Use of A3 reports to focus design and construction conversations

Kristen Parrish, Iris D. Tommelein, Glenn Ballard

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper describes a project team's use of A3 reports to focus their conversations and direct their decision-making process throughout the design phase of a hospital project. A3s are named after the size of the paper they are presented on (approximately 11" × 17") and provide a concise description of options and tradeoffs associated with a given problem or decision. A3s are widely used at Toyota as conversation pieces and to document steps of the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle that supports their continuous improvement process. A3s combined with use of an integrated form of agreement (IFOA) promote the creation of shared understanding of various design options and associated design impacts, and thus support set-based design. This paper presents the development and use of an A3 report related to selection of a landscape architecture consultant. Research on this case study indicates A3 report detailing must advance in parallel to design development; otherwise, insufficient detail is available to facilitate 'real time' decision making.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationBuilding a Sustainable Future - Proceedings of the 2009 Construction Research Congress
Pages360-369
Number of pages10
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes
Event2009 Construction Research Congress - Building a Sustainable Future - Seattle, WA, United States
Duration: Apr 5 2009Apr 7 2009

Publication series

NameBuilding a Sustainable Future - Proceedings of the 2009 Construction Research Congress

Other

Other2009 Construction Research Congress - Building a Sustainable Future
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle, WA
Period4/5/094/7/09

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction

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