What is general planning?
General planning is an integrated approach in which all phases of a construction project – from planning through to completion – are coordinated by a single point of contact. Particularly in industrial construction, such as the development of production and logistics buildings, general planning ensures efficient project execution.
What exactly does a general planner do?
A general planner is more than an architect – they are the central point of contact for the client and take responsibility for managing all architectural, engineering and specialist planning services:
- Architectural and specialist planning (building services, structural engineering, fire protection, etc.)
- One fixed point of contact throughout the entire construction process
- Schedule and cost control during planning and realization
- Coordination of all parties involved – internal and external
- Quality assurance across all service phases
Your benefit: You save time, avoid interface issues and retain full control at all times.
Efficient planning: designed from the inside out
A decisive factor for the success of a construction project is the right planning methodology. Metroplan follows the integrated “inside-out” approach, aligning the building precisely with operational requirements:
- Detailed analysis of industrial and process-related user requirements
- Optimization of space allocation, infrastructure, media supply and structural dimensioning
- Development of efficient process flows for production and logistics
What this means in practice: a food logistics hall with multiple temperature zones requires a different building structure than an e-commerce warehouse with high-bay racking and automated packing stations. Early involvement of a general planner enables optimal solutions for construction, processes, efficiency and sustainability.
In addition, Metroplan supports clients in implementing sustainability strategies: Reduction of the CO₂ footprint ☀ DGNB certification of your building ♻Use of resource-efficient materials.
Many of these requirements are subject to strict and constantly changing regulations. An experienced general planner is familiar with these specifications and ensures legally compliant and economically viable implementation.
![[Translate to English:] Luftaufnahme einer Baustelle mit mehreren Kränen und Grundstruktur eines Industriegebäudes – Beispiel für effiziente, nachhaltige Planung und Umsetzung eines Logistikbaus durch Generalplanung.](/fileadmin/_processed_/2/a/csm_GPBlog2_38f7e1106c.jpg)
Structured project execution according to HOAI: from planning to handover
Every general planning project comprises various service phases that are essential for successful project delivery. As a general planner, we also reference the services defined in detail in the HOAI:
- HOAI LP 1: Basic evaluation
- HOAI LP 2: Preliminary planning
- HOAI LP 3: Design planning
- HOAI LP 4: Approval planning
- HOAI LP 5: Implementation planning
- HOAI LP 6: Tender preparation
- HOAI LP 7: Tendering and awarding
- HOAI LP 8: Project supervision
- HOAI LP 9: Warranty management
With a general planner acting as the central coordination unit, coordination paths between clients and planners are shortened and sources of error are minimized. Instead of managing multiple individual planning participants, the general planner assumes full project control.
This minimizes the risk of misunderstandings, schedule delays and cost overruns – a key advantage for clients for whom efficient project execution is critical.
BIM – flexibility and innovation through digital planning
Keeping all planning disciplines up to date has never been as practical as it is with BIM. Metroplan uses Building Information Modeling to ensure that its own and specialist planners’ designs remain current and adaptable.
- Creation of a digital building model including component information
- Visualization of construction processes and adjustments in real time
- Reduction of unexpected cost increases through early detection of planning collisions
Because Metroplan coordinates all specialist planners as the general planner, necessary adjustments can be implemented quickly – without planning changes causing unnecessary delays.
![[Translate to English:] Industriebau mit Stahl- und Betonkonstruktion sowie mehreren Baukränen – Beispiel für effiziente Projektsteuerung durch einen Generalplaner bei Logistik- und Industrieprojekten.](/fileadmin/_processed_/6/e/csm_GPBlog3_b18c306dd7.jpg)
Project success through a general planner: time savings and minimized project risk
A general planner ensures efficient workflows and unlocks potential, as industrial and logistics projects are complex and often under significant time pressure. As a general planner, we maintain an overview and provide you with:
- Faster decision-making through a single point of contact
- Avoidance of construction delays through clear responsibilities
- Cost certainty through early and detailed planning
Especially in industrial construction projects, where the building serves as an operational asset, meeting deadlines and avoiding unforeseen costs is crucial.
Through holistic support by a general planner, clients can focus on their core business – while the construction project is in expert hands.
When should a general planner be appointed for industrial and logistics buildings?
As soon as major conversion or new construction measures become foreseeable, it is advisable to assess whether commissioning multiple individual planning services or assigning overall coordination to a general planner is more efficient in terms of time and internal resources. Once the project becomes concrete, we are happy to provide the required services as a general planner together with our planning partners, based on the documents you provide.
Why appoint a general planner:
- Holistic planning and control of all construction processes
- Optimized building design based on individual requirements
- Efficient coordination and quality assurance across all trades
- Flexibility and digitalization through BIM-based planning
- Reliability and predictability in terms of cost and schedule
With Metroplan as an experienced general planner, you benefit from a smooth construction process, sustainable solutions and maximum planning reliability.
About the Author
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Contact
Dr. Manuel Schrapers
Managing Partner - General Planning
Frederik Simonet
Business Development
