What is the primary purpose of conducting a feasibility study in the design-build process?

The primary purpose of conducting a feasibility study in the design-build process is to assess the viability and appropriateness of the project before moving forward. This step is crucial as it involves evaluating various aspects of the project, including technical, economic, legal, and operational aspects, to determine whether the project can be successfully completed within the desired constraints, including budget, time, and resources.

By identifying potential challenges and opportunities early on, stakeholders can make informed decisions about how to proceed. This comprehensive analysis helps ensure that the project is viable and aligns with the goals of the client and community, thereby laying a solid foundation for subsequent design and construction phases. The feasibility study serves as a key risk management tool, helping to avoid costly decisions based on assumptions that could lead to complications later in the project's lifecycle.

In contrast, assessing project costs after completion and determining the aesthetics of the building design are more focused on aspects that come after the feasibility stage, while evaluating the sustainability of materials falls under a specific category of consideration that is part of a broader feasibility discussion, rather than its primary purpose.