DQI process
Essex County Council used the Design Quality Indicator (DQI) process to introduce a consistent framework of evaluation for design quality in new build public projects.
"DQI offers a peg to hang evaluation on, to measure success, draw lessons and feed into improvements of processes in the development of future projects - it provides a frame that consolidates something that should be done anyway but so often isn't"
Project manager
St Nicholas was one of the first public projects to use the DQI process. DQI sessions were held at three stages - briefing, mid design and post-occupation – all conducted by an experienced DQI facilitator.
Gathering the stakeholders
The same stakeholders participated in all three sessions:
- M & E Engineer
- quantity surveyor
- client
- contractor
- landscape architect
- architect
- headteacher
- class teachers
- governors
Holding the first DQI session
The first DQI session was held in the existing school which helped stakeholders consider what they wanted from the new school. The facilitator asked the stakeholders to discuss what they liked and disliked in the design of their washing machine or mobile phone. Stakeholders were encouraged to talk about these items in terms of their functionality, build quality and social impact. This was a good way to introduce DQI and get people to think about the effects of design on their lives.
The stakeholders then discussed the DQI statements with the facilitator and completed a DQI assessment of an early sketch scheme for the new school. Stakeholders were encouraged to make their own judgements having discussed issues and concerns as a group.
Completing a mid-design assessment
Stakeholders were briefed by the architect on the design and completed an online questionnaire at the mid-design assessment. The results were used to evaluate whether stakeholders were happy with the current design and to make sure that the project was on track.
Evaluating the building before occupation
The pre-occupancy evaluation involved a walk around the new building with the architect, who answered questions. This was used to see whether objectives had been met by the final building.
