Specialised Facilities

Much of the research work covered in Facilities relates to modern workplace environments, particularly office facilities. But there is also a growing body of knowledge about non-work related facilities such as hospitals, prisons and schools. Such environments present unique challenges. The most problematic issue is defining what they are there for. Add to this the problem of forecasting (a science increasingly required for long-term procurement approaches such as Public Private Partnerships or Design Build and Operate) and the facilities manager becomes overwhelmed by possible consequences. The old adage 'the only thing that's certain is uncertainty' has never been more appropriate than when applied to the field of facilities management. Originally published as Facilities (2005, Vol.23, No.5/6)Finch, Edward is the author of 'Specialised Facilities' with ISBN 9781845441135 and ISBN 1845441133.