The construction industry in the UK has been subject to major review in terms of improving both productivity and quality ; these features have a strong influence on speed of construction and on initial and life-time costs. It has been shown that design (in its broadest sense) is a major influence. This relates both to the greater use of standard solutions and to designing and detailing with the emphasis on buildability. A wide range of modern concrete construction techniques have been developed, but are not fully utilised ; major efforts should be focussed on formwork systems and on prefabrication of reinforcement. To reduce both first and in-service costs, a more systematic approach is required, in rationalising the complete supply chain from conceptual design to management and maintenance in service.