The facility master plan provides a framework for the physical environments that incorporate the buildings. Master planning develops the site-specific integration of programmed elements, natural conditions and constructed infrastructure and systems at the functional, aesthetic and temporal levels. The nature of the plan will influence, and be influenced by, the context of the project location beyond the property lines. Alignment with community needs and expectations is a critical factor of this phase (Hodgson, 2007). The development of a master plan starts with alternative organisational configurations, often referred to as scenarios, to accommodate the needs that are identified in the strategic facility plan. These scenarios or alternatives represent differing priorities and criteria, and present choices for organisational and site/facility models.
Comparison Table for Strategic Facility Plan, Master Plan and Tactical Plan
Strategic Facility Plan | Master Plan | Tactical Plan |
Existing condition analysis | Site-specific physical plan for buildings | Maintenance schedules/plans |
Organisational needs statement (linking FM to strategy) | Infrastructure and systems within the site | Operational plans |
Gap analysis | Aesthetics of buildings and grounds | Building floor plans/stacking plans |
Recommendations for new spaces/buildings | Phasing plans for building | Architectural design/configurations |
Facility cost projections/life cycle cost analysis | Construction estimates | Operating budget |
Capacity analysis and use recommendations | Engineering assessments | Floor plans or occupancy charts |
The master planning process is best accomplished with input from a number of experts and stakeholders. Components of a master plan include: regulatory analysis; infrastructure and transportation planning; amenities and support plan; corporate image; security strategies; phasing plans; cost projections; and environmental design. Expert planners need to ensure the outcome is achievable, yet flexible enough to preserve future options (Hodgson, op cit).
Master plans can include varying levels of detail but usually include some or all of these space-use analyses:
- Zoning regulation, covenant assessments
- Space standards/benchmarks descriptions
- Program of space use
- Workflow analyses
- Engineering assessment and plan
- Block, fit or stacking plans
- Concept site plan or campus plan
- Architectural image concepts
- Long-term maintenance plan
- Construction estimates
- Phasing or sequencing plan (the sequence of projects)
References
International Facility Management Association | (2009).
Hodgson, R. T. (2007). Strategic facility planning, View on Biotechnology.
Van Mell Associates (2005) What is a Facility Plan?
