
international competition. During detailed design we (TRS) contribute as the end user
which includes both the customer and the operator. In this way, form will truly follow
function. The detailed design can be lengthy as these building types are complex and
individual.
Simultaneously to the design process, the operation and marketing of the building
should be planned. Conferences, especially international association events, often
have long lead times and a new convention centre needs to market itself long before
opening, in order to have such events in the opening year. Budgeting and business
planning for the pre-opening period is vital.
Time, Cost and Quality are key criteria with different priorities at different stages of
the project. The truly end-user focused project will have quality and ‘fit for purpose’
as the overriding factor although cost often becomes the main factor, resulting in the
need for ‘value engineering’. It is important to remember a cut in the capital cost
could have serious consequences on the operational aspects, which only come to light
after the design and construction teams have moved on to other projects.
The most important factor in planning a convention centre is to have expert end user
input throughout the project.