In facility planning, during which phase should a master plan be created?

In facility planning, during which phase should a master plan be created?

• A. predesign
• B. design
• C. construction
• D. preoperation

Answer: (A)

In facility planning, the master plan should be created during the predesign phase, the earliest stage when broad goals, program needs, and site constraints are identified. At this point, you lay out the overall vision for the project, define space requirements and relationships, anticipate growth and adjacencies, and establish a high-level schedule and budget framework. This early, holistic map guides subsequent design decisions and ensures that later schematic layouts, construction planning, and operational readiness align with the established goals. By setting these elements upfront, you minimize costly changes later and provide a clear roadmap for the project’s evolution.

In facility planning, the master plan should be created during the predesign phase, the earliest stage when broad goals, program needs, and site constraints are identified. At this point, you lay out the overall vision for the project, define space requirements and relationships, anticipate growth and adjacencies, and establish a high-level schedule and budget framework. This early, holistic map guides subsequent design decisions and ensures that later schematic layouts, construction planning, and operational readiness align with the established goals. By setting these elements upfront, you minimize costly changes later and provide a clear roadmap for the project’s evolution.