Begin with the end in mind
Created with ChatGPT and Midjourney by @Romina Posea

Begin with the end in mind

“Begin with the end in mind." These words have been echoing in my thoughts, waiting for the perfect moment to be shared. That moment has arrived.

Have you ever marveled at the grandeur of something newly built and wondered, 'Does it truly meet the needs of its occupants?' This question lies at the heart of 'beginning with the end in mind,' a concept deeply ingrained in the world of construction and project management. It challenges us to look beyond blueprints and budgets, urging us to prioritize the experiences of those who will live and work within these spaces.

It was during my recent presentation at the BIMcon conference held by buildingSMART Romania , that I embraced this motto. My presentation, titled "BIM and Technology for Design and Build Projects - An Integrative Perspective" marks the beginning of a series of articles, and I'm excited to kickstart it with this one.

Not long ago, Maria V?si and I conducted an extensive course on digital tools and technologies within #BIMprocesses for students at the Technical University Of Civil Engineering Bucharest . Covering a broad spectrum of topics in nearly 3.5 hours, condensing all the insights from Leviatan Design and Ubitech Constructii's projects into a 15-minute presentation was no small feat.

Yet, I was reminded of the remarkable ability of highly skilled professionals to distill decades of research into a captivating 10-minute TEDx talk. Inspired by their brevity and clarity, I aimed to deliver a concise presentation highlighting the often-overlooked applications of technology and BIM for key industry stakeholders.

Since October 2021, Autodesk Construction Cloud has been using the quote "Begin with the end in mind" in its LinkedIn posts. However, the origin of this quote lies in Stephen R. Covey's book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," first published in 1989. It's more than just a quote; it's one of Covey's seven foundational principles. I highly recommend reading the book or listening to it on Audible.

So, what does "Begin with the end in mind" mean?

It's about commencing any journey with a clear understanding of your destination. It means knowing where you're headed so you can assess your current position and ensure every step you take aligns with your ultimate goal. Habit 2 in Covey's book invites you to envision your own funeral and contemplate what people would say about you in their eulogies. What legacy do you want to leave? By identifying how you want to be remembered, you can take actions today to become that future version of yourself.

What does this have to do with the construction industry?

In the context of the construction industry, this principle highlights a recurring oversight: neglecting essential stakeholders, such as end-users. How often are end-users included in project presentations, especially in public projects? Consider educational facilities, hospitals, and other projects where teachers, students, or healthcare staff are typically excluded from initial discussions. How often do facility managers or maintenance representatives join the conversation? We all recognize that a facility's major costs lie in its operational phase, not during design and construction. What are their challenges? What are their true needs? What insights should the designer and general contractor incorporate when developing projects?

A not so funny story

During a recent presentation on BIM at the #UTCB, Mr. Mario Caputi shared a disheartening anecdote about a meeting to define Employer Information Requirements (EIR) for a project. Within the first 10 minutes, the discussion spiraled into a heated argument between facility managers and the design and construction team. The facility managers left the meeting, leaving no input for the EIR. It's a situation that may seem comical, but it's far from it.

Real-life and “profanity” of simple, but important things

Too often, we neglect crucial considerations, like the fact that proposing a glass roof on a skylight-type metal structure high above the ground, adorned with dazzling light fixtures, requires a method for cleaning the glass from the inside and replacing light fixtures as needed. Ideally, without the need for unsightly scaffolding or complex, architecturally intrusive systems. Even if we fail to ask these critical questions during the design stage and overlook certain aspects, the presence of individuals with practical experience in everyday matters helps broaden our perspective. This results in better, more sustainable, and genuinely valuable projects that benefit society.

Final thoughts

In the ever-evolving world of construction, let us remember that every project, every innovation, and every endeavor must begin with the end in mind. It is not just a quote; it is a guiding principle that shapes the very foundations of our industry.

We don't just build structures, we think about communities, sustainability and what we leave behind for future generations. Thanks to technological advances such as BIM, AI, and virtual design simulations, we now have the tools to visualize, understand, and refine our "purpose" before we even lay the first brick.

What are your experiences and thoughts on this subject?


A Collaborative Creation:

This article emerges from my reflections and experiences. While the foundation is entirely my own, the final form has been shaped with the help of ChatGPT-4 by OpenAI. This alliance signifies my dedication to growth, ensuring I stay true to my core values – such as integrity and authenticity.

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