Graphics

To assist and supplement the formal planning techniques graphical representation of the programme philosophy and phasing can prove highly effective. The reference on a bar chart to various areas, gridlines and phases may not be easy to envisage and marked up architectural plans and elevations used in conjunction with the programme can often provide great assistance in communicating the proposed planned sequence. These graphical presentations can be used to indicate such things as the proposed phasing and timing of the external brickwork construction; release of areas by a particular subcontractor to allow the following trades to commence, the phasing and changes to the site ingress and egress and phased location and adaptations to temporary works and key plant and equipment.

Figure 16 is a very simplistic example indicating key dates for the intended completion of areas of suspended ceilings. It shows how the ground floor has been split into key programme areas and the anticipated planned dates when the areas will be completed.

Figure 16: Phasing diagram indicating intended suspended ceiling completions.

The benefits of these diagrams and the level at which they are used is up to individual preference. Sophisticated presentations can be produced relatively easily - from simple graphical 'overlays' using the architectural drawings, animated presentations using such software as Microsoft Powerpoint to highly detailed 3D modelling techniques (BIM).