MSP VISIONS

MASTER PLANNING: THE KEY TO PROJECT SUCCESS	Jan/Feb 2010

What is Master Planning?
A master plan is a concept and a vision for a potential development or project. Master planning allows a client make the most of their current and potential resources.  The process helps evaluate current needs, and creates a “road map” that allows a project to “travel” from an existing condition to an intended destination. Master planning can help a client to:

• Communicate agendas
• Acquire funding for a project
• Fulfill the common goals of all stakeholders
• Anticipate change
• Prioritize elements of implementation
  

In defining what a master plan is, it’s important to stress what a master plan is not. A master plan is not a detailed blueprint for a project. It needs to be somewhat flexible, and be able to adapt to potential changes. A master plan is also not a pipe dream. A successful master plan is evaluated realistically, in order to evolve into a project that is ultimately implemented in the real world.

Just as certain qualities tend to make up a successful master plan, there are often similar reasons why some master plans don’t succeed, or just sit and collect dust instead of becoming an actual implemented project. Some of these reasons are:

• Unrealistic expectations
• Lack of stakeholder input
• Direction comes only from upper management
• The master plan can ’t adapt to changing market conditions

Master planning is a collaborative process, and not just the vision of a single person, or even just a few persons. Client and stakeholder involvement is a key element in the success of a master plan. The quality of the plan and the resultant facilities and programs are only as good as the quality of input and involvement from the potential user.

Master planning can be effective for a variety of projects and developments. Master plans are created for corporations, municipalities, K-12 and higher education campuses, parks and recreation facilities, economic development projects, and more. (For examples of graphics from various types of master plans, see the images on the right.)

The Master Planning Process
Although every master plan is different, the master planning process usually involves the following stages:

• Organization and Planning Meeting – Expectations, budget, and timelines are discussed.
• Existing Conditions Review and Analysis – Existing site conditions are evaluated.
• Visioning Workshop – The Project Team meets with stakeholders to discuss the project’s mission, goals, and objectives, and develop program elements.
• Preliminary Design – A conceptual design is developed based on the program elements.
• Review Workshop – The Project Team and stakeholders evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the Preliminary Design concept.
• Final Design – A final Master Plan is provided based on client and stakeholder input. Elements can include various illustrations, descriptions, animations, and presentations.
• Implementation

Master Planning: The Key to Project Success
A good master plan can be the key to the success of a project, creating a roadmap that guides it from its beginning existing conditions to its intended destination. Successful master plans involve critical stakeholder input, and are created with realistic goals in mind. This assures that the final project is able to be completed in the real world, and meets the needs of all stakeholders and end users.

Master Planning Process Chart
To download an exclusive Master Planning Process Chart, click here.

For more information about master planning,please call Jose Castrejon, ASLA, LEED AP, MSP’s Vice President of Landscape Architecture and Planning, or Craig Rambo, AIA, APA, LEED AP, MSP’s Chairman of the Board, at 513-759-0004.